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Downtown

Downtown

$212,130 Average Value
$203 Average Price per Sq Ft
85 Homes For Sale

Downtown St. Paul has a relaxed atmosphere, even with so much to do

Many consider Saint Paul to be the more laid-back of the Twin Cities, and the downtown core reflects that. Part of this comes from the area’s historic architecture, including the renovated warehouses in the Lowertown district. Even with its more relaxed vibe, there is plenty to do, with several restaurants, parks and entertainment venues across the neighborhood. You can walk almost everywhere, even during the winter, thanks to the expansive Skyway System. The light rail connects downtown Saint Paul to downtown Minneapolis, about 10 miles away.

The Landmark center is an iconic piece of architecture overlooking downtown St. Paul.
The Landmark center is an iconic piece of architecture overlooking downtown St. Paul.
Downtown St. Paul is a mix of historic and modern buildings.
Downtown St. Paul is a mix of historic and modern buildings.
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Condos make up most of the housing downtown.
Condos make up most of the housing downtown.

Condos range from restored warehouses to modern complexes

“Minneapolis has a very industrial feeling, with skyscrapers and bigger buildings, whereas downtown Saint Paul feels a little more relaxed,” says Jessica Fisher, Realtor with Re/Max Professionals, who has worked in the area for nearly a decade. Part of that relaxed atmosphere comes from the housing, which is mostly condos. “There’s been a significant focus on restoring instead of tearing down in our downtown,” says Melissa Ferlaak, director of communications at the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance. Many of the condos in Lowertown, a downtown historic district, are in renovated warehouses from the late 1800s and early 1900s. “You have that beautiful, exposed brick, high ceilings, big windows and views of the Mississippi River Valley,” Ferlaak says. You can also find newer complexes built from the 1980s on. Common amenities include parking garages, community pools and fitness centers. Prices generally range from just under $100,000 to the mid-$300,0000s, but upper-level units with skyline views can cost between the low $400,000s and the mid-$600,000s. The median sale price is lower than in Minneapolis’s Downtown East and Downtown West neighborhoods. Monthly HOA fees range from nearly $400 to over $1,500.

The skyway and Metro Transit buses make it easy to get to work

“I think downtown is appealing because of the social aspect and the ability to walk and be right in the thick of things. There’s a lot of art, breweries... there’s something for everyone,” Fisher says. Even during the cold Minnesota winters, downtown stays walkable because of the skyway, a 5-mile network of pedestrian bridges that connects employers, cafes and condos. “It’s like a city upon a city,” Ferlaak says. Public transportation and proximity to Interstate 94 make it easy to get anywhere in the Twin Cities, including grocery stores in suburban neighborhoods like Highland Park. Metro Transit offers standard bus routes, bus rapid transit and the Green Line Light Rail, which leads to downtown Minneapolis. There are plenty of parking garages and ramps, especially near residential and office buildings. “Even when we have a lot of events happening, there’s still parking to be had,” Ferlaak says.

Several of Saint Paul’s major employers have headquarters downtown, including Ecolab, Travelers and Securian Financial Group, Inc. “We have a lot of people that live, work and play downtown,” Ferlaak says.

Local eateries range from casual cafes to high-end restaurants

With so many restaurants, cafes and breweries along the skyway, in Lowertown and across the rest of downtown, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. Some options include:

  • The Buttered Tin, which is known for its fresh pastries
  • Mickey’s Diner, which has been serving residents and tourists alike since 1937
  • The St. Paul Grill, a steakhouse in the historic Saint Paul
  • Gambit Brewing Co., which regularly hosts musicians and stand-up comedians
  • The Bulldog, with burgers, hot dogs and Belgian beer
Having so many local businesses, including several independently owned shops, only reinforces what Ferlaak says about downtown Saint Paul, that it “feels intimate compared to larger cities. Residents here talk about this kind of small-town feel. It feels like it’s very community-centered.”

