Minnesota Real Estate Chanhassen

Minnesota Real Estate > Chanhassen:

General Info - Top

Chanhassen is a growing community that spans nearly 15,000 acres and 24 square miles in two counties. Most of Chanhassen is located within Carver County, although a small eastern portion of the city is located in Hennepin County.
       Chanhassen is home to a well-maintained 500-acre park system with five community parks and nature preserves, and 22 neighborhood parks scattered throughout the town. There are 11 beautiful lakes, and 35 miles of trails and sidewalks for walkers, bikers, runners and in-line skaters to enjoy. The trails wind through the city’s downtown district, parks and neighborhoods, providing easy access to virtually everything.
       Chanhassen is served by two of the top public school districts in the state: Minnetonka District 276 and Chaska District 112. Private schools are also available. Business is thriving in Chanhassen, and as the economy continues to grow, an increasing number of jobs are becoming available. Those who choose to commute appreciate the city’s proximity to five major highways.
       Downtown Chanhassen offers great shopping, dining and entertainment that are sure to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Real estate is diverse and affordable, with low-maintenance condominiums and townhouses available along with single-family homes of all sizes.

Attractions - Top

Most of Chanhassen's attractions are located within the nearby Twin Cities. The Mall of America is one of the most visited destinations in the United States. It attracts more visitors annually than Disney World, Graceland and the Grand Canyon combined. Since its grand opening, the Mall of America has added many more stores for a total of more than 520.
The Minnesota Zoo houses many unusual animals, including Japanese snow monkeys, gibbons, macaws, a Malayan sun bear and trumpeter swans. The Tropics Trail features an indoor rain forest surrounded by beautiful vegetation and more than 1,000 animals, while the Ocean Trail features a colorful coral reef.

Entertainment - Top

In addition to a thriving economy, Chanhassen has many things to do and a friendly hometown atmosphere. Residents can relax, have a picnic or fish at any one of the city’s 11 clean lakes, including Christmas Lake, Lake St. Joe, Lake Minnewashta and Silver Lake. The city hosts several community events held each year, and seasonal celebrations include the February Festival, the Easter Egg/Candy Hunt, the Arbor Day Celebration, the July 4 Celebration, the Fire Department Open House, the Halloween Party and the December Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Those who prefer spending a day on the greens can tee off at Bluff Creek Golf Course, an 18-hole public course with a clubhouse, pro shop, driving range and practice green. The course has six water holes and 31 bunkers to challenge even the most experienced golfers.
The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre offers a unique dining and performing arts experience, featuring Broadway musicals, dramatic comedies, comedy acts and musical revues.

History - Top

Early settlers arrived in the 1850s to stake out farms. According to town records, Joseph Vogel settled the first claim in the Chanhassen Township in June 1852. When the Indian land title ended in 1853, additional settlers arrived. Clarissa Cleaveland selected the name Chanhassen (originally spelled “Chanhassan”) from the Dakota (Sioux) language. “Chanhassan” means “the tree with sweet sap” or "sugar maple tree." Over the years, the Milwaukee & St. Paul railroads continued to draw even more settlers to the little town, and in 1896, the village of Chanhassen was incorporated.
Population and business in Chanhassen grew slowly for the next several decades. During the 1960s, Chanhassen’s first minimall was built. It housed a drug store, grocery store, hardware store and restaurant. In 1967, a merger between the village and surrounding township formed the present city of Chanhassen, which increased the population to 4,200. Today, business in Chanhassen consists primarily of commercial and industrial companies. There are currently more than 500 businesses within the city limits, which employ nearly 10,000 people. Chanhassen’s main industries now include printing, financial services, engineering, medical products, food production and high-tech manufacturing.

Location - Top

Located just southwest of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Parks & Recreation - Top

Chanhassen residents take pride in their local city park system, which offers 34 community, neighborhood and open spaces. The park system was created to provide a park within a half-mile of every resident’s front door, and with the exception of some rural areas, this goal has been attained. While there are already many miles of multipurpose trails available to residents, more are currently under construction. Chanhassen houses a senior center, a youth center and a recreation center that provides activities for residents of all ages. There are also a number of skate parks, skating rinks and organized sports.

Population - Top

Chanhassen has approximately 20,321 residents.

Pricing - Top

The average home price in Chanhassen is $340,000, with prices ranging from $160,000 to more than $3 million. The average townhouse/condo price is $170,000, with prices ranging from $120,000 to $300,000. Housing types include single-family homes, residential, commercial lots and land, investment properties, waterfront, and town homes and condominiums.