The Problem With Living in St. Paul Nobody Talks About…

Jason Huerkamp · Living in MinneapolisJune 12, 202614:444.5K views

About this video

St. Paul is one of the most historic and charming cities in the Midwest, but it isn't perfect. In this video, we break down the biggest pros and cons of living in St. Paul, from beautiful neighborhoods and parks to road construction, transit challenges, and lifestyle trade-offs.

Key takeaways

Saint Paul is quieter than Minneapolis at night. There are good spots along West 7th and downtown, but for lots of late-night options you'll often cross the river.
Its historic architecture is unmatched: Summit Avenue runs 4.5 miles from the Cathedral to the Mississippi, and Summit Hill, Cathedral Hill and Macalester-Groveland share that older, tree-lined feel.
The flip side: little new construction. If a brand-new home is a must, Saint Paul has few options.
Outdoors: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is free every day, Harriet Island sits on the river, and the city has more than 200 miles of bike paths and lanes.
Potholes and road construction are a real part of life, with the freeze-thaw cycle and many MnDOT projects running through the city.
You'll likely need a car, though transit is improving: the Gold Line (2025) to Woodbury, the B and E lines, and the Green Line Extension (2027).
Strengths include a food scene with James Beard recognition, the Hmong Village and Hmongtown markets, the Science Museum, the Winter Carnival and the State Fair, plus colleges such as Macalester, St. Thomas, Hamline and St. Catherine. Shopping is the weak spot: Grand Avenue is charming but small.

Questions this video answers

Is Saint Paul quieter than Minneapolis?

Yes. Saint Paul has a slower, more residential feel, with good bars and music venues but fewer late-night options than Minneapolis.

Is there new construction in Saint Paul?

Not much. The city's historic, built-out neighborhoods leave little room for new homes, so buyers who want new construction usually look to the suburbs.

Read more: Summit Hill · Macalester-Groveland · Como Park

Notes written by Huerkamp Home Group from this video. Figures are as stated in the video on June 12, 2026; check the current numbers in our market reports.