Trying to choose between Edina and St. Louis Park for your first home can feel like comparing apples to polished, walkable apples. You want the right mix of price, lifestyle, commute, and long-term value without wasting weekends on homes that do not fit. This guide breaks down how each city lives day to day so you can build a smart shortlist and tour with confidence. Let’s dive in.
How to use this guide
This comparison is built for first-time buyers who want clarity fast. Use it to sort your priorities, then pick 8–12 listings to tour across both cities.
- Start with your top two lifestyle priorities: walkability, schools, or commute.
- Pick your entry path: condo, townhome, or small single-family home.
- Set a monthly budget that includes mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA if applicable.
- Shortlist neighborhoods based on proximity to a walkable node, transit, and parks.
- Schedule two half-day tours: one in Edina, one in St. Louis Park, with a commute test between.
Edina vs St. Louis Park at a glance
Both cities are desirable inner-ring suburbs bordering Minneapolis. The right choice depends on how you want to live.
- If you want a quieter, polished suburban feel with concentrated dining and retail, Edina stands out.
- If you want more variety at entry price points and a close-in location, St. Louis Park is a strong fit.
- If you want condo or townhome entry options, both deliver, with Edina trending higher per square foot and St. Louis Park offering more diversity.
- If detached homes are your goal at a first-home budget, St. Louis Park often provides more options relative to Edina’s smaller pool of entry-level single-family homes.
Housing types and entry paths
Your first-home path often starts with choosing the right property type for your budget and lifestyle.
Edina: what first-time buyers find
Edina is known for established neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and a refined retail scene. For first-time buyers, the most common entry is a condo or townhome, especially near walkable districts. Smaller or older single-family homes exist in select pockets, but the supply is tighter and prices typically run higher per square foot compared with many nearby suburbs. If you want a quieter residential vibe with polished amenities nearby, Edina aligns well.
What to watch when touring:
- Review HOA fees, what they include, reserve funds, and any special assessments.
- For older homes, factor system age, maintenance, and potential updates into your budget.
- Confirm parking and pet rules in condo and townhome communities.
St. Louis Park: what first-time buyers find
St. Louis Park offers a mixed housing stock that suits a range of budgets and styles. You will find mid-century bungalows and ranch homes, newer infill townhomes and condos, and redevelopment corridors with modern living options. For many first-time buyers, St. Louis Park delivers more variety and comparatively more access to detached homes at entry-friendly price points.
What to watch when touring:
- Balance newer construction’s pricing premium against lower maintenance.
- For mid-century homes, review mechanical systems, insulation, and any energy updates.
- Compare HOA costs in townhomes and condos to similar options in Edina.
Walkable nodes to tour
Focus on neighborhoods anchored by walkable “nodes” where errands, dining, and parks live close together. It is the fastest way to experience what daily life feels like.
Edina walkability highlights
- 50th & France: A premier mixed-use district with cafés, boutiques, and a pedestrian-friendly vibe. Buyers can find nearby condos and townhomes and access to quiet residential blocks.
- Southdale area: A larger retail hub with everyday conveniences, services, and mid-rise condo options nearby. A good fit if practical amenities top your list.
- Grandview: Smaller shopping and dining pockets close to established single-family neighborhoods. Useful for buyers who want quick errands without a large commercial center.
- Morningside and nearby enclaves: Calm, walkable streets with convenient access to parks and local services. Great for buyers who want a neighborhood feel within minutes of retail.
Tour tips:
- Park once and walk the block to test everyday convenience.
- Note parking availability, evening activity, and noise levels at different times of day.
- If transit matters, find the nearest frequent bus stop during your visit.
St. Louis Park walkability highlights
- Central corridors and local dining nodes: Restaurants and small retailers create a lively daily rhythm and a clear sense of community.
- West End and redevelopment areas: Newer mixed-use environments with modern condo and townhome options. Good for buyers who want a near-downtown feel.
- Parks and trail-adjacent neighborhoods: Blocks near parks and bike trails offer easy outdoor access and relaxed, residential streets.
Tour tips:
- Walk from a target listing to grocery, coffee, and parks to test your routine.
- Visit at commute hour to gauge traffic and pedestrian flow.
- Note which areas offer newer builds if low maintenance is a priority.
Commute and transit
Edina and St. Louis Park both sit close to Minneapolis with multiple commute options. You will find regional highway access, Metro Transit bus service, and park-and-ride options in the broader area. Driving times depend on your exact address and time of day, and many buyers report short trips to downtown outside peak congestion.
Key corridors to know:
- I-394 and MN-100 are major connectors for St. Louis Park and northern Edina.
- I-494 and MN-62 serve southern Edina and east-west trips across the metro.
Smart commute strategy:
- If transit matters, target homes a short walk to frequent bus lines with direct or easy connections.
- If you drive, test your route during peak times to downtown Minneapolis, the University, or the airport.
- Ask about planned transit or roadway projects that could change travel times.
