Linden Hills

Minneapolis, MN

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$625,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
65/100 (Walk Score); bike score 69/100; transit score 39/100
Walkability Score
Consistently above-average; Lake Harriet schools and Southwest High are highly rated.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) to the north, Lake Harriet to the south, France Ave S to the west, and Xerxes Ave S to the east.

Zip Codes

55410

Market Data Summary

Price Range$450,000–$1,400,000+ (varies by size and location)
Price per Sq Ft$300–$322 (2025)
Inventory LevelsBalanced, with steady inflow of new and renovated homes. Inventory supports both buyers and sellers.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesCondos (limited)

Architectural Styles

CraftsmanTudorColonial RevivalModern infill

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.15–0.25 acres (single-family); some larger lots near lakes
Home Age Range1900s–present; many homes built 1910–1940, with newer infill and renovations
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many well-maintained historic homes and quality modern builds.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Population: ~7,955. Median age: 38. Median household income: $125,450. Highly educated, professional, and family-oriented.

Community Vibe

Active, outdoorsy, and community-focused. Strong neighborhood identity, local events, and lake lifestyle.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Long-term residents

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly; parks, lakes, and top-rated schools attract families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Lake Harriet Park
  • Bde Maka Ska Park
  • Linden Hills Park
  • Minneapolis Chain of Lakes trails

Dining Options

  • Tilia
  • Martina
  • Naviya’s Thai Brasserie
  • Rosalia

Shopping Centers

  • Linden Hills Village (local boutiques, groceries)
  • Nearby 50th & France district

Local Businesses

  • Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream
  • Turtle Bread Company
  • Wild Rumpus Books
  • Great Harvest Bread Co.

Education & Schools

Consistently above-average; Lake Harriet schools and Southwest High are highly rated.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Lake Harriet Lower Elementary
  • Lake Harriet Upper Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Lake Harriet Upper Elementary

High Schools

  • Southwest High School

Private Schools

  • Annunciation Catholic School
  • Minnehaha Academy (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Metro Transit bus lines (routes 6, 46, 23)

Major Roads

  • France Ave S
  • Sheridan Ave S
  • W 50th St
  • Lake Harriet Parkway

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis by car; 35–45 minutes by transit.
WalkabilityGood for daily errands and recreation, especially near lakes and village center.
ParkingGenerally good; some congestion near lakes and business nodes during peak times.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Affluent families
  • Young professionals
  • Empty nesters/downsizers
  • Relocators seeking lifestyle upgrade

Key Selling Points

  • Lake access and views
  • Historic architecture with modern updates
  • Top-rated schools
  • Vibrant local business scene

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively given recent softening; highlight unique features to justify premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High home prices compared to city average

Response Strategy:

Highlight long-term value, school quality, and lifestyle amenities. Compare to similar lake neighborhoods where prices are even higher.

Objection: Limited public transit options

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, bikeability, and short commutes by car. Note ongoing city transit improvements.

Objection: Older homes may require updates

Response Strategy:

Point out prevalence of renovated homes and quality of local contractors; highlight historic charm as a value-add.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate; recent dip in prices (-7.4% YoY) but long-term upward trend (+3.7% YoY as of March 2025).

Rental Demand

Strong, especially for single-family homes and lake-adjacent properties.

Buyer Competition

Somewhat competitive; multiple offers on well-priced homes, but less intense than peak pandemic years.

Best For

  • Families seeking top schools and amenities
  • Professionals valuing lifestyle and commute
  • Investors seeking stable, high-quality tenants

Potential Concerns

  • High entry price
  • Limited inventory for entry-level buyers
  • Occasional price volatility

Professional Recommendations

1

Emphasize lifestyle and school quality in all marketing.

2

Leverage professional photography and staging to highlight unique home features.

3

Educate buyers on long-term value and community benefits.

4

Network with local businesses and schools to build referral base.

5

Stay current on zoning and renovation trends to advise clients on value-add opportunities.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • East Harriet
  • Waveland Park
  • Cottage City

Market Positioning

Premium, lifestyle-focused neighborhood with enduring appeal.

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior lake access
  • Stronger local business scene
  • Higher-rated schools

Price Comparison

Linden Hills median ($625K) is higher than East Harriet ($438.5K), lower than Cottage City ($972.4K), and comparable to Waveland Park ($662.5K).

Investment Metrics

3.5–4.5% (single-family rentals)
Cap Rates
3–4% gross yield typical for quality homes
Rental Yields
~18–20 (reflects premium owner-occupant demand)
Price-to-Rent
Generally low for leveraged investors, but strong appreciation and low vacancy risk.
Cash Flow
Moderate; expect 2–4% annual appreciation barring macroeconomic shocks.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high prices; best suited for dual-income or move-up buyers.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal for families upgrading from smaller city homes; strong school and amenity draw.

Downsizers

Attractive for empty nesters seeking walkability and community, but limited condo/townhome inventory.

Investors

Stable, low-vacancy rental market; best for long-term appreciation, not high cash flow.

Relocators

Popular for out-of-state buyers seeking lifestyle and top schools; virtual tours and remote closings common.

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.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities