South side of Minnehaha Parkway? (Minneapolis, Richfield: real estate market, houses, neighborhood)

[sugarbeet]

My husband and I are looking at houses in South Minneapolis and have found some good prices in the area on the south side of Minnehaha Parkway in the vicinity of Xerxes to Penn (approx). The prices are surprisingly affordable, even for homes facing (across the street from) the Parkway. It seems that many of the homes in this area were built in the 1970s, so I wondered if that had anything to do with it.

Other than the homes being less attractive (IMO) than the older homes north of the Parkway and east of where we're looking, I can't figure it out. It certainly never appears to have been a run-down area, just more modest housing. And I also know that 54th Street is a perceived boundary, but, again, these homes can literally walk a few feet and be next to the creek.

Does any long time Minneapolitan know the story of this area or have any insight (other than the state of the real estate market, of which I'm aware)?

[Minnehahapolitan]

Do I? You bet. The City border stopped at 54th Street until the late 1920s. The area you are talking about has a housing stock from the late 1950s to the late 60s. (1970 is too new for that area). It was part of the post-war housing boom. The area you specuifically outline is the Armitage neighborhood. The area is pretty much a Richfield in the City (with a little more money). The area has the generally same demographics as the older suburbs. Older people, fewer kids, original owners. It is not dangerous at all. The houses aren't that bad when they are fixed up (they are built well, good woodwork, et. cetera) they are still maintained like it is 1964 though. They seem older and less attractive because of it. They aren't even technically more modest. The older houses were built by the same class of people. People now simply prefer the older house and the value of Armitage is less because of it. It is a good area and a wonderful alternative to Fulton, Linden Hills and Tangletown. The only drawback is that it is further from commercial activity and less walkable.

[nick is rulz]

I have a friend whos parents live off Washburn in that neighborhood. Nothing particularly fancy, but not a bad spot.

[music7lover]

Anything around Minnehaha Parkway is a good area. Xerxes and Penn is nice. Close to the 50th and France village etc. Can't go wrong with that neighborhood close by.

[sugarbeet]

Thanks for your responses! I found out that the house we're looking at was built in 1960, not 1970, which fits with Minnehahapolitan's statements.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Originally Posted by music7lover

Anything around Minnehaha Parkway is a good area. Xerxes and Penn is nice. Close to the 50th and France village etc. Can't go wrong with that neighborhood close by.

All nice areas also, but anything within spitting distance of 50th and France will be $50,000 - 100,000 more.