Enjoy Twin Cities Campus Life: Top Minneapolis Neighborhoods for Student Renters

I'm Stephanie, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Minneapolis, MN. I spent my college years in Wisconsin but sometimes wish I'd stayed in the Twin Cities — it always seemed like I was missing something exciting at the U of M or elsewhere in Minneapolis. 

I've since returned and made up for lost time by exploring the area's most college-friendly neighborhoods. I even lived near Dinkytown and spent long hours wandering the campus area.

Along the way, I discovered the unique advantages of the Minneapolis college experience, especially compared to the Upper Midwest's more secluded campuses. As a Minneapolis student, you feel like a true part of the Twin Cities — a full-blown resident capable of making meaningful contributions to your close-knit community.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Minneapolis

To make the most of this distinctly cosmopolitan experience, you'll actually want to head off campus. That's right — residence halls abound, but nothing captures the Twin Cities dynamic quite like an apartment in the heart of the action. This makes it easier to explore major cultural institutions, gorgeous outdoor spaces, and some of the coziest coffee shops imaginable.

That being said, finding the right student housing can be tricky. A lot depends on where you attend class and how you expect to get around. Your quality of life also matters, but this can be difficult to define: do you crave quiet spaces and beautiful scenery? Or do you prefer a more bustling area, where you're surrounded by fellow students and young professionals?

Thankfully, there's something for everyone. As you search for the perfect Minneapolis student apartment, be sure to keep these campuses and neighborhoods in mind:

University of Minnesota

With campuses in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, the U of M promises a truly vibrant student experience, along with all the trappings of the classic university lifestyle. This acclaimed research university attracts talented and passionate students from all over the world but is also a major educational hub for the state of Minnesota.

Gopher life can be amazing no matter where you live, and, while there are certainly perks to the on-campus experience, many students eventually choose to explore surrounding neighborhoods. Hot spots like Marcy-Homes offer easy access to campus amenities but also promise the excitement of city living. Minneapolis apartments near the University of Minnesota are often affordable and welcoming, offering the ultimate introduction to the city's most vibrant and personality-filled neighborhoods.

Prospect Park

Do you crave a close-knit community with the charm and comforts of home? Blend the best of the campus experience with homey vibes as you settle down in the adorable neighborhood of Prospect Park.

Best known as the home of the iconic Witch's Hat tower, this oasis offers something for everyone: light rail access to get you to campus or even downtown, plus up-and-coming dining and entertainment options to keep you busy. 

Eclectic single-family homes bring plenty of character to Prospect Park, but many newer builds (including chic apartment buildings) can be found, often near University Avenue.

I used to live in Prospect Park and still return to wander around from time to time — there's always something happening, and yet, it's also easy to find quiet corners as you meander around the winding streets south of University Avenue. 

Marcy-Holmes

Offering easy access to the University of Minnesota along with hot spots such as St. Anthony, Northeast, and even downtown, Marcy-Holmes is the perfect neighborhood for the student who wants it all: a vibrant community, trendy bars, and walkable neighborhoods.

Of course, no mention of the Marcy-Holmes student experience would be complete without mentioning the excitement of Dinkytown, which boasts the university's best shops, restaurants, and music venues. 

It should not be difficult to find Marcy-Holmes apartments near the University of Minnesota — this area is well known as a student hub. Many cost-effective rentals can be found in smaller, older buildings, although several trendy apartment complexes have also entered the picture in recent years.

If you want to be in the heart of the action and surrounded by students, you'll love life in Marcy-Holmes. That being said, you'll also find it easy to explore other parts of the city. This was a major perk when I briefly lived in Marcy-Holmes; it was easy to hop on 35W and access other neighborhoods or even suburbs in record time. 

Como

Not to be confused with the well-known Como area in St. Paul (and its amazing conservatory), the Minneapolis version of Como does not always receive the attention it deserves. Quiet streets can be expected, but with easy access to appealing restaurants and delis. Known for its safety and slower pace of life, this is a great option for graduate students who demand maximum focus but without sacrificing convenience. 

Proximity to Northeast expands Como's otherwise limited dining and entertainment options, while nearby St. Paul neighborhoods offer plenty of green space. While this neighborhood is dominated by single-family homes, there are a few noteworthy Como student apartments near the University of Minnesota. 

