Cedar-Isles-Dean

If you ask residents of Minneapolis what sets their city apart from other major metropolitan areas, you will quickly learn about the extensive lake system that runs through the southern part of the city. Though you can easily find the urban lifestyle and towering skyline in downtown Minneapolis, the lakes offer a terrific alternative for those who prefer the solace and beauty of living near water. Between Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, and the Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis offers a tremendous amount of outdoor recreational opportunities, and with plenty of available and affordable real estate nearby, the time has never been better to finally invest in your dream lakefront home.
The lakes are connected as part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, an elaborate system of trails and bike paths that are widely popular for exercise and recreational walks. Lake Harriet connects with Lake Calhoun on its north end through the William Berry Parkway. Harriet is home to two beaches, which many take advantage of during the summer months, as well as its famous castle-shaped bandshell. From June to September each year, the bandshell hosts concerts nightly, offering an eclectic assortment of music from big band to bluegrass to rock and roll. The Minneapolis Pops Orchestra makes its summer home here, offering a blend of popular and traditional music each Saturday. Additionally, Lake Harriet contains a brand new picnic shelter, tennis courts and fishing docks, so there are plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in.
On the other side of Lake Calhoun is the Lake of the Isles. Restored by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in the early 1900’s, the Isles has been transformed from a shallow lake and marsh area into one of the most majestic lakes the city has to offer. In addition to its summer offerings, this lake is one of the most winter-friendly, offering an ice skating and hockey rink. In warmer weather, its bike paths, soccer field and fishing docks are very popular.
For those especially interested in fishing, Lake Nokomis offers some of the richest waters for fishermen in the entire state, with many game fish found here. Along with Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun, it is one of the three lakes used for sailing, and is one of the hosts for the popular Aquatennial, an annual celebration of Minneapolis’ aquatic tradition, featuring shows and competitions that draw large audiences. Nokomis is also a popular sporting lake, with fields available for football, baseball, softball, soccer and tennis.
Some of the most beautiful architecture in all of Minneapolis real estate can be found near the lakes. Many large single-family and multi-story homes and condominiums boast luxurious porches and balconies with a beautiful view of the water. If you are lucky enough to own a boat, there are plenty of homes with a large enough area to accommodate you with easy convenient access to many of the lakes’ boating docks. With the real estate market currently in favor of those seeking to buy, the time has never been better to locate the home of your dreams at a reasonable price. If you are more interested in renting, there are scores of apartments and duplexes for rent immediately near the lakes, as well as in the Uptown district, which is well within easy walking distance to the lakes and trails. I strongly encourage you to contact me to set up an appointment; I am confident that I can find a home that suits your own, as well as your family’s needs.

The Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood of western Minneapolis also belongs to the larger Calhoun-Isles Community. Taking its name from three sources, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, and Dean Parkway, this neighborhood is home to many parks and trails, representative of the more relaxed design and feel of the western suburbs of Minneapolis.

The Midtown Greenway, a significant trail system, runs through the neighborhood of Cedar-Isles-Dean. This community is also home to other “green” spaces which are very much the boasted perks of living in this suburb of Minneapolis. An expansive connection of trails and bikeways wind their way through Cedar-Isles-Dean. Residents and visitors take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities that can be enjoyed through the parks and trails year round in Minnesota. The southern border of this neighborhood has also seen a recent boon in the number and selection of boutiques, shops, and restaurants

This smaller neighborhood is basically divided into smaller residential sections. Most of the homes are single-family, but there are also several options of apartments and condominiums available in the area as well. Homes range from modest and charming picket-fence style homes, to completely remodeled historical homes, to modern and trendy lofts. In order to call Cedar-Isles-Dean home, however, you will need to fall in with the small percentage of people who have a family income of more than double the citywide average.

In addition to Cedar-Isles-Dean being one of the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis, it is also one of the most expensive in both the city and the United States. The majority of homes are listed at above $400,000, which provides residents who can afford the luxury some seclusion from the urban crowds nearby. The winding streets are conveniently placed within a triangle of lakes within the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and residents have the option of spending the day at Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun.

This natural set up would of course provide some of the most breathtaking scenery that Minneapolis has to offer. The streets are lined with pine trees and each property has plenty of elbow room around it. High earning single professionals make up the majority of the local population with a few families and retirees here and there. Families with children do have to go out of their way since the closest elementary school is in Kenwood on the north side of the Lake of Isles. Cedar-Isle-Dean lacks nightlife due to its motif of natural peace and quiet, but it is close enough to downtown and other areas like Whittier to where it is almost no inconvenience.