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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Torey Van Oot.

Axios Twin Cities

Axios Twin Cities Thought Bubble

Welcome back to Axios Twin Cities' "Hot Homes" real estate series. Each week, we round up some of the best houses on the market.

Situational awareness: April's median home sales price hit a record $370,000 in the Twin Cities metro area, according to new data from Minneapolis Area Realtors and St. Paul Area Association of Realtors.

Meanwhile, rising mortgage rates have pushed affordability to the lowest level since 2004, per the data.

Why we love it: This stylish home is great for entertaining, with an open layout, updated kitchen and inviting backyard space.

Specs: Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,710 square feet.

Listed by: Eric Bigham at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Features: One-car attached garage, finished basement, stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring.

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Eric Bigham

Why we love it: This spacious home offers a cozy living room, bright kitchen and private deck out back.

Specs: Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,536 square feet.

Listed by: Mary Pat Nydahl and Erin Nydahl at Edina Realty, Inc.

Features: Attached three-car garage, finished basement, stainless steel appliances, Cambria countertops and laminate wood flooring in kitchen.

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Mary Pat Nydahl

Why we love it: This charming home near Lake Harriet offers wood floors, stainless steel appliances and original architectural features.

Specs: Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,534 square feet.

Listed by: Shelbie Walsh and Eric Eickhof at Fulton Realty.

Features: Detached two-car garage, finished basement, natural woodwork, walk-in closet and patio.

Photo courtesy of Shelbie Walsh and Eric Eickhof

Why we love it: This Cape Cod-style abode features a sun-drenched living room and remodeled kitchen with white cabinetry, quartz counters and subway backsplash.

Specs: Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,522 square feet.

Listed by: Stacy Sullivan at Edina Realty, Inc.

Features: Detached one-car garage, three-season porch, farm sink, gas fireplace.

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Stacy Sullivan

Why we love it: This updated home boasts an open-concept main level, chic chef's kitchen and luxurious primary suite with a walk-in closet and walk-in shower.

Specs: Five bedrooms, four bathrooms, 2,961 square feet.

Listed by: Kevin Dunphy at Redfin Corporation.

Features: Two-car tuck-under garage and detached two-car garage, stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, finished basement, wet bar, mudroom.

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $360K

Open layouts, inviting backyard space and more.

5541 Pleasant Ave. Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Stacy Sullivan

Welcome back to Axios Twin Cities&#x27; &quot;Hot Homes&quot; real estate series. Each week, we round up some of the best houses on the market.Situational awareness: April&#x27;s median home sales price hit a record $370,000 in the Twin Cities metro area, according to new data from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minneapolis Area Realtors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mplsrealtor.com/news/home-prices-hit-370000-as-rates-push-affordability-to-lowest-level-since-2004/" data-vars-content-id="1b77708e-5d08-42de-918f-fbf8c5675e01" data-vars-headline="Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $360K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mplsrealtor.com/news/home-prices-hit-370000-as-rates-push-affordability-to-lowest-level-since-2004/" target="_blank">Minneapolis Area Realtors</a> and St. Paul Area Association of Realtors.

Real Estate

Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

Welcome to Axios Twin Cities' new "Hot Homes" real estate series. Each week we'll round up some of the best houses on the market.

Whether you're on the hunt or dreaming in this hot spring market, these five houses are worth a look.

Situational awareness: Limited inventory drove March's median home sales price to a record $353,000 in the Twin Cities metro area, according to new data from Minneapolis Area REALTORS.

Why we love it: This one-level home in Highland Park with a large porch has been updated with new carpet, fresh paint and modern finishes.

Specs: Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,723 square feet.

Listed by: Alexandra Brackenwagen at Strata Real Estate Resources.

Features: Stainless appliances, granite countertops, natural wood ceilings, attached one-car garage.

Photo: Julie Moore, courtesy of Alexandra Brackenwagen.

Why we love it: This cozy two-story home in the East Harriet neighborhood of Minneapolis boasts a luxurious outdoor patio, grilling station and wine cellar.

Specs: Two bedrooms, one bathroom, 2,004 square feet.

Listed by: Graham Smith and Kimberly Wong at Keller Williams Integrity Realty.

Features: Finished basement with lots of storage, attached two-car garage, hardwood floors, custom-built grilling station and propane fire pit.

Photo: Virtuance, courtesy of Graham Smith.

