West Side in St. Paul? (Edina, West St. Paul: high crime, houses, neighborhood) - Minneapolis - St. Paul - Minnesota (MN) -Twin Cities - City-Data Forum

jairae · 03-12-2012, 08:05 PM

I'm looking to buy in the West Side, but I need some help on what areas are safe and which ones to steer clear of.

It seems like east of Smith St. down toward Cesar Chavez isn't great. Particularly, I'm looking just a block or two east of Smith St. and 1 block in from the bluffs. I'm attracted to it because of the amazing views, proximity to downtown, biking/walking trails, and the affordable prices, but is it safe?

I'd appreciate your input.

Squeamish · 03-12-2012, 09:04 PM

One block in from the bluff should still be very nice. Unless you're down on Ohio St. which is a little seedy. 3 or 4 blocks in from the bluff is a different story, but I think the presence of the bluff raises housing values enough that the neighborhood becomes very nice. West of Smith is also very nice; the further east of Smith you get the seedier it becomes, but it never becomes seedy enough that the average city person would feel uncomfortable walking around at night. The West Side is a very nice, yet affordable, neighborhood. But it's somewhat patchy block to block. The specific locale you mention is very nice.

jairae · 03-13-2012, 12:19 AM

Thanks so much, that's very helpful! It seems a bit like a hidden gem to me, but I wasn't sure so I really value people's opinions.

jairae · 03-13-2012, 08:53 AM

Any other thoughts from people who know the area?

golfgal · 03-13-2012, 09:21 AM

With the exception of a couple blocks along the cliffs the West Side is not a nice area. It is a high crime area with a lot of issues. The schools there are some of the worst in the nation, so bad they closed down the high school to "reorganize". It's too bad that area has fallen into such disrepair because there were some amazing houses over there. The city tried, and failed, to revitalize the area. Move a few blocks south into West St. Paul--south of Annapolis and you will be much happier and much better off.

jairae · 03-13-2012, 10:55 AM

Thanks for the input. It certainly is a charming looking little community up on the bluffs and several blocks in for having such a reputation. I'm surprised at that considering Mayor Coleman lives there.

golfgal · 03-13-2012, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jairae

Thanks for the input. It certainly is a charming looking little community up on the bluffs and several blocks in for having such a reputation. I'm surprised at that considering Mayor Coleman lives there.

He lives on the Bluffs and certainly did not send his kids to the local schools...

jairae · 03-13-2012, 11:39 AM

Yes, I assumed as much. I would have been shocked if he had, even if he lived in Edina.

Camden Northsider · 03-13-2012, 01:18 PM

This thread has piqued my interest in wanting to check out what is being referred to as "the bluff" or "the bluffs" the next time I am in the area (am usually am on the West Side at least a handful of times a year)- what intersection or blocks should I target to find the areas being referenced (or others in vicinity)? -Have always been a fan of little-known enclaves, and residential areas with good views.

jairae · 03-13-2012, 06:01 PM

Just over the Smith St. bridge and the road following the bluffs, and some blocks that go in from the bluffs parallel to Smith. Some homes are very well-kept and adorable, while random ones here and there look rundown. I saw several women walking their dogs alone this weekend, moms with strollers, and the views are incredible, but the West Side in general has quite the reputation as being bad. I don't have kids so schools aren't a factor, but I want to feel safe and I'd like to hear more from people who actually live there!