While known by many for being one of the “Twin Cities,” Minneapolis has so much more to offer than a mere catchy nickname. Much like any other metropolitan downtown district, Downtown Minneapolis is brimming with vibrant culture. Whether you are looking for lively music or sports games, or you just like to be in the middle of everything, Downtown is the perfect place for you. However, not everyone is like this. If you are searching for luxury properties, you may be better suited searching in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Home buyers looking for luxury properties in the Twin Cities are also generally looking for a slightly slower pace of life than that of Downtown. In the suburbs, you are likely to find a better balance between big city life and small town charm.
Whether you are looking for a beautiful luxurious mansion, or something a little more modest, the suburbs of Minneapolis have something for everyone.
This blog will highlight some of the best places to search for luxury property in and around Minneapolis. Moreover, what makes each of these neighborhoods such a special place to live.
EDINA
In the Twin Cities, Edina is one of the most desirable locations to live. Edina is the perfect mixture of suburban glamour, upscale amenities and services, amazing shopping, and outstanding schools, not to mention, easy access to Downtown Minneapolis. Edina’s strong sense of community and luxe, has undoubtedly given home buyers a desire to live in Minnesota’s richest zip code.
The city of Edina has 45 distinct neighborhoods within 16 square miles of its borders. Each neighborhood in Edina has a different character and layout, different style and charm, with different parks, retail, entertainment, and location benefits. Although the average home price in Edina is $556,000, home buyers can pay as little as $215,000 or upwards of $8 million. The most exclusive homes are typically located in West Edina neighborhoods, including Indian Hills, Hilldale, Rolling Green, and Parkwood Knolls, and in the northeast neighborhoods of Country Club and Sunnyslope.
INDIAN HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD
Indian Hills, located in Southwest Edina, is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the luxury real estate community. This upper bracket area is truly unlike any other. Situated on silky rolling hills, Indian Hills is surrounded by two main bodies of water: Arrowhead Lake and Indianhead Lake.
These lakes allow homeowners to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the water and wildlife from their own backyard. Furthermore, the lakes allow for all sorts of recreational activities. Residents can canoe, kayak, paddle board, and even fish from the convenience of their backyard! There is even a nine-mile bike trail within close proximity. And of course, residents can do all of this while protected by the utmost level of privacy.
Indian Hills is a naturally forested area, with majestic, massive trees surrounding the lakes and homes. Further allowing homeowners to relax, breathe, and take in the beautiful scenery of their neighborhood in private. While walking the lakeside paths of Indian Hills, it may feel as though you are deep in the country, hours outside of the city. In reality, you are a mere 15-minute drive from the heart of Downtown. Simply one more aspect of this luxurious neighborhood, making it one of the most sought-after areas in the city.
Indian Hills offers convenient access to Creek Valley Elementary, Valley View Middle, and Edina High School, all part of the nationally ranked Edina Public Schools District. This makes the neighborhood an excellent choice for families with school age children.
LUXURY PROPERTIES IN INDIAN HILLS
Most luxury homes in Indian Hills range between $400,000 and $2,000,000, however, the average sales price is $832,000. Below is an incredible luxury property located in the Indian Hills neighborhood. Two acres of land along the shore of Arrowhead Lake, allows the property owner to build their private home just minutes away from the city.
PARKWOOD KNOLLS NEIGHBORHOOD
Similar to Edina Country Club, Hilldale, and Rolling Green, the Parkwood Knolls Neighborhood is one of the most well-known luxury home neighborhoods in Edina. Parkwood Knolls has a rich history, which can be seen through the architecture of the houses that fill the neighborhood. The neighborhood is unique in character as it was built in several different eras.
Filled with lakes, greenery, private cul-de-sacs, and winding streets lined with trees; this neighborhood is perfect for raising a family. The name of this neighborhood derives from its initially developed streets, Parkwood Road and Knoll Drive.
LUXURY PROPERTIES IN PARKWOOD KNOLLS
Parkwood Knolls has exceptionally large lot sizes and wide streets, with whirling roads that provide residents a beautiful drive or walk. Below are highlighted luxury properties in this sought-after location in the Minneapolis suburbs.
6237 Knoll Drive is a 5,926 square-foot, two-story farmhouse in Parkwood Knolls situated on a massive 0.7 acre walkout lot. Surrounded by mature trees, the property ensures privacy and seclusion, and thus is perfect for a family. The 5 bed, 4 ½ bath property features large floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the incredible pond views and fill the home with natural light. Furthermore, the five bedrooms, open floor plan, multi-sport court, and upper level bonus room make this an ideal family home.
4924 Green Farms Circle is a luxurious 6 bed, 6 bathroom home with a nice mixture of both classic architecture and modern touches. The property features a formal circular drive that leads to an impressive entry and grand foyer. Furthermore, the home boasts high ceilings and large windows, filling the rooms with natural, warm light. The master retreat, private from all the other bedrooms makes the home a great place for family living. The lower level features a movie theatre, billiards, and more, making it a great home for holiday parties and family get-togethers.
Want to hear more about why you should consider moving to Edina? Check out our previous blog post here.
MINNETONKA
Like Edina, Minnetonka is one of the most desirable cities to live in Minnesota. Minnetonka is a suburb of Minneapolis with a population just over 53,000. Many residents include young professionals, retirees, and families. The city is separated into 14 constituent neighborhoods, making it the 17th largest community in the state. Minnetonka home prices are not only among the most expensive in Minnesota, but also in America. The median home value in Minnetonka is $369,684. The top five highest appreciating Minnetonka neighborhoods include: Excelsior Boulevard / Baker Road, Oak Knoll, Minnetonka Mills, Groveland, and McGinty Road West / Crosby Road.
LUXURY PROPERTIES IN MINNETONKA
17584 Groveland Place is an English Cottage style home on a quiet cul-de-sac, just down the street from acclaimed Groveland Elementary School. The school is rated A+ by Niche. This beautiful home has tremendous millwork and detailing throughout. A spectacular two-story great room highlights the main level, open to the kitchen, porch and deck. All of which are features home buyers want and desire right now. This property is in a great location as it is just a short walk to Gro Tonka Park which features a playground, a hockey rink, tennis courts and more. Walking distance to shops and restaurants such as Spasso, Caribou and Lifetime Fitness. Not to mention, the home includes deeded access to McKenzie Pointe on Wayzata Bay.
WAYZATA
Wayzata is a suburb of Minneapolis with a population of just under 4,500 residents. Despite its small population size, Wayzata is ranked as one of the best places to live in Minnesota. Wayzata offers residents a suburban feel with a lot of outdoor benefits including parks and lakes. Like Edina and Minnetonka, the public schools district in Wayzata are highly rated. The median home value in Wayzata is $471,500.
LUXURY PROPERTIES IN WAYZATA
Lake Minnetonka is home to some of the most historical and noteworthy homes in the state of Minnesota. The lake is home to modern mansions worth millions of dollars, as well as quaint cabin homes that have stood the test of time.
2209 East Huntington Point Road is a spectacular Colonial estate in Minnetonka Beach on a 1.35 acre site. This home features amazing views with 160 feet of lakeshore. The park like landscape has a perfect elevation to maximize the panoramic views from the English Gardens and expansive bluestone patio. Custom millwork and stone craftsmanship throughout the house. This home features grand interiors with full height windows and soaring ceilings offering unparalleled lake views from each room.
Specializing in luxury properties and condominiums, John T. Wanninger is a professional in Minneapolis real estate. Wanninger leads the JTW Partners group at Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty.
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