Neighborhood Feature - Kingfield
If you haven't explored the Kingfield neighborhood of Minneapolis recently, you are missing out on one of the best kept secrets in Southwest Minneapolis. Restauranteurs and tastemakers alike are flocking to the neighborhood for its proximity to downtown, walkability and sublime Craftsman lined streets. Its border street to the South, 46th Street, is a scenic byway between 35W access and Lake Harriet nirvana. Nestled in the blocks that separate the two are a gambit of destinations for your shopping and dining pleasure. The Kingfield neighborhood was established in 1887 when the boundaries of Minneapolis expanded further South to envelope the once rural farm land. Kingfield stretches from 36th Street to the North, 46th Street to the South, 35W to the East and Lyndale Avenue to the West. Anchoring the neighborhood is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, a sprawling complex with a newly installed play structure, basketball courts, a picnic area and field facilities to accommodate the vibrant youth gathering in the urban oasis. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 4055 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis
Below, you’ll find a few of my Kingfield favorites for eating, shopping and making the most of a Minneapolis summer afternoon.
What to drink
When it comes to coffee, Kingfield is King. Two of my favorite Southwest coffee shops can be found within its borders.
If you have a weakness for decadent pastries and a killer latte to accompany it, Patisserie 46 is at the top of my list. Stroll by their charming outdoor patio on a Saturday morning to find much of the neighborhood has pulled up a chair. I’m biased to the almond croissant, but the avocado toast and savory ham and gruyère croissants are a close second. 4552 Grand Avenue South, Minneapolis
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If modern and hip is a little more your style, head to Five Watt Coffee at the other end of the hood. With their full height industrial garage door open, the sun and breeze are filling the space almost as quickly as the locals. Check out their specialty menu that marries traditional espresso drinks with unique cocktail additives for a next level coffee experience. 3745 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis
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If it isn’t enough having two of Minneapolis' most sought after coffee shops right outside your door, opening this month in Kingfield is Tap Society. Tap Society will be the latest Minneapolis eatery with a self-serve tap wall including beer, wine and cider on 26 pour-by-the-ounce taps. The menu promises the perfect burger to accompany your tap selections - including veggie burgers and a variety of bar snacks. Can’t wait! 4555 Grand Avenue South, Minneapolis
Where to eat
The truth is, when I’m heading over to Kingfield, it’s most likely to frequent a favorite eatery. There are so many fabulous, locally owned restaurants to satisfy whatever cravings come your way.
One of our favorite spots to dine with our kids is The Lowbrow. The food is as comfortable and approachable as the environment itself. Although the restaurant is family friendly, my husband and I have been known to take advantage of their Tuesday night date night - 2 dinners, 2 drinks, 1 dessert for 30 bucks! Locally sourced, vegetarian and vegan friendly - there’s literally something for everyone. 4244 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis
If a killer patio is on your radar, few rival that of Victor’s 1959 Cafe. A small Cuban joint packing big flavor - an establishment transforming their little corner of Minneapolis into a tropical Havana-esque paradise. Sip on a Guanabana Mimosa while you wait for the Lechon Asado - you can thank me later! 3756 Grand Avenue South, Minneapolis
On a chilly evening, I love cozying up at Blackbird. Warm and rich with rustic wood finishes and eclectic decor. The wall to wall windows let you take the great outdoors in while savoring a thoughtfully made dish by candlelight. 3800 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis
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What to do
If tennis is your thing, InnerCity Tennis is where it’s at. Adjacent to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park is a state of the art tennis facility with programming for kids, teens and adults of all ages. Classes keep players active and moving while developing skills and passion for the game. With a well-lit, temperature controlled dome - InnerCity Tennis is a great option to keep active, especially as temperatures begin to plummet. 4005 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis
Nestled in the bustling hub that is 38th & Grand, bang bang salon has been busy building a reputation as a see-and-be-seen destination in the neighborhood. A compilation of talent coupled with a modern vibe and high-end product assortment have made it one of SW Minneapolis’ best known salons. An exciting new collaboration with Excelsior, MN based Golden Rule officially launches this Friday at their event from 7-10pm. Check them out on Instagram for more details. 11 West 38th Street, Minneapolis
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Each June, Kingfield residents and visitors alike unite for PorchFest, a night of free acoustic music on front porches across the neighborhood. This year, the event takes place on the summer solstice. Grab your honey and wander the streets as you take in the sights and sounds of roughly 60 different musical performances at 40 different porches throughout the neighborhood. More information can be found here. Thursday, June 21st 6-9pm
Since 2001, Kingfield has played host to a growing and diverse Farmers Market - a vibrant scene at 43rd & Nicollet catering to thousands of hungry shoppers each weekend. With 30 local vendors serving up fresh produce, coffee and handmade crafts as well as activities for the kiddos and freshly made fare - it’s a Sunday morning outing the whole family can agree on. For my full printable list of South Minneapolis farmers markets, check out this post here. Sundays through October 28th, 8:30am - 1pm, 4310 Nicollet Avenue South, Mpls
Living in Kingfield
As home prices continue to rise and interest rates climb, many Minneapolis prospects are being priced out of neighborhoods that were once affordable. If you are looking for an opportunity to gain equity in a new home fast, now is the time to plant your roots in a charming Kingfield craftsman.
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Here’s a glimpse at some data for the Kingfield market from the month of May, 2018:
Median sales price in Kingfield was $321,500
Median days on market was 13 days
Median price per square foot was $206
Number of homes for sale in Kingfield in May was 11 homes
These homes sold for a median of 100% of their original list price
When you compare these numbers to neighborhoods like Linden Hills - where median home sale prices soared to $607,500 in May, Kingfield remains one of the most attainable neighborhoods for buyers - but it won’t last long. As new development and fresh facades pour into the area, the demand for housing only increases. If you are looking to buy in the Kingfield neighborhood, come armed with your highest and best offer terms - it's likely you will be competing over properties.
Speaking of the Kingfield neighborhood, I have an exciting announcement coming next week! Stay tuned for more details.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Southwest Minneapolis or Edina, I’d love to sit down with you and share more specific data about what’s going on in your neighborhood. Visit my contact page or read more about my unique buying and selling services.
Want to see more neighborhood features? Here are links to both my Tangletown and Linden Hills features.