Central

Prime Location in the Heart of Minneapolis
Situated in the heart of Minneapolis, Central is a prime located, vibrant neighborhood offering a wide range of amenities. It is strategically located less than two miles southeast of downtown Minneapolis, and is just two miles from the University of Minnesota, making it an ideal neighborhood for the students, academics, and professionals who call it home.

The neighborhood is recognized for its excellent walkability. The variety of stores, parks, and restaurants are all within a comfortable walking distance and it helps foster a close-knit community environment that is hard to find in more bustling urban scenes. Transportation in the neighborhood varies. Central is serviced by the Metro Transit bus and is near major highways for those who prefer commuting by car. The streets also feature a network of dedicated bike lanes offering a more active way to travel.

Dining and shopping in Central is in no short supply. Visit The Local for Irish Cuisine, or one of the many bars in the area for an exciting nightlife experience. Gaviidae Common is a shopping mall in the neighborhood offering a plethora of shopping opportunities. Housing in the area varies from high rise apartments and condos to some single-family homes, suiting the needs of the variety of residents who call it home. Its strategic location, vibrant community, and wide array of amenities make it an attractive option for those looking to live in Minneapolis.
What Central Residents
Think About Their Apartments
overall
8.0
value
7.0
amenities
8.0
social
7.5
management
8.0
Median rents in Central
Studio
$
865
1 Bedroom
$
950
2 Bedroom
$
1,250

Living in
Central

Central — 8.4/10 Rating (based on 55 neighborhood reviews)
Downtown East is a great spot to live. There are plenty of apartments in the area so it definitely feels residential and neighborhood-like, or at least much more so than you would find closer to central downtown. You have breweries (Day Block, Crooked Pint), restaurants (Sawatdee, Boludo, etc.), coffee (Caribou, multiple Starbucks), and grocery (Trader Joe's!!!) all within walking distance. The Commons is the large grassy area between Edition's main building (there are 3 total) and US Bank Stadium which is great for spending time outside, playing games, or for dogs if you have one. The Armory is right next door if you enjoy concerts, the stadium is also there for events and Vikings games, and it is a short walk to St. Anthony Main across the beautiful Stone Arch Bridge.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Edition Residence
People are friendly and very active. There are many dogs in the neighborhood. Gold Medal Park is great for people and pets. Very close to the running/biking trails. Near the Guthrie Theatre and museums. There are a number a nice coffee shops for studying and catching up with friends. There are also a few nice hotels in the area and nice restaurants. Very close to downtown (walking distance) and UMN West Bank campus. It is also very close to US Bank Stadium, which is great for concerts and Vikings football games.
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Reviewed by
5
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Green Rock Apartments
Located near downtown's restaurants and bars, great for law school students who are just starting out and would like some places to go to relax or study.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Hennepin Crossing
Always plenty to do. Lots of activities, festivals in the park, year round. Its the center of activity, and there is no shortage of restaurants/bars to check out. Great running paths/biking paths nearby.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Loring Park
The neighborhood is awesome. It has a lot of great bars and restaurants and is an older crowd than near the U of M. Close to several grocery stores - has everything you'd need!
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
222 Hennepin
Loring Park is nice as it has access to the park and is walking distance from the Walker Sculpture Garden. In the warmer months, you can bike to the the lakes on the other side of the Walker. At night during the warmer months you have to be careful walking alone because we are located downtown. However, we are one block from the law school and the street is well-lit. I have never had any issues with safety.
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Loring Park
Covid has made things weird. It is nice other than that. It was great prior to Covid and the Floyd protests shutting down large parts of downtown. Things are opening back up a bit, but much of the skyway (which was the coolest part) remain closed.

Concert scene is the highlight, cheap and easy access.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Soo Line Building City Apartments
It's beautiful in this area of downtown, but I wouldn't walk around after dark unless I had to or was with a group. Access to restaurant/bars in the area is pretty good, the light rail can take you right to the downtown bars next to either stadium and cheap ubers are easy to come by. The North Loop is definitely more directly in the middle of that scene, however. I don't have a car here and don't wish I had a car here. Parking is some $200 a month and the garage attached to the building isn't fantastic. 6 minute commute to the law school via the train.
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Soo Line Building City Apartments
Fun neighborhood, not fully gentrified which is great; cute arts quarter, some historical architecture still intact, good restaurants and bars close by, transit close by.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Skyscape Condominiums
Love the neighborhood. Can get noisy in the summer at night, but there's so much to do and great restaurants. It feels pretty safe for the most part.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Dock Street Flats
North Loop is incredible. Basically everything is here and it’s all in walking distance. There is usually less traffic than in downtown.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
222 Hennepin
Can be weird if you go to far one direction, but the area of the apartment is great! Plenty of restaurants and things to do!
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Laurel Village
Neighborhood is reasonably safe and the location is great. 2011 is located on the border of the Whittier neighborhood and Ward 10. I believe there has been some crime in the neighborhood and there have been a couple instances of domestic disputes in the building but I have never felt in danger from any neighbors.

