Hamline-Midway Neighborhood Guide

Everything you need to know about living, working, and building in Hamline-Midway

📍 Quick Overview

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Hamline-Midway sits right between St. Paul and Minneapolis, and you can feel that in-between energy when you’re working here. When we’re doing foundation projects in this area, you see everything from old railroad worker houses to newer construction built when the light rail came through. It’s been a neighborhood in transition for years – some blocks are really coming together, others are still working on it. But there’s something honest about the area, and folks here tend to be practical people who know what they want and aren’t afraid to put in the work to get it.

✨ What Makes Hamline-Midway Special

The area has decent tree cover with mature oaks and maples on the established blocks, though it varies quite a bit from street to street.

This is working-class territory with a strong sense of neighbors helping neighbors.

You literally sit between the Twin Cities, so commuting either direction is easy.

Natural Beauty

Community Feel

Convenience

You’re close to both Como Park and the Midway, so there’s access to green space when you want it. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle slopes, which makes foundation work pretty straightforward most of the time. You can see both downtowns from some spots, which reminds you how central this location really is.

You’ve got longtime residents who remember when the area was more industrial, plus new families and young professionals who are moving in and fixing up properties. There’s a real community spirit here – people organize block parties, look out for each other’s kids, and aren’t shy about lending a hand when someone needs help with a project.

The Green Line light rail runs right through the neighborhood, connecting you to both downtowns and the University. It’s convenient without being expensive, and you get more house for your money than you would closer to either downtown core.

🏠 Living & Building in Hamline-Midway

Neighborhood Amenities

Housing & Development

Parks & Recreation: Como Park is close by for major recreation. Several smaller neighborhood parks and playgrounds. The light rail connects you to trails and recreational areas throughout the metro.

Shopping & Dining: University Avenue has been revitalized with the light rail – good mix of restaurants, shops, and services. You’re also close to larger shopping areas in both directions along major corridors.

Schools & Services: St. Paul public schools serve the area, with Hamline University nearby adding educational and cultural opportunities. Libraries, community centers, and services are accessible by transit or short car ride.

Transportation: Green Line light rail is a game-changer for this neighborhood – direct connections to both downtowns, the U of M, and the airport. Good bus service and increasingly bike-friendly infrastructure.

Mix of housing from different periods – early 1900s worker cottages, post-war ramblers, some newer construction and renovations
Lot sizes vary but most are decent city lots with room for garages and small yards
Foundation work runs the gamut from simple repairs to more comprehensive projects on houses that need attention
Many properties are being renovated by owners who see the potential and want to invest in the neighborhood
Good mix of owner-occupied homes and some rental properties

“Foundation work in Hamline-Midway covers everything from straightforward settling repairs on solid old houses to more involved projects where previous owners deferred maintenance for too long. The soil here is typical Twin Cities clay, generally stable but prone to movement during wet periods. We work with a lot of homeowners who are making smart investments in their properties – they want honest assessments about what needs to be done now versus what can be planned for later. Access is usually good with alley access for most properties.”

🗺️ Area Map

❓ Quick Facts About Hamline-Midway

Neighborhood Stats

Distance to both downtowns: 10-15 minutes by light rail to either St. Paul or Minneapolis

Average lot sizes: Standard city lots, typically 50×120 with some variation

Zoning: Mix of single-family and multi-family residential with commercial corridors

Utilities: Full city services, though some older homes benefit from utility updates during renovations

Planning a Project Here?

Foundation work here involves typical residential construction from various eras, so you need to assess each house individually. Soil conditions are generally manageable clay, though drainage can be an issue during heavy rains. Most utilities are accessible through alleys or standard street connections. Permits go through St. Paul’s process. The area has good year-round access for foundation work, though scheduling around heating systems is important in winter.

🚜 Local Foundation Repair Services

We provide foundation repair and basement waterproofing throughout Hamline-Midway and the greater Twin Cities area. This neighborhood has hardworking people who are making real investments in their homes and want contractors who understand that every dollar matters. Whether you’re dealing with basement water issues, foundation settling, or planning foundation work as part of a larger renovation project, we give you straight talk about what needs to be done and realistic timelines for getting it finished. Hamline-Midway folks appreciate contractors who show up when they say they will and do quality work at fair prices.

Foundation concerns in Hamline-Midway? Let’s assess what you’re working with and figure out the most practical approach for your situation and budget.