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Willow Park

Willow Park

$324,264 Average Value
$206 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Suburban-living in St. Louis Park

While some only pass through St. Louis Park on the Cedar Lake Bike Trail – former railroad lines turned bike and pedestrian trails connecting downtown with the western suburbs of Minneapolis, permanent residents of Willow Park capitalize on a secluded suburbia a 7 mile drive or bike ride from downtown. “It’s traditionally a first-time home buyer capital,” says Realtor Susan Melbye with Edina Realty. “People want to buy their second homes here too because people outgrow the 1940s ramblers but still want to stick around for the schools.” Aside from being 2 miles from major big-box retailers in the West End, Willow Park touts a small-town charm through local shops, eateries and annual events like the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration. The quiet, tree-lined streets are largely free of commercial development, making this a peaceful haven for those looking to escape the buzz of the big city.
Willow Park is located just 7 miles from Minneapolis and has multiple commuting options.
Willow Park is located just 7 miles from Minneapolis and has multiple commuting options.
Families often bike the trails of Texa-Tonka park.
Families often bike the trails of Texa-Tonka park.
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Ranch styles and split-level homes

Majority of the homes here were constructed around the 1940s, meaning the streets are lined with architecture common of the era, including ranch styles and split-level homes. Ramblers are often raised to accompany the rolling landscape within the area. While the area attracts renters primarily, Willow Park hosts around 300 single family homes and 365 condos and townhouses within the area. The real estate market in Willow Park is highly competitive, with a median sales price of $200,000 and homes that suit a variety of budgets. “People come here, and they want to stay, so inventory is always low,” Melbye says. “There’s competition for every listing and every price range, too.” Multi-family condos and townhouses can range from the low $100,000s to upwards of $300,000 while traditional ramblers and split-level single family homes can go from the high $200,000s to upwards of $500,000.
Some of the homes in the Willow Park neighborhood offer a midcentury modern feel.
Some of the homes in the Willow Park neighborhood offer a midcentury modern feel.
Freshly mowed lawns and recently updated exteriors are features of many homes in Willow Park.
Freshly mowed lawns and recently updated exteriors are features of many homes in Willow Park.
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High-marks at St. Louis Park Public Schools

Students in Willow Park are served by the St. Louis Park Public School District, which is ranked above average in college prep and diversity from the educational review site, Niche. “I think my girls are as smart as they are because of the schools they went to,” Melbye says. Students can attend schools, like Aquila Elementary, St. Louis Park Middle and St. Louis Park Senior High School, which have respectively earned ratings of B, B and A-minus from Niche. Aquila Elementary School offers a flexible preschool that can be attended between two and five days a week through the Year Before Kindergarten program. St. Louis Park Middle School offers a wide variety of clubs and activities, like the quiz bowl, spelling bee, jazz band, math team and the synchronized swimming club. St. Louis Park Senior High School focuses on career readiness and robust college resources like 9 AP courses to choose from. Private options like Breck School and Good Shepherd School are also common.
Aquila Elementary School has a large recess area and sports fields.
Aquila Elementary School has a large recess area and sports fields.
St. Louis Park Middle School serves grades 6-8.
St. Louis Park Middle School serves grades 6-8.
St. Louis Park High School has 1,497 students in grades 9-12.
St. Louis Park High School has 1,497 students in grades 9-12.
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Bike downtown on The Cedar Lake Bike Trail

