Edina vs. St. Louis Park: Which Fits Your Plans?

Choosing between Edina and St. Louis Park often comes down to fit. You might want a larger lot and a classic neighborhood feel, or you might prefer a mix of housing types near newer retail and transit. This guide gives you practical, side-by-side context so you can set budget expectations, plan your commute, and focus tours where it matters most. Let’s dive in.

Big picture: two strong inner-ring options

Both cities sit just outside Minneapolis, with short drives to downtown and quick access to major roads. Edina is a long-established suburb with many well-maintained single-family neighborhoods and a strong public school reputation. St. Louis Park offers a wider mix of housing types and price points, with more condos, townhomes, and mixed-use redevelopment.

If you want larger lots and a classic single-family environment, Edina fits that profile in many neighborhoods. If you value walkable mixed-use nodes and more entry points for price and maintenance levels, St. Louis Park is compelling.

What you’ll see on home tours

Edina home styles

• Early-20th-century architecture like Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman bungalows in older areas.
• Mid-century modern and ranch/ramblers in postwar neighborhoods.
• Higher-end custom builds and newer infill homes on larger lots in select pockets.
• Townhomes and condos near retail hubs such as 50th & France and Southdale, plus newer luxury condo projects.

St. Louis Park home styles

• 1920s–1950s bungalows, ramblers, and ranch homes on generally smaller lots.
• A significant supply of apartment buildings and condo complexes, many from the postwar era.
• Newer infill townhomes, condo developments, and mixed-use around The West End and other nodes.
• More opportunities for smaller-lot, lower-maintenance move-up options.

Price snapshot: where budgets usually land

Recent market patterns show Edina generally pricing higher than St. Louis Park for comparable homes. Use the ranges below to set expectations while you verify current numbers during your search.

• Entry-level condos or small bungalows:
  • St. Louis Park: often under or around the low-to-mid $300Ks, depending on market timing.
  • Edina: fewer options at the lowest band; many start in the mid-$300Ks and up.
• Typical move-up single-family:
  • St. Louis Park: commonly mid-$300Ks to mid-$500Ks.
  • Edina: commonly mid-$400Ks to $800Ks or more, shaped by neighborhood and lot size.
• Upper-end and luxury:
  • St. Louis Park: relatively limited at the highest price tiers.
  • Edina: multiple neighborhoods feature $800K to $1.5M+ properties, including renovated homes and new-builds.

Keep in mind that exact pricing is highly sensitive to neighborhood, lot size, renovation level, and proximity to retail and transit. Condos and townhomes are often the most affordable entry point in both cities, while single-family pricing shows the biggest differences.

Commute and transportation

Driving access

Both cities provide short off-peak drive times to downtown Minneapolis, often between 10 and 25 minutes. Edina connects through Highway 100, Highway 62/Crosstown, and county corridors like France Avenue. St. Louis Park leans on I-394, Highway 100, and county routes for fast access. During rush hour, plan for congestion on key arterials.

In many Edina neighborhoods, you will find more two-car garages and off-street parking, especially on larger lots. In St. Louis Park, older homes may have single garages or shared driveways, while newer developments often include structured parking.

Transit and trails

Metro Transit bus routes serve both cities, connecting to downtown and regional destinations, with frequency varying by corridor. The Southwest Light Rail (Green Line Extension) has planning and station work that affects west-suburban transit; timetables have shifted in recent years, so it is smart to check current status during your search. For biking, you will find strong trail networks and relatively flat routes that connect into Minneapolis infrastructure.

Commute trade-offs

• Edina: good choice if you prefer a car commute and a larger-lot setting while still staying close to the city.
• St. Louis Park: attractive if you prioritize quick freeway access and want to live near mixed-use corridors with higher transit frequency.

Parks, trails, and recreation

Edina highlights

Edina offers an extensive park system with well-known destinations. Centennial Lakes Park is a popular hub with paths and programmed activities. Braemar Park and Braemar Golf Course add robust municipal recreation options, including golf and indoor arenas. You will also find small lakes, creek connections, and neighborhood greenways across the city.

St. Louis Park highlights

St. Louis Park balances community parks with notable natural areas. Westwood Hills Nature Center provides trails and educational programming in a preserved setting. The Bass Lake areas and regional trail connections give you easy access to biking routes and Minneapolis corridors. The city also integrates green spaces into newer mixed-use districts near The West End.

