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Just minutes from downtown Saint Paul, Payne-Phalen is known for its history, outdoor beauty, easygoing character, and vibrant diversity. From the waters of Lake Phalen to it’s notable hole-in-the-walls, this area is good for an afternoon visit and even worth considering relocating to. With it’s excellent location, green parkways, and connected trails—you have fast access to all the metro area has to offer. Looking to scope it out? You’ll find respite outdoors along with great restaurants which we’ve made sure to highlight below.  

Saint Paul Brewing (Previously Known as Flat Earth Brewing)

Saint Paul Brewing is proud to be one of Minnesota’s original craft breweries. Previously known as Flat Earth Brewing, they recently rebranded and still…

If you’re familiar with Minneapolis at all, chances are you know about this neighborhood where old meets new. The sprawling Northeast community is an ever developing area with a food and drink scene as innovative and diverse as the generations that live there. Known for art galleries and studios in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, along with an eclectic mix of artisanal food shops, craft breweries, dive bars, and many bakeries. Dining options range from experimental restaurants like Hai Hai to old-school spots like Dusty’s Bar. River views are plentiful, and you can find Boom Island Park nearby which offers downtown skyline views and a footbridge to Nicollet Island. 

We’ve gathered some notable places to add to your list when you visit…

Often referred to as “Mac Groveland,” this neighborhood extends east from the Mississippi River to Summit Hill, and contains a mix of single family homes, apartments, and vibrant commercial corridors. Macalester-Groveland has just about everything going for it. Ideally situated, walkable and quiet with modest to grand homes that reflect a wide variety of architectural styles. Summit Avenue itself is home to the longest stretch of Victorian-era homes in the entire United States! Say what?! The vibe is unhurried, unpretentious, and full of that St. Paul spirit that we love.

The college aura in this area is alive and well. VIBE Agent Dan states “I like that the proximity to colleges keeps the vibe young and active.” But that’s not all, Mac Groveland has…

Agent contribution: Cara Quinn, Mariah Hamm, Meghan Howard

What's not to love about the Nokomis neighborhood of Minneapolis? It comprises eleven smaller neighborhoods, and you get some of the best aspects of the entire city in one pocket! It is chock full of local restaurants and coffee shops, is home to fantastic neighborhood shopping districts, and boasts some of the city’s most beautiful parks and outdoor activities. Minnehaha Creek cuts through the entire area providing miles of shoreline, AND you have Lake Nokomis taking center stage smack in the middle of it all. Read up on our guide to this cherished neighborhood.

The Heart of Nokomis

For a full day of outdoor adventures, start at Lake Nokomis—the heart of the area—and branch out from…

Located along the breathtaking Mississippi River Gorge, Longfellow is a welcoming neighborhood centrally located in the Twin Cities. This community is rich in nature and recreation with scenic areas including Minnehaha Falls and miles of parkland, biking and hiking trails. Here, you can enjoy urban city living while still being in close proximity to the river for some gorgeous views. Enjoy a happenin’ retail boulevard that is home to an abundance of antique, vintage, retro and secondhand shops, along with great eating and entertainment establishments.

Longfellow is home to unique Craftsman-style and newer, custom-architect residential housing along with the Minnehaha Mile. The classic older homes juxtaposed with the newer contemporary buildings makes…

Como Park, located in the Northwestern area of Saint Paul, is best known for Como Park Zoo, the Conservatory and beautiful Como Lake. If you’re looking for a recreational haven in the midst of the city, Como Park won’t disappoint. There are a wide variety of free or reasonably priced activities, services and educational opportunities for residents in the neighborhood and park visitors. Enjoy boat rentals, a golf course, bike paths, picnic areas, sports fields, and pavilions. This area is also home to numerous restaurants where you can kick back, listen to live music, and enjoy your surroundings. Check out some highlights of Como Park below.

Como Park Lake / Como Park Zoo / Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

Como Park is the most widely used park…

The West 7th neighborhood, also known as Fort Road or the "West End", stretches along the western bluffs of the Mississippi River from downtown Saint Paul to Fort Snelling. This area enjoys beautiful river views and commercial spots that are home to many historic family-owned businesses such as craft breweries, galleries and antique stores. It’s a popular dining hub, with sleek restaurants and trendy cafes in converted industrial buildings, combined with decades-old classic restaurants and dive bars. The West 7th dining district is known for the iconic Cossetta’s, Mancini's Char House, and go-to Minnesota Wild pregame spots like Tom Reid's and Seventh Street Truck Park. Victorian mansions (the ultimate eye-candy for us) cluster around Irvine Park, and…

Merriam Park, midway between the downtowns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, is an attractive neighborhood snuggled up to the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. With its historic homes and prime riverside location, we love this neighborhood for the ambiance alone. Merriam Park still has some of the largest concentrations of late-19th-century housing in the Twin Cities, and most homes are wood frame structures in the Queen Anne style. You won't be disappointed by a stroll down these quaint streets.

Though this neighborhood is nestled between the two skylines, nature is still accessible. You can hit up Merriam Park Recreation Center which has children's play areas and sports fields open to all, or hop on the trails along the river which are…

Highland Park is a little slice of small town within the Twin Cities and typically has an abundance of quaint homes available on the market. From bungalows and cape cods to tudor-style houses, you're sure to find a single family home that suits your taste. This southwest corner of Saint Paul offers something for everyone, even during quarantine. Recreation is the name of the game with river trails and local parks that are perfect for spending time outdoors while isolating (because we all could use some fresh air and a nature fix as the weather starts to get nicer). 

There's even more to look forward to when the days of COVID-19 are behind us, from getting some swings in at the Highland Golf Course to hitting up a movie at the Historic Highland Theater.…

True, Summit Hill is full of history and grand mansions - but don’t let that fool you. This historic neighborhood offers a myriad of housing options for many different lifestyles. Condos start in the mid-$100’s, single family homes and row houses from the $300’s - all the way to large Victorians and small “castles” in the $1M+ range. Life on the hill is open to all.

Summit Hill is full of history and grand mansions. The street starts just west of downtown Saint Paul and continues four and a half miles west to the Mississippi River where Saint Paul meets Minneapolis. Summit Hill offers an urban feel, and most residents are young professionals who own their homes. Nearby, Grand Avenue is lined with upscale boutiques selling everything from home decor,…