This beautiful community is the epitome of classic American lakeside living. Highly sought after for its gorgeous tree-lined settings, winding streets, rich history, and prime position along the middle section of Lake Minnetonka. The sub-hamlet of Cottagewood ranks as one of the highest-demand neighborhoods on the entire lake.

• The Cottagewood General Store is the beloved neighborhood gathering spot — famous for Friday night barbecues.
• The Minnetonka Yacht Club, founded in 1892, is a world-renowned racing club on Lighthouse Island.
• Six public beaches available to residents.
• Regional walking, biking, and hiking trails connect east and west. Tennis courts, platform tennis, and skating rinks throughout.
• Community docking available.
• Consistently low crime rate.
• Highly regarded Minnetonka School District — 91%+ college-bound graduating class.

This high-demand community draws buyers from across the metro. Perched overlooking the main lower lake and the coveted Crystal and Lafayette Bays, Minnetonka Beach offers one of the most distinctive residential experiences on the lake.

• Overlooking the main lower lake with views of Crystal and Lafayette Bays.
• Ride or walk the Dakota Trail from your doorstep.
• Convenient to Navarre, 6 minutes to Wayzata, and 20 minutes to downtown Minneapolis.
• Adjacent to the world-famous historic Lafayette Club.
• Every property owner holds dock rights — even without direct lakeshore.
• Served by the high-demand Orono School District.
• One of the most sought-after locations on all of Lake Minnetonka.

Rich in agricultural heritage dating to the mid-1800s, Minnetrista has emerged as a premier western destination. Golf courses, riding stables, polo, and boating on the western lake have made this one of the area's most exciting growth communities.

• Abundant parks and trails throughout.
• Multiple boat landings for easy lake access.
• Lake Minnetonka Regional Park nearby.
• Gale Woods Farm — real farm experiences, boating, fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
• Low crime rate with shared municipal services.
• Excellent schools: Westonka, Delano, Waconia, and Watertown districts.
• Other area lakes offer recreation without Minnetonka pricing.

Just 20 miles west of Minneapolis with 17 miles of Lake Minnetonka shoreline, Mound balances preserved historic character with active community investment. Over 111 years old and named for Indian Mounds built from 300 BC to 100 AD.

• Home to the famous Tonka Toys brand.
• Largest municipally owned dock program in the state.
• Consistently A-rated by Areavibes for safety.
• More parks than any other lakeshore community — 31 total.
• Great dining options from casual to fine.
• Farmers market, fish fry, wake surf competition, Tonka Brew Fest and more.
• Award-winning schools with a close-knit community feel.

Located on the northern edge of Lake Minnetonka, Orono is a community of generous lots, rolling landscapes, and exceptional quality of life. Privacy and prestige without remoteness.

• 2-acre minimum lot sizes throughout.
• Safer than 94% of US cities based on crime statistics.
• Award-winning Orono School District — consistently top 98.8% nationally.
• Outstanding extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and music.
• Just a 20-minute commute to downtown Minneapolis.
• Rolling landscapes with abundant natural beauty.
• Access to both private and public golf courses.

This thriving community enjoys unique access to several islands — Spray, Enchanted, and Shady — along with easy east-west connectivity. More accessible price points relative to much of the lake offer outstanding value.

• Award-winning Minnetonka School District.
• 20 miles from Minneapolis — a popular commuter community.
• More accessible real estate pricing relative to other lakeshore communities.
• Seven family-friendly parks.
• Historic streetcar and trolley heritage.
• High median household income.
• Consistently low crime rate.

This 160-acre village began as an apple orchard and has evolved into one of the most distinctive communities on Lake Minnetonka — beautiful lakeshore homes, a bustling marina, and a thriving arts scene. Only about 650 households, half on the water.

• The historic Tonka Bay Hotel (1878) was one of the first grand hotels on the lake.
• Parks, beaches, and playground facilities throughout.
• A major hiking, biking, and walking trail runs through the south end.
• Clay Cliff is one of only three gated communities in the Twin Cities metro.
• Award-winning Minnetonka Schools — 91% of graduates are college bound.
• Spanish and Chinese immersion classes, exceptional athletics and activities.

Historic and vibrant, this destination village is packed with exceptional restaurants, boutique shopping, and a charming lakeside hotel — minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Walkability, spectacular lake views, and full lake access make Wayzata one of the most consistently in-demand addresses in the western suburbs.

