Safest Neighborhoods in Minneapolis, MN
We know that choosing where to live means prioritizing safety for yourself and your family. When you're researching the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis MN, you're looking for more than just low crime statistics—you want peaceful streets where children can play, strong community connections, and the confidence that comes from living in secure, well-maintained areas.
Minneapolis offers several neighborhoods that consistently rank among the city's safest, combining low crime rates with family-friendly atmospheres, excellent schools, and engaged communities. Understanding which areas provide the security and peace of mind you're seeking helps you make confident decisions about where to call home.
Mint Moving has helped countless families relocate to Minneapolis' safest neighborhoods. We've seen firsthand what makes these areas special and why families choose them. This guide examines the best safe places to live in Minneapolis MN, providing the clarity you need to choose neighborhoods where safety meets quality of life.
What Makes a Neighborhood Safe
Before examining specific neighborhoods, understanding what creates safe communities helps you evaluate areas beyond just crime statistics.
Low Crime Rates
The most obvious safety indicator is low crime—both violent crime (assault, robbery) and property crime (burglary, vehicle theft). The Minneapolis Police Department provides crime data and statistics, though neighborhood-level analysis requires deeper research.
- Safe neighborhoods typically feature:
- Minimal violent crime incidents
- Lower-than-average property crime rates
Consistent safety trends rather than recent improvements that might not hold
Well-lit streets and maintained public spaces that discourage criminal activity
Strong Community Engagement
Neighborhoods where residents know each other, participate in community events, and look out for neighbors create informal security networks. Block clubs, neighborhood associations, and active community presence contribute significantly to safety beyond what police presence alone provides.
Quality Schools and Family Presence
Areas with good schools attract stable families who invest in their communities long-term. High concentrations of families with children create environments where safety naturally becomes a shared priority. Minneapolis Public Schools serves most city neighborhoods, with school quality varying by specific location.
Well-Maintained Infrastructure
Safe neighborhoods typically feature well-maintained homes, clean streets, functional streetlights, and attention to public spaces. Physical deterioration often correlates with increasing crime, while well-kept neighborhoods signal community investment and pride.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in Minneapolis
Several Minneapolis neighborhoods consistently rank among the city's safest, each offering distinct character while maintaining strong safety records.
Linden Hills
Linden Hills represents one of Minneapolis' safest and most family-oriented neighborhoods. Located in southwest Minneapolis near Lake Harriet, this residential area features tree-lined streets, single-family homes, and strong community connections.
Safety Features:
- Very low crime rates compared to city averages
- Long-term homeowners who know neighbors and watch out for community
- Family-focused environment with children regularly playing outside
- Well-lit streets and maintained sidewalks
- Active neighborhood association
Community Amenities: Residents enjoy the Linden Hills Farmer's Market during summer months, Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream as a neighborhood gathering spot, and Lake Harriet's beach and walking trails. The area attracts families seeking both safety and quality of life.
For comprehensive details about this neighborhood, see Living in Linden Hills: Complete Guide.
Adjacent to Linden Hills, Fulton offers similar safety characteristics with slightly more affordable housing. This quiet residential neighborhood attracts families and professionals seeking secure, peaceful living.
Safety Features:
- Consistently low crime statistics
- Predominantly single-family homes with stable, long-term residents
- Strong sense of community and neighborhood pride
- Proximity to good elementary schools
The neighborhood's residential character and family focus create environments where safety is prioritized and maintained through community engagement.
Kenny
The Kenny neighborhood, positioned in southwest Minneapolis, combines safety with convenience. Families appreciate the area's walkability, parks, and proximity to excellent schools including Kenny Elementary School.
Safety Features:
- Below-average crime rates for Minneapolis
- Mix of young families and established residents
- Active community participation in neighborhood events
- Well-maintained streets and public spaces
Residents frequent local spots like Copper Hen Cakery & Kitchen and enjoy easy access to both Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska.
Lynnhurst
Lynnhurst sits in south Minneapolis between Lake Harriet and Minnehaha Creek, offering natural beauty alongside residential safety. The neighborhood's quiet streets and engaged community make it popular with families.
Safety Features:
- Low crime rates maintained consistently over years
- Strong neighborhood association fostering community connections
- Excellent walkability and bike-friendly infrastructure
- Family-oriented parks and recreational spaces
Bryn Mawr
Located in west Minneapolis near Theodore Wirth Park, Bryn Mawr offers unique character with strong safety records. The neighborhood's wooded feel and community engagement create secure living environments.
Safety Features:
- Very low crime rates
- Tight-knit community with active neighborhood association
- Natural boundaries (parks, highways) that create distinct neighborhood feel
- Mix of long-term homeowners and families
Residents enjoy hiking and biking at nearby Theodore Wirth Park and gathering at Bull's Horn Food & Drink, which serves as a neighborhood hub.
Nokomis
The Nokomis neighborhood surrounds Lake Nokomis in south Minneapolis, providing beach access, trails, and residential safety in a more affordable package than some southwest neighborhoods.
Safety Features:
- Moderate to low crime rates
- Strong community presence around the lake
- Family-friendly parks and recreational facilities
- Active neighborhood watch programs
The area attracts families who want lake access and safety without the premium pricing of Linden Hills or similar neighborhoods. For comparison of Minneapolis neighborhoods at various price points, see Most Affordable Areas in Minneapolis, MN.
Family-Friendly Safety Considerations
For families with children, safety extends beyond crime statistics to include factors affecting daily life and child development.