Pillbox Tavern is a great hit for food, the bar and for watching sports.
Pillbox Tavern is a great hit for food, the bar and for watching sports.
The Loon Addict Special is the most popular sandwich at The Loon Cafe downtown.
The Loon Addict Special is the most popular sandwich at The Loon Cafe downtown.
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Locals spend hours at downtown concert venues and museums

Even with its more relaxed atmosphere, downtown Saint Paul has no shortage of attractions. You can:

  • Catch a concert or a Minnesota Wild game at the Grand Casino Arena.
  • Cheer on Minor League Baseball’s Saint Paul Saints at the CHS Field.
  • Explore the exhibits at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
  • Bring the whole family to the Minnesota Children’s Museum.
  • See local artists and Broadway shows at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts.
“The walk from the Ordway to other theaters, including the History Theater, the Fitzgerald Theater and Park Square Theater, is like 10 minutes,” Ferlaak says. There are also smaller art galleries like the AZ Gallery across downtown, especially in Lowertown.

Parks offer outdoor recreation and popular city events

Even with its urban setting, locals spend hours outside. You can have a picnic at Rice Park, a sprawling green space in front of the historic Landmark Center. It is the final stop of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Minnesota’s largest St. Patty’s Day celebration. Another popular event is the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival, which is held at Harriet Island Regional Park along the Mississippi River every July.

Mears Park hosts most of Lowertown’s events, from recurring yoga classes in the park to the annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival. The park is known for its lush landscape, which volunteers with the Friends of Mears Park maintain. “It is mind-blowing how beautiful it is, because it’s all passionate home gardeners that are doing the work,” Ferlaak says. The park is minutes away from the St. Paul Farmers’ Market, which started in 1854.

Zia Sampson
Written By
Zia Sampson
Tyler McNair
Photography Contributed By
Tyler McNair
Grace Kim
Video By
Grace Kim

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Schools

Source:
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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain

21 min drive

Bus

Wall St & 7th St & 6th St

Bus

Robert St & 10th St E

Bus

Rice St & Fuller Av

Bus

5th St & Minnesota St

Bus

11th St W & St Peter St

Bus

Robert St & 6th St & 5th St

Bus

University Ave E & Valley Apt # 261

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,712
Number of Homes for Sale
85
Median Year Built
1980
Months of Supply
13.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,051
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,583
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,443
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
826
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
685
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
871

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 3
    11:30am - 1pm

    500 Robert St N Unit 310, Saint Paul, MN 55101

    $147,000

    • 1 Bath
    • 608 Sq Ft
    • 500 Robert St N
    • Unit 310
    • New 3 days ago

    You won't miss a sunset with this dramatic wall of west facing windows lighting up your stylish Rossmor loft in the heart of downtown Saint Paul. You're also overlooking the vibrant new Pedro Park. This bright condo features soaring 12-foot ceilings, polished concrete floors, original brick wall, windows that flood the space with natural light and so much character. The open layout showcases

    Kimberly Fiebelkorn Real Broker, LLC

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  • Sunday, May 3
    11am - 1pm

    214 4th St E Unit 213, Saint Paul, MN 55101

    $285,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,453 Sq Ft
    • 214 4th St E
    • Unit 213

    Step into a top-floor, two-level condo inside the historic Union Depot where striking architectural detail and character immediately stand out. Soaring 19-foot ceilings, exposed original brick, and large skylights fill the space with natural light across an open, loft-style layout. The kitchen is clean and modern with expansive countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large center island

    Kris Lindahl Kris Lindahl Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
24
Median Rent
$1,547
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,500
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,950
Median Condo Rent
$2,408
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$5,390

Demographics

Total Population
10,663
Median Age
42
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$62,819
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$82,403

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.5%
College Graduates
54.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.5%
% Population in Labor Force
75%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
9°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
44''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Very friendly

Walk Score®

80 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

Transit Score®

100 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Downtown