West Calhoun

One of the most gorgeous areas of Minneapolis, Lake Calhoun is located in trendy southwest Minneapolis, commonly known as Uptown. This scenic location is a perfect choice for those wishing to enjoy all of the amenities of city life, while also having immediate access to all of the outdoor recreational benefits the lake has to offer.
In the early twentieth century, Minneapolis purchased the lands surrounding what is now known as the “Chain of Lakes” in order to preserve them as public parks. Today, the lakes are among Minneapolis’ most distinctive features, and provide the city with its common nickname, the “City of Lakes.” This area is one of the districts that make up the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, a green path that circles the city through almost all of its notable neighborhoods, including the Downtown Riverfront, the Mississippi River, Minnehaha, Theodore Wirth, Victory Memorial, and the Northeast areas. Bikers and pedestrians regularly use the byway as an alternative and scenic means of transportation and recreation.
Lake Calhoun is 3.1 miles around for pedestrians, with a 3.2 mile bike and skater trail. On any given Minnesota summer day, a wide range of people can be found enjoying the great breeze the water provides, whether exercising, fishing or reading a book near the shore. For those who like to get right into the water, the lake is also popular for swimming, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing, among other aquatic activities. If that isn’t enough, Calhoun is only one of Minneapolis’ famed Chain of Lakes, connected to Lake Harriet on the southern end, Lake of the Isles on the northeast, and Cedar Lake on the northwest side.
One of the most popular sections of the lake, Thomas Beach, is host to the annual Minneapolis Aquatennial, a ten day extravaganza featuring water-ski and sailing performances, a block party, and numerous other local events and competitions. If you haven’t stretched your sea legs much, don’t worry—Thomas Beach also offers swimming lessons and the ever-popular Lake Calhoun Sailing School, open every year from April to October for children and adults of all ability and experience levels. The Calhoun Yacht Club and the University of St. Thomas Sailing Club are also based here and regularly draw large, enthusiastic audiences.
Because of its position at the edge of the Uptown district, Lake Calhoun boasts a great scene for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The famous Hennepin Avenue, within easy walking distance from the lake, offers several movie theaters, a wide range of fine and casual restaurants, and many of the trendiest bars and nightclubs Minneapolis has to offer. Just a couple of miles further down the road lies Loring Park and downtown Minneapolis, both easily accessible by car, bus, or bike. All of these reasons make Lake Calhoun one of the most desired areas to live in the entire Twin Cities.
In terms of real estate, Lake Calhoun offers a little bit of everything, from affordable apartments, duplexes and condominiums, to single family homes, to extraordinary lakeshore residences and high-rises. Some of the more interesting architectural work in all of Minneapolis real estate can be found here; in the current market, buying a home near the lake is an incredibly wise investment. Many beautiful homes are currently available with amazing views at affordable prices.

For those who love lake shore views and have funds to spare, West Calhoun is an ideal place to kick back and relax. Located in the southwestern area of Minneapolis on the northern edge of Lake Calhoun, this community is somewhat exclusive due to the expensive real estate. The avergae housing costs exceeds $400,000 and rental prices rarely go below $700, making West Calhoun one of the priciest neighborhoods in Minneapolis and in the United States. With the high costs of living and low population density comes a very low occurrence of crime, which marks the area as suitable for those who wish to get away.

This thick forested suburbia is mostly occupied by high earning professionals, retired individuals and a small cluster of families. The young and trendy will find little to do here since the lack of nightlife feeds the peace and quiet motif. Also, the distance from the central neighborhoods and the high standard of living put West Calhoun out of reach for younger crowds. Those with higher paychecks, however, have the luxury of getting access to the Minikahda Golf Course, being steps away from the lake shore, a short drive or moderate walk to Whole Foods, and seclusion from the noisy life of the busier portions of Minneapolis.

West Calhoun is lakeside living at Minnesota’s best! The area is beautifully situated near Lake Calhoun and residents and visitors can expect fine living, dining, shopping, and sightseeing in this neighborhood. Lake Calhoun is one of the most popular lakes in the metro area, and here you can find the Calhoun Yacht Club and Lake Calhoun Sailing School. There are also businesses that rent out kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes, which can all be used on the lake or longer treks to Lake Harriet or Lake of the Isles through the connecting chain of canals.

There are only about 290 owned homes in the West Calhoun neighborhood, but almost 900 rented units for those looking to call this area home. These beautiful homes and rentals range from $650/month to far higher.

For those who don’t live in the West Calhoun neighborhood, there is still a wide array of options for visitors who want to take advantage of the beauty of the area. One of the highlights of this neighborhood is the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway that borders Lake Calhoun and connects to other trails and the Midtown Greenway.

Various businesses, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, shops, and even doctor and dentist offices can be found among the streets of the West Calhoun neighborhood. Whether it is to find your new home or visit for the day, this picturesque part of Minneapolis will be one of your favorites.