Macalester-Groveland

Saint Paul, MN

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$446,250 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
74 (Very walkable, especially near Grand Ave and campus areas)
Walkability Score
Generally above-average to excellent; highly regarded for academics and extracurriculars.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Summit Ave (north), Mississippi River Blvd (west), Randolph Ave (south), and Ayd Mill Rd/Snelling Ave (east).

Zip Codes

55105

Market Data Summary

Price RangeRecent sales range from $340,000 (2bd/1ba, 1,273 sqft) to $1,270,540 (luxury, 2103 Juliet Ave)
Price per Sq Ft$265 (June 2025)
Inventory Levels28-37 active listings (mid-2024 to mid-2025); low inventory relative to demand.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesCondosTownhouses

Architectural Styles

CraftsmanTudorColonial RevivalBungalowsMid-centuryHistoric homes

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.12 - 0.25 acres (varies by block)
Home Age RangeEarly 1900s to 1950s; some new construction and remodeled condos
Construction QualityGenerally high; many homes retain original character with modern updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Mix of students, professors, young professionals, families, and retirees; diverse, educated, and community-oriented.

Community Vibe

Energetic, intellectual, and welcoming; strong neighborhood associations and civic engagement.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Students
  • University faculty/staff
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees

Family Friendly

Highly rated for families due to schools, parks, and safe environment.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Macalester College campus green spaces
  • Groveland Park
  • Mattocks Park
  • Mississippi River trails

Dining Options

  • Grand Avenue restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Bakeries
  • Ethnic eateries

Shopping Centers

  • Grand Avenue retail corridor
  • Local grocery stores
  • Boutiques

Local Businesses

  • Coffee shops
  • Bookstores
  • Boutiques
  • Fitness studios

Education & Schools

Generally above-average to excellent; highly regarded for academics and extracurriculars.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Groveland Park Elementary
  • Highland Park Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Ramsey Middle School

High Schools

  • Central High School
  • Highland Park Senior High

Private Schools

  • St. Paul Academy & Summit School
  • Cretin-Derham Hall

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Metro Transit bus lines (63, 84, A Line)

Major Roads

  • Snelling Ave
  • Summit Ave
  • Randolph Ave
  • Mississippi River Blvd

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10-20 minutes to downtown St. Paul; 20-30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis.
WalkabilityHigh, especially near Grand Ave and college campuses.
ParkingStreet parking can be limited near Grand Ave and campuses; most homes have garages or driveways.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Families
  • University staff
  • Young professionals
  • Investors (student rentals)

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Top schools
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Proximity to universities and river

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively but expect strong offers; staged, move-in-ready homes command premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need updates or repairs.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports, highlight recent renovations, and offer home warranty.

Objection: Higher prices than other Saint Paul neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize appreciation, school quality, and walkability as value drivers.

Objection: Limited parking near Grand Ave.

Response Strategy:

Highlight available garages/driveways and proximity to transit.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong; 5-10% YoY growth in recent years, outperforming city average.

Rental Demand

High, driven by students, faculty, and professionals; low vacancy rates.

Buyer Competition

Intense; multiple offers common, especially for updated or historic homes.

Best For

  • Long-term homeowners
  • Buy-and-hold investors
  • Families seeking stability
  • University-affiliated buyers

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require maintenance
  • Higher price point than city average

Professional Recommendations

1

Price accurately and prepare for multiple offers.

2

Stage to highlight historic features and flexible spaces.

3

Market heavily to university-affiliated buyers and families.

4

Educate buyers on long-term value and appreciation.

5

Prepare for quick transactions—have pre-inspections and disclosures ready.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Highland Park
  • Summit Hill
  • Merriam Park

Market Positioning

Premium, walkable, historic neighborhood with top schools and university influence.

Competitive Advantages

  • Stronger walkability and amenities than Highland Park
  • More historic charm than newer suburbs
  • Higher appreciation than city average

Price Comparison

Median price ($446,250) is significantly above Saint Paul median ($299,367); reflects desirability and amenities.

Investment Metrics

3.5-4.5% (typical for single-family rentals)
Cap Rates
4-5% gross annual yield (varies by property type)
Rental Yields
20-23 (reflects premium market)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for multi-units and student rentals; tighter for single-family homes at current prices.
Cash Flow
Continued 3-5% annual growth expected, barring macroeconomic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

May face affordability challenges but benefit from stable investment and walkable lifestyle.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted by larger historic homes, schools, and community feel.

Downsizers

Appeal in condos/townhomes and walkable amenities; limited inventory.

Investors

Strong rental demand, especially for student housing; low vacancy rates.

Relocators

Drawn by university connections, schools, and central location.

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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