West Side
Continuous development and stunning views of the Mississippi River have helped
make the West Side in St. Paul a sought-after neighborhood. Found just one mile
south of downtown, the West Side residential neighborhoods are home to Holman
airfield, several parks, Harriet Island, and Navy Island (once known as
Raspberry Island).
This area, initially a working class and industrial neighborhood, is now a nexus
of many generations, races, and cultures. Practically 20 percent of this
neighborhood of about 17,000 residents were born outside the United States.
Neighborhood Details
Cost of Housing
Industrial pockets mark the typically residential neighborhood, where the
majority of the houses were built before 1930. Architectural styles range from
gingerbread Victorians to modest bungalows. The standard home is a 1.5 or
two-story, three bedroom, single bath residence, costing about $150,000. You
get 1,200- to 1,500-square feet, plus extras such as large rooms, stained
glass windows, natural woodwork and hardwood floors.
Newer two-story residences at 1,400- to 1,800-square feet with two or
three baths start at about $168,000, with the most desirable having
river/city views near Cherokee Park.
Apartments consist mostly of older duplexes and some multi-unit buildings
constructed after 1940. Studios and one-bedrooms rent for $600 and up.
School System
The St. Paul School District serves the area and includes the Pangea Magnet
programs at elementary schools Riverview, which concentrate on speaking and
reading skills, and Roosevelt, which focuses on science, music, and
computers. The Guadalupe Alternative Program serves special needs for grades
7 through 12.
St. Matthew, a private religious school, serves grades K through 8.
Entertainment
The park at nearby Harriet Island provides green spaces and wildlife preserves. The riverfront has
a science museum.
Shopping can be found along Smith and Stryker avenues as well as on both
Concord Street and Robert Street.
The springtime Cinco De Mayo Festival draws more than 80,000 visitors.
Transportation
Regardless of the fact that the West Side is surrounded on three sides by the
Mississippi, most days you can reach St. Paul in five minutes or less
navigating the city via Highway 52/Lafayette Freeway. Interstates 94 and 35 are
about two miles away. Travel time via I-94 from Minneapolis can range from 15
minutes to a half hour depending upon traffic. I-35 runs north and south,
connecting St. Paul with neighboring counties.
Many residents take the Metro buses.