Central

The name says it all – Central. Tucked right into the heart of a bustling city is the Central neighborhood in the center of south Minneapolis. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in southern Minneapolis, Central homes are representative of historical architecture and charm.
Many of these homes were built in the late 19th century and boast Queen Anne architecture styles as well as the look of Colonial estates. Nestled in between these larger homes are more traditional Tudors and bungalows, as well as some apartment buildings. The homes are for the most part owner-occupied, but there are some rental units as well as low-rise multifamily homes available. Home prices and income levels are at median to low ranges for the Minneapolis area.

Part of the attraction of the neighborhood of Central is the close proximity it has to the life and offerings of the city. Downtown, the Lakes District, the Midtown Exchange and Global Market, and easy access to the freeway all contribute to the diverse population of Central. There are many ethnic groups and cultural groups represented by the people of the Central neighborhood.

Home to one of the famous Carnegie libraries, the Hosmer Community Library, Central also features the Friendship Academy of Fine Arts, the Green Central Gym, and the Sabathani Community Center.

Given its name because it is situated in the very center of Minneapolis, Central is a model urban neighborhood that is unique to this city. The majority of businesses, which include dining and shopping spots, are located along Chicago and 4th Avenues as well as 38th Street, which also serves as the community's southern boundary. Modern Times and South Side Deli are frequented eating spots and notable community gathering locations include the Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition and the Chicago Ave. Fine Arts Center.

The top selling point for Central is that it is basically in the middle of everything. Residents can walk or ride their bikes to surrounding neighborhoods including Bancroft, Phillips, Uptown, and Downtown. Having I-35W as the western border also makes for easy access in and out of Minneapolis. Many of the residential and commercial structures were built prior to 1900, making Central one of the most historically valuable communities. The homes, most of which are modest sized houses and apartment buildings, are rented and sold at mid-range prices. This makes living within these avenues suitable for various types of people and thus the local population is quite diverse. Central tends to be preferred by younger and single crowds as opposed to families due to the high level of daily activity. Parents who want to raise their children in this part of town, however, are in arms reach of Richard R. Green Elementary.