Buying your first home in Saint Paul can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, your commute, and your budget without guessing your way through it. In this guide, you’ll see what “starter” looks like citywide, how the most popular neighborhoods compare, and where to find down payment help. You’ll also get a simple way to shortlist two or three areas so your search feels focused. Let’s dive in.
What “starter” means in 2026
Citywide, Saint Paul’s median sale price is roughly 275,000 to 285,000 dollars, with many reports landing near 280,000. The market has cooled from its fastest pace, and typical days on market often run in the 30 to 50 day range. That gives you a bit more breathing room than the last few years.
Neighborhood medians vary a lot because each area mixes single-family homes, condos, and duplexes differently. Use the city median as a reference, then compare each neighborhood’s range. Smaller condos and some fixer single-family homes sit below the city median. Modest single-family houses are often at or above it.
How to build your shortlist
Pick your top two priorities, then match them here to choose 2 or 3 areas to start touring.
- If walkability and a lively local scene matter: look at Macalester–Groveland and West Seventh. Both have strong retail corridors and many places to eat and gather.
- If parks and a quieter residential feel matter: focus on Como Park and Highland Park. Como Park is known for its regional park and trails. Highland offers larger yards and community amenities.
- If affordability and a quick trip to downtown are key: begin with Thomas–Dale (Frogtown) and West Seventh. You will see more condos, townhomes, and smaller single-family or duplex options. Plan for potential renovation in some homes.
- If you often commute to Minneapolis: try Merriam Park and parts of Como Park for access to University Avenue and I‑94, plus the METRO Green Line.
Neighborhood snapshots
Use these quick profiles to compare price bands, housing stock, transit, and tradeoffs. Price ranges reflect late 2025 to early 2026 reporting.
Como Park
- Price guide: about 330,000 to 370,000 for typical medians.
- Housing: bungalows, Tudors, Craftsman foursquares, townhomes, and some condos. Good options if you want a yard or a condo alternative.
- Transit: local buses with connections to Snelling Avenue and the A Line corridor. Learn more about A Line stations like Snelling & Grand.
- Amenities: Como Regional Park and the free Como Zoo & Conservatory. Trails, golf, and year-round programming.
- Tradeoffs: strong green-space appeal and broad buyer interest support long-term resale. Sub‑300,000 single-family homes can be limited.
West Seventh (West 7th)
- Price guide: condos and smaller homes often range 270,000 to 340,000 depending on mix.
- Housing: many condos and townhomes plus smaller single-family homes near a walkable corridor.
- Transit: short trips to downtown Saint Paul. Buses run along West 7th. Biking and walking are common for nearby jobs and venues.
- Amenities: restaurants, breweries, and entertainment close to home.
- Tradeoffs: very convenient and social. Some blocks are busier. If you want a quiet yard, target the more residential pockets.
Thomas–Dale (Frogtown)
- Price guide: many medians cluster around 250,000 to 255,000.
- Housing: duplexes, 2‑flats, bungalows, and smaller single-family homes. More multi‑unit inventory can offer owner‑occupant options.
- Transit: extremely close to downtown and major arterials for short commutes.
- Amenities: quick access to city services, with local retail along main streets.
- Tradeoffs: lower entry costs with more variation block by block. Many homes are older, so plan for inspections and possible updates.
Macalester–Groveland (Mac‑Grove)
- Price guide: medians often run 400,000 to 440,000.
- Housing: small vintage single‑family bungalows, 2‑flats, and some condos. Entry points are often smaller homes or older condos.
- Transit: frequent service on Snelling with the A Line and bus links into downtown Saint Paul. See the Snelling & Grand station for a feel of the corridor.
- Amenities: tree‑lined streets, coffee shops and retail on Grand Avenue, and Macalester College nearby for a college‑town feel. Learn more about the area around Macalester at Macalester College’s neighborhood page.
- Tradeoffs: higher baseline prices and active competition for well‑priced homes. Older homes may need updates.
Merriam Park / Union Park
- Price guide: medians commonly near the 400,000 range depending on mix.
- Housing: early 20th‑century single‑family homes with some modest condos. Appeals to buyers who value a classic feel and central access.
- Transit: direct access to University Avenue and the METRO Green Line, plus I‑94 for cross‑city trips.
- Amenities: quick reach to both downtowns and riverfront trails. See a broader lifestyle snapshot at Explore Minnesota.
- Tradeoffs: close‑in larger homes lift medians, but you can still find starter opportunities in smaller houses or condos.
Highland Park
- Price guide: medians often 480,000 to 550,000 depending on listing mix.
- Housing: larger 1920s to 1950s single‑family homes, some mid‑century, plus newer infill near redevelopment areas.
