Your Guide to Buying a Home in Minnetonka, MN

Buying a Home in Minnetonka, Minnesota

Minnetonka is located in Hennepin County

Population: 51,301 The city of Minnetonka - "minne" meaning water and "tonka" meaning big - was claimed in 1852 at Minnehaha Creek and what is now McGinty Rd. The claim was the first European-American Settlement west of Minneapolis in Hennepin County.

Originally, Minnetonka Township covered 36 square miles but shrunk when the cities of Wayzata, Hopkins, Deephaven, Woodland and St. Louis Park were divided off. In 1956, the remaining 28 square miles were incorporated as Minnetonka Village. Then, in 1969, Minnetonka became a city by charter.

Located 10 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnetonka just touches the eastern shores of Lake Minnetonka, which is the largest recreational lake in the Twin Cities metro area. With many lakes, creeks and wetlands, Minnetonka offers its residents 39 parks and recreational areas totalling 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. The centerpiece is the community of Minnetonka Mills with its rich history of the first water-powered mill which leads to Minnehaha Falls. Older estates of the pillars of lake living have given way to a diversified population and a quality of life second to none. You must experience this pearl to appreciate its value.

Residents have access to Interstate Highways 494 and 394, as well as 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.

In addition to the local public school systems of Hopkins District 270, Minnetonka District 276 and Wayzata District 284, there are two private schools located in Minnetonka.

Minnetonka offers several housing types including town homes and condiminiums ranging in price from $100,000 to $500,000 and single family homes from $200,000 on up.

Carlson Companies, Cargill and Fingerhut are among the city's major employers.

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