Linden Hills

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.

Linden Hills is a community of luxury nestled within lakes and various patches of green. Cottages are the signature homes here, which help to create a secluded small town feel for those who reside within these streets. The selling prices for the local homes come in a wide range, though all are still on the expensive side. Many properties are listed at around half a million dollars while those with less square footage will sell for as low as $250,000. The expensive real estate helps to keep droves out and a select few in, so that neighbors do hot have to live within unbearably congested urban crowds.

Linden Hills is located within the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and touches both Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. There are five parks within the neighborhood boundaries alone; Minikahda Gold Course, Berry Park, Linden Hills Field, Waveland Park, and Beards Plasisance. Each green area and body of water offers numerous outdoor activities, so residents always have a way to stay physically active or a place to kick back during the warmer months. Though a commute by personal vehicle to downtown would take some time, public transportation makes going in and out of the neighborhood extremely easy. Add a few local family businesses and a very low crime rate and Linden Hills is a urban slice of heaven for those who can manage to afford living here.

Originally developed as a community of cottages that could take advantage of Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet, Linden Hills is now an upscale neighborhood in southwest Minneapolis. The cottages are for the most part history, replaced with larger homes that have been renovated and are selling for high prices. It is not uncommon to see homes selling for more than $500,000 in the neighborhood (although some smaller ones might be closer to $200,000), so it is not for the average Minneapolis family. The average income of residents in the Linden Hills neighborhood is greater than the average income of residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
There is still a line of public transportation that runs from the two lakes and connects residents and visitors to their beauty. The chain of lakes region also has what seem like endless miles of walkways, and those can connect you with the quaint shopping districts within the community. The businesses are typically small, family or individually run shops that offer everything from great cuisine to home décor.
The many trails and parks of the Linden Hills neighborhood give it the feeling that you aren’t really a part of the city when you are there. Playgrounds, athletic fields, and gorgeous gardens are all within walking distance of the residential areas.