Day-to-day feel

Both cities are strong for outdoor access and family-friendly amenities. Edina leans toward manicured municipal facilities and organized sports environments. St. Louis Park offers prominent natural areas and trail connectivity tied to walkable redevelopment.

Retail cores and daily convenience

Edina retail hubs

• 50th & France: boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants with a charming, walkable feel.
• Southdale Center: a regional mall with surrounding retail and active redevelopment.
• Additional corridors along France Avenue and nearby county roads provide groceries, services, and everyday shopping.

St. Louis Park retail hubs

• The West End: a major mixed-use center with restaurants, fitness, grocery, entertainment, and apartments.
• Suburban corridors with grocery options, local services, and restaurants are distributed across the city.
• Walkable pockets cluster around newer mixed-use projects, giving you more consistent pedestrian-friendly areas in select neighborhoods.

Daily-life trade-offs

Edina offers high walkability near 50th & France and certain corridors, with many residential areas that still require short drives for daily errands. St. Louis Park has multiple mixed-use nodes that create strong, localized walkability and convenience.

Schools, taxes, and zoning considerations

Edina Public Schools have a regional reputation that draws many buyers. St. Louis Park Public Schools offer competitive programs as well. Because school performance can vary by program and campus, plan to review district resources and visit schools before deciding.

Both cities are in Hennepin County. Property taxes depend on assessed value, school levies, and local rates. Since Edina home values are often higher, total tax bills for similarly sized single-family homes can be higher even if the rates are similar.

Zoning and redevelopment patterns differ. Edina’s established neighborhoods often emphasize residential character, with infill and new-builds subject to review. St. Louis Park encourages higher-density zoning in targeted mixed-use corridors, which supports ongoing redevelopment and new housing types.

Resale outlook and appreciation

Edina’s larger lots, neighborhood prestige, and school draw support steady long-term demand in many markets. St. Louis Park’s redevelopment near transit and mixed-use nodes can create value and future upside, with appreciation tied closely to proximity to those growth areas. As always, the best predictor is recent sales and trends in the specific neighborhood you are targeting.

Quick checklist for side-by-side tours

• Compare specific neighborhoods, not just the city name. Focus on lot size, renovation level, school boundaries, and local retail walkability.
• Review recent sales in the target neighborhood over the last 6 to 12 months.
• Confirm current property taxes and any special assessments for each property.
• Ask about planned or approved projects nearby, such as transit extensions or mixed-use redevelopments.
• Test your commute at peak hours, both by car and transit.
• If schools matter, tour campuses and review boundary maps. If you are downsizing, review HOA rules and fees for condos and townhomes near retail cores.

Which fits your plans?

Choose Edina if you want larger lots, strong single-family neighborhoods, and proximity to boutique and regional retail. Choose St. Louis Park if you want a wider range of price points, lower-maintenance options, and easy access to mixed-use centers and regional trails. Many move-up buyers tour one or two neighborhoods in each city, then narrow based on commute, budget, and day-to-day routine.

You do not need to navigate this decision alone. If you want one-on-one guidance backed by decades of local experience and a proven track record across price tiers, let’s talk about your short list and timeline. Reach out to Kary Marpe for a neighborhood consult, relocation help, or a buyer strategy session.

FAQs

Which city is more affordable for buyers comparing Edina and St. Louis Park?

• St. Louis Park generally offers lower median prices and more entry-level options, while Edina tends to be higher priced, especially for single-family homes.

How do commutes to downtown Minneapolis compare from each city?

• Both offer short off-peak drives; St. Louis Park often has quicker freeway access, while Edina also provides direct routes via Highway 100 and Highway 62.

What are the main differences in parks and trails between the two cities?

• Edina highlights include Centennial Lakes and Braemar facilities, while St. Louis Park features Westwood Hills Nature Center and strong regional trail connections.

How should I think about schools when choosing Edina or St. Louis Park?

• Edina Public Schools have a strong regional reputation; St. Louis Park offers solid programs; review specific schools and programs to match your needs.

What should I check before making an offer in either city?

• Verify recent neighborhood sales, current tax statements, any special assessments, commute times at peak, and planned nearby developments that could affect value.