When searching for homes for sale in Minnesota, buyers often focus on square footage, kitchen upgrades, or school districts. However, one often-overlooked factor that directly impacts quality of life is street width and traffic flow—especially for families, cyclists, and pedestrians. If you’re moving to a neighborhood in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or any of the beautiful Twin Cities suburbs, understanding how street design affects safety can help you make a smart, informed decision.
Why Street Width Matters in Residential Neighborhoods
In Minnesota communities like Edina, Maple Grove, and Eagan, street width varies greatly from one subdivision to another. Narrower streets typically result in slower traffic, which creates a safer environment for children playing, people walking dogs, and anyone biking to work or school. On the other hand, wider streets often encourage faster driving and increased traffic, posing more danger for non-drivers.
Pros of Narrower Streets:
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Naturally calms traffic
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Encourages walkability and bike use
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Creates a stronger sense of community
Cons of Wider Streets:
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Higher speeds increase the risk of accidents
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Less safe for pedestrians and cyclists
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Encourages cut-through traffic from non-residents
Traffic Flow & Safety in Minnesota Neighborhoods
Many Minnesota homebuyers are seeking walkable neighborhoods that prioritize pedestrian safety. Areas like St. Louis Park, Roseville, and Richfield have made major strides in creating bike-friendly streets and traffic-calming infrastructure such as speed bumps, roundabouts, and narrower lane designs.
When touring homes, be sure to ask:
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Are there sidewalks and bike lanes?
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What’s the average speed of passing traffic?
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Are there nearby crosswalks or school zones?
These are all critical for assessing the safety of a street for your family, especially if you plan to walk, bike, or let kids play outside.
How to Evaluate a Street Before Buying a Home
Before you fall in love with a property, take a few minutes to evaluate the street safety:
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Visit at different times of day to observe traffic flow
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Check for designated bike lanes and well-lit sidewalks
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Look up the area on Google Street View to review the layout
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Use resources like Walk Score or the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for traffic data
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re buying a home in Minnetonka, Woodbury, or Blaine, it’s important to consider more than just the house itself—look at the entire environment. A beautiful home on a high-speed, high-traffic road might not be ideal if safety and walkability are priorities.
At Apex Realty Team, we help buyers look beyond the basics and evaluate homes from every angle—including street safety, bike access, and traffic concerns. If you’re looking to buy a safe, walkable, and family-friendly home in Minnesota, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
– Jordan Eatherton, Apex Realty Team