Top Neighborhoods for Students in Minneapolis
- May 16
- 7 min read
Choosing the top neighborhoods for students in Minneapolis is about more than finding a place to sleep between classes. For college students, graduate students, researchers, and university staff, the ideal neighborhood combines convenient transit access, nearby study spots, walkability, safety, and quick commutes to campus.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are home to some of Minnesota’s largest colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota, Augsburg University, University of St. Thomas, Hamline University, Macalester College, Minneapolis College, and Dunwoody College of Technology. Because these schools are spread throughout the Twin Cities, students often look for neighborhoods that offer flexibility and connectivity.
At In the City Apartments, many apartment communities are located in neighborhoods that make student life easier. From Prospect Park and Hiawatha in Minneapolis to St. Anthony Park and Merriam Park in Saint Paul, residents enjoy convenient access to transit lines, major campuses, restaurants, parks, and local amenities.
If you are searching for the best neighborhoods for students in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, these areas stand out for convenience, community, and accessibility.
Prospect Park: One of the Best Neighborhoods Near the University of Minnesota
Prospect Park continues to grow in popularity among UMN students, graduate researchers, and young professionals because of its ideal location between Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Located near the University of Minnesota East Bank campus, Prospect Park offers excellent access to campus buildings, laboratories, libraries, and athletic facilities while providing a quieter residential atmosphere than traditional student-heavy neighborhoods.
One of the biggest advantages of Prospect Park is transportation access. The METRO Green Line runs directly through the neighborhood, making it easy for students to commute to:
University of Minnesota campuses
Augsburg University
University of St. Thomas
Hamline University
Downtown Minneapolis
Downtown Saint Paul
Students who live in Prospect Park benefit from shorter commute times and easier access to internships, healthcare systems, and downtown employers.
In the City Apartments’ 3020 On The Rail community is located in Prospect Park near the Green Line light rail and University Avenue corridor. This location makes it especially attractive for students who want to stay connected to campus while enjoying modern apartment amenities.
Students living in Prospect Park enjoy:
Quick Green Line access
Walkable cafés and restaurants
Bike-friendly streets and trails
Access to the Mississippi River trail system
Nearby grocery stores and fitness facilities
Short commutes to campus
The neighborhood is especially appealing for graduate students and upperclassmen who want a calmer environment while still staying connected to student life.
With strong walkability and transit accessibility, Prospect Park remains one of the most convenient neighborhoods for students in the Twin Cities.
Hiawatha: Great for Students Who Want Transit Access and Outdoor Amenities
The Hiawatha neighborhood in Minneapolis has become increasingly popular among students looking for affordable city living with excellent transportation options.
Located along the Blue Line light rail corridor, Hiawatha provides easy access to downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis College, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Students who attend schools throughout the Twin Cities often appreciate the flexibility this neighborhood offers. The Blue Line connects residents to downtown transit hubs, while nearby bus routes provide access to major university campuses.
In the City Apartments’ MN46 Apartments community is located in the Hiawatha area near Minnehaha Falls and the 46th Street light rail station. For students balancing classes, internships, and work schedules, having quick transit access can significantly simplify daily routines.
Students living in Hiawatha enjoy:
Blue Line light rail access
Close proximity to Minnehaha Falls and local parks
Bike trails and outdoor recreation
Easy airport access for international students and travelers
Nearby coffee shops and restaurants
Convenient commutes to downtown campuses
The neighborhood’s outdoor amenities also make it attractive for students who enjoy running, biking, or spending time outside between classes.
Unlike some higher-density student areas, Hiawatha offers a more balanced residential feel while still providing strong city connectivity.
For students who want a quieter apartment environment without sacrificing accessibility, Hiawatha is one of Minneapolis’ most underrated neighborhoods.
St. Anthony Park: Ideal for UMN St. Paul Campus Students
St. Anthony Park in Saint Paul is one of the best neighborhoods for students attending the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus.
Known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and community atmosphere, St. Anthony Park offers a quieter environment that appeals to graduate students, researchers, veterinary students, and students looking for a more residential setting.
The neighborhood provides convenient access to:
University of Minnesota St. Paul campus
Transit routes connecting to Minneapolis campuses
Como Park
Local cafés and bookstores
Grocery stores and co-ops
Regional bike paths
In the City Apartments’ Priscilla Street Apartments community is located in the heart of St. Anthony Park, just minutes from the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus. One of the biggest advantages for veterinary and agricultural students is that Priscilla Street Apartments is within walking distance of many University of Minnesota veterinary medicine classrooms and facilities, making daily commutes significantly easier for students with demanding schedules, labs, and clinical coursework.
This area is especially popular with students involved in:
Agricultural sciences
Veterinary medicine
Biological sciences
Food science programs
Environmental studies
Graduate research programs
Students often choose St. Anthony Park because it provides a quieter place to study while still remaining highly connected to the rest of the metro area.
The neighborhood also offers excellent bus access and convenient driving routes to Minneapolis and Saint Paul campuses.
For students seeking a classic Twin Cities neighborhood feel with easy campus access, Priscilla Street Apartments is one of the best options available.
Merriam Park: Central Location Between Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Merriam Park is another highly desirable neighborhood for students attending colleges and universities throughout the Twin Cities.
Located near the border of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Merriam Park provides quick access to:
University of St. Thomas
Macalester College
Hamline University
University of Minnesota campuses
Downtown Saint Paul
Downtown Minneapolis
The neighborhood is known for its walkability, tree-lined streets, and easy transit access.