School Safety and Quality
Parents prioritize neighborhoods with safe schools and quality education. Southwest Minneapolis neighborhoods like Linden Hills, Kenny, and Fulton provide access to well-regarded schools within Minneapolis Public Schools, creating environments where education and safety align.
Many families research specific schools rather than just neighborhoods, understanding that school quality varies across the district. For comprehensive analysis of family-oriented neighborhoods, see Best Family Neighborhoods in Minneapolis, MN.
Pedestrian Safety
Safe neighborhoods feature:
- Complete sidewalk networks for walking to schools and parks
- Traffic-calming measures like speed bumps and stop signs
- Well-marked crosswalks near schools and parks
- Lower traffic volumes on residential streets
Southwest Minneapolis neighborhoods generally excel in pedestrian infrastructure compared to other city areas.
Parks and Recreation Access
Safe parks where children can play independently matter tremendously to families. Minneapolis' excellent park system provides recreational opportunities, but safety and maintenance levels vary. Linden Hills, Lynnhurst, and Nokomis benefit from proximity to well-maintained, family-friendly parks managed by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Community Programs
Neighborhoods offering youth sports, community centers, and family programming create additional safety through structured activities and community connections. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board coordinates programs throughout the city, with participation and quality varying by neighborhood.
Understanding Minneapolis Crime Data
Minneapolis experienced increases in crime in recent years, making safety considerations more important than ever for prospective residents.
Accessing Crime Information
The Minneapolis Police Department Crime Dashboard provides current crime data searchable by neighborhood and crime type. However, interpreting this data requires understanding that:
- Crime statistics represent reported crimes only
- Different neighborhoods have different baseline crime levels
- Recent trends matter more than single-year data
- Property crime affects far more residents than violent crime
Southwest Minneapolis Safety Advantage
Southwest Minneapolis neighborhoods—including Linden Hills, Fulton, Kenny, and Lynnhurst—consistently maintain lower crime rates than city averages. This advantage stems from:
- Higher property values and homeownership rates
- Stable, long-term residents invested in community
- Active neighborhood associations and block clubs
- Strong community social capital
Realistic Safety Expectations
Even Minneapolis' safest neighborhoods experience some property crime—package theft, vehicle break-ins, and occasional burglaries occur citywide. Realistic expectations include:
- Locking vehicles and removing valuables
- Securing packages and deliveries
- Installing security systems if desired
- Maintaining exterior lighting
No urban neighborhood eliminates crime entirely, but the safest areas minimize risks significantly compared to higher-crime areas.
Making Your Move to a Safe Minneapolis Neighborhood
Once you've identified Minneapolis' safest neighborhoods that align with your priorities, practical moving considerations ensure smooth transitions.
Housing Search in Safe Neighborhoods
Safe Minneapolis neighborhoods like Linden Hills, Fulton, and Kenny typically feature competitive housing markets. Homes move quickly, particularly in desirable school attendance areas. Working with realtors who know these neighborhoods helps you understand nuances and act quickly when suitable properties become available.
Rental options exist but remain more limited than in denser urban areas. Most safe family neighborhoods attract homeowners rather than renters, creating markets where purchasing makes more sense than renting long-term.
Visiting Neighborhoods
- Before committing, visit neighborhoods at different times:
- Weekday mornings to see school routines and commuting patterns
- Weekend afternoons to experience community activity and parks
- Evenings to assess lighting, traffic, and nighttime safety feel
Walk around, visit local coffee shops like Dunn Brothers Coffee or neighborhood restaurants, and talk to residents about their experiences. Most Minneapolis residents happily share perspectives about their communities.
Professional Moving Services
Relocating to your safe Minneapolis neighborhood doesn't have to be stressful. Mint Moving specializes in helping families and individuals transition smoothly to neighborhoods throughout Minneapolis.
Our services include:
- Residential Moving: Complete household moves for single-family homes in neighborhoods like Linden Hills, Fulton, and Lynnhurst
- Local Moving: Efficient relocations within Minneapolis for residents moving between neighborhoods
- Apartment Moving: Expert navigation of apartment logistics for those renting in safe areas
We understand Minneapolis neighborhoods intimately and handle all moving logistics so you can focus on settling your family into your new safe community. Our experienced crews treat your belongings carefully while working efficiently to get you settled quickly.
For comprehensive information about living in Minneapolis beyond just safety considerations—including employment, schools, recreation, and practical relocation guidance—see our complete guide to moving to Minneapolis.
Your Next Steps: Choosing Your Safe Minneapolis Neighborhood
The safest neighborhoods Minneapolis MN offers—Linden Hills, Fulton, Kenny, Lynnhurst, Bryn Mawr, and Nokomis—combine low crime rates with strong communities, family-friendly environments, and quality of life that makes Minneapolis living special. These southwest and south Minneapolis areas consistently provide the security and peace of mind families seek.
Safety doesn't exist in isolation—the safest neighborhoods also tend to offer excellent schools, engaged communities, well-maintained infrastructure, and recreational amenities that create environments where families thrive. Your choice should balance safety with other priorities like commute times, housing costs, and lifestyle preferences.
Start by visiting neighborhoods in person, researching schools if you have children, and understanding current housing markets. Connect with realtors who know these areas and can guide you toward properties meeting your needs and budget.
When you're ready to make your move, Mint Moving provides a professional service that eliminates moving stress.
Contact Mint Moving today to discuss your relocation to one of Minneapolis' safest neighborhoods. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on starting your new chapter in a secure, welcoming Minneapolis community.
Welcome to Minneapolis—where safe neighborhoods, excellent parks, strong schools, and genuine community create the foundation for your family's next chapter. Your safe Minneapolis life begins now.
