Payne-Phalen has been called St. Paul's next hot neighborhood... find out why, from people who have loved living there | HomesMSP

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I first got to know the Payne-Phalen neighborhood about 15 years ago, when I listed a home on Montana Avenue just west of Lake Phalen. I was struck then by what a hidden gem this neighborhood is… charming, quiet, affordable, and only minutes to downtown St. Paul. I am now selling my fourth house within two blocks on that same street… and the neighborhood just keeps getting better and better.

It has been called St. Paul's next hot neighborhood, and for good reason. Read what my clients who have lived there longer than they ever intended to have to say about it.

When we bought this house, we bought it as a "starter", and expected to stay here no more than five years tops. We have been here over 15 years… the five-year plan was tossed out the window long ago. Why? Well, the house is super cute, we started our family here… and look at these people!

These are our neighbors… I have never experienced a neighborhood like this before, and others that I talk to about it haven't either. They are so much fun, and so helpful. It is like a big eclectic extended family and I am going to miss them like crazy. ~ Karla

The homes in this neighborhood are charming, with the north side along Phalen Regional Park more quiet with parks and interconnecting trails, including an access point to the Gateway State Trail (7.15 miles), Bruce Vento Regional Trail (6.17 miles), and Lake Phalen trail (3.0 miles).

Real estate pundits have drawn parallels between Northeast Minneapolis and St. Paul's Payne-Phalen neighborhood, where you can find both affordable homes and commercial space. NE Minneapolis is no longer a secret… Payne-Phalen is just coming into its own, with the bustling Payne business and restaurant strip leading the charge.

Payne Avenue has changed dramatically since we moved in. We used to drive down Payne without really looking around on our way somewhere else. Ward 6 Food & Drink was the cornerstone of a revival of Payne Avenue. The owners of Ward 6 live on the East Side and we frequently bump into people that we know from the neighborhood there. Cook St. Paul and Tongue in Cheek came shortly thereafter. Bother are fantastic – one for killer pancakes, the other for mini craft cocktails and appetizers. Flat Earth Brewery in the old Hamms Brewery was a great addition and they have an amazing space. We found Eastside Thai, which had always been there. And the Mexican groceries have the best avocados and limes. Once we started driving to Payne Avenue instead of using is as a thoroughfare we found more to love. ~ Brad