$261,406Average Value$177Average Price per Sq Ft61Homes For Sale
Payne-Phalen has plenty to offer in Saint Paul’s East Side
Payne-Phalen is a snapshot of what Saint Paul ’s East Side has to offer, with a vibrant dining scene and a sprawling park. Homeowners and renters alike live in houses and duplexes dating back to the early 1900s. You can find a wide range of restaurants in the neighborhood, either along Payne Avenue or inside Hmong Village. The sprawling Phalen Regional Park is home to Lake Phalen and events like the annual Dragon Festival. Nearby highways and Metro Transit buses make it easy to get Downtown, which is less than 5 miles away.
Eastside pride is displayed along Payne Avenue in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood.
Spacious Foursquares line the streets in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood.
Payne-Phalen is the home several restaurants.
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Homes are on par with other East Side neighborhoods
Colorful homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries line the streets of Payne-Phalen. You can find a mix of Foursquares, Craftsman styles and other Victorian-era houses, all of which are close together on narrow lots. Most properties have been renovated to meet updated standards, but some need a little bit of work. Realtor Mai Vang with eXp Commercial says that some of the nicest properties are near Lake Phalen. “Because those homes are well-maintained, the rest of the homes, and even the few blocks surrounding the lake, are well-maintained.”
The median single-family price is on par with nearby communities like Dayton's Bluff, but less expensive than suburbs like Parkside. Pricing varies depending on size, condition and location, but most single-family and multifamily homes range from the mid-$100,000s to the low $400,000s. The more expensive properties are typically closer to the lake. Some larger multifamily properties range from the mid-$400,000s to the mid-$600,000s. Nearly 50% of the residents rent.
Queen Annes are among the older homes in the neighborhood.
An orange-colored Victorian-era house features a turret in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood.
There are some mid-20th-century ranch-style houses in the neighborhood.
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Phalen Regional Park offers plenty of recreation
Locals head to Lake Phalen when they want to get outside. There, they can swim, kayak or go sailing. During the warmer months, you can even see people lying out on the sandy Phalen Beach. The lake is surrounded by Phalen Regional Park, which offers more than standard park amenities like a playground and athletic fields. You can:
Walk through the Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden.
Access the 18-mile-long, multiuse Gateway State Trail.
Join a class or program at the recreation center.
Play 18 holes at the public Phalen Golf Course.
The park hosts several celebrations throughout the year, including the Dragon Festival every July. While the main event is dragon boat racing, there are plenty of Asian-Pacific educational, athletic and artistic activities throughout the day. At the WaterFest every May, locals can kayak and participate in educational crafts about clean water.
During the winter, Payne-Phalen residents seek out Phalen Lake for some ice fishing.
Payne-Phalen locals often visit Phalen Lake to enjoy the outdoors, playground and walking paths.
The St. Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden is in Phalen Regional Park.
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Payne Avenue has a wide variety of restaurants
You can find several restaurants in the area, especially along Payne Avenue. Vang says Tongue and Cheek is one of the more popular options. “I feel like the venue is pretty unique,” she says. “It brings a little indie, almost hippie, vibe to it.” She also recommended Eastside Thai, where the menu includes bubble tea and papaya salad. You can grab a latte from Caydence Records and Coffee or a beer at Brunson’s Pub.
Tongue and Cheek offers creative New American dishes and craft cocktails in Payne-Phalen.
Brunson's Pub hangout offers creative gastropub fare and a full bar.
Eastside Thai serves classic Thai cuisine dishes.
Brunson's Pub serves a variety of food.
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You can find food, clothes and restaurants at Hmong Village
Many locals shop at Hmong Village, an indoor market with over 200 vendors. “It’s a flea market,” Vang says. “There’s food, there’s clothes, a produce section...things all over the spectrum of shops.” There, you can find:
Fresh fruits and vegetables from vendors like Dao Thao
Cuts of beef and pork at 7 Star Meat Market
Traditional Hmong clothing and accessories from booths like See Fashion
Restaurants like Thai Ginger Deli
Grocery stores like Aldi and Cub are also nearby. Vang says many residents shop at Golden Harvest Foods. “A lot of people like living close to there because they have a deli and everything,” Vang says.
Students attend Saint Paul public schools
Payne-Phalen is part of the Saint Paul Public School District. Rather than attending assigned schools in the district, families apply to their preferred schools. Priority enrollment is given to students based on a variety of factors, including interest in magnet programs like the Aerospace and Engineering Academy at Johnson Senior High School.
Johnson Senior High School features a large campus for students to learn and explore.
Frost Lake Elementary School is part of the St. Paul Public School District.
Battle Creek Middle School is one of the nearby middle school options.
