Kenny, Minneapolis

Kenny has followed the general trend of the southwestern Minneapolis communities and it projects the peaceful small town atmosphere for which the are is famous. This neighborhood is on the southern edge of the city and is just across Highway 62 from the town of Richfield. Additionally, I-35W just to the east provides an easy commute to downtown and other neighborhoods within the metropolitan area. One if the prizes of this community is Grass Lake, which is 27 acres of natural wetland that is perfect for kicking back during a warm and sunny day. Kenny Park also provides numerous forms of outdoor recreation for those living within or visiting the area.

Properties within Kenny are listed at higher prices, seldom going below $200,000. This community caters to a home owner population, hence there are almost no residential spaces for rent. The streets are kept exceptionally clean and the yards are always well- maintained. Kenny is also filled with businesses suitable for its residents including a few restaurants, a bank, grocery store, library, and gym. When people think of Kenny, they think of the Midwest charm, where neighbors know each other and where families can live for multiple generations. The fresh water, green and community spirit will make any newcomer feel right at home.

If you are searching for the quintessential cozy Midwest neighborhood, you don’t have to look much further than the community of Kenny. Almost all of the homes in the residential area are owner occupied and the streets and homes set upon them are very well-maintained. The prices for homes in Kenny are modest and affordable to many of the average families in the southern Minneapolis neighborhood.

Perhaps one of the most loved features of Kenny is Grass Lake. This gift from nature is made up of 27 acres of wetland and sits at the southern end of the Kenny neighborhood. It is a favorite place for bird watching and just enjoying nature. Residents also enjoy Kenny Park for year round recreation possibilities including athletic fields, a wading pool, and trails.

Even though Kenny is almost like a small town, it still has great amenities for residents. There is a fitness center, library, drug store, grocery store, hardware store, and bank within the community, as well as numerous restaurants and coffee houses. Area merchants and business owners provide the community with other necessities like veterinarian services and automobile mechanic services.

For more of the larger city aspects, Kenny is just a 15 minute ride to Downtown, and the streets of Kenny are within easy access of major road and highways. A neighborhood improvement group has been working hard for the past few years to continue to improve and maintain this great south Minneapolis neighborhood.

East Harriet Farmstead is one of Minneapolis' best-loved secrets. Encompassing everything from Jazz Age rental apartments to condos, duplexes, bungalows and lakefront mansions, this neighborhood probably has a place you can afford, as well as one to envy. Home to the Rose Garden, the Peace Garden and Roberts Bird Sanctuary (on the shores of Lake Harriet), it's a great escape. But, when you do want to go elsewhere, East Harriet is just about the perfect starting point. Ten minutes north on Lyndale Ave. and you're downtown. Uptown, with its hot eateries and nightlife, is just 5 minutes up the street. Venture 10 minutes south, you're at the shopping hub around Southdale. 50th and France is about 10 minutes to the west; the airport is 20 minutes, in traffic, to the southeast. You can hop on your bike and hit the parkway system; four of Minneapolis' lakes are within a half hour ride. Great public and private schools are in and around the immediate area, and there is bus service to the University of Minnesota. Feeling communal? Try Java Jack’s for coffee and conversation. Or take the dog for a walk around the lake. You’ll see most of your neighbors there at some point. Need time away from the kids? Stroll on over to Agri for a quiet dinner and a bottle of wine. You can leave the car at home. Need time with the kids? Farmstead Park has a new playground, tennis courts and ball fields.

Yes, we’re spoiled, but nothing is perfect. Farmstead does have an airport noise problem, particularly when the north-south runway is closed. Most of the lots are small and most garages are detached. The two-car variety, usually built well after the house, is a yard-eater. The homes here are old enough to need lots of TLC. We're also in the midst of major road and sewer reconstruction-- a seemingly never-ending process! But these are minor annoyances. The proof of the neighborhood is how seldom the homes change hands. Seeing a house go on the market for only the second or third time in sixty years is commonplace. Our house is now on its fourth owner, and after 20 years, we’re planning on staying for at least 20 more!