Minnesota Real Estate Minnetonka

Minnesota Real Estate > Minnetonka:

General Info - Top

Minnetonka's name translates to "Big Water," and this Hennepin County city offers loads of lakeside activities.
        The city was founded in 1852 as the first European-American settlement west of Minneapolis. Most early settlers were New Englanders. National newspapers and even some foreign press encouraged settlement in the area, which grew around Minnehaha Creek and modern-day McGinty Road.
       "Minne" means "water" and "tonka" means "big." Minnetonka Township originally covered 36 square miles, but it shrank when the cities of Wayzata, Hopkins, Deephaven, Woodland and St. Louis Park split off. In 1956, the remaining 28 square miles were incorporated as Minnetonka Village. And in 1969, Minnetonka became a city by charter.
       Located 10 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnetonka touches the far eastern shores of Lake Minnetonka. With dozens of nearby lakes, creeks and wetlands, Minnetonka residents have access to 39 parks and recreation areas totaling 1,100 acres, including five large community parks. In addition, it contains the Minnetonka Loop Trail System, a 30-mile trail for running, biking and walking.
       Residents have direct access to Interstate Highways 494 and 394, and State Highways 7, 101 and 169. Ridgedale Mall and its surrounding area serve as the hub of retail activity. The mall is located just east of the intersection of I-494 and I-394.

Education - Top

Students in Minnetonka are served by three different districts: Hopkins School District No. 270, Minnetonka School District No. 276 and Wayzata School District No. 284. Private schools include Accell Academy, Immaculate Heart of Mary and Minnetonka Christian Academy. For post-secondary education, the University of Minnesota, Dunwoody College of Technology and several other schools are located just minutes away in Minneapolis.

Location - Top

Minnetonka is located in Hennepin County, 10 miles west of Minneapolis.

Population - Top

Minnetonka has approximately 51,301 residents.

Pricing - Top

Minnetonka's real estate market is quite diverse. Tall trees and well-landscaped yards homes that range from condos and townhouses to single-family detached homes of all shapes and sizes. A typical three-bedroom house with basement, fireplace and spacious backyard ranges in price from $200,000 to $600,000 and more. Larger homes range in price from $600,000 to $900,000, while prices for magnificent estate properties in upscale neighborhoods can exceed $1 million depending on amenities, views and location. Condominiums and townhouses are readily available and are usually priced from the mid-$100,000s to $400,000 and more. Some historical properties are also available, as are land and lots for custom development.

Recreation - Top

Minnetonka offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. Start with a visit to the historic Burwell House, or head off to Civic Center Park, which hosts the annual Minnetonka Summer Festival. The park is also home to a community center, city hall, fire station and two ice arenas.
Dig your toes into the sand at Libbs Lake Beach, which is connected via channel to Minnehaha Creek. Peaceful Linner Park preserves the area’s natural wetlands. And Meadow Park comprises 100 acres, offering a playground, hockey rinks, tennis courts and more.