• Just 12.5 miles — roughly 11 minutes — from downtown Minneapolis.
• Two regional trails (Dakota and Luce Line) originate from Wayzata.
• Crime rate is 33% below the national average.
• Parks and nature centers throughout.
• Award-winning Wayzata School District — high demand at all levels.
• Historic hotels and resorts once lined these shores.
• Some of the most sought-after real estate on all of Lake Minnetonka.

Barely 8 square miles, roughly 500 residents, and only 190 households — Woodland is deliberately insulated from commercial development to preserve its idyllic settings. Hidden driveways, towering trees, dramatic topography, and commanding views over Wayzata Bay make this one of the most coveted addresses in the Twin Cities.

• 2-acre minimum lots — privacy built into the fabric of the community.
• The Assembly Grounds feature historic buildings, shared lakeshore, and docking.
• Maplewoods is one of the few estate neighborhoods with rare old-growth timber and Sioux Indian history.
• Pristine virgin maple forests within city limits.
• Winding streets lead to hidden neighborhoods.
• 5 minutes from Wayzata or Deephaven.
• One of the lowest crime rates in the state. 20 minutes to downtown Minneapolis.

With a population of over 72,000, Maple Grove is the ninth largest city in Minnesota and one of the fastest-growing. Known for its clean, well-planned neighborhoods, outstanding schools, and an abundance of recreational options, it strikes the ideal balance between suburban comfort and urban convenience.

• Served by highly rated Osseo Area Schools (District 279) and portions of the Wayzata School District — both consistently ranked among the best in Minnesota.
• Over 1,000 acres of parkland including the 4,900-acre Elm Creek Park Reserve — offering hiking, biking, swimming, cross-country skiing, and year-round outdoor recreation.
• The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes and Maple Grove Crossing provide world-class dining and retail right in the community.
• Rush Creek Golf Club offers an 18-hole course within the city.
• Annual community events including Chalkfest Maple Grove and Maple Grove Days foster a strong neighborhood identity.
• Home to major employers including General Mills, Cargill, and Boston Scientific — short commute for many professionals.
• Consistently ranked among the safest and most livable communities in Minnesota.
• Only 20 minutes northwest of downtown Minneapolis.

Medina offers something increasingly rare in the western metro: true elbow room. Generous lot sizes, custom-built estates, and a peaceful rural atmosphere define this community. Located along Highway 55, Medina has grown from its agricultural roots into one of the most desirable addresses for buyers seeking privacy, land, and luxury without sacrificing access to the city.

• Homes predominantly on larger lots — many 2 to 10+ acres with wooded views, rolling hills, ponds, and natural preserves.
• Served by multiple top-rated school districts: Wayzata (ranked #1 in Minnesota by Niche), Orono, Rockford, and Delano.
• Notable neighborhoods include Wild Meadows, Medina Highlands, The Enclave, and Bridgewater at Lake Medina.
• Baker Park Reserve — 2,700+ acres featuring Lake Independence, a swimming beach, miles of paved trails, and the Baker National Golf Course.
• Home to the Hamel Rodeo, Minnesota's largest professional rodeo, held annually each summer.
• Price range broadly spans $600,000 to $4M+ depending on acreage and finishes — one of the highest value markets in the western suburbs.
• Brian Benson resides in Medina and has deep firsthand knowledge of the community, its neighborhoods, and its development landscape.
• 20 miles west of Minneapolis with easy Highway 55 access.

Plymouth is one of the western suburbs' most complete communities — large enough to offer every amenity, yet thoughtfully planned to preserve green space and neighborhood character. With a population of around 80,000, it's one of the largest suburbs in the Twin Cities but consistently earns top marks for livability, safety, and schools.

• Served primarily by the Wayzata School District — Wayzata High School consistently ranks among the top public high schools in Minnesota.
• Also served by Robbinsdale, Osseo, and Hopkins school districts depending on location.
• 40 parks, 70 miles of trails, and year-round recreation programs throughout the city.
• Medicine Lake is the defining natural feature — paddleboarding and boating in summer, skating in winter. French Regional Park provides boat launches and wooded walking paths.
• The Luce Line State Trail begins in Plymouth, connecting westward through suburban and rural communities.
• Hilde Performance Center — a 45-foot open-air concert venue hosting Music in Plymouth, a beloved community tradition for over 50 years.
• Homes typically range from $450,000 to $900,000+ with diverse options from established executive neighborhoods to new construction.
• Just 12 miles northwest of Minneapolis — quick access to Highways 55, 169, and I-494.