Close to MIA and Washburn Fair Oaks park. Also around the corner from Electric Fetus. 15-20 minutes walk to school/downtown and several restaurants and coffee shops on Eat Street/Nicollet. Easy driving access to 94 and 35W.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Stevens Community
Although crime has generally increased over time in Minneapolis, I still feel very safe living in Laurel Village. Having the Lunds & Byerlys and Butcher's Tale across the street, and the building being located on Hennepin Avenue (busy street), cuts down on crime. I would NOT suggest living any closer to Loring Park as crime gets worse closer to the park.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Laurel Village
I live right on Hennepin Avenue, on the edge of the downtown neighborhood. So, I don't live on the actual Loring Park. I feel very safe living directly on Hennepin Avenue because there are so many people. Police are always driving by, I am on a busy street, and it is well lit.

I would feel a lot less safe living off Hennepin Avenue.

Loring Park (the actual park) can be VERY dangerous at night. Before I moved down here, a neighbor at my cabin said his brother was murdered in the park. So I was a little uneasy (being from a small town). But I learned to be careful where I go, what I do around people, and when. The guy who was murdered apparently tried to break up a fight between gang members (I know right?). So bottom line is, this place is safe. But St. Thomas Law needs to have a week or a day of teaching students how to be safe. Throw out the law school's moral reasoning (I mean come on). Spend that week teaching students how to be safe, it could pay off someday.

Using your head is all that matters down here.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Laurel Village
Overall - the neighborhood is great and I love being close to school. Of course, there are often people walking around downtown that I don’t care to interact with and they tend to gather around Nicolette/near my apartment.

There is also very, very limited parking. And what there is available for parking I don’t find safe or useable (either in an open, uncovered lot or sketchy parking garage).
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
City Club Apartments
Downtown crime is definitely getting worse, its not uncommon to hear belligerent people screaming on the street at night. Residents have to be diligent to not allow people to follow them into the building. The parking garage is open to the public as well so that's a hot spot for trouble. However, the location is the best you're going to get. Close to bars, restaurants, concert venues, sporting events, etc. Given the downfalls I'd still recommend living downtown to get the best Minneapolis experience.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Soo Line Building City Apartments
I had no problems in the neighborhood, but I know people who have. With the exception of one or two times when I let my dog out at 4am, I always felt completely safe. From my perspective, I would rate the neighborhood an 8 or 9. I know someone who lives a few blocks away, though, who had a negative experience where someone tried to break into her apartment. I also have seen drug deals in the park and there are homeless people who sometimes sleep in the park. Again, I never felt unsafe because of this. Some people do, though, so I'm lowering my overall neighborhood rating.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Abbott Apartments
The neighborhood is relatively quiet. People are friendly and generally keep to themselves.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Stevens Community
Lots to do in the area and you can easily take a 10 minute walk to everything!
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Marquette Place
Expensive, but worth it for the time you're in school.
-Dave Burton
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Heritage Landing
East Downtown-- great location. ~15 minute walk to Law School
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Ironclad Residential
Neighborhood feels safe during the day, but not once the sun goes down. It is manageable, I just recommend putting some self-defense 'tools' on your key chain.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Bolero Flats
The neighborhood is OK, great access to downtown and it’s amenities. It’s sometimes questionable people loitering.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Laurel Village
Very close to courthouse. Also very close to great restaurants and bars!
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Bolero Flats
Lots of restaurants and very walkable. Pricey, though.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Third North Apartments
Nice and quiet, and near cool museums
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Ridgewood Arches
Its a good location.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
One Ten Grant
I love the neighborhood this apartment is in. It is fairly diverse in age and background and very walkable. While there are some crime concerns in the area, it is generally very safe and I have never felt unsafe walking home alone at night as long as I am cognizant of my surroundings. There is a relatively high turnover of apartments in the area so there are always options to rent. However, units, especially affordable units, rent out incredibly quick.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Garfield Terrace
This neighborhood has great bars and restaurants and is very close to major transit lines. It’s very walkable and as a single woman I feel very safe here. As with anywhere in the city, after dark a little more caution is required but if you’re observant you shouldn’t have any problems.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Garfield Terrace
I love going for walks in Loring Park and the Sculpture Garden. There are lots of fun restaurants and bars in walking distance. It is also super close to the theater district and in walking distance from Target Field and Target Center.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Laurel Village
There are amazing bars and restaurants in this area. Everything is within walking distance including multiple cafes and breweries. The neighborhood is safe and people are friendly.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Riverstation Condos
Very close to Loring Park if you want to take a walk, also a dog park within the park for those with dogs that’s really nice and friendly.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Marquette Place
While lots of things are closed in Downtown West due to covid and I was skeptical that I would resign my lease for 2L year I am very happy with my decision to live Downtown. I think for me it is the ease of getting to school quickly that draws me to downtown. I walk to school every day either outside (when weather permits) or via the skyway when dark or cold. It is nice to be able to pop back home for a quick lunch in between classes. While it is a little more than I would like to be paying it is pretty standard for downtown, and lots of prices have dropped due to covid.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Metro Apartments
I really enjoy my neighborhood as it is near Gold Medal park, the Guthrie, trails, and Trader Joes. There aren't many young people living in the neighborhood as it tends to be more expensive. However, a new apartment complex was just built across the street from my place that has quite a few young people moving in. Not many restaurants around here, but there are some great coffee shops.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Green Rock Apartments
North Loop is a great neighborhood to live in if you enjoy nightlife and the restaurant scene. It's a destination for a lot of group outings in the Twin Cities, and new restaurants and bars are opening very frequently. Target Field and Target Stadium are within walking distance, and the Mississippi River is very close, which is awesome for biking and running. There are many places to walk dogs and grab coffee in the neighborhood as well. The only drawbacks are that it can be quite loud and busy, especially on the weekends.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
222 Hennepin
Awesome area to run in, with Loring Park and the Sculpture Garden so close. I do run with pepper spray, but I usually feel safe enough to run alone (I'm a woman).
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Laurel Village
More expensive than other neighborhoods, but this is a great neighborhood for young professionals (good to get away from the UofM as well)
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Heritage Landing
It’s downtown by a lot of the bigger business buildings, so it’s very centrally located but lacks a neighborhood feel if you value that
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Nic on Fifth
Close to school, great access to firms and restaurants but still lots of development and construction happening
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
HQ Apartments
Everywhere in downtown Minneapolis is pretty rough to be in right now but this is the best there is. It is slightly more residential since than downtown apartments. I feel safe walking to school, but mostly because I walk during the day and it is only a 3 minute walk, one block. I would not recommend anything further. Other areas in loring park/downtown are really scary right now.
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Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Loring Park
How safe I feel in Loring Park fluctuates. In terms of looks alone, Loring Park and the Greenway are beautiful and are fun to walk through. They are close to a lot of different restaurants and things to do, when COVID isn't shutting everything down. However, it can be dangerous. There are always things happening at the Speedway down the street. I would not walk around the area at night, especially not alone. Usually, walking around during the day is fine. I just keep my head down and try not to draw anyone's attention.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
One Ten Grant
I think it is pretty hard to tell what the norm would be since I have only lived here during COVID. However, I have felt safe in my building. The area itself isn't bad, I have never felt unsafe walking to the school or my car. I don't love walking on Nicollet (which is a block away) so I try to avoid that area.
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
City Club Apartments
It's very residential, despite how close it is to downtown. It is not as close to bars and restaurants as Uptown, North Loop or Northeast, but it's not hard to get to those places (not to mention during COVID you can't even go to bars and restaurants anyway). The neighborhood can sometimes feel a little sketchy when walking alone at night. We didn't get to know the neighborhood very well due to COVID.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Skyscape Condominiums
The Mill City district is on the edge of downtown near a number of local attractions: The Guthrie, US Bank Stadium, and of course the historic mills.

