Moving to a new community is about much more than just finding a house—it’s about discovering a place where you truly feel at home. In Edina, Minnesota, the Concord neighborhood stands out with its charming streets, vibrant community life, and amenities that make it a perennial favorite among families and professionals alike. Whether you’re relocating for work, looking for excellent schools, or simply searching for a tranquil place to settle down, here’s what you need to know about living in Concord.
The Community Vibe: Welcoming and Tight-Knit
One of the first things newcomers notice about Concord is the genuine friendliness of its residents. Neighbors greet each other by name, families gather on front lawns for block parties, and seasonal events—like the annual Halloween parade on Lakeview Drive—are big draws for all ages. Residents are quick to say hello during morning walks or lend a helping hand if you need it.
This warmth translates into a real sense of safety and belonging. Many residents have lived here for years, and newcomers are embraced as part of the neighborhood fabric. From small social gatherings at Concord Elementary School’s playground to multi-generational families taking evening strolls, Concord is a neighborhood where it’s easy to make friends and put down roots.
Types of Housing: Classic and Updated Homes
Housing in Concord reflects the area’s rich history and Edina’s architectural evolution. You’ll find:
- Classic mid-century ramblers and two-story colonials lining tree-canopied streets like 60th Street West and Concord Avenue, many with large, welcoming porches.
- A number of well-maintained 1950s and 1960s homes, often lovingly updated inside with modern finishes.
- Newly constructed luxury homes—especially east of Concord Avenue—featuring open layouts and upscale amenities, seamlessly blending with the neighborhood’s traditional charm.
Most houses are single-family homes on generously sized lots, with mature trees and attractive landscaping. Streets like Birchcrest Lane and Woodland Circle are particularly prized for their quiet, low-traffic ambiance. The blend of established and new homes means there’s a wide range of price points and styles to suit different tastes and needs.
Walkability: Strolls and Connectivity
Concord scores highly on walkability, making it easy to leave the car at home. Sidewalk-lined streets and well-marked crosswalks allow residents to walk almost anywhere:
- Concord Elementary School and South View Middle School are accessible by foot for many families in the neighborhood.
- The Edina Community Center, located just north of 62nd Street, functions as both a local gathering spot and a hub for activities.
- Small parks, playgrounds, and even the neighborhood grocery on Valley View Road are all just a pleasant stroll away.
- Morning dog walkers and afternoon joggers are a common sight as people make the most of Concord’s quiet side streets and gentle hills.
Schools and Family-Friendliness: Top-Tier Education
Education is often a driving factor for those relocating to Edina, and Concord delivers on this front:
- Concord Elementary School sits at the heart of the neighborhood, highly rated for both academics and community engagement. Children can walk or bike to school safely thanks to well-placed crossing guards and attentive traffic management.
- South View Middle School (just a few blocks away) and Edina High School (within a short drive) both offer an acclaimed public education and a wealth of extracurriculars.
Parents rave about the active parent-teacher organization, events like the annual Fun Fair, and enrichment programs available to residents. The area’s educational environment makes it especially appealing to young families and those planning to stay for the long haul.
Parks and Green Spaces: Outdoor Living at Its Best
Edina is known for its parks, and Concord enjoys some of the best access in the city:
- Concord Park offers fields for soccer and baseball, modern playground equipment, and shaded benches perfect for picnics or watching kids play.
- Arden Park, just to the east, features Minnehaha Creek winding through its lush landscape, complete with walking trails and a sledding hill popular in the winter months.
These parks aren’t just green spaces—they’re vital centers of neighborhood life. In the summer, Arden Park hosts concerts and movie nights, while Concord Park is a meeting spot for youth sports and outdoor yoga. The extensive Edina bike trail system is easily accessible, linking Concord to other parts of Edina and beyond.
Safety: Peace of Mind for All
Concord remains one of Edina’s safest neighborhoods, and residents take pride in their community’s safety record:
- Low crime rates contribute to the neighborhood’s relaxed feel.
- Regular patrols by the Edina Police Department help maintain a visible sense of security.
- Neighborhood watch groups and active communication (including the local Nextdoor app) ensure everyone is kept informed.
The combination of respectful neighbors, watchful eyes, and community pride creates reassuring peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Living in Concord offers a true suburban retreat without sacrificing convenience:
- Downtown Minneapolis is just a 15-20 minute drive via MN-62 or France Avenue, making the area remarkably commuter-friendly for professionals.
- The Southdale shopping district, with its restaurants, boutique shops, and services, is easily accessible—just a quick drive or pleasant bike ride away.
- Major employers in the Edina and southwest Minneapolis area, like Fairview Southdale Hospital and multiple corporate offices along France Avenue, are conveniently located.
The combination of easy access to work and abundant local amenities means less time in traffic and more time enjoying the comforts of home.
What Residents Love Most
Ask any long-time Concord resident, and you’ll hear some common themes about what makes life here so special:
- A true sense of belonging—neighbors genuinely care for each other and look out for one another.
- Beautiful, tree-lined streets and vibrant, well-maintained yards.
- Convenient walkability to schools, parks, and local events.
- Quiet, peaceful living—yet just minutes from city excitement when you want it.
For those seeking a grounded, family-friendly lifestyle with all the spoils of suburban living—plus fantastic schools, beautiful parks, and a welcoming community—Concord is truly hard to beat.
Whether you’re house-hunting or simply exploring Edina, Concord has a way of making you feel right at home from day one.