Not long ago, Downtown East was a bustling business district five days a week that went dark after the workday and, except for occasional events at the old Metrodome stadium, stayed hushed through the weekend. Today, former industrial buildings left over from when Minneapolis was the world's flour milling capital have been revitalized in the neighborhood's Mill District, with many converted to high-end condominiums to meet residential demand. "This is a very attractive area for so many different reasons," says Realtor Richard Newman with DRG Minneapolis Urban Homes. "It's riverfront with a lot of transportation options, upscale buildings and a quieter atmosphere than one would expect."
Downtown East
Suburban Neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hennepin County 55401, 55415, 55454
Industrial lofts and new condos
Like most of the hot neighborhoods in the city, Downtown East is a mix of renters and owners, with about 52% of its approximately 2,000 residents owning their residences. With a median 12-month sale price of nearly $650,000 in September 2023 and prices that can reach as high as $2 million, this area is not a budget-friendly option for first-time buyers. "Because of the cost of entry, the area skews somewhat older," Newman says. The real estate market is competitive, but the high housing cost means properties stay on the market about 30 days longer than the national average. Although some of the Mill District has been redeveloped, homes in Downtown East are predominately new--the average year built was 2016.
Middling public schools
There are no public schools downtown, but kids can cross the River to attend kindergarten through 8th grade at Marcy Open Elementary School, which received a C-plus on Niche. Northeast Middle School, just north in Audubon Park, received a C-plus on Niche and is partnering with the neighborhood association to develop a 30x40-foot garden at the Northeast Market Garden. FAIR High School for the Arts is the closest to Downtown East. FAIR received a C-plus on Niche and is a prestigious International Baccalaureate Program member. Students may also attend Thomas Edison High School, which opened in 1922 and offers beginner to college-level courses in Spanish, French and Ojibwe, a language spoken by the most populous Native American tribe in North America.
Football and farmers markets
The neighborhood is anchored by U.S. Bank Stadium, which opened in 2016 and is home to the Minnesota Vikings. The stadium is an access point to the Minneapolis Skyway System, the world's most extensive contiguous system of enclosed, second-level bridges. This pathway connects Downtown East to 9.5 miles of walkways connecting 80 city blocks. The Mill City Museum is a standout piece of architecture, with interactive exhibits exploring the history of the flour industry in the ruins of an old mill. Home to Shakespeare and hot new playwrights, the Guthrie Theater is a sacred space in Downtown East. At intermission, thoughtful theatergoers gaze at the mighty Mississippi from The Endless Bridge. Open Book is another popular space in this artsy district.
A James Beard Award-winner and more
Buzzing with activity and commerce, Downtown East is teeming with shopping and dining destinations. The indigenous cooking at Owamni by The Sioux Chef won a James Beard Award in 2022, and you'll find every cuisine around here, from swank hotels in former grain depots to craft breweries. Housed in an industrial space, Day Block Brewing Company serves house-brewed beer and unique pizza made with locally sourced ingredients. A popular Trader Joe's is situated next to a Starbucks on South Washington Avenue, and the Mill City Farmers Market is held every Saturday from May through September.
On the shores of the Mighty Mississippi
Many downtowns are a sea of concrete, but the Mill District's border with the Mississippi River provides natural green space. Adjacent to the stadium, The Commons is a 4-acre, dog-friendly green space for cultural and sports events. It's also family-friendly, with play equipment, a splash pad and benches for warm days. Mill Ruins Park is built around a historic old mill and features interpretive signs and dedicated paths for hiking and biking. The park looks out over the historic Stone Arch Bridge, which is for pedestrians only. Pieces from the Walker Sculpture Garden dot 7 acre-Gold Medal Park. The park's spiral walkways lead to a 32-foot mound that provides picturesque views of the art and the River.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Barbara Brin
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Realty
(612) 502-7853
138 Total Sales
1 in Downtown East
$1,620,000 Price
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Julie Christensen
Edina Realty, Inc.
(612) 260-5113
120 Total Sales
1 in Downtown East
$286,000 Price
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Natasha Cejudo
Lakes Sotheby's International Realty
(612) 429-4845
82 Total Sales
1 in Downtown East
$1,350,000 Price
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Michael Kaslow
Keller Williams Realty Integrity Lakes
(952) 666-4843
532 Total Sales
2 in Downtown East
$490K - $846K Price Range
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Matthew Austinson
Keller Williams Premier Realty
(715) 553-5291
101 Total Sales
1 in Downtown East
$395,000 Price
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Pete Ice
Edina Realty, Inc.
(952) 222-0221
126 Total Sales
1 in Downtown East
$488,000 Price
Schools
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Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Downtown East | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 5 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 7 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 6 | 4 |
Robbery | 9 | 4 |
Burglary | 8 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 4 |
Larceny | 7 | 4 |
Crime Score | 7 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown East, Minneapolis sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown East, Minneapolis over the last 12 months is $891,353, up 13% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Home Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
Excellent Transit
Transit 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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