Minneapolis Diamond Lake neighborhood... a hidden jewel within the city of lakes | HomesMSP

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When people think of South Minneapolis they most often think of the area around the city lakes and Minnehaha Creek. But if you are looking for picturesque and kid friendly, don’t overlook the Diamond Lake neighborhood south of Minnehaha Creek. Often paired with neighboring Hale and Page neighborhoods on the north side of Minnehaha Parkway, these are outstanding residential areas with 94% single family homes. They not only have easy access to trails and parks, but also to downtown Minneapolis, Southdale, Mall of America and the airport.

Many families and professionals live in the Diamond Lake neighborhood, whose residents tend to be liberal. It ranks high as a desirable place to live because of its very low crime rate, high-ranked schools (Hale Elementary just over the border in the Hale neighborhood), housing costs and high marks for recreation (Pearl Park has a wading pool, ball fields, recreation center and wintertime skating; Diamond Lake Park is a wildlife refuge which boasts wetlands for canoeing and birding).

People who live in the Diamond Lake neighborhood love it there. A woman who grew up living across the street from Diamond Lake describes her experience below.

I grew up living at 5817 Portland. This neighborhood was full of kids and neighbors who really cared about each other and came together as a community. I rode my bike and walked to many different places in the neighborhood. We enjoyed playing at Todd and Pearl Park with their sledding hills, ice rink, classes, tennis courts, fields and play equipment. We also enjoyed the DQ at the corner (best one in the Twin Cities) and the biking and walking trails around the Minnehaha Creek. We enjoyed the view of Diamond Lake and spent time walking on the trails around the lake along with the many other wonderful lakes around the area. When I went to college, it was an easy bus ride on the express bus that I picked up right at the end of the block to and from the University of Minnesota.

Now as I come back and visit, I still see homes with kids and neighbors who look out for each other and take pride in keeping their homes and yards well maintained. It is a safe place to live. I enjoy the up and coming restaurants around the area. Some of my favorites are Revival, St. Genevieve, Prima, Ena, Martina and I.E. This area is close to 50th and France and the Southdale Shopping Center. It is a great alive area to live in.