Harrison neighborhood (St. Paul, Eagan, Edina: real estate, rentals, crime)

[nick is rulz]

I moved into the neighborhood a while back from uptown and I gotta say I love it. I almost never hear anyone mention it, let alone know where it is. I usually have to say Bryn Mawr. Overall, if I had the money to invest in a property (or rather, the interest in doing so I guess ) I would seriously consider purchasing here for a number of reasons.

South of Glenwood is really quiet. On the corner of Penn and Glenwood they just recently finished up the Ripley Gardens rentals which will help improve the area. Ive seen pictures and the places look amazing.

Where the impound lot is has been sold and is being re-developed into a business area of the city extending off of downtown. Several current vacant lot areas in the Sumner-Glenwood and Harrison districts have been requisitioned by the city specifically for a new business district.

Bassett Creek is being cleaned up, and re-developed. Eventually, there will be waterfront businesses running parallel to 394 throughout.

As far as crime goes, its pretty low key. I actually spoke to a fourth precinct officer about neighborhood concerns and he told me that since the Glenwood projects were demolished in 1999, the area has got better and better each year. Theres some issues on the 400 and 500 blocks as it edges closer towards Olson Memorial, but it doesnt really compare to what happens just on the other side of the highway.

[2blessed2stress]

Funny you post this...I go through that area in the mornings...(My kids love the Bryn Mawr 'bushes')

Anyhow, I noticed the new development at Glenwood/Penn and said, yes! This area needs major revitilazation! It's still many blocks just north of Glenwood that make you go but I thought to myself...they need to start POURING money over here, tear down all those store fronts on Broadway and re-build a COMMUNITY on the north side.

They also need to get rid of those housing complexes on 55, right around Humboldt.

[nick is rulz]

I dig that its being cleaned up and all but I kinda hope it stays diverse so I hope they spruce it up without it becoming completely gentrified. If I want to live in Rich Whiteyville Id be out in the burbs or in Kenwood right now. Glenwood to 55 is pretty run down but it doesnt really get too bad until you're past 55 and into Willard-Homewood.

[Slig]

I've driven through that area before and I liked it and yes, it did seem very quiet. I looked up the crime data there for the year and it's quite low.

[nick is rulz]

if memory serves you were looking for properties in North Mpls because of the diversity and cheap housing stock...Id suggest looking here. Granted, its not as cheap, but its still pretty easy to snag a nice spot for less than 175k easily.

[Slig]

yeah but that was back when i worked in plymouth. I work in eagan now so I'm looking for houses in St. Paul now.

[punkerdunker]

Slig, have you considered the West End / West 7th neighborhood of St. Paul for buying a house? I've been living in the old brewery neighborhood for about 3 years, and I really like it. It's urban, fairly diverse, and affordable, and has very little crime. Some of the houses are fantastic if you like turn-of-the century homes - its the oldest neighborhood in St. Paul. The neighborhhod has been getting cleaned up over the last decade with a lot of revitalization efforts alng west 7th street (no more porn shops, new cafes and industries). It's also very well-connected to 35E so your commute to Eagan would be a snap if you drive. The only real complaint I have is that there are too many rental properties, so what I need you to do is buy one of them and come live in it.

[ladyfish]

Originally Posted by punkerdunker

Slig, have you considered the West End / West 7th neighborhood of St. Paul for buying a house? I've been living in the old brewery neighborhood for about 3 years, and I really like it. It's urban, fairly diverse, and affordable, and has very little crime. Some of the houses are fantastic if you like turn-of-the century homes - its the oldest neighborhood in St. Paul. The neighborhhod has been getting cleaned up over the last decade with a lot of revitalization efforts alng west 7th street (no more porn shops, new cafes and industries). It's also very well-connected to 35E so your commute to Eagan would be a snap if you drive. The only real complaint I have is that there are too many rental properties, so what I need you to do is buy one of them and come live in it.

Are there alot of young families in that neighborhood? What's the zip code (to look at houses )

[punkerdunker]

To Ladyfish:

The West 7th area has 2 zip codes: 55102 and 55116. I believe the 55116 area is called "Homecroft". I'd stick to 55102 for the most part. However, if you search online for houses, be aware that 55102 also includes Crocus Hill, which is on the other side of 35E and is perhaps the most expensive place to buy real estate in St. Paul. If you go on Edina Realty's web page, you can actually search by neighborhood name, which makes things easier.

Edina Realty-Real Estate, Mortgage and Title Closing Experts

There are young families here, mine included. I'm not sure I would say alot; My neighbor says there used to be tons of little kids 10 years ago, and now they are teenagers, but I still see alot of strollers, little kids at Palace Park, and quite a few very good in-home day-cares nearby.

[Slig]

yeah i've been looking for houses in that area amongst a few other areas of the city, mostly in the 140-175k range.