If you’re considering a move to Edina, MN, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about 50th and France. This vibrant commercial and residential hub, where Edina meets Minneapolis, has a magnetic pull — blending top-notch amenities with a true sense of community. As a local Edina resident, let me take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to live here.
Community Vibe: Friendly, Sophisticated, and Inviting
One of the first things you notice at 50th and France is how welcoming everyone is. There’s a genuine neighborly spirit, whether you’re chatting with business owners over coffee at French Corner Bistro or running into friends at Lunds & Byerlys Grocer. People tend to recognize each other, and there’s a proud focus on supporting local shops, attending community festivals like the annual Edina Art Fair, and organizing block parties.
It’s also a place where creativity thrives. Boutique owners, artists, and young professionals rub shoulders with families who’ve lived here for generations. Weekly farmers’ markets in the warmer months, live music performances in the plaza, and sidewalk sales make community engagement easy and fun.
Types of Housing: From Classic Charm to Modern Luxury
Just a block or two off the main 50th and France intersection, you’ll find a diverse mix of homes:
- Classic Edina Cottages: Many homes along Sunnyside Road and Arden Avenue are charming, mid-century cottages with beautiful landscaping and inviting porches.
- Elegant Colonials & Tudors: Streets like Ewing Avenue feature elegant, larger homes with timeless character.
- Modern Townhomes and Condos: Recent years have brought tasteful, upscale condos and townhomes, perfect for downsizers, young couples, or empty nesters wanting less yard work but the same walkable, urban feel.
Small apartment complexes and rental options offer more flexibility, but most of the properties around 50th and France are owner-occupied, emphasizing long-term investment and stability.
Walkability: Leave Your Car at Home
Most residents at 50th and France will tell you: “You can do it all on foot.” The neighborhood’s walkability is one of its shining features. Whether you’re picking up groceries, heading to Pure Barre for a fitness class, catching a movie at the historic Edina Cinema, or grabbing brunch at Salut Bar Americain, it’s all just a stroll away.
In the evenings, the sidewalk patios fill up and the pedestrian-friendly intersections, like 50th St and France Ave, are lively but never overwhelming. Bike lanes and crosswalks are plentiful, making it easy (and safe) to explore nearby Lake Harriet or venture into the equally vibrant Fulton neighborhood of Minneapolis just across the avenue.
Schools and Family-Friendliness: Top-Tier Education and Plenty to Do
If you have kids, you’ll find world-class public and private school options within minutes. Edina’s public schools — particularly South View Middle School and Edina High School — continually rank among the best in Minnesota.
Younger families love nearby Concord Elementary and the close proximity to activities like art camps, dance studios, and the Edina Community Library. Safety is a top priority, with well-lit streets, crossing guards at busier intersections, and numerous after-school programs.
- Local tip: The Edina Art Center, nestled in Rosland Park, offers outstanding youth and adult classes just a short bike ride away.
Parks and Green Spaces: Urban Energy, Suburban Tranquility
Despite being a bustling district, 50th and France has easy access to peaceful green spaces:
- Arden Park: One of the neighborhood’s true gems, this recently renovated park along Minnehaha Creek features walking trails, new playgrounds, a warming house, and year-round events.
- Centennial Lakes Park: Just a five-minute drive east, it’s perfect for paddle boating, ice skating, or feeding ducks on a sunny afternoon.
- Lake Harriet Bandshell: A short bike ride west, this Minneapolis landmark offers summer concerts, walking trails, and lake-time leisure.
The plentiful trees, carefully tended gardens, and easy access to outdoor fun are a major draw for families and dog lovers alike. Edina’s network of connecting paths encourages an active lifestyle.
Safety: Peace of Mind Night and Day
Residents will tell you that safety is a big plus. The area benefits from both the Edina and Minneapolis police departments, reduced speed limits on neighborhood streets like 51st and Hilldale Avenue, and reliable neighborhood watch groups. It’s common to see joggers, dog-walkers, and families out in the evenings, enjoying the tranquility.
Local businesses are tightly knit — if something seems off, folks watch out for each other. This supportive network adds an extra layer of peace of mind.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers: City Access Without the Hassle
One reason 50th and France is so sought after is its incredible convenience. If you work downtown Minneapolis or in the nearby Corridor area, your commute is typically under 20 minutes by car or express bus. Major employers like Target, General Mills, and UnitedHealth Group are all a straight shot away on Highway 62/Crosstown or via France Avenue.
Yet you’re buffered by Edina’s leafy neighborhoods, so you enjoy city access without city stress. MSP Airport is only 15 minutes away, and you can easily reach Southdale Center, Galleria, or the medical clinics along France for shopping and healthcare.
What Residents Love Most: The Heart of a Small Town, the Perks of a Big City
Ask anyone who lives here what keeps them at 50th and France, and you’ll hear a common refrain: It’s the best of both worlds. Where else can you start your Saturday with yoga at CorePower, walk the kids to fetch donuts at Wuollet Bakery, browse unique shops like Dugo, then unwind in your backyard a few minutes later?
Residents love:
- The ability to be car-free most days
- A “main street” feel with city amenities
- Top-tier schools and robust youth resources
- Access to arts, culture, and nature — all walkable
- A deeply rooted, supportive, and fun-loving community
If you’re seeking a lively, sophisticated, yet unpretentious neighborhood, 50th and France might just feel like home.