- The West Metro covers Minneapolis and the suburbs to its west, northwest, and southwest, from Robbinsdale and Plymouth to Edina and Shakopee.
- Inner-ring suburbs like St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, and Richfield put you minutes from Minneapolis.
- Maple Grove, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Medina offer newer homes, more space, and large park systems.
- The right fit comes down to commute, budget, home style, and how you like to spend your weekends.
I help buyers and sellers across the West Metro, and the first question I hear is almost always "Where should we look?" Here's how I describe each community to clients. It's a starting point, not a ranking. The best city is the one that fits how you live.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis has the widest range of housing in the metro: condos and lofts downtown and in the North Loop, early 1900s homes in neighborhoods like Linden Hills and Longfellow, and everything in between. The Chain of Lakes, the Mississippi riverfront, and the Grand Rounds trail system mean you're rarely far from water or green space.
One thing to know if you're buying or selling here: Minneapolis requires a Truth-in-Sale of Housing evaluation before a home is listed.
Inner-ring suburbs: close to the city
St. Louis Park
Borders Minneapolis on the west, with easy access to the lakes, the Cedar Lake Trail, and the shops and restaurants around Excelsior & Grand. Housing is a mix of post-war homes, townhomes, and newer condos.
Golden Valley
Wooded lots, mid-century homes, and Theodore Wirth Park on its eastern edge. A popular pick for buyers who want space and quiet without a long drive downtown.
Robbinsdale
A walkable downtown along West Broadway, Crystal Lake, and a strong stock of classic bungalows and story-and-a-half homes.
Crystal and New Hope
Neighboring suburbs with plenty of ramblers and split-levels, good parks, and quick access to Highways 100 and 169. Often a good value for first-time buyers.
Hopkins
A small-town feel with a historic Mainstreet, the annual Raspberry Festival, and easy trail connections.
Richfield
Directly south of Minneapolis and close to MSP Airport, with many 1950s homes on regular city lots. A good fit for commuters and frequent travelers.
North: Brooklyn Park, Osseo, Blaine, Fridley, and Columbia Heights
Brooklyn Park offers a wide range of home types and price points, with access to the Mississippi River and Three Rivers parks. Osseo is one of the smaller cities in the metro, with a compact, walkable downtown. Blaine is home to the National Sports Center and has a lot of newer construction. Fridley and Columbia Heights sit just north of Minneapolis, with established neighborhoods and a short trip into the city.
Northwest: Maple Grove, Plymouth, and Medina
Maple Grove is known for The Shops at Arbor Lakes, miles of trails, and nearby Elm Creek Park Reserve. Plymouth wraps around Medicine Lake and has neighborhoods ranging from established homes to newer developments. Medina is where buyers go for acreage, larger homes, and a quieter, rural feel while staying within reach of the metro.
Southwest: Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, and Shakopee
Edina is known for 50th & France, Southdale Center (the country's first enclosed shopping mall), and well-kept neighborhoods. Bloomington has the Mall of America, but also quiet residential streets and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge along the river. Eden Prairie offers newer homes, a large network of parks and trails, and a short drive to many corporate offices. Shakopee sits along the Minnesota River and is home to Valleyfair and Canterbury Park, with plenty of newer construction.
How to choose
- Commute: drive your route at rush hour before you commit.
- Home style: older character homes are concentrated in Minneapolis and the inner-ring suburbs. Newer construction is more common farther out.
- Lot size and upkeep: decide how much yard you actually want to maintain.
- Point-of-sale rules: some cities require an evaluation or inspection when a home sells. I'll tell you what applies.
- Weekends: lakes, trails, shopping, or restaurants. Pick the place that matches how you spend your free time.
If you'd like help narrowing it down, I'm happy to put together a short list based on your budget and priorities. You can also browse current listings on my MLS search.
Frequently asked questions
What cities are in the Twin Cities West Metro?
The West Metro generally includes Minneapolis and the suburbs to its west, such as St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, Hopkins, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Medina, Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, and Shakopee. I also work in north metro cities like Blaine, Fridley, and Columbia Heights.
Which West Metro suburbs are closest to downtown Minneapolis?
St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Richfield, and Columbia Heights all border Minneapolis, which keeps most trips into the city short, depending on traffic.
Is it better to buy in Minneapolis or the suburbs?
It depends on what you value. Minneapolis offers walkability, older character homes, and city amenities. The suburbs often offer newer homes, larger lots, and more space for the money. I help clients compare specific homes side by side so the tradeoffs are clear.
Do you work with buyers and sellers outside these cities?
Yes. I’m a licensed Minnesota real estate agent, so if you’re looking elsewhere in the state, reach out and we’ll talk through your goals.
Looking for the right West Metro neighborhood?
Tell me what matters most and I’ll put together a short list of communities and homes to see.