Pros:
-Great access to freeways, public transit, and events
-Trader Joes is a fantastic grocery and liquor store

Cons: -Can be hectic on days with Vikings games or other events -Not very safe late at night although safer than other parts of downtown
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Ironclad Residential
-very safe but not very busy. Many of the restaurants and bars around have closed during COVID.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Edition Residence
I have never felt unsafe at night and it is quiet while still being close to downtown.
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Reviewed by
5
/10
Neighborhood Rating
10th Floor Property Management
It's in the city so it can never be all the way safe, but the security has been, in general, pretty responsive. There are homeless people that have been sleeping in the entry which makes it feel unsafe when walking at night, but security has been quick to help if I call.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Laurel Village
Easy to get to various things around the city. Central location.
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Reviewed by
4
/10
Neighborhood Rating
10th Floor Property Management
Love the area - lots of people and things going on.
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Maverick
Typically pretty quiet, but some of that may be attributed to the pandemic. Being downtown, there are usually people around and on the streets.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Laurel Village
Not a lot to do without walking about 7-10 minutes into downtown, otherwise I’ve enjoyed it.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Averdeen Boutique Apartments
Some areas should be avoided at night but overall it is good neighborhood
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
LPM Apartments
Very safe. Lots of lighted streets!
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Churchill
Generally a safe area with some problem areas
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
LPM Apartments


Getting to Know
Central

Neighborhood Boundaries
Plymouth Ave to the north and roughly Purple Heart Trl and Franklin Ave to the south. The Mississippi River to the east and West Lyndale Ave to the west

Best Apartments
in Central

Edition Residence
1 Bed $2,265
2 Beds $3,020
3 Beds $3,750

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4Marq
1 Bed $1,370
2 Beds $2,475
3 Beds $5,265

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The Nic on Fifth
Studio $1,954
1 Bed $2,543
2 Beds $4,752

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Borealis

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The Churchill
1 Bed $1,330
2 Beds $1,820

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The Paxon
1 Bed $1,545
2 Beds $2,325

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