Apartments near the University of Minnesota with easy highway access define the exceptional location of 71 France at 7161 France Avenue South. Positioned between Highway 62 and I-494, with convenient connections to Highway 100 and I-35W, this community puts you within minutes of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul while surrounding you with Edina’s finest shopping, dining, and recreation.
Central Location with Convenient Commutes
Transportation and Commuting
71 France’s strategic location provides multiple commuting options for residents working throughout the Twin Cities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking luxury apartments near Edina, MN, with easy access to major destinations. Downtown Minneapolis is approximately 12 miles north, typically a 15–20 minute drive via Highway 100 or I-35W, depending on traffic conditions. St. Paul lies roughly the same distance to the north-east and is accessible via I-494 and I-35E. The Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport is about 8 miles away, making business travel or picking up visitors convenient.Public transit options include Metro Transit bus service, with the new METRO E Line bus rapid transit providing frequent service from the Southdale area to downtown Minneapolis, Uptown, and the University of Minnesota. The E Line offers departures every 10-15 minutes and connects to the broader Metro Transit network for travel throughout the region. SouthWest Transit also serves the area with express routes to Minneapolis and other employment centers.
Nearby Dining and Shopping
The immediate neighborhood offers exceptional retail and dining options within walking distance or a short drive. Galleria Edina, located at 69th Street and France Avenue, features upscale retailers including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Williams-Sonoma, and Crate & Barrel, as well as dining options such as Pittsburgh Blue and Good Earth Restaurant. Across the street, Southdale Center offers over 100 stores, anchored by Macy’s, plus entertainment venues such as AMC Theaters, Dave & Buster’s, and Puttshack.The 50th & France district, a charming commercial area straddling Edina and Minneapolis, offers over 175 shops and restaurants with an intimate, walkable village atmosphere. Local favorites include boutiques, cafes, and restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. Jerry’s Foods, a neighborhood grocery store headquartered in Edina, provides convenient everyday shopping.
Parks and Recreation
Centennial Lakes Park, a 24-acre urban oasis located at 7499 France Avenue South, offers 1.5 miles of paved walking paths around scenic ponds, paddle boat rentals during the summer months, ice skating in winter, miniature golf, and free concerts at the Maetzold Amphitheater. The connected Edina Promenade extends the pedestrian and bicycle pathway network through the greater Southdale area.For more expansive outdoor adventures, Bryant Lake Regional Park in nearby Eden Prairie provides 170 acres of trails, a swimming beach, and disc golf. Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington spans over 2,500 acres with hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and the popular Hyland Play Area. Both parks are managed by the Three Rivers Park District and offer year-round recreational programming.
Major Employers
The location provides convenient access to major employers throughout the Twin Cities. BI Worldwide, a global business improvement company, maintains its headquarters at 7630 Bush Lake Road in Edina. Jerry’s Enterprises, operator of grocery stores throughout the region, is also headquartered in Edina. Downtown Minneapolis hosts headquarters for Target Corporation and numerous other Fortune 500 companies, all accessible within a reasonable commute from 71 France.Schools
71 France is located within a highly regarded school district, with access to either the Edina or Richfield school district, depending on the specific unit location. Normandale Community College is approximately 4 miles from the community, while the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus is accessible via the METRO E Line bus rapid transit.Discover why this location offers the perfect balance of accessibility and neighborhood charm. Contact us for driving directions or schedule a tour to experience the convenience firsthand.