Highland Park

Saint Paul, MN

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$250,000 (June 2025, sold price)
Median Home Price
High (Walk Score 70–80 in core areas)
Walkability Score
Generally above average; Highland Park Senior High is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Southwest corner of Saint Paul, generally bounded by the Mississippi River to the west and south, Randolph Avenue to the north, and Snelling Avenue to the east.

Zip Codes

55116

Market Data Summary

Price RangeRecent list prices range from $250,000 to $497,450+ depending on size, condition, and location within the neighborhood.
Price per Sq Ft$147 (sold, June 2025); $259.77 (list, August 2024)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; 66 homes listed in August 2024, 46 average days on market.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesCondos

Architectural Styles

TudorColonialCape CodMid-century modernCraftsmanNew construction

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.15–0.25 acres for most single-family homes; larger lots along Mississippi River Blvd.
Home Age Range1920s–1950s for most homes; new construction in Highland Bridge area.
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many well-maintained historic homes and quality new builds.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of families, professionals, and retirees. Median age skewed slightly older than city average.

Community Vibe

Established, stable, and welcoming. Blend of tradition and modern amenities. Active neighborhood associations.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly; strong community engagement, parks, and schools.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Highland Park Aquatic Center
  • Highland National Golf Course
  • Mississippi River trails
  • Hidden Falls Regional Park

Dining Options

  • Casual and upscale restaurants along Ford Parkway and Cleveland Ave
  • Coffee shops and bakeries

Shopping Centers

  • Highland Village Shopping Center
  • Lunds & Byerlys
  • Target

Local Businesses

  • Groveland Tap
  • Highland Grill
  • Bread & Chocolate
  • Local boutiques

Education & Schools

Generally above average; Highland Park Senior High is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Horace Mann Elementary
  • Highland Park Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Highland Park Middle School

High Schools

  • Highland Park Senior High

Private Schools

  • Cretin-Derham Hall
  • St. Paul Academy

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Metro Transit bus lines 23, 46, 54, 84

Major Roads

  • Ford Parkway
  • Snelling Avenue
  • Randolph Avenue
  • Interstate 94
  • Interstate 35E

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–25 minutes to downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis by car; 30–40 minutes by transit.
WalkabilityHigh in commercial corridors; moderate in residential areas.
ParkingOn-street and garage parking common; some congestion near shopping/dining hubs.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Move-up buyers
  • Young families
  • Medical/academic professionals
  • Empty nesters

Key Selling Points

  • Proximity to river and parks
  • Top-rated schools
  • Blend of historic and new homes
  • Vibrant retail and dining scene

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively based on recent sales and condition; staged, updated homes command premiums.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need updates or repairs.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports and highlight recent upgrades; connect buyers with local contractors.

Objection: Higher price per square foot compared to some Saint Paul neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize location, amenities, and long-term value retention.

Objection: Limited inventory and fast-moving market.

Response Strategy:

Encourage pre-approval and readiness to act quickly; offer off-market opportunities if available.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong, especially with new development (Highland Bridge) and ongoing demand for quality schools and amenities.

Rental Demand

Consistently high due to proximity to colleges, hospitals, and downtowns.

Buyer Competition

Moderate; homes sell quickly but not always over asking. Well-priced homes attract multiple offers.

Best For

  • Families seeking top schools
  • Professionals wanting easy commutes
  • Investors targeting stable rental markets

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require updates
  • Limited inventory in peak seasons

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on fast-moving market and importance of pre-approval.

2

Leverage neighborhood amenities and school quality in marketing.

3

Network with local agents for off-market opportunities.

4

Stage homes to highlight both historic charm and modern updates.

5

Monitor Highland Bridge development for new inventory and buyer interest.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Macalester-Groveland
  • Summit Hill
  • Mendota Heights

Market Positioning

Premium urban-suburban blend with top schools and lifestyle amenities.

Competitive Advantages

  • Better walkability and amenities than Mendota Heights
  • More historic charm and river access than many Saint Paul neighborhoods

Price Comparison

Median price below citywide average ($250K vs $299.3K in June 2025), but list prices for larger homes are higher.

Investment Metrics

3.5–4.5% for single-family rentals (2025 est.)
Cap Rates
4–5% gross annual yield typical for updated homes
Rental Yields
18–21 (indicative of strong owner-occupant demand)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-priced properties, especially multi-family or updated rentals.
Cash Flow
4–6% annual appreciation projected through 2026.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

May face competition and need to act quickly; older homes offer entry points but may need updates.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted by larger homes, top schools, and lifestyle; often target Highland Bridge or riverfront properties.

Downsizers

Drawn to condos/townhomes and walkable amenities; limited inventory in this segment.

Investors

Focus on single-family and small multi-family rentals; stable returns and low vacancy.

Relocators

Value easy access to both downtowns, airport, and regional amenities.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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