North Loop, Minneapolis

North Loop is a shopper's dream on the north side of Minneapolis. The neighborhood is sandwiched between I-94 and I-394 within the Warehouse District and is right next to Downtown West. Industrial buildings are located close to the river while shops encircle Target Field where residents and visitors can enjoy major league baseball games. The numerous forms of public transportation provide easy passage in and out of North Loop while the interstates provide routes throughout the metropolitan area. A major downside about this community, however, is that it has some of the highest traffic in Minneapolis.

The local housing mostly consists of apartment buildings and converted warehouse spaces. This community caters to a renter population and most property leases are listed at mid- range prices. N. Washington Ave. is the place to be for all the restaurants, bars and shops that one could want and even more options are located just on the other side of I-394. Residents that are looking for a little fresh air can mosey on over towards the river, but North Loop is mostly concrete. Not suitable for families or retired individuals looking for peace and quiet, this community is a happening place where younger, more mobile crowds will always find something to do.

The North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis is one of my favorite places in northern Minneapolis to visit and shop. It has experienced recent growth in commercial and cultural venues. The new Target Field is where I have gone to cheer for the hometown team, and the outdoor stadium is absolutely gorgeous. Even if you are not a baseball fan, an afternoon in the spring sun with the soft sounds of the city in the background is a perfect way to spend a day. Parking near the field is fairly close with plenty of ramps. The drawback is that traffic can be quite heavy and the streets are fairly narrow at times.
The North Loop community is also known as the Warehouse District, as it has a fair share of industrial buildings. Over the years many of these warehouses have been converted into newer office spaces, retail locations, and even loft type apartment buildings. There is an amazing variety of shops in this area, and I love to shop the unique boutiques.
If you are looking for nightlife, great dining, or even cozy coffee shops the North Loop has more than you probably even need. The light-rail transit is a great way to get around, and there is constant bus service as well. Sometimes it is worth the ease to park at a remote location such as the Mall of America and take the transit into this area to avoid the traffic headaches. I’m not sure I would want to live in this very busy neighborhood, but it is a great place to visit and feel the heartbeat of city life.