Like many Minneapolis suburbs, lakeside recreation is always nearby with The Chain of Lakes 4 miles east – including three of the city’s most popular recreational lakes: Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska. “The Cedar Lake Bike Trail, which is a superhighway to downtown, goes right through St. Louis Park,” says Melbye. Some Willow Park residents can walk to Northside Park or Willow Park within its borders. With concessions, restrooms and a playground, Northside is known as a hotspot for little league baseball games during the summer. While the community's namesake park is smaller, featuring a mulched jungle-gym and a basketball court for neighborly pick-up games. Northeast of the community, golfers can fine-tune the perfect swing at the private Minneapolis Golf Club, offering an 18-hole layout for members to enjoy. Or fishing enthusiasts can cast a line off the wooden docks at Lamplighter Pond. For 3 miles of hiking paths Westwood Hills Nature Center offers scenic views of Westwood Lake and 160 acres of forested marshland to explore.
The Cedar Lake Trail passes through Nelson Park and often carries cyclists and walkers.
The Cedar Lake Trail passes through Nelson Park and often carries cyclists and walkers.
Cyclists love the Cedar Lake Trail in Nelson Park because it's free from cars and traffic.
Cyclists love the Cedar Lake Trail in Nelson Park because it's free from cars and traffic.
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Shopping at Park Place Plaza

While Willow Park's shopping options are limited, residents are only 2 miles from Park Place Plaza in the West End, which features big-box retailers like Costco Wholesale, Cub and The Home Depot. “The West End is the hottest part of St Louis Park right now, and people want to be in the easiest locations to access it,” says long-time local Ryan Fischer, Realtor with The PRO Team - RE/MAX Results. Quick grabs closer to the community can be made at Westwood Shopping Center across Cedar Lake Road South. Walgreens and local shops like Shanghai Market Oriental Food and Jerry's Do It Best Hardware can be found here. When dining in the area, locals can start their day off with a pastry from Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar, which is known for its top-notch cookies and cupcakes. For a variety of Chinese and Vietnamese fare, head to The Sichuan Restaurant for their pho or the cream cheese wontons. And make sure to visit the family-owned Ariana Kabob & Gyro Bistro for street-style Mediterranean cuisine that has been serving the community since 2013. Or check out Song Tea and Poke for a selection of tapioca pearl drinks and poke bowls options.
The West End is a popular shopping and dining complex near Willow Park.
The West End is a popular shopping and dining complex near Willow Park.
Cub Foods, in the West End is a popular place for Willow Park residents to do their weekly shop.
Cub Foods, in the West End is a popular place for Willow Park residents to do their weekly shop.
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The annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

Every year in July, locals gather at Aquila Park for the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration hosted by the St. Louis Parks and Recreation. Visitors can enjoy live music and local food trucks from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and close out the night with the anticipated fireworks show beginning at 10:00 p.m.

Nearby healthcare and commuting on I-394

Residents in Willow Park rely on Cedar Lake Road South and Louisiana Avenue South for access to I-394 and neighboring areas like Cedar Manor and Pennsylvania Park. When seeking public transportation, residents can hop on the Metro Transit bus, which operates along Cedar Lake Road South into downtown Minneapolis every 30 minutes. Those interested in traveling further outside the community are 17 miles from Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport. For healthcare, Methodist Hospital is only 3 miles away from Willow Park.
Award winning Methodist Hospital is just a short drive from the Willow Park neighborhood.
Award winning Methodist Hospital is just a short drive from the Willow Park neighborhood.
I394 makes for an easy commute to Downtown Minneapolis from Willow Park.
I394 makes for an easy commute to Downtown Minneapolis from Willow Park.
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Christian Slater
Written By
Christian Slater
Brandon Rowell
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
Conar McDaniel
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Conar McDaniel

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ryan Platzke, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain

26 min drive

Bus

Cedar Lake Rd & Quebec Ave

Bus

Cedar Lake Rd & Nevada Ave

Bus

Cedar Lake Rd & Rhode Island Ave

Bus

Louisiana Ave & Cedar Lake Rd

Bus

Louisiana Ave & 22nd St

Bus

Cedar Lake Rd & Texas Ave

Willow Park Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$269,900
Median Sale Price
$450,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$269,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$206

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
506
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1964
Months of Supply
0.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,508
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,636
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,140
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
872
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ryan Platzke, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,783
Median Age
41
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$63,925
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$91,915

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
48.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.2%
% Population in Labor Force
69.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
7°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
50''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

70 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

56 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

33 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Willow Park