In the City Apartments’ Prior Marshall Apartments in Saint Paul’s Merriam Park West neighborhood. With a strong mix of families, professionals, and students, this building offers a sense of belonging in the heart of Saint Paul. Students appreciate Prior Marshall’s location because it offers a quieter residential atmosphere while still remaining close to restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, and entertainment.
For students attending multiple campuses or participating in internships across the metro area, Merriam Park’s central location can make commuting much easier.
The area is especially attractive for:
Graduate students
Students with internships
Students seeking shared apartments
Young professionals pursuing continuing education
Students who prefer quieter surroundings
The neighborhood’s balance of accessibility and community atmosphere makes it one of the strongest student-friendly areas in Saint Paul.
Why Transit Access Matters for Student Living
One of the biggest advantages of living in Minneapolis and Saint Paul is the region’s growing public transportation system.
Students who live near the Light Rail Green Line and Blue Line stations often save significant time and money throughout the school year.
Transit-connected neighborhoods like Prospect Park and Hiawatha allow students to:
Reduce commuting stress
Avoid expensive campus parking fees
Reach internships and jobs more easily
Travel between Minneapolis and Saint Paul campuses
Access restaurants, shopping, and entertainment without needing a car
At In the City Apartments, many communities are intentionally located near public transit routes, bike trails, and walkable amenities.
For students balancing demanding schedules, transportation convenience can make a major difference in daily quality of life.
Apartment Features Students Look For
Today’s students often prioritize apartment communities that support both academics and lifestyle needs.
Many students searching for apartments near Minneapolis universities look for features such as:
High-speed internet
In-unit laundry
Fitness centers
Bike storage
Pet-friendly policies
Secure building access
Study-friendly environments
Proximity to transit lines
In the City Apartments communities throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer many of these conveniences while remaining close to major colleges and universities.
Apartment communities like 3020 On The Rail, MN46 Apartments, and Priscilla Street Apartments help students stay connected to both campus life and city living.
Best Areas for Different Types of Students
Different neighborhoods appeal to different student lifestyles. Below we've broken it down for students with different desires and needs.
Best for University of Minnesota Students
Prospect Park - 3020 on the Rail Apartments
St. Anthony Park - Priscilla Street Apartments
Stadium-adjacent University neighborhoods
Best for Graduate Students
Prospect Park - 3020 on the Rail Apartments
Merriam Park - Prior Marshall Apartments
St. Anthony Park - Priscilla Street Apartments
Best for Students Without Cars
Prospect Park - 3020 on the Rail Apartments
Hiawatha - MN46 Apartments
Best for Students Seeking Quiet Neighborhoods
St. Anthony Park - Priscilla Street Apartments
Merriam Park - Prior Marshall Apartments
Hiawatha - MN46 Apartments
Best for Students Balancing Internships and School
Prospect Park - 3020 on the Rail Apartments
Merriam Park - Prior Marshall Apartments
Choosing the right neighborhood often depends on commuting needs, lifestyle preferences, and academic schedules.
Finding the Right Apartment Near Minneapolis Colleges and Universities
Minneapolis and Saint Paul continue to attract students from across the country because of their strong universities, walkable neighborhoods, and expanding transit system.
Whether you are attending the University of Minnesota, Augsburg University, St. Thomas, Hamline, Macalester, or Minneapolis College, finding the right neighborhood can significantly improve your college experience.
At In the City Apartments, communities located in Prospect Park, Hiawatha, St. Anthony Park, and nearby Twin Cities neighborhoods provide students with convenient access to campuses, public transportation, and everyday amenities.
From quick Green Line commutes to peaceful residential streets near campus, these neighborhoods offer a balance of convenience, comfort, and connectivity.
For students searching for apartments near colleges and universities in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, choosing a neighborhood with strong transit access, walkability, and nearby amenities can help create a smoother and more enjoyable student lifestyle throughout the academic year.
Start Planning Early Before School Starts
Student housing in Minneapolis and Saint Paul can fill quickly as the fall semester approaches, especially in neighborhoods near the University of Minnesota, St. Thomas, Augsburg University, and other Twin Cities campuses.
Students planning for September classes should begin their apartment search early to secure the best location, floor plan, and pricing options to be wrapped up and moved in during the month of August.
At In the City Apartments, students can apply for available apartment homes or join a waitlist for communities that are currently full. Joining a waitlist can help students stay ahead of availability as leases change throughout the summer months.
Applying early is especially important for students looking for:
Apartments near Green Line transit stations
Walkable access to university campuses
Pet-friendly apartment options
Apartments near veterinary and graduate programs
Shared apartments for roommates
Quiet neighborhoods for studying
Communities like 3020 On The Rail, MN46 Apartments, and Priscilla Street Apartments continue to be popular with students because of their convenient locations near colleges, transit lines, and everyday amenities.
Whether you are beginning your first semester, transferring schools, starting graduate studies, or returning for another academic year, planning your housing early can help reduce stress before classes begin.
Students interested in living near Minneapolis and Saint Paul campuses can explore available apartments online, schedule tours, or join a waitlist to stay informed about upcoming openings for the fall semester.
Current apartment availability:
2 bedroom + 1 bathroom at Prior Marshall Apartments
2 bedroom + 1 bathroom at 3020 on the Rail
