Minneapolis - Bryant neighborhood

[Francis A.]

Does anyone live and/or own in the Bryant neighborhood of Minneapolis?

As an out of state investor, my preference has always been duplexes and up but lately, I've seen some nicely refurbished SFRs in the Bryant neighborhood. If you do, I'd like to know there significant attraction to the neighborhood for families with kids or young couples starting out? I am researching the potential degree of difficulty of renting a 1300+ sq ft 3bed/2ba house. Obviously, the advantage (on paper) of a duplex over a SFR is how long the SFR might sit unrented as opposed to half a duplex sitting empty but I am stating the obvious. Any additional insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Marc Jolicoeur]

I think Bryant will be decent for rentals. It is not a hot area and probably not a gentrification area either for higher appreciation.     From a long term perspective, this entire area of south Minneapolis has been improving over the decades. 

I think Bryant is a pretty diverse working class neighborhood with a mix of cultures and economic standings.

To the south of Bryant, we have Field middle school which is one of the best middle schools in the city.  Nearby we have the Tiny Diner which is awesome, and on the west side of the freeway we have Martin Luther King Jr park, and the shops and restaurants on Nicollet (Pats Tap).

There is a wide range of desirability in this part of South Minneapolis with Northrop and Field neighborhoods being highly desirable class A or B+ types of neighborhoods to your south, and "Central" and west Powederhorn being a class C area. Central is particularly bad with many run down rentals in one small area.

In Bryant, I would expect some security issues if you hold this property for long.    Garage breakins to steal bikes, car breakins to rummage through the glovebox.  Occasional tagging of grafitti by youth gangs.    Occasional theft of laptop or TV through an unlocked window or screen door.  Plan for having to do some repairs.

When you research this property make sure you look at rental comps from Central, Powderhorn, Regina, Bryant, and Bancroft. If you stray too far away you may fool yourself into thinking you can get a higher rent amount, but the tenants may not feel it is worth it as I know lots of people who would not live there and many others who would find it is just fine.

I live 8 blocks south on Chicago