Why we love it: This brick two-story home in the East Harriet neighborhood has sun-lit rooms and a perfect basement for entertaining, with a bar area and family room.

Specs: Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,058 square feet.

Listed by: Peter Evans at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Features: Hardwood floors, detached one-car garage, new laundry appliances, new asphalt driveway, hot tub, triple pane window upgrades throughout.

Why we love it: This elegant, open-concept row house in Highland Park has two levels and a loft area that could be converted into a third bedroom.

Specs: Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,566 square feet.

Listed by: Hanan Absah at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Features: Underground garage with assigned spots, high ceilings, hardwood floors, stainless appliances, granite countertops, cherry cabinets, gas fireplace.

Why we love it: This West Bloomington home is move-in ready, with plenty of room for expansion on the fourth level.

Specs: Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,361 square feet.

Listed by: Austin Eaton III at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Features: Updated kitchen and bathrooms, outdoor patio and deck, attached two-car garage, dedicated laundry room.

Photo: Archi-Pix Photography, courtesy of Austin Eaton III.

7101 W. 113th St. Photo: Archi-Pix Photography, courtesy of Austin Eaton III.

Welcome to Axios Twin Cities&#x27; new &quot;Hot Homes&quot; real estate series. Each week we&#x27;ll round up some of the best houses on the market.<ul><li>Whether you&#x27;re on the hunt or dreaming in this hot spring market, these five houses are worth a look.</li></ul>

Welcome back to Axios Twin Cities' "Hot Homes" real estate series. Each week, we'll round up some of the best houses on the market.

This week's collection includes five abodes that are sure to tempt hopeful homeowners.

Why we love it: This townhouse is move-in ready, featuring new carpet and paint, engineered wood flooring, marble backsplash and a refurbished deck.

Specs: Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 1,546 square feet.

Listed by: Bryan McWhite at JP Willman Realty Twin Cities.

Features: Attached two-car garage, finished basement and new water heater, furnace, A/C and roof.

Photo: Virtuance, courtesy of Bryan McWhite

Why we love it: This refreshed home with tons of natural light and entertaining space combines modern updates with original character.

Specs: Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 2,320 square feet.

Listed by: Keith Taylor and Jessica Maroto Sanchez at Integrity Realty.

Features: Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, Corian counters and backsplash, oak cabinetry, detached two-car garage, backyard waterfall pond.

Photo: Homecoming Photography, courtesy of Keith Taylor and Jessica Maroto Sanchez.

Why we love it: This open-concept home provides charm, curb appeal and quick access to Lake Susan.

Specs: Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 3,242 square feet.

Listed by: Joseph Maselter and Tra-Mi Nguyen at eXp Realty.

Features: Hardwood floors, attached three-car garage, large finished basement, wet bar, multiple fireplaces, private backyard and deck.

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Joseph Maselter.

Why we love it: This stylish family home offers a mix of vintage and contemporary charm, with a sleek new kitchen and custom limestone patio.

Specs: Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, 2,030 square feet.

Listed by: Virginia Spaniolo at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Features: Quartz counters, stainless appliances, refinished hardwood floors, detached two-car garage, new cedar privacy fence, new gas fireplace.

Photo: Homecoming Photography, courtesy of Virginia Spaniolo.

Why we love it: This spacious home boasts a large "cook's kitchen," vaulted ceilings and quartz and granite throughout.

Specs: Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 3,419 square feet.

Listed by: Martha Gaarder and Elaine Anderson at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Features: Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, detached 2-car garage with loft, finished basement, updated primary suite bath.

Photo courtesy of Elaine Anderson and Martha Gaarder.

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $275K

571 Saratoga St. S. Photo: Homecoming Photography, courtesy of Virginia Spaniolo.

Real estate

Welcome back to Axios Twin Cities&#x27; &quot;Hot Homes&quot; real estate series. Each week, we&#x27;ll round up some of the best houses on the market.<ul><li>This week&#x27;s collection includes five abodes that are sure to tempt hopeful homeowners.</li></ul><h5><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2071 Clover Ridge Dr. - $275,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bryanmcwhite.com/property/133-6184666-2071-Clover-Ridge-Drive-Chaska-MN-55318" data-vars-content-id="3ffef22e-f6a7-41a9-96d1-d9b11fbbfa59" data-vars-headline="Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $275K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bryanmcwhite.com/property/133-6184666-2071-Clover-Ridge-Drive-Chaska-MN-55318" target="_blank">2071 Clover Ridge Dr. - $275,000</a></h5>Why we love it: This townhouse is move-in ready, featuring new carpet and paint, engineered wood flooring, marble backsplash and a refurbished deck.