Schools, parks, safety, and costs
Schools overview
Many buyers consider school boundaries as part of long-term planning. Edina Public Schools is widely recognized for strong performance at the district level. St. Louis Park Public Schools offers solid options and a convenient location for families who value proximity to Minneapolis. Always confirm attendance boundaries, school fit, and the specific programs that matter to you.
Parks and recreation
Both cities provide well-regarded park systems and convenient trail access. In Edina, you will see landscaped parks and neighborhoods with easy access to lakes and green space. In St. Louis Park, you will find robust trail connections and residential blocks that back up to larger parks. If outdoor time is a priority, map each listing’s distance to parks, trail heads, and playgrounds.
Safety and peace of mind
Both Edina and St. Louis Park include neighborhoods that many buyers consider safe, along with pockets that experience higher levels of property or violent crime relative to city averages. Review local police department crime maps and compare trends by neighborhood. When you tour, observe lighting, street activity, and visibility at different times of day.
Taxes and ownership costs
Property taxes in Hennepin County reflect assessed values and local levies. Edina’s typically higher assessed values often translate to higher nominal tax bills compared with similar homes elsewhere, even if tax rates are comparable. For condos and townhomes, line-item your HOA dues, what they include, and any special assessments. For older single-family homes, budget for ongoing maintenance and potential system upgrades.
Financing and first-time buyer help
Explore Minnesota Housing first-time buyer programs, local down payment assistance, and lender products that support lower down payment options. Program availability and income limits change, so connect with a local lender or credit union early to understand your best path. Compare your all-in monthly cost across condos, townhomes, and single-family homes before you fall in love with a listing.
Smart shortlist criteria
Use these filters to fast-track a better tour list:
- Budget bands: Set caps by property type so you can compare apples to apples.
- Walkability: Target homes within 0.25–0.5 miles of a dining or retail node if car-light living is important.
- Commute: Define a maximum acceptable drive or transit time to your key destinations.
- Schools: Filter by district or specific schools if that is a priority.
- Condition: Decide now if you want move-in ready or a light remodel, and set a realistic upgrade budget.
Before each tour, collect:
- Price, total monthly housing cost estimate, beds, baths, square footage
- Year built, lot size, basement status, parking or garage
- HOA fee and coverage, any special assessments
- Walk score, distance to grocery, coffee, parks, and nearest transit
- School assignment and boundary confirmation
Sample tour plans
Walkability-first tour
- Start in Edina at 50th & France, grab coffee, and walk the blocks around a target condo or townhome.
- Head to the Southdale area to tour a mid-rise condo near everyday amenities.
- Cross to St. Louis Park to experience a central dining corridor, then tour a townhome or condo in a redevelopment area.
Family and schools tour
- In both cities, select listings within your target attendance boundaries.
- Add a park stop near each home and time the drive to a local school.
- Compare street feel and after-school traffic in each neighborhood.
Commute test tour
- Drive your actual work route from top listings in each city during peak hours.
- If transit is key, ride a bus connection to downtown and back to test door-to-door time.
- Note parking options and how quickly you can access the highway or a frequent bus stop.
Make the call: which fits your first home?
- Choose Edina if you want a refined, residential feel, focused walkable nodes, and are comfortable starting in a condo or townhome, or a smaller single-family home in select pockets.
- Choose St. Louis Park if you want more entry-level variety, a mix of mid-century and new options, and potential value for detached homes while staying close to the city.
Next step: lock in your top two lifestyle priorities, set an all-in monthly budget, and pick 8–12 homes that match those filters. Then run two focused tours and a commute test. If you want a curated shortlist and on-the-ground guidance in both cities, connect with Isaac Kuehn to line up private tours and a tailored comparison. Get your free Minneapolis Condo & Loft Guide.
FAQs
What is the key difference between Edina and St. Louis Park for first-time buyers?
- Edina tends to be more polished and residential with higher per-square-foot pricing, while St. Louis Park offers broader entry-level variety and potential value for detached homes.
How do condo and townhome options compare in Edina vs St. Louis Park?
- Both cities offer solid condo and townhome choices, with Edina trending higher on price per square foot and St. Louis Park showing more diversity across newer infill and redevelopment areas.
Are schools stronger in Edina or St. Louis Park for a first home decision?
- Many buyers view Edina Public Schools as high performing at the district level, while St. Louis Park Public Schools provides solid options; confirm boundaries and program fit for your needs.
What commute options should I expect from these suburbs to downtown Minneapolis?
- You will find multiple options in both cities, including highway access and bus service; test your specific route during peak hours to understand door-to-door time.
How should I compare ownership costs across condos, townhomes, and single-family homes?
- Build an all-in estimate that includes mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA dues where applicable, plus maintenance for older single-family homes and any condo special assessments.
Which neighborhoods are the most walkable for first-time buyers in each city?
- In Edina, start with 50th & France, Southdale, Grandview, and nearby walkable enclaves; in St. Louis Park, explore central dining corridors, the West End area, and trail-adjacent blocks.
How can I avoid surprises with HOA buildings when buying my first condo or townhome?
- Review HOA financials, reserve funds, recent and upcoming special assessments, pet and rental rules, and what the monthly dues cover before writing an offer.
