Name: Blackstone
Address: St. Louis Park

About the neighborhood

Blackstone offers convenient access to numerous parks and green spaces that are thoughtfully spread throughout the neighborhood, providing plenty of opportunities to relax outdoors. Its variety of restaurants and cafes—about twenty options—make dining out easy and enjoyable. Shopping for groceries is straightforward with several markets located nearby. Transportation options include multiple bus lines with stops near most residences, and the street design favors car travel with plentiful parking available. Housing options include a mix of large and small apartment buildings, townhouses, and single-detached homes, primarily built around 1998, featuring mostly one- and two-bedroom layouts.

Characteristics

Transportation

Blackstone is a fairly pleasant part of St. Louis Park for pedestrians; running common errands is easy without a vehicle, and a fair number of businesses of different types can be found as well. Although the cycling network is well-developed, and biking is more feasible in certain pockets than others, this part of the city is not especially suited for bicycling because riding is rendered strenuous by the typically steep topography. Traveling by public transit is challenging in Blackstone. Nonetheless, residents have access to a few bus lines, and bus stops are usually around the corner. On the other hand, Blackstone is very car friendly. Many homes for sale are a very short drive from the closest highway, such as US Hwy 12, and it is very convenient to park.

Services

Locals will value the proximity to both primary and secondary schools, which are within a short distance from most houses for sale in this neighborhood. In addition to public schools, there are also private schools at both the elementary and secondary school level. With regards to food, a supermarket is usually reachable within a short trip from most houses for sale in Blackstone. In addition, those who like to dine in restaurants will have a good number of options, and there are also a few coffee shops in this area. It is also a reasonably short pedestrian trip to a decent selection of clothing stores.

Character

Those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and spending time outdoors will feel at home in Blackstone. Although this part of the city is not known for its vibrancy, with its a few bars, there are options for nighttime activities. However, it is easy to reach parks from most locations within the neighborhood since there are approximately 20 of them nearby for residents to relax in.

Car friendly10.0

Excellent access to freeways and/or major arteries, with almost no chance of parking problems

Cycling friendly4.6

Somewhat suitable for bicycle commuting and/or recreational cycling

Pedestrian friendly5.0

Some day-to-day needs are within walking distance

Transit friendly3.8

Transit is available for some trips

Restaurants6.4

Wide variety of restaurants within a short drive, including some within walking distance

Groceries7.4

Wide variety of groceries within a short drive, including some within walking distance