Windom Park

A mix of cultures and routines, Wisdom Park is a neighborhood well suited for residents of all types, as long as they don't mind each other; i.e., mothers pushing strollers do not mind the occasional crowd of college students and vice versa. This neighborhood is within easy reach of the downtown area as well as the University of Minnesota, making it an ideal location for those attending classes as well as those done with the college life. The main throughway through the area, Central Avenue NE, is home to numerous trendy coffeehouses, modest sized markets, and restaurants and shops that reflect the diverse immigrant population of Wisdom Park. Ethnic eateries hailing from countries like Mexico, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Colombia and Somalia create a colorful palette for the neighborhood.

Wisdom Park, so name after the park and the Minnesota congressman, is within walking distance to the shopping center called the Quarry as well as the community grocery called the Eastside Food Co-op. Despite all this activity, Wisdom Park remains one of the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis. This low crime area is also home to an eclectic mix of abodes, showing off architectural styles from various eras, including the early 1900 Victorian inspired houses, the small and colorful bungalows on the west side of the neighborhood that popped up during the 1940's and the Tudor homes that became popular during the 60's. The type of home that one can afford in this area is circumstantial, but Wisdom Park as the advantage of not being subject to one single income level. Many of the younger residents are able to occupy the large houses by forming cooperative, in which several people live within one dwelling to make rent and other expenses cheaper.