Nestled in the heart of Edina, Minnesota, the Highlands neighborhood stands as a living tapestry of community, tradition, and charm. With its tree-lined avenues, rolling terrain, and deep roots in local history, Highlands has quietly established itself as one of Edina’s most cherished neighborhoods. Whether you’re walking the quiet stretches of Highland Drive or pausing by the welcoming green space of Highlands Park, every corner here has a story to tell.
Origins: A Neighborhood with Meaningful Beginnings
The history of Highlands reaches back to the postwar era, when Edina was experiencing transformative growth. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, as returning servicemen and their families sought new starts in promising suburbs, developers began to look west of established Edina neighborhoods—toward the elevated, scenic land that would become Highlands.
The neighborhood’s name, “Highlands,” pays tribute to its gently rolling landscape, which stands slightly higher than much of the surrounding city. This natural elevation was both a practical and aesthetic selling point at the time—offering not just pleasing views and a sense of openness, but also benefits like better drainage and fewer flood concerns. The “Highlands” moniker inspired by these terrain advantages, has resonated ever since, conjuring images of stability, beauty, and continuity.
Laying Down Roots: Early Development and Key Streets
Initial planning for Highlands was deliberate, with strict attention to street layout, lot sizes, and the integration of green spaces. Developers sought to create a haven that balanced accessibility with privacy. The main arteries, such as Vernon Avenue, Highland Drive, and Interlachen Boulevard, were thoughtfully laid out to provide both ease of movement and a gentle meandering feel.
As the first homes appeared in the early 1950s, Highlands quickly developed a distinctive look. Architectural styles from this era—ramblers, split-levels, and Cape Cods—reflected the optimism and practicality of their time, built to last and designed for family living. Several of these original homes, lovingly cared for or tastefully updated, can still be found scattered throughout the neighborhood today, especially along Arden Avenue and Lynmar Lane.
Community Anchors: Parks, Schools, and Gatherings
No tale of Highlands is complete without mention of its enduring gathering places. Highlands Park, tucked along Maloney Avenue, remains the neighborhood’s core. Since its establishment, the park has served as a hub for outdoor recreation, picnics, and neighborhood traditions. In winter, laughter echoes from its skating rinks and sledding hill; in summer, the ballfields and playgrounds come alive.
Nearby, the beloved Highlands Elementary School was built in 1956 as the neighborhood population ballooned with young families. More than just a school, it’s long been a meeting spot—for bake sales, PTA meetings, and summer playground programs that have united generations of neighbors.
Notable Landmarks and Hidden Gems
Highlands is subtle in its statement, but it does have a few notable landmarks:
- Highlands Park Pavilion: The park’s small but iconic pavilion, with its mid-century lines and sturdy brickwork, is a gathering point for both formal events and informal neighborly hellos.
- Streets Named for Legacy: Many street names—such as Chaucer Circle and Kipling Avenue—reflect a mid-century American trend of drawing from literature and tradition, giving an air of dignity and timelessness to the area.
- Architectural Preservations: Certain homes along Lynmar Lane and Interlachen Boulevard have been carefully restored, preserving original features like flagstone fireplaces and broad picture windows, reminders of Highlands’ mid-century roots.
Evolution Through the Decades
From its tranquil beginnings, Highlands has evolved alongside Edina, reflecting broader changes in suburban life. The 1960s and 1970s saw a second wave of families move in, often drawn by the excellent schools, proximity to the shops and amenities of 50th & France, and the peaceful character of the streets.
In the past few decades, Highlands has seen a respectful wave of renovations and home expansions. Carefully crafted updates have balanced modern needs—more open floorplans, energy efficiency, expanded garages—while maintaining the neighborhood’s signature look. Where teardowns have occurred, new builds have generally echoed the area’s gentle grades and leafy canopy, ensuring that each home fits naturally into the landscape.
Residents old and new often share a deep affection for the neighborhood’s walkability. Wide, quiet streets like Ridge Road and Bedford Drive invite evening strolls and friendly chats. Native plantings and lovingly tended gardens line the boulevards, and annual block parties remain a highlight of community life.
Living in Highlands Today: A Blend of Tradition and Vibrancy
What truly sets Highlands apart isn’t any single landmark or historical event, but rather its enduring sense of community. Neighbors greet each other by name. Kids grow up moving from park to park, from elementary school to high school, often returning as adults to raise families of their own.
The Highlands Homeowner’s Association, active since the late 1950s, keeps the neighborhood spirit alive—organizing events, advocating for maintenance of roads and parks, and ensuring that both longtime residents and newcomers feel welcome.
Highlands is also uniquely positioned: close to Edina’s dynamic commercial corridors and yet protected from their bustle. The neighborhood is bordered by Interlachen Country Club, with its storied golf course, on one side and the southern banks of Minnehaha Creek on another—natural features that provide a scenic and peaceful atmosphere year-round.
A Heritage that Lives On
Highlands, at its heart, is more than the sum of its historical milestones or pretty green spaces. It’s a place where the past and present blend seamlessly—a neighborhood that honors its roots while embracing change. Whether you’re new to Edina or a lifelong resident, Highlands extends a warm welcome, inviting all to enjoy the rich legacy and day-to-day pleasures of life in this special corner of the city.