You’ve probably heard the name a thousand times if you live in the Twin Cities. St. Louis Park. It’s that spot just west of Minneapolis where the houses have character and the commute doesn't make you want to pull your hair out. But here's the thing—people get weirdly confused about the logistics. I’ve heard folks ask about "St. Louis Park County" like it’s its own sovereign nation.
It isn't.
St. Louis Park is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It’s not in St. Louis County (that’s way up north by Duluth). This little distinction matters more than you’d think, especially when you’re trying to figure out where your property taxes go or why you’re calling a certain number for a marriage license.
Honestly, the "Park," as locals call it, is a bit of a demographic unicorn. It’s a first-ring suburb, but it doesn't feel like a cookie-cutter sprawl. It’s got this strange, wonderful mix of 1940s ramblers, massive new-build condos, and a history that's deeply tied to the Jewish community and the rise of the American shopping mall.
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The Hennepin Connection: Why the County Matters
When you live in St. Louis Park, you’re part of the Hennepin County machine. This is the most populous county in Minnesota, and it handles the heavy lifting. Think social services, the court system, and those massive snowplows that clear County Road 25 after a February blizzard.
If you’re looking for the "St. Louis Park MN county" government, you’re actually looking for the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. That’s where the big decisions happen. However, the city itself is fiercely independent. It has its own police force, its own fire department, and a school district that people move across state lines to get into.
The city covers about 10.8 square miles. It’s dense. It’s walkable. And because it sits right in the lap of the regional trail system, you can basically bike from your backyard in the Park all the way to downtown or out to Lake Minnetonka without ever hitting a major intersection.
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The Real Estate Reality in 2026
Let’s talk money. If you’re looking at houses here right now, you’ve probably noticed the market is... intense.
As of January 2026, the median sale price in St. Louis Park is hovering around $373,000. That’s up slightly from last year. But don’t let that number fool you. A tiny two-bedroom bungalow near Bunny’s Bar & Grill might go for $340,000, while a renovated Tudor in the Fern Hill neighborhood can easily clear $700,000.
- Median Days on Market: 30 days (up from 20 last year, so buyers have a tiny bit more breathing room).
- Inventory: It's still tight. We’re seeing about 179 homes for sale across the whole city.
- Rent: If you aren't buying, expect to pay around $1,714 for a decent spot.
People aren't just buying houses here; they're buying the "15-minute city" lifestyle. You can grab groceries at the West End, hit a Pilates class, and be back home before your coffee gets cold.
A Legacy of Famous Faces
There is something in the water in St. Louis Park. I’m convinced of it.
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For a suburb of 50,000 people, the "alumni" list is ridiculous. We’re talking about the Coen Brothers (Joel and Ethan), who basically immortalized the local vibe in their films. Then you’ve got Al Franken, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, and even the current Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan.
The St. Louis Park Public Schools are a massive draw. Every single school in the district has been named a National School of Excellence at some point. That’s not a participation trophy; it’s a reflection of a community that pours money and expectation into its kids.
The Local Hangouts (What to Actually Do)
If you’re just visiting or you’re new to the area, skip the chain restaurants for a minute.
Go to Westwood Hills Nature Center. It’s 160 acres of marsh and woods right in the middle of the suburb. They just redid the interpretive center, and it’s arguably one of the best spots in the county to see a Great Horned Owl or just escape the hum of Highway 100.
Then there’s The Rec Center. In the winter, the ROC (Recreation Outdoor Center) is the heart of the city. It’s a covered outdoor ice rink where you’ll see toddlers learning to skate right next to high schoolers playing pick-up hockey.
For food, you sort of have to go to Bunny’s Bar & Grill. It’s been around since the 1930s. It’s loud, the breakfast is greasy in the best way possible, and it’s the unofficial town hall of St. Louis Park.
Actionable Steps for Residents and Newcomers
If you're dealing with the logistics of living here or planning a move, don't get stuck in a Google loop. Here is how to actually navigate the city-county crossover:
- Property & Taxes: Check the Hennepin County Property Map for specific tax assessments. Don't call City Hall for tax disputes; that’s a county-level headache.
- Social Services: If you need help with food, housing, or mental health support, the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) is the gold standard. They are at 6812 West Lake Street. Call them at 952-925-4899.
- Transit: St. Louis Park is a major hub for the upcoming light rail expansion. Check the Metro Transit site for the latest on the Southwest LRT (Green Line Extension) stations at Beltline and Louisiana.
- Permits: Doing a renovation on one of those 1950s ramblers? You’ll need the city’s building department, not the county. St. Louis Park is notorious for being strict on code, so get your paperwork in early.
- Recreation: Buy a season pass for the St. Louis Park Aquatic Park. It’s one of the best in the metro and fills up fast in July.
St. Louis Park isn't just a dot on a map in Hennepin County. It's a community that managed to keep its soul while the rest of the world turned into a parking lot. Whether you're here for the schools, the commute, or just a burger at Bunny's, it's worth knowing which "St. Louis" you're actually in.