Picture tree-lined streets, a quick hop to Minneapolis, and a weekend routine that can swing from a morning skate to dinner at a neighborhood bistro. If that sounds like your pace, Edina might be on your shortlist. You want real details, not hype, so you can decide if daily life here fits your commute, your budget, and your weekend plans. This guide walks you through neighborhoods, schools, parks, shopping, housing types, and practical costs so you know what living in Edina really feels like. Let’s dive in.
Edina at a glance
Edina sits just southwest of Minneapolis, giving you short drives to Twin Cities job centers with a quieter suburban feel. You will find mature neighborhoods, established trees, and a mix of original homes and newer infill. Walkable pockets like 50th and France offer a village vibe, while Southdale and the Galleria area deliver major retail and dining. City services are local and well organized through the City of Edina.
Neighborhood feel and housing
Classic neighborhoods
In older areas such as the Country Club District and Morningside, you will see early 20th-century styles like Craftsman, Tudor, and colonial revival homes on mature lots. These streets feel established and cozy, with homes that often feature architectural detail and character. Many buyers who want charm and proximity to boutique retail focus on these pockets.
Mid-century and remodels
Much of Edina’s housing stock includes mid-century ranches and split-levels. Over the past decade, you will notice extensive remodeling and replacement homes where smaller houses have made way for larger, modern builds. This infill trend is common near desirable school boundaries and shopping corridors.
Townhomes and condos
While single-family homes dominate, you can also find townhomes and condos, especially near commercial nodes and transit corridors. These options can be a fit if you want lower maintenance or a closer walk to shopping and dining. Availability varies by neighborhood and season.
What to expect on price
Edina is generally higher priced than the metro-area median, and values vary widely by location, lot size, and level of renovation. Homes near walkable retail centers or in sought-after classic neighborhoods typically command a premium. Market conditions shift by season, so plan your search timing and contingencies with care.
Getting around and commute
Driving
Edina is car-oriented, with quick access to regional highways and major arterials like France Avenue and 50th Street. Commute times into downtown Minneapolis depend on where you live in Edina and travel conditions. Expect heavier traffic during peak hours and a smoother reverse commute to outer suburbs.
Transit options
You can use Metro Transit bus routes for local and express service to downtown Minneapolis and connections to light rail. Park-and-ride options in nearby suburbs help if you prefer to drive part of the way and ride in from there. Edina itself is not primarily light-rail served, so plan for bus or car as your main commute modes.
Walkability and bike trails
Walkability varies by neighborhood. 50th and France and parts of the Southdale and Galleria area offer a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle with shops, cafés, and services nearby. For biking and jogging, Edina maintains multi-use trails and links to regional systems through the City of Edina. Many residential areas remain car-dependent for daily errands.
Schools and learning
Public schools
Edina Public Schools (ISD 273) is the primary district serving the city. The district offers a range of academics, extracurriculars, and athletics. Explore enrollment, programs, and performance details directly from Edina Public Schools and the Minnesota Department of Education report cards so you can compare programs and trends.
Private and alternative options
You will find private and parochial options in and around Edina, along with choices in nearby suburbs and Minneapolis. Availability and admissions change from year to year, so contact schools directly for current offerings, transportation, and waitlists.
Childcare, libraries, and community centers
Edina provides a range of youth programs, community classes, and library access. Edinborough Park stands out as a distinctive indoor recreation spot, which is especially useful during winter months. City departments post current schedules for childcare programs and activities through the City of Edina.
Parks, recreation, shopping, and dining
Centennial Lakes Park offers walking paths, water views, and seasonal activities, making it a favorite for quick outdoor escapes. Braemar Park and the golf complex deliver year-round recreation, from golf to winter sports. A strong youth sports culture runs through the community, including hockey, skating, and swim programs.
For shopping and dining, you have three distinct experiences:
- 50th and France, a walkable cluster of boutiques, cafés, and services.
- Southdale Center, a historically significant enclosed mall that remains a major shopping hub.
- The Galleria, an upscale retail center with national and regional brands.
Dining runs from family-friendly to upscale. Nightlife is more modest than in Minneapolis, but you will find lively spots around 50th and France and hotel restaurants in the Southdale and Galleria area.
Cost of living and services
Property taxes and fees
Property tax bills reflect Hennepin County rates plus city and school district levies. Your tax amount depends on assessed value and any voter-approved referendums in a given year. For details and timelines, start with the Hennepin County property tax pages and confirm specifics with your lender and title team during a purchase.
Utilities and seasonal needs
Expect municipal water and sewer, snow removal policies that kick in during winter storms, and curbside recycling based on city schedules. New residents can find setup steps, rates, and pickup calendars through the City of Edina.
Safety and crime context
Like any city, rates vary by type of offense and area. For a clear picture, review annual police reports and state crime statistics before you buy. City and state sources provide trend data that is more reliable than single-year anecdotes.
Who thrives in Edina
- Families who want a suburban neighborhood feel, strong programming, and yard space.
- Professionals who commute to Minneapolis or other Twin Cities hubs but prefer a quieter home base.
- Buyers who value mature neighborhoods and boutique, walkable retail pockets.
- Empty nesters who want park access, golf, and local amenities with lower density than the city core.
When another suburb may fit better
- If you rely on light rail for daily transit, Minneapolis or rail-adjacent suburbs may fit your commute better.
- If a very urban, high-density nightlife scene is your priority, you might prefer central Minneapolis neighborhoods.
- If your top goal is the lowest possible home price, consider farther-out suburbs with newer developments.
Quick pros and cons
Pros
- Close to Minneapolis job centers and major highways.
- Mature neighborhoods with character and highly active parks and recreation.
- Distinct shopping and dining districts that create local hubs.
Cons
- Higher home prices than metro medians, with wide variation by neighborhood.
- Car-oriented for many errands outside walkable pockets.
- Bus-based transit rather than direct light rail.
How Edina compares nearby
- Minnetonka: More lake frontage and some larger lots in places, while Edina leans toward neighborhood-village shopping and dining clusters.
- Eden Prairie: Newer master-planned areas and corporate campuses contrast with Edina’s older neighborhoods and infill pattern.
- Minneapolis neighborhoods: More urban amenities and transit access in Minneapolis, while Edina offers lower density and more detached yards.
Your next step
If Edina sounds like a fit, your search strategy matters. Focus on micro-neighborhoods that match your commute and daily routine, and plan for seasonal shifts in inventory. When you are ready to explore on the ground, reach out to Carrie Sink for a neighborhood consult or to Request a Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
Is Edina walkable for daily errands?
- Some areas, like 50th and France and parts of the Southdale and Galleria district, are walkable, while many residential neighborhoods remain car-dependent for daily errands.
How do I commute from Edina to downtown Minneapolis?
- Most residents drive, and commute times vary by origin and time of day. You can also use Metro Transit bus routes and express service to reach downtown and connect to light rail.
What should I know about Edina Public Schools?
- Edina Public Schools serves most of the city and offers a range of academics and activities. Review programs and performance on Edina Public Schools and the Minnesota Department of Education report cards.
How expensive is housing in Edina?
- Edina is typically higher priced than the metro median, with values that vary by neighborhood, lot size, and renovation level. Your agent can time your search to seasonal trends and recent comps.
What are the top parks and recreation options?
- Centennial Lakes Park and Braemar Park are local favorites, and Edinborough Park offers indoor recreation. Find city-maintained amenities and schedules through the City of Edina.
