Grab a coffee, stroll past boutique windows, and decide whether tonight is takeout or a patio dinner. That is everyday life around 50th & France, Edina’s most walkable pocket and a true neighborhood hub. If you want suburban comfort with citylike convenience, this area makes daily routines feel simple and social. In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of errands, dining, parks, transit, schools, housing, and what to check before you move. Let’s dive in.
Neighborhood snapshot
50th & France serves as a local town center for Edina and nearby Minneapolis neighborhoods. You’ll find low-rise storefronts, sidewalks, and a main-street feel supported by a mix of boutiques, salons, cafés, and sit-down restaurants. The district prioritizes independent and regional businesses, so it feels personal and curated rather than big-box.
Nearby streets are lined with mature trees and a blend of single-family homes, condos, and some residences above retail. It’s busy during breakfast and lunch, then lively again at dinner, especially in warmer months when patios open. For district updates, merchant listings, and seasonal programming, check the 50th & France Business Association.
A day in the life
Mornings on foot
Start with coffee or a bakery run, then head to a fitness class or schedule a salon visit. Many everyday errands can happen within a few blocks, including banking, dry cleaning, and quick gift shopping. It’s an easy way to keep mornings efficient while staying close to home.
Midday errands and lunch
Lunch options range from casual spots to sit-down bistros. You can browse apparel, home, and art-gift shops before you pick up a small specialty item for dinner. Health and personal services, including dental and medical practices, are present in or near the district for convenient appointments.
Evenings out
The area shines in the evening with a variety of dinner choices, plus dessert and café stops after. Patio seating is common in warm months, and winter often brings cozy interiors and seasonal menus. Holiday lighting and window displays add a festive tone later in the year.
Groceries, health, and services
For daily needs, you’ll find small specialty food retailers nearby and larger full-service supermarkets a short drive away. Pharmacies, veterinary clinics, and fitness studios also serve the area, with larger health systems in Minneapolis within easy reach. The district includes banking, postal services, and other conveniences, so you can handle most essentials without traveling far.
Getting around
Walkability basics
50th & France is one of Edina’s most pedestrian-friendly areas, and many errands are possible on foot. Because walkability can vary by block and season, check a live rating for the exact intersection on Walk Score before you decide.
Transit and biking
Metro Transit operates bus routes on France Avenue and nearby streets that connect you to other parts of Edina and to Minneapolis. Routes and schedules change over time, so confirm current service on Metro Transit. Biking is feasible on a mix of designated lanes and informal routes, and it is worth reviewing city bike maps to plan a comfortable ride.
Driving and commute
Major roads like France Avenue and 50th Street offer quick links to MN-100 and I-494 for trips to downtown Minneapolis, the airport, and suburban job centers. Commute times shift by day and hour. For real-time highway conditions, use MnDOT’s traveler information tools when planning your schedule.
Parking tips
You’ll find a mix of on-street spaces, municipal lots, and private parking behind storefronts. Availability is typically easiest on weekday mornings, while holiday shopping and weekend dining can feel busier. For maps, policies, and event details that affect parking demand, start with the 50th & France Business Association.
Parks, recreation, and seasons
Edina’s park system places greenspace within a short drive of the district. Centennial Lakes Park and the Braemar recreation complex are regional standouts to explore for paths, skating, golf, and community programming. In summer, sidewalk seating and street life make the area feel vibrant. In winter, the district adapts with indoor dining, occasional heated patios, and well-maintained public areas. For park facilities and seasonal programs, visit the City of Edina and its Parks & Recreation pages.
Housing options near 50th & France
You’ll see a range of homes and lifestyles here:
- Low-rise condos and townhomes within walking distance of shops and dining.
- Single-family homes on established, tree-lined blocks.
- Some mixed-use buildings with residential units above retail.
Edina is typically a higher-priced suburb within the region, and most nearby single-family homes are owner occupied. Condos and townhomes often include HOA fees that cover maintenance and snow removal, which can simplify winter living. If you are weighing condo convenience against a private yard, consider how you value walkability, storage, and parking, and compare HOA budgets and amenities line by line.
Property taxes and assessments follow Hennepin County rules. For accurate parcel-level information, review Hennepin County’s property and tax resources and check the City of Edina for municipal services and zoning guidelines.
Schools and boundaries
Addresses around 50th & France are generally within Edina Public Schools (ISD 273). Attendance boundaries can vary by address and year, so verify your exact school assignment using resources on the Edina Public Schools site. For private and charter options, consult individual schools for current admissions and transportation details.
Who this pocket fits
- You want a walkable routine with dining, errands, and fitness close by.
- You prefer a car-light lifestyle but still value easy highway access.
- You love seasonal street life, from summer patios to holiday window displays.
- You are considering a condo or townhome with managed maintenance, or a single-family home near a lively district.
- You value proximity to community parks, recreation, and city services.
What to check before you move
- Walk the exact block in different seasons, including after a snowfall, to gauge sidewalk clearing and access to entries.
- Map out your nearest full-service grocery and pharmacy, and test the route at peak times.
- Review on-street and lot parking patterns at midday and evenings; start with the 50th & France Business Association for parking info.
- If buying a condo or townhome, compare HOA fees, reserve studies, and what services are covered, especially snow removal.
- Confirm school boundaries with Edina Public Schools.
- Check commute options on Metro Transit and highway conditions via MnDOT.
- Review parcel-specific taxes and assessments with Hennepin County.
- Browse the City of Edina for city services, permits, and parks and recreation programs.
Everyday life near 50th & France balances a neighborhood feel with real convenience. If you are choosing between housing types, planning a renovation, or weighing lifestyle trade-offs, you deserve guidance that blends design sense with market insight. Reach out to the Turnquist Spilseth Real Estate Group to explore on-the-ground options and find the right fit.
FAQs
What makes 50th & France feel like a town center?
- A compact main-street layout with independent shops, cafés, salons, and services creates a walkable hub that draws residents throughout the day.
How reliable is parking near 50th & France for daily errands?
- Expect a mix of on-street spaces and municipal lots, with easier weekday mornings and busier evenings and holidays; check the business association for maps and updates.
Which schools serve homes near 50th & France in Edina?
- Edina Public Schools (ISD 273) is the primary district; verify a specific address using boundary and enrollment resources on the district website.
What are the commute options to Minneapolis from 50th & France?
- Use France Avenue and 50th Street for quick access to MN-100 and I-494, and consult Metro Transit for bus routes to Minneapolis and nearby employment centers.
What housing types are common near 50th & France?
- You’ll find low-rise condos and townhomes, nearby single-family homes on established blocks, and some residences above retail for true lock-and-leave convenience.