Did someone say rooftop? Enjoy a drink with a view at these Twin Cities spots as the weather warms up.

Details: A kitchen and bar with a year-round retractable glass enclosed dining room. 

Perks: Open late — rain, shine or snow — this place has got you covered, literally. Book a table here.

Details: A swanky, seasonal patio atop a St. Paul institution.

Of note: Be sure to check when the rooftop is open for the season.

Details: Experience the Minneapolis cityscape from this upscale lounge with both indoor and outdoor seating, weather permitting.

Perks: Fireplaces to keep warm plus a light bites menu.

Address: 300 N Washington Ave., Minneapolis.

3 must-try rooftop bars in the Twin Cities

Union. Photo: Marlin Levison/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Did someone say rooftop? Enjoy a drink with a view at these Twin Cities spots as the weather warms up.<h5>1. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Union Rooftop" data-vars-click-url="https://unionmpls.com/" data-vars-content-id="4eedf012-fed9-4e13-9f03-d83acc3472df" data-vars-headline="3 must-try rooftop bars in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://unionmpls.com/" target="_blank">Union Rooftop</a></h5>Details: A kitchen and bar with a year-round retractable glass enclosed dining room.

Things to Do

Food and Drink

Festival season is in full swing and we are booked and busy in 2022, folks.

Here are the top seven events happening in the Twin Cities starting this spring.

What: Enjoy more than 200 films from around the world, plus parties, panels and networking events.

Details: The fest takes place May 5-19 at multiple venues. Check here for updates closer to the event.

C0st: Tickets start at $15+. Get them, along with all-access passes here.

What: Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at this event with local vendors, a beer garden and music stages.

Details: The annual festival takes place at Loring Park June 25-26.

A new Pride event focused on outdoor activities, including the annual Rainbow Run 5K, is also scheduled for May 21.

Three people posing for a photo with rainbow flags at a pride event

Pride festivities. Photo: Brooke Ross Photography, courtesy of Twin Cities Pride

What: Catch Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, Nelly and more perform at this music festival.

Details: The fest takes place July 21-23 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee.

C0st: Tickets start at $25+. Get them here.

Blake Shelton. Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Bud Light

What: Experience the realm through an artisan marketplace, food, entertainment, games and rides.

Details: The fest is open on weekends from Aug. 20 through Oct. 2.

C0st: Tickets start at $12+. Get them here.

A man demonstrates jousting in renaissance clothing.

Jousting at the festival. Photo: Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune via Getty Images

What: Sample some of the fair's 500+ menu items — 80 of which come on a stick, organizers say.

Details: This year's fair runs Aug. 25-Sept. 5. Fairgrounds are located at 1265 Snelling Ave. N in St. Paul.

C0st: Pre-fair discount admission tickets start at $14+. Buy them here.

Fair food. Photo: Leila Navidi/Star Tribune via Getty Images

What: All proceeds from this fest, which features a parade and 180+ arts and crafts vendors, go toward improving the historic downtown area.

Details: The event takes place Sept. 24-25 in downtown Duluth.

People gather at a holiday light festival

Holidazzle. Photo: Dusty Hoskovec Photography via Holidazzle.com

What: Keep warm with local food and drinks, fireworks, shopping from small businesses, seasonal entertainment and more.

Details: The event takes place in Loring Park. Check here this fall for more information.

7 big events in the Twin Cities in 2022

A group of ladies ride the Giant Slide together at the Minnesota State Fair 

The Minnesota State Fair's Giant Slide. Photo: Leila Navidi/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Festival season is in full swing and we are booked and busy in 2022, folks.<ul><li>Here are the top seven events happening in the Twin Cities starting this spring.</li></ul><h5>1. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MSP Film Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://mspfilm.org/festivals/mspiff/" data-vars-content-id="9d5df2da-fb6d-4526-ade2-5e1507028978" data-vars-headline="7 big events in the Twin Cities in 2022" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mspfilm.org/festivals/mspiff/" target="_blank">MSP Film Festival</a></h5>What: Enjoy more than 200 films from around the world, plus parties, panels and networking events.

Sami Sparber

Featured stories

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $360K

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $275K

3 must-try rooftop bars in the Twin Cities

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $360K

7 big events in the Twin Cities in 2022