- Transit: connections along Ford Parkway and Snelling, including A Line links, and easy highway access.
- Amenities: parks, community services, and a range of local shops. Highland Park Senior High offers specialized programs.
- Tradeoffs: higher entry costs. Good fit if you want yard space and stable long‑term appeal and can stretch above the city median.
Condo vs single‑family vs duplex
Each option trades price, maintenance, and flexibility differently.
- Condos: lower purchase price and less exterior maintenance. Factor in HOA fees, rules, and reserves. Good for a lock‑and‑leave lifestyle.
- Single‑family homes: more privacy and yard space, with full responsibility for maintenance. Budget for mechanicals, insulation, and energy updates in older homes.
- Duplex or 2‑flat: owner‑occupant financing may allow rental income to offset costs. Requires comfort with tenant management and property upkeep.
Transit quick guide
- A Line bus rapid transit: Snelling Avenue serves Mac‑Grove, parts of Como, and Highland connections. Get a feel for stops like Snelling & Grand.
- METRO Green Line: runs along University Avenue linking downtown Saint Paul and Minneapolis. See the Green Line overview.
- Local buses: serve West Seventh, Como Park, and Thomas–Dale, with easy access to downtown.
Down payment and first‑time buyer help
Many buyers layer assistance from the state, city, county, and nonprofits. Program rules and funding can change, so verify early.
- Minnesota Housing Start Up and Step Up: first‑time and repeat buyer loans with potential down payment and closing cost loans often in the 14,000 to 18,000 range. Explore current limits, approved lenders, and required education on the Minnesota Housing homeownership page.
- City of Saint Paul Citywide Downpayment Assistance: the city has offered deferred 0 percent down payment loans and other targeted programs. Availability changes, so check the City of Saint Paul home buying resources for updates.
- Ramsey County Homebuyer Assistance: programs have paused in the past when funds run out. Review current status on the Ramsey County homebuyer assistance page.
- NeighborWorks Home Partners: counseling and down payment help that often pairs with state and local programs. Start with NeighborWorks’ down payment help.
Tip: If you plan to use Minnesota Housing or local assistance, get preapproved with an approved lender and complete homebuyer education early. Funds can be limited, and paperwork adds timing steps to your offer.
Smart buying steps in Saint Paul
- Get preapproved and clarify your program path. If you plan to use Minnesota Housing, work with an approved lender and verify income and purchase price limits.
- Build a renovation buffer. Older homes may need mechanical, insulation, roofing, or window updates. An inspection contingency is wise.
- Review TISH. Saint Paul requires a Truth‑in‑Sale of Housing report for most single‑family and duplex sales. Ask for the TISH early and read it closely. Learn more on the City of Saint Paul home buying resources page.
- Align your search with commute and lifestyle. If you value walkable coffee and dinner spots, target Mac‑Grove or West Seventh. If parks top the list, start in Como and Highland.
- Tour quickly, decide confidently. Even in a moderate market, the best starter homes still draw attention. Prepare to act when the right home appears.
Putting it all together
If your budget centers near the city median, you may find the best single‑family options in Como Park or parts of West Seventh, and solid condo or duplex choices in West Seventh or Thomas–Dale. If you can stretch, Macalester–Groveland and Merriam Park bring walkable pockets and quick access to both downtowns. Highland Park is a strong longer‑term play if you want more space and can handle a higher price point.
A focused shortlist and early financing prep will make your first purchase smoother. If you want help narrowing neighborhoods, setting a realistic budget, and crafting a plan that fits your timing, reach out. Karin Rice Duncanson is a Saint Paul native who pairs hyperlocal guidance with clear, friendly service to help you buy with confidence.
FAQs
What is a typical starter-home price in Saint Paul in 2026?
- Citywide medians are roughly 275,000 to 285,000, with neighborhood medians ranging from the mid‑200,000s in more affordable areas to 400,000 and higher in close‑in neighborhoods.
Which Saint Paul neighborhoods have more condos for first-time buyers?
- West Seventh offers many condos and townhomes, with some options in Macalester–Groveland and Merriam Park; these can lower the entry price compared to single‑family homes.
Where can I find starter single‑family homes with yards?
- Como Park has a strong mix of bungalows and foursquares at approachable prices, and parts of West Seventh and Thomas–Dale include smaller single‑family options.
Which neighborhoods are best for a Minneapolis commute from Saint Paul?
- Merriam Park and areas near University Avenue offer quick access to I‑94 and the Green Line, and parts of Como Park also work well for cross‑city commutes.
What down payment help is available in Saint Paul for first-time buyers?
- Start with Minnesota Housing, then layer city help from Saint Paul, county help from Ramsey County, and counseling via NeighborWorks Home Partners; confirm eligibility and funding before you write an offer.
