For many of our clients, suburbs like Edina and Eden Prairie offer just what they want. With many similarities, there are also appealing differences. Barry Berg shares some highlights.
The Best of Both Worlds
Edina and Eden Prairie share many characteristics that draw the attention of homebuyers, including proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and major arterial roadways. This ensures that people can experience the suburban lifestyle while enjoying easy transportation.
Southwest Schools
The two suburbs appeal to buyers with children due to their rigorous academics. According to the 2023 Niche K-12 rankings, Edina High School and Eden Prairie High School rank among the top five best public high schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. In addition to their academics, both schools boast a variety of sports teams and other extracurricular opportunities for students.
Parks & Recreation
Edina and Eden Prairie together contain more than 70 parks.
Homeowners can explore Bryant Lake Regional Park in northeast Eden Prairie. Visitors regularly bike, boat, swim and hike in the gorgeous 170-acre space. The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course, an off-leash dog park, and plenty of picnic areas.
On the southeast side of Edina, stop by the family-friendly Centennial Lakes Park, which features amenities and activities throughout the year. People can enjoy fishing, boating, and walking trails during the summer, while in the winter, they can gather at the park’s warming house to skate around the lakes and drink hot cocoa.
Shop ‘til You Drop
There is plenty of shopping in the southwest suburbs.
Just north of Centennial Lakes Park, you can visit the oldest indoor mall in the nation, Southdale Center, or head across the street to the elegant Galleria shopping center. Continue north on France Ave S to 50th & France, where you’ll find blocks of local restaurants, boutiques, and activities. While you’re there, grab a ticket for a movie at the recently renovated Edina Theatre, whose iconic lit “Edina” sign unofficially serves as the city’s centerpiece.
Located off of I-494, Eden Prairie Center is a staple for people in the southwest metro. People can catch a movie at the AMC theater and discover more than 100 restaurants and stores. Only minutes away, patrons can dine at the recently opened Asia Mall,, allowing Minnesotans to shop for and taste authentic Asian cuisine, including hot pot, pho, boba tea, and mochi donuts.
Between their plentiful retail options, outstanding schools, and expansive parks, Edina and Eden Prairie share many traits. However, Barry emphasizes that they each have distinct qualities.
Edina Neighborhoods
Considering that Edina has more than 40 defined neighborhoods, it’s no wonder Barry describes it as “a community of neighborhoods.”
For example, Edina’s Country Club District is a large neighborhood tucked away on the northwest side of 50th & France. It’s characterized by its abundance of tree-lined streets, large historic homes with meticulously groomed lawns, and excellent walkability. Many first-time Minnesotans are drawn to this area because of its sense of community and neighborly spirit. Barry describes it as “the embodiment of a neighborhood.”
About four miles southwest of the Country Club District is the starkly contrasting neighborhood of Indian Hills, often described as an oasis of privacy and nature. The landscape is heavily wooded with several hills and small lakes that offer an escape from busier sections of Edina.
From populous boulevards to secluded forests, Edina neighborhoods have it all.
Rolling Green
For 15 years, Barry and his family lived in an Edina neighborhood called Rolling Green. Buffered by golf clubs (Interlachen Country Club & Meadowbrook Golf Course) and wetlands, there are only three streets that lead into the community. Rolling Green has uncharacteristically large lot sizes compared to other Edina neighborhoods, with many houses sitting on more than an acre of land. The area has seen the construction of many substantial properties representing diverse architectural styles. Rolling Green offers residents a balance of community and privacy, appealing particularly to families with children. The spacious yards provide plenty of room for children to play and for parents to entertain.
Barry describes Rolling Green as “a very relaxed, low-key, and friendly place to be.”
Eden Prairie Amenities
“Eden Prairie is uniquely self-contained,” says Barry. “Residents don’t feel like they need to leave the suburb to find other things to do.”
Eden Prairie residents have built the city up to ensure the community has access to everything they need. The suburb has more than 225 miles of trails and sidewalks, a notable community center, and a recently renovated public library. With all of these amenities, it is easy to see why people love living in Eden Prairie.
The Berg Larsen Group has helped clients buy and sell homes throughout the suburb’s vast selection of communities. One area that is always popular is Bearpath, Minnesota’s first gated neighborhood.
Bearpath
When buying a home in Bearpath, you also buy into the lifestyle. You will find Bearpath Golf & Country Club inside the community's gates; discover state-of-the-art houses surrounding an 18-hole golf course designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. Although residents aren’t required to join the club, many neighbors enjoy the comforts of membership, including swimming and tennis. Bearpath brings a unique sense of privacy, community, and luxury that is hard to find anywhere else in Minnesota.
Find Your Community
Whether you’re looking for a quiet street or a bustling block, the southwest suburbs have you covered. These cities allow homeowners to experience suburban living without sacrificing convenience, community, and public resources. Sound appealing? The Berg Larsen Group knows these communities well.
Last month, Kate Wall introduced us to Minneapolis's Kenwood, Lowry Hill, and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods. Next month, Realtor Nanci Anderson will share her knowledge of Wayzata and the Lake Minnetonka area.
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