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Payne-Phalen residents have easy access to the interstate
Payne-Phalen is less than 10 minutes from downtown Saint Paul, especially if you take Interstate 35 East and Interstate 94. “Depending on where you live in the Payne-Phalen area, you could be right next to the highway, or you could be within a 10-minute drive,” Vang says. She adds that many residents work farther out of town. “Having a house where you could easily access the highway would be important.” Commuters can also take the Metro Transit bus into the city.
While some homes have driveways or alley access to a garage, most of the area is street-parking only. “Because the houses are packed so tight, you could park one car in front of your house,” Vang says. Parking can be a challenge when the city is plowing snow or cleaning the streets, which is done on one side at a time.
Payne-Phalen is a wonderful neighborhood to live, work and play.
Public transportation can bring residents to Downtown St. Paul.
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.
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Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain
20 min drive
Bus
Maryland Ave & Earl St
Bus
Arkwright St & Magnolia Ave
Bus
Edgerton St & Idaho Ave
Bus
Maryland Ave & Forest St
Bus
Arcade St & Neid Lane
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Maryland Ave & Johnson Pkwy
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Edgerton St & Hoyt Ave
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.412 Reviews
5.0Niche User
5/23/2016Niche Review
It is a very nice neighborhood to live in. Stores are near and you can just walk to the store, but parking is on the sidewalk and it is some times difficult to find parking if you work until night time.
3.0Current Resident
3/22/2025Niche Review
Have lived here for almost 5 years. Pros are good value homes & access to great park system at Lake Phalen with pockets of quieter neighborhoods that are safe; also great restaurant choices with a plethora of cuisines. Cons are close proximity to neighborhoods with more crime and a sizable homeless population.
4.0Current Resident
8/8/2017Niche Review
Our neighborhood is conveniently located to get to either downtown, but is also relatively safe and quiet. It is a very diverse neighborhood in close walking distance to a lot of fantastic restaurants.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Payne-Phalen
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Payne-Phalen Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Payne-Phalen, Saint Paul sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Payne-Phalen, Saint Paul over the last 12 months is $253,500, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious three-story duplex with significant updates already completed and excellent potential. Recent improvements include PEX plumbing, a newer boiler, replacement windows, and updated kitchens and bathrooms. The upper unit spans two levels and features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering ample living space and flexibility. House has freeze damage to boiler system, so heating system will need
Great investment opportunity! Don't miss out! Perfect starter home for small family, singles, college students or investors. 2024 new roof, new exhaust fan hood, updated living room with new carpet, fresh paint and more. Close to conveniences, schools, parks, stores and many more.
Great investment or wonderful opportunity to live and pay less than rent on this updated duplex. Main floor 2 bedrooms! Hardwood floors! New Furnes 2023 and new roof 2023.
Welcome to this fully remodeled home featuring preserved original craftsmanship paired with today’s most sought-after updates. From the moment you enter, you’ll be impressed by the stunning original woodwork and historic trim, adding warmth and character that’s increasingly hard to find. The main level showcases brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, complemented by fresh paint,
Welcome to this spacious 2-story home situated on a desirable double corner lot! Offering 6 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home provides plenty of living space both inside and out. Recent updates include a new roof (2023–2024), all new windows (2016), updated furnace, insulated main-floor bedroom, and a new city sewer line (2025). A great opportunity to own a spacious home with an oversized lot
Move in ready! Featuring an open-concept main level, large living spaces, and a beautiful stone fireplace centerpiece. Enjoy the oversized deck, fenced backyard, extra storage shed, and walkout lower level with additional living space. Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, parks, and easy freeway access. Only 1/2 block to Arlington Park.
This home in Saint Paul has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Beautiful dark wood floors and woodwork throughout the home. The kitchen is equipped with like appliances. This home has a nice fenced front yard and is pet friendly. Off-street parking in the rear of the home. This home is also equipped with both washer and dryer in the basement so no more trips to the local laundromat! This property is
Welcome home to 440 Nebraska Ave E—where character meets modern updates in the heart of St. Paul’s East Side. This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, offering peace of mind and stylish living from day one. Step inside to discover a fresh, inviting interior featuring all-new flooring, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and faucets,
This property is currently rented in 3 units, turnkey 4-plex with two and three-bedroom units, offering strong rental income potential and a proven track record of occupancy. Its convenient location near public transit and downtown St. Paul makes it attractive to both tenants and investors, with potential for steady cash flow and appreciation.
