This piece — originally published on Bring Me The News and sponsored by Coldwell Banker Burnet — made the case for Edina as one of the Twin Cities' most desirable communities in 2015. At the time, Edina had a population of more than 47,941 across 45 neighborhoods, a median home sales price of $380,000, and a 2009 designation from Family Circle magazine as one of the "Top 10 Towns for Families" in the United States.
Shopping Is an Experience
Edina's retail landscape in 2015 was anchored by three distinct districts. Southdale Center — billed as "the nation's first indoor regional shopping center" — hosted 120 specialty stores including Macy's, Herberger's, and JCPenney, plus an AMC Megaplex with 16 screens. (Note: the tenant mix has evolved considerably since this was written.)
50th & France offered more than 175 retailers with upscale restaurants and boutiques, and hosted an annual outdoor art fair each June described as "the second largest in Minnesota with over 300 artists." Galleria Edina rounded out the trio with luxury brands including Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton.
Dining Abundance for All
The article highlighted Edina Grill as a family-friendly standby — with Mickey Mouse pancakes and spaghetti tacos for kids — alongside Tavern on France for American comfort food with Happy Hour specials and signature drinks.
Over 40 Parks Nearby
Three parks were singled out for the breadth of what they offered:
- Edinborough Park — indoor park featuring a junior-Olympic swimming pool, running track, fitness area, indoor playground, and multi-purpose play spaces
- Centennial Lakes Park — amphitheater, putting course, gardens, fountains, skating, fishing, and a three-quarter-mile promenade for walking and biking
- Braemar Sports Complex — including The Backyard ($1.4 million ice rink with heated benches) and Braemar Field, an inflatable dome with 100,000 square feet billed as the second-largest such structure in Minnesota
The Full Picture
Beyond shopping, dining, and parks, the article pointed to Edina's award-winning schools and parks system, Fairview Hospital nearby, a thriving business community, low crime rate, and proximity to six major highways as factors that made it — and continue to make it — an attractive place for families and professionals alike.