Augsburg University

The U of M may attract all the attention, but there are other Minneapolis colleges worth exploring. Augsburg University, for example, offers a smaller, more intimate campus while still providing easy access to the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. This Lutheran college promises an excellent liberal arts experience, providing the best of the intimate, private college atmosphere alongside access to the excitement of Minneapolis. 

Cedar-Riverside

Located in the heart of Cedar-Riverside, the inviting Augsburg campus exposes students to a fascinating blend of cultures, complete with access to enticing restaurants and unique shops. There are plenty of Cedar-Riverside apartments near Augsburg College, with several offering abundant onsite amenities and even close-knit communities that student residents may find appealing. 

Also known as the West Bank, Cedar-Riverside always offers something new to see or discover, especially given its abundance of quirky entertainment venues and vibrant gathering spaces. Cute coffee shops can function as delightful study spaces, and, with multiple campuses in the area, there are always fellow students around. 

Downtown East

There is something truly exciting about the downtown experience, and, while each area has its own unique atmosphere, Downtown East feels particularly chic and relevant due to its cultural and recreational hot spots: the acclaimed Guthrie Theatre and U.S. Bank Stadium — home of the Minnesota Vikings.

I love spending time in this area, taking in the views from Gold Medal and Mill Ruins Parks while enjoying the friendly community vibes. Add trendy restaurants, a unique history museum, and an amazing farmer's market, and you have the makings of the perfect metropolitan lifestyle. 

Several trendy apartment buildings and complexes can be found in this area, typically lining the vibrant Washington Avenue. Multiple bus routes extend along Washington and Cedar Avenue, allowing for a quick and easy commute to the Augsburg campus. It is also possible to walk to Augsburg, although less ideal given the road noise from the interstate and general hassles with navigating traffic. 

Seward

If you want more of a laid-back experience but aren't willing to sacrifice easy campus access, you could be the perfect candidate for student housing in Seward. This Longfellow gem has a lot going for it, including a close-knit community atmosphere and plenty of artsy opportunities.

While this neighborhood is home to many charming single-family houses within the Milwaukee Avenue Historic District, these cute homes are just steps from the many rental units on Franklin Avenue. Seward apartments tend to be fewer and further between as you head southeast, but there are a few gems that might appeal to students who prioritize peace and quiet.

As with its apartments, Seward's amenities tend to be clustered around Franklin Avenue, although there are bowling alleys and other appealing gathering spaces closer to the adjacent Longfellow neighborhood. The expansive Matthews Park provides plenty of space to roam, and, while trail access is largely limited to the West River Parkway area, it's not difficult to hop on the nearby Midtown Greenway. 

Dunwoody College of Technology

Offering hands-on learning experiences within a wide range of career-driven programs, Dunwoody College of Technology aims to equip diverse students with practical skills that they can immediately unleash as they enter the workforce. Located near Minneapolis icons such as the famed Spoonbridge and Cherry, this college provides access to several major interstates, promising a quick commute for students who live in several nearby neighborhoods. 

Lowry Hill

Promising a trendy lifestyle along with easy commuting, Lowry Hill provides the ultimate opportunity to create an idyllic urban lifestyle. This chic neighborhood is home to the acclaimed Walker Art Center, which is just steps away from Dunwoody and similarly close to many appealing apartments and townhomes. Despite this area's trendy vibes, many units remain affordable on a student budget. 

Beyond the Walker, restaurants and entertainment are mostly limited to the southeastern corner, but this appeals to many students who prioritize quiet or peaceful neighborhoods. I am continually amazed by just how serene this area feels, given its easy highway access and proximity to busier areas. In such a welcoming, yet quiet neighborhood, focused study sessions are well within reach. 

Bryn Mawr

Bryn Mawr is arguably one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Minneapolis, appealing to outdoorsy types with its vast green spaces and picturesque trails. Bryn Mawr Meadows offers the epitome of an urban park experience, complete with skyline views and well-maintained recreational amenities. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary provides the ultimate respite in the heart of the city — the chance to escape the hustle and bustle while listening to beautiful bird songs. 

Because so much of this neighborhood is occupied by green space, it is less of a dining or shopping hub than the other areas on this list. Still, there are a few great places to relax when cold weather takes over, including a charming coffee shop and a local brewery. A quick commute on 394 will bring you downtown or to a more suburban experience at St. Louis Park's West End. 

