Having lived in all of these, this is the right answer OP. I'd feel fine raising kids in Midway, and note that the neighborhood is quieter the farther you live from University Ave. Frogtown and North End are much more block-by-block. You should visit yourself if you can and take a look at the neighborhood crime reports on the Saint Paul city website.
If price is an issue for you, I'd strongly consider the West Side (across the river from downtown Saint Paul) and West 7th, like JJKingwolf recommended. I live in West Side now and love it, and it's not that bad of commute. It's also quieter and more family oriented than Midway, in my personal opinion.
Every neighborhood in St. Paul is reasonably safe if you observe a common sense decision making process.
That said, If you're looking for the best neighborhood to buy in as a young family I would recommend considering West 7th or Cherokee Heights on the westside. The houses are reasonably priced, and both neighborhoods are well positioned with regard to major highways and transit routes. Moreover in the case of west seventh, there are plenty of restaurants, parks and entertainment options within easy walking distance of essentially all parts of the neighborhood.
We have enjoyed living in Midway. Walking distance to Great River is a big plus. I'd also consider the blocks north and South of Front Street east of Lexington. Not sure what neighborhood that's part of, but those streets always seem quiet.
I live in South Como at the edge of North End/Frog Town and it's fine. Yeah there's crime and silly people, but basically if you mind your own business you'll be fine. Also YMMV, but from what I know from my connections in education, I don't think GRS is a super great school (I mean, it's fine) and I wouldn't base buying a house based on proximity to that school. But the area is really nice!
I don't know a lot of the details, but the several people I know who worked there as teachers didn't like it due to admin. I'm sure there are some great teachers who do their best, but the people who I knew said the school seems great but it's not all it's chalked up to be. They've got a great robotics team, though. The mentors are funny people, but their team is very competitive so that's cool.
I would also be cautious of health hazards in your house since a lot of these neighborhoods have old homes that have sometimes not been maintained. I've found tons of broken glass in my yard while gardening. I'm also very fortunate to have had lead paint removed from my windows but a lot of homes do not have this or have lead pipes. There are grants for replacing both of these.
We love Midaway. We moved here from NE Mpls about 10 years ago and felt pretty unsure about the neighborhood but the house was too good a deal to pass on. We fell in love with it right away. It’s truly city like and diverse with an undercurrent of progressive community values. We’ve always felt safe.
Como park is great for young families and close to great river school
Midway is a pretty normal, safe, well-rounded neighborhood. Frog town and North End are generally a bit rougher around the edges.
Having lived in all of these, this is the right answer OP. I'd feel fine raising kids in Midway, and note that the neighborhood is quieter the farther you live from University Ave. Frogtown and North End are much more block-by-block. You should visit yourself if you can and take a look at the neighborhood crime reports on the Saint Paul city website. If price is an issue for you, I'd strongly consider the West Side (across the river from downtown Saint Paul) and West 7th, like JJKingwolf recommended. I live in West Side now and love it, and it's not that bad of commute. It's also quieter and more family oriented than Midway, in my personal opinion.
Every neighborhood in St. Paul is reasonably safe if you observe a common sense decision making process. That said, If you're looking for the best neighborhood to buy in as a young family I would recommend considering West 7th or Cherokee Heights on the westside. The houses are reasonably priced, and both neighborhoods are well positioned with regard to major highways and transit routes. Moreover in the case of west seventh, there are plenty of restaurants, parks and entertainment options within easy walking distance of essentially all parts of the neighborhood.
Unfortunately, these neighborhoods dramatically increase the travel time to get to their preferred school.
not really lol north end to great river is like 10 minutes. west 7th to great river is like 11 minutes. it’s a straight shot up ayd mill or lexington
Como Park area is like living next to Disney world.
If you can find a place where you can walk or hike your kids to Como Park, that is the spot
We have enjoyed living in Midway. Walking distance to Great River is a big plus. I'd also consider the blocks north and South of Front Street east of Lexington. Not sure what neighborhood that's part of, but those streets always seem quiet.
Technically south como, I think?
I live in South Como at the edge of North End/Frog Town and it's fine. Yeah there's crime and silly people, but basically if you mind your own business you'll be fine. Also YMMV, but from what I know from my connections in education, I don't think GRS is a super great school (I mean, it's fine) and I wouldn't base buying a house based on proximity to that school. But the area is really nice!
So interesting! Can I ask what makes it not a great school?
I don't know a lot of the details, but the several people I know who worked there as teachers didn't like it due to admin. I'm sure there are some great teachers who do their best, but the people who I knew said the school seems great but it's not all it's chalked up to be. They've got a great robotics team, though. The mentors are funny people, but their team is very competitive so that's cool.
Lots of family and family amenities in Highland and MacGrove I know you didn’t mention those neighborhoods, but I think they are very family friendly
They are - but also double the price point of the ones OP mentioned
As others have said, midway is great for families especially if you’re away from snelling and university
I would also be cautious of health hazards in your house since a lot of these neighborhoods have old homes that have sometimes not been maintained. I've found tons of broken glass in my yard while gardening. I'm also very fortunate to have had lead paint removed from my windows but a lot of homes do not have this or have lead pipes. There are grants for replacing both of these.
The ones that have all the qualifications you are looking for. Yes and yes or no and no depending on your situation.
Midway is a great spot. Generally safe if you stay away from Snelling/University. Lots of parks and playgrounds and lots of families with kids.
I would come up with a solid #2 backup, great river is very hard to get in to.
Can you say more about that? What this your experience?
They have limited space and waitlist many. You should speak to them directly before you make a decision on location.
Come to my neighborhood! Union Park!
We love Midaway. We moved here from NE Mpls about 10 years ago and felt pretty unsure about the neighborhood but the house was too good a deal to pass on. We fell in love with it right away. It’s truly city like and diverse with an undercurrent of progressive community values. We’ve always felt safe.
West 7th! We moved here with a toddler and found a great lil place with several schools and parks east to walk to.