Welcome to this charming 11⁄2-story, 3-bedroom, 1-bath home nestled in a quiet East Side St. Paul neighborhood. This move-in-ready home features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, fresh interior paint, and brand-new windows that fill the home with natural light. Step inside to an open, airy layout featuring bright living spaces, original character, and thoughtful updates. The main level offers
PRICE IMPROVED! This home is ready for you - seller says SELL! Features 2+ bedrooms and 1 full bath, with LVP flooring, updated roof, and mechanicals. The main level highlights a spacious bedroom that can be used as the main Living room, kitchen/dining area, full bath, and convenient main-floor laundry area. Upstairs includes 3 adjoining rooms. Current AI staging shows it used as a comfortable
Charming 1920s Craftsman offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a detached 2-car garage. Step inside through the inviting enclosed front porch featuring a beadboard ceiling before entering the spacious living room, highlighted by a newly installed gas fireplace. The main level also includes a cozy sunroom, dining room, large kitchen with eat in area, a full bathroom, and a main-floor bedroom.
NOW OPEN! The Balsam on Broadway is set to redefine affordable living by providing residents with a cozy, vibrant, and inviting community nestled next to Downtown St. Paul. The six-story property features one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes alongside desirable amenities.
Rolling Hills Apartments are located in a wonderful community with easy access to dining, shopping and transportation. Live only minutes from downtown St. Paul and steps from public transporation.Our renovated, spacious apartment homes include large closets, air conditioning, hard wood floors, carpeting and more! Enjoy our recreation room, on-site laundry facilities, media room and more!
The Schurmeier Lofts sit in the Lowertown Historic District of Saint Paul. Located at the edge of downtown, Lowertown is experiencing a renaissance. Warehouses, railroad, banking, and distribution buildings that were the hub of Minnesota's largest manufacturing district at the turn of the 19th century are now lofts, galleries, and restaurants ready to explore.
Non-Optional FeesApplication fee: $50/adultSecurity Deposit: $500Utility Fees:Electricity Paid for by residentGas (Heat) Paid for by propertyWater/Sewer/Trash Paid for by property
Pet-friendly 1 & 2-bedroom units available in the quiet Payne/Phalen neighborhood! Ideal for commuters with convenient access to highways 94 and 35E. Enjoy nearby shopping and dining with the Arcade St and Payne Avenue business districts just minutes away. Outdoor enthusiasts (and their furry companions!) will love the Bruce Vento Trail, only a 3-minute walk, and Lake Phalen, just a 6-minute
Come home to one of St. Paul's most beautiful neighborhoods at Phalen Shores Apartments. Ideally situated on the shores of Lake Phalen in the vibrant East Side, our beautifully landscaped community offers lakeside serenity and the perfect balance of active living and peaceful retreat. You're just steps from scenic walking and biking trails, dog-friendly parks, Phalen Golf Course, and the
Explore the community amenities at Wheelock Ridge Villa that define apartment living in St. Paul, Minnesota. Enjoy the picnic area for get-togethers, take a refreshing dip in our indoor swimming pool, or relax in our tranquil sauna. Our basic fitness center is equipped to meet your workout needs. Call us today to schedule a tour and experience home as it should feel!
Property Id: 2721364Bright 2-bedroom apartment with a comfortable, flowing layout. You enter directly into the living room, which opens into a dedicated dining area and a well-designed galley kitchen. The apartment features a coat closet at the entry and a convenient linen closet located outside the bathroom. Both bedrooms are nicely sized with good closet space and ceiling fans, making
Property Id: 2346414Bright 2-bedroom apartment with a comfortable, flowing layout. You enter directly into the living room, which opens into a dedicated dining area and a well-designed galley kitchen. The apartment features a coat closet at the entry and a convenient linen closet located outside the bathroom. Both bedrooms are nicely sized with good closet space and ceiling fans, making
Property Id: 766812Available NOW! This one-of-a-kind rental won't last long, with charming details and exquisite character. Built by a previous governor of Minnesota. The "Bradley" home sits upon a large hill overlooking downtown St. Paul on a quiet street. This unit occupies the entire 2nd floor with two entrances (front & back stairway) with two bedrooms and one bathroom. The shared
Available July 1 is another listing from Renosy by Renters Warehouse. Check out this seriously impressive, turn-key, duplex in Saint Paul. This is the upper level unit with gleaming wood floors throughout, 10ft high ceilings, fresh paint, new carpet and plenty of charm. Enjoy the large living room, two nice size bedrooms, eat-in kitchen and full bathroom -- all with ample natural light to
Available Now: Check out this seriously impressive, turn-key, duplex in Saint Paul. This is the main floor unit with gleaming wood floors throughout, 10ft high ceilings, fresh paint, new carpet and plenty of charm. Enjoy the large living room, two nice size bedrooms and large, eat-in kitchen and full bathroom -- all with ample natural light to brighten up the space. Property comes with a washer
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