Minneapolis College of Art and Design

While Dunwoody accommodates tech enthusiasts, there are also plenty of educational opportunities for artistically inclined students. The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), for example, encourages creativity with passion-driven fine arts, graphic design, and even furniture design programs. Located near the Minneapolis Institute of Art, this campus provides state-of-the-art facilities that help students unleash their creative power. 

Whittier

MCAD is situated in the heart of the Whittier neighborhood, and, with student housing available, there is no need to live more than a ten-minute walk from college classes. This is just one of many ways in which Whittier encourages a walkable lifestyle. Activities and amenities are just steps away, with several bus routes also serving this well-connected neighborhood. 

Restaurants abound along the well-known Nicollet Avenue, with unique shops and museums further enriching this dynamic area. I'm especially fond of the heavily shaded Washburn Fair Oaks, which makes for a spectacular picnic destination. This area offers a unique blend of housing: modest single-family structures, trendy lofts, and several reasonably-priced apartments, often found in classic brick buildings that match the overall vibe of this community. 

Stevens Square

Just north of Whittier and adjacent to I-94, Stevens Square is a small and bustling neighborhood. There are plenty of apartments and other student housing options in this area, including some of the most affordable units in Minneapolis.

Most restaurants and community gathering places can be found along Franklin Avenue, and, while this neighborhood may not offer as robust of amenities as the adjacent Whittier or Loring Park, its public transit and interstate access ensure that residents can easily reach multiple Minneapolis neighborhoods.

Don't overlook this neighborhood if you're on the hunt for affordable and conveniently located student housing. A lot depends on where you live and what you're hoping to get out of your student experience. After all, Stevens Square can feel a lot different from one block to the next. If a central location is a priority, this area might be worth checking out.

Lowry Hill East

Not to be confused with the previously mentioned Lowry Hill (which can also be an excellent home base for MCAD students), Lowry Hill East is frequently referred to as the Wedge. Take a quick look at a map and it's easy to see why: this tiny neighborhood is shaped like a wedge and appears as if it's been wedged into the better-known Uptown.

Midtown Greenway access is a major perk, making Lowry Hill East an accessible option for students who prefer to get around without a car. Coffee shops and trendy restaurants dot the edges of the neighborhood and are always within walking distance. In fact, walking is recommended because parking can be a pain. Don't let that stop you from making the most of this decidedly trendy area, where adventure is always mere steps away.

Although this dense neighborhood only has one small park, it's within easy reach of two gorgeous Minneapolis lakes: Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles. There is no shortage of rentals available in this area, with diverse housing ranging from modest studio or one-bedroom apartments to spacious and decidedly upscale spaces.

Minneapolis College

Once known as Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minneapolis College offers accessible coursework, including a wide range of certificate and degree programs. Reflecting the welcoming atmosphere and cultural vibrancy of Minneapolis at large, this college aims to empower students from all walks of life. Working students tend to prioritize convenience, which is easily achieved when residing in nearby apartments. 

Loring Park

Vibrant, dynamic, and diverse, Loring Park rests at the edge of the downtown district, making it a welcome option for the many working students who attend Minneapolis College. This neighborhood is named for its sprawling park, which is home to a lovely trail that meanders around a serene pond. The Loring Greenway extends beyond the park into the downtown area, which is a short walk away but also easily accessible by public transit. 

Brick apartment buildings line the streets of Loring Park, providing plenty of affordable and accessible housing options for working students. Single-family homes are less abundant, although there are a few townhouses near the Loring Greenway. 

Downtown West

Minneapolis College is mere blocks from the downtown area, and, for working students, this area can be ideal, offering the unique chance to walk to work or class. Towering apartment buildings can be expected, adding to the cosmopolitan appeal of the downtown lifestyle.

Many downtown apartments offer appealing onsite amenities, although there is never any shortage of entertainment within walking distance: jazz clubs, theater venues, trendy dining, and so much more. Traffic and parking can be a challenge, but the skyway system offers the chance to explore the city from above. I adore downtown's unique energy and cultural opportunities — it's a great option for students who feel at home in vibrant, urban settings.

Living in Student-Friendly Minneapolis Neighborhoods

Discover the best of the Minneapolis student experience. The right neighborhood and rental could elevate your life as a student. Apartment Home Living is your go-to resource for finding the best student apartments in Minneapolis — and your dream lifestyle.