Thinking about a central St. Paul neighborhood with classic homes, leafy streets, and quick access to both downtowns? Merriam Park might be the fit you have in mind. You want the charm of established blocks with practical commute options, parks, and everyday amenities. In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of housing styles and prices, parks and transit, schools, and nearby projects to watch as you plan a move. Let’s dive in.
Why Merriam Park stands out
Merriam Park sits in St. Paul’s Union Park area and retains a historic streetcar‑era feel with tree‑lined blocks and early 20th‑century homes. You’ll find small commercial nodes for coffee, groceries, and services, plus steady demand from buyers who value central location and character. The Union Park District Council is the neighborhood’s active community group and a helpful resource for local issues and projects.
Location and boundaries
Merriam Park lies between University Avenue and I‑94 to the north, Summit Avenue to the south, Lexington Parkway to the east, and the Mississippi River to the west. Locals often use “Merriam Park” for the section west of Snelling Avenue within the broader Union Park area. For a neighborhood overview and context, review the Union Park District Council’s page on our neighborhoods.
Housing styles and prices
You’ll see a mix of Victorian, Craftsman and Bungalow, Colonial Revival, two‑flats, small apartment buildings, and some infill townhomes or condos near main streets. Many blocks keep their early 1900s scale and canopy, which is a draw for buyers seeking central St. Paul charm. As a snapshot, Zillow’s index placed a typical Merriam Park home value near $397,000 as of December 2025, while Redfin reported a median sale price around $435,000 for December 2025. Methods vary by source and numbers change monthly, so confirm current figures when you are ready to shop.
What to expect in older homes
Because many homes predate World War II, you should budget for typical older‑home considerations. That can include mechanical updates, insulation upgrades, window repair or replacement, and potential lead or plumbing items. The Union Park community plan supports thoughtful reinvestment and compatible infill so the area’s historic character remains strong. If you value walkability and river access, those location benefits can support long‑term demand.
Parks and outdoor access
The neighborhood’s namesake park and recreation center are strong anchors. Programming, fields, and courts at the Merriam Park Recreation Center serve local residents year‑round, and the City is advancing a site redesign that includes new playground and facility improvements. You can follow the project’s timeline and updates on the City’s current project page.
Along the western edge, the Mississippi River bluff and parkway connect to the St. Paul Grand Round multiuse trail for biking and running. Scenic overlooks and nearby natural spots, including Shadow Falls and the river gorge, are within easy reach. To explore the loop and connections, see the St. Paul Grand Round trail overview.
Shopping and daily errands
You can run most errands nearby. Selby Avenue around Snelling offers cafés, services, and a grocery anchor. Marshall Avenue has additional neighborhood businesses, and Grand Avenue just south in Macalester‑Groveland adds more shops and dining. The Merriam Park branch library and the recreation center support programming and community events to round out daily life.
Transit and commuting
If you commute by car, I‑94 forms a direct east‑west route to both downtowns. Local arterials like Snelling, Cretin, Marshall, and Selby provide quick connections around St. Paul. For transit riders, the METRO A Line runs on Snelling with frequent bus rapid transit; route maps and schedules are on Metro Transit’s A Line page. The Green Line light rail on University Avenue puts stations like Fairview within walking distance from parts of the neighborhood, which helps many residents rely less on driving.
Schools and services
Merriam Park is within Saint Paul Public Schools. Neighborhood students commonly attend elementary and middle schools such as Groveland Park Elementary and Hidden River Middle, with high school options like St. Paul Central varying by address. Hidden River Middle recently completed a major remodel, which you can review on the district’s capital project page. Because school boundaries can change, confirm your specific address assignment directly with SPPS before you decide on a home.
For public safety information, the City of Saint Paul is the official source for current incident data and neighborhood dashboards. You can explore resources on the St. Paul Police Department page.
Projects to watch
- Merriam Park Recreation Center redesign. The City’s improvement project is active and will refresh playgrounds and facilities. See the City’s current project page noted above for updates.
- I‑94 corridor planning. MnDOT’s Rethinking I‑94 is a multi‑year process that could shape traffic patterns and streetscape outcomes for decades. You can track community updates through the district council’s I‑94 page.
Nearby neighborhoods, at a glance
Merriam Park sits next to Macalester‑Groveland and Highland Park, which helps you compare options without ranking one above another. Macalester‑Groveland leans into Grand Avenue shopping, Summit Avenue’s architectural character, and campus‑adjacent housing. Highland Park, farther southwest, offers a larger commercial center around Ford Parkway and Highland Village with a more suburban scale and different redevelopment projects. All three share strong park access and a range of housing types.
Quick buyer checklist
- Clarify your must‑haves: off‑street parking, yard size, or proximity to Selby/Snelling or the river bluff.
- Budget for older‑home items: insulation, windows, electrical, and potential lead or plumbing updates.
- Check transit access: distance to an A Line stop or the Green Line may shape your commute.
- Date‑check pricing: review current MLS data when you are ready to write offers.
- Confirm schools: verify address assignments with SPPS before finalizing a decision.
- Track local projects: the rec center redesign and I‑94 planning may influence amenities and travel patterns over time.
If you are weighing Merriam Park against nearby options or want a plan for touring homes, you do not have to do it alone. Reach out to Julie Doolittle for neighborhood guidance, a clear pricing strategy, and hands‑on buyer representation tailored to your goals.
FAQs
What and where is Merriam Park in St. Paul?
- It is the west‑central part of St. Paul within the Union Park area, generally between University/I‑94, Summit Avenue, Lexington Parkway, and the Mississippi River, with “Merriam Park” often used for the area west of Snelling.
How much do homes cost in Merriam Park?
- As of December 2025, a typical value was around $397,000 (Zillow index) and the median sale price was near $435,000 (Redfin); confirm current numbers before you shop.
What housing styles are common in Merriam Park?
- You will see Victorian, Craftsman and Bungalow, Colonial Revival, two‑flats, small apartment buildings, and some newer townhomes or condos near commercial streets.
Is Merriam Park transit friendly for commuters?
- Yes, many homes are near the METRO A Line on Snelling and the Green Line stations on University Avenue, with I‑94 providing quick car access to both downtowns.
Which schools serve Merriam Park addresses?
- Homes fall within Saint Paul Public Schools, with nearby options including Groveland Park Elementary, Hidden River Middle, and St. Paul Central; verify assignment by address with SPPS.
What parks and trails are near Merriam Park homes?
- The Merriam Park Recreation Center anchors local programming, while river‑edge trails and the St. Paul Grand Round provide biking and running routes with scenic overlooks.
