If you’re considering a move to Edina, Minnesota, it won’t be long before someone mentions the Country Club neighborhood. Ask around and you’ll hear glowing reviews: classic homes, mature trees, friendly faces, and proximity to everything. But what is it actually like to live here? This article covers the vibe, the homes, where people gather, and why Country Club stands out—even in a city known for its great neighborhoods.
Community Vibe
Country Club has a reputation for being one of Edina’s most tight-knit and welcoming communities. Along historic streets like Arden Avenue, Sunnyside Road, and Golf Terrace, neighbors wave to each other during walks and keep an eye out for one another’s kids. The neighborhood is always a hub of activity, whether it’s families biking together on a sunny Saturday, holiday block parties, or joggers making their way past the landmark Edina Country Club.
Residents often describe the area as “neighborly” in the truest sense. Many homes display yard signs for school musicals or local causes, and there’s a regular hum of book clubs, garden groups, and neighborhood socials. People welcome newcomers warmly—expect a knock on the door with baked goods or recommendations for the best local restaurants.
Types of Housing
Country Club’s architecture is one of its greatest charms. The neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its early 20th-century “garden suburb” design. Most homes were built between 1924 and 1949, with styles ranging from stately Colonial Revivals and Tudors to elegant Georgian and Mediterranean-inspired residences.
You’ll notice:
- Brick and stucco exteriors with rich architectural detailing.
- Original stonework, woodwork, and restored features that speak to a century of careful stewardship.
- Lush landscaping and picturesque front yards—many with mature oak, maple, and elm trees.
While homes are primarily single-family and often boast four or more bedrooms, there is enough variety in size and style to attract families, retirees, and professionals alike. Because of the historic designation, teardowns are largely prohibited. This results in a harmonious, timeless streetscape—one of the area’s most beloved qualities.
Walkability
One of the standout features of Country Club is its walkability. Wide, tree-lined sidewalks invite residents out for strolls year-round. The neighborhood’s gentle curves and parkways (Arthur Street, Country Club Road) slow traffic, making the area safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and kids at play.
Walk to daily necessities and destinations, including:
- 50th & France – a shopping and dining hub, just a short stroll away on Sunnyside Road or Wooddale Avenue.
- Edina Country Club – centrally located, it’s an anchor for both golfers and social gatherings.
- Parks, playgrounds, coffee shops, and fitness studios—many within a few blocks’ radius.
Locals cite the ability to walk to the bakery in the morning or join neighbors for an evening at a sidewalk café as among their favorite perks.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Country Club is synonymous with top-tier education and a family-first atmosphere. It’s served by the highly rated Edina Public Schools, including:
- Normandale Elementary (French immersion, located just west of Country Club)
- South View Middle School
- Edina High School
The walkability extends to schools, reducing the classic “carpool chaos.” Neighborhood kids often walk or bike together, and after-school activities are plentiful thanks to Edina’s robust parks and rec programs.
Add to that:
- Safe, quiet streets for biking and play.
- Ample green space for outdoor sports and picnics.
- A neighborly spirit where “everyone looks out for each other’s children.”
It’s little surprise that multigenerational families are common—many residents grew up here and later returned to raise their own kids.
Parks and Green Spaces
Green space is everywhere in Country Club. The centerpiece is Minnehaha Creek, which meanders through the south edge, offering scenic trails and shady spots for relaxation.
Top outdoor highlights:
- Rosland Park (just across 66th Street) – includes a playground, fishing pier, and the Edina Aquatic Center.
- Pamela Park – easily biked to, with fields for soccer and baseball.
- The Edina Country Club’s beautiful grounds, which, while private, provide a lush backdrop and anchor the neighborhood’s identity.
Trail connections weave into surrounding neighborhoods and Southwest Minneapolis, making it easy to expand your outdoor adventures.
Safety
Safety is a hallmark of the Country Club neighborhood, reinforced by low traffic, neighborhood watch programs, and a strong sense of community responsibility. Crime rates are consistently low. It’s common to see kids playing ball in the front yard, neighbors chatting curbside, and runners out even after sunset.
Edina’s police and fire departments are mere minutes away, and community alerts keep everyone informed and looking after one another.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Living in Country Club means you’re close—but not too close—to everything:
- Downtown Minneapolis is just 15–20 minutes by car, making it a favorite for professionals who want a quick commute while enjoying quiet nights at home.
- Easy access to Highway 100 and Crosstown Highway puts destinations like the airport and Southdale Center at your fingertips.
- Proximity to multiple business corridors and medical facilities, including major employers in both Edina and neighboring Minneapolis.
Yet, within Country Club, the feel is tranquil and residential—no through-traffic or noisy commercial strips.
What Residents Love Most
Ask any local what they cherish about Country Club, and you’ll hear a blend of tradition and togetherness:
- That small-town feel within city limits.
- Distinctive homes with beautiful yards and real character.
- The ability to walk, bike, and play in a truly green and friendly setting.
- Strong public schools and activities for all ages.
- Long-lasting friendships, neighbors who feel like family, and a sense that “you belong here.”
Ultimately, living in Country Club isn’t just about the pretty houses—it’s about becoming part of a community as carefully tended as the gardens lining Arden Avenue. If you’re looking for historic charm, walkability, top schools, and the warmth of lifelong neighbors, there’s nowhere in Edina quite like this.