Discovering The Heights: Edina’s Elevated Story
Nestled among the rolling landscapes and mature trees of Edina, The Heights neighborhood stands as a testament to the city’s enduring charm and storied past. With its inviting streets, picturesque homes, and proximity to both natural beauty and bustling city life, The Heights is a neighborhood that feels at once timeless and vibrant—a place where history and community spirit intertwine.
From Farmland to Flourishing Neighborhood
The story of The Heights begins long before its first homes were built. In the late 1800s, the area that is now The Heights was predominantly farmland, dotted with dairy barns and fields. Local families, many with Scandinavian roots, cultivated the fertile soil just southwest of Minneapolis. As Edina emerged from its rural beginnings, the gently rising topography here would set this area apart—a subtle prominence that hinted at its eventual name.
The 1920s and 1930s brought Edina’s first waves of suburban expansion, as Minneapolis residents sought respite from city life. The area’s higher elevation provided remarkable views, fresher breezes, and an ever-present sense of space, inspiring early developers and future residents alike.
Naming The Heights: An Elevated Identity
Why “The Heights”? The answer lies in geography and aspiration. The neighborhood occupies one of Edina’s highest natural points. Residents and early city planners appreciated these “heights” not only for their aesthetics and vantage, but also for the feeling of distinction they lent to the community. Oral histories suggest the name was first popularized in the 1940s, as developers marketed the neighborhood’s elevated lots and panoramic outlook as a key feature, attracting families eager for both beauty and status.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1940s-1950s: The Heights saw its first significant wave of residential construction. Brick ramblers, Cape Cods, and mid-century modern homes began lining streets such as Valley View Road, Overlook Drive, and Brookview Avenue. Many of these homes remain today, lovingly preserved by generations of inhabitants.
- 1960s: The post-war boom continued. New schools—most notably Highlands Elementary, which opened its doors on Doncaster Way—helped establish The Heights as a family-friendly enclave. Pocket parks and tree-planting initiatives fostered a lush neighborhood canopy.
- 1970s-Present: The Heights adapted gracefully to the decades’ changing tastes. Craftsman renovations, new construction, and modern updates struck a balance between honoring tradition and embracing the future. Community events like block parties and the annual “Heights Picnic” became fixtures, building bonds between neighbors old and new.
Landmarks and Local Institutions
No visit to The Heights is complete without experiencing some of its cherished landmarks:
- Highlands Park: Stretching along Kelmscott Lane, Highlands Park is a neighborhood gem—a green oasis with playgrounds, walking paths, and mature hardwoods. It’s the heartbeat of The Heights, where you’ll find children playing and neighbors gathering year-round.
- Streets and Homes: The character of The Heights lives in its streets—Valley View Road’s gentle curves, the tidy elegance of Tara Road, and the inviting sidewalks of Overlook Drive. Many homes still showcase the classic stonework, large picture windows, and mid-century stylings that defined the area’s early growth.
- Highlands Elementary School: More than just a place of learning, Highlands Elementary is a local landmark and meeting place. Generations of Edina children have started their educational journeys here, and the school’s annual carnival is a much-loved Heights tradition.
The Heights Through the Decades
As decades have passed, The Heights has balanced progress with preservation. New families are drawn to the sense of community, safety, and enduring architectural charm. Modest homes have been expanded or updated, but without losing the gracious setbacks and leafy yards that define the neighborhood’s character.
A drive through The Heights today reveals a landscape of:
- Generational Homes: Many original homeowners’ children and grandchildren now reside here, maintaining a tradition of neighborliness and pride in place.
- Evolving Architecture: Side-by-side, you’ll find lovingly preserved ramblers, tastefully renovated mid-century homes, and newer builds that respect the area’s scale and feel.
- Natural Beauty: Towering maples, carefully tended gardens, and vibrant lawns create a parklike ambiance—fitting for a neighborhood that prizes its green spaces.
The Community Spirit of The Heights
Ask any Heights resident, and they’ll tell you: it’s the people who truly make this place special. Decades of block parties, holiday driveway socials, and weekend walks in Highlands Park have woven a tight-knit community fabric. Neighborhood newsletters, active social committees, and vigilant volunteers embody the civic pride that has always defined The Heights.
Whether it’s the long-standing book club that meets in rotating living rooms, neighbors lending a hand with yard work, or children trading stories on swings at Highlands Park, life in The Heights has a way of feeling both familiar and exceptional.
Looking to the Future
As Edina continues to evolve, The Heights remains a steadfast example of what makes this city beloved: a harmonious blend of history, beauty, and neighborly warmth. The rising sun still paints golden hues over Valley View Road, children still chase after soccer balls in Highlands Park, and the echoes of generations past lend a comforting presence to everyday life.
For those lucky enough to call The Heights home, the neighborhood is more than a collection of streets and houses—it’s a living legacy, steeped in stories and shaped by those who care for it deeply. Here, history isn’t just remembered; it’s lived, every day, on the elevated ground that gave The Heights its name.