12 Luxury Neighborhoods in the Western Suburbs of Minneapolis

September 21, 2020

The many suburbs of western Minneapolis are home to many beautiful neighborhoods. From abundant recreational areas and public parks to dining and entertainment to high-value real estate and beyond, there are great areas to explore around every corner. Here are 12 luxury neighborhoods in the western suburbs of Minneapolis to both live and visit.

1) Morningside: Edina

The neighborhood Morningside is important to the development and architectural history of the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Situated along the old Como-Harriet Streetcar line, the area is distinct thanks to its relatively high-density of people per square mile, platted subdivisions, mass transit options and similarity in single-family home designs.

2) City Center: Chanhassen

The quiet, family-oriented suburb of Chanhassen has plenty of wonderful neighborhoods, but City Center stands out. Thanks to its great access to public parks, Market Square, shopping and dining options, the neighborhood can suit many different living situations. It’s also home to a Minnesota icon, Prince’s home Paisley Park, now a museum.

3) Groveland: Minnetonka

In terms of Minneapolis suburbs, Minnetonka is often held up on a pedestal because of its high-value real estate, prime location on Lake Minnetonka and upscale neighborhoods. One of those neighborhoods, Groveland, offers residents the ideal residential setting with a median home price hovering around half-a-million dollars, top public school system and plenty of recreational opportunities—making it a great place to settle down.

4) Barden: Shakopee

The Barden neighborhood in Shakopee is one of the town’s oldest, first established as a major railroad connection point. Since the early days, however, Barden has grown into a quiet, attractive neighborhood for both families and individuals. It’s well known for its abundant row houses, which makes the area look more “upper East Coast” than “Midwestern suburb”.

5) Fulton: Southwest Minneapolis

Nestled in Southwest Minneapolis, Fulton is a small yet vibrant neighborhood. With a major east-west thoroughfare bisecting the neighborhood, 50th and France, residents have access to plenty of upscale shopping and dining options. Plus, bordering neighborhoods with plenty of their own amenities, like Linden Hills and Edina, offer even more things to do.

6) East Lake Street: Wayzata

Just 20 minutes from Downtown Minneapolis, Wayzata offers an escape with its many public parks, shoreline along Lake Minnetonka and world-class dining—particularly in the East Lake Street neighborhood. Dine on a lakeside patio at Cov seafood restaurant, savor filet mignon at Gianni’s or go casual at McCormick’s Irish Pub. Shopping options include 44 North Boutique, Blanc de Blanc and Oh Baby! Cap the evening with a sunset walk along Wayzata Bay.

7) Excelsior Commons: Excelsior

This neighborhood is known for its open green area, perfect for lounging, walking and biking, right along the Lower Lake shoreline. Residents and visitors enjoy swimming at the spacious beaches, letting children run around the many playgrounds or taking a boat ride. Plus, with the many events held year round and a thriving cultural scene, Excelsior Commons combines the best aspects of Minnesota’s natural landscape and big-city amenities.

8) Weaver Lake: Maple Grove

Maple Grove has a highly suburban feel, with many shopping complexes, restaurant chains and housing developments. Weaver Lake offers a good mix of it all, with access to Maple Grove Community Center, single-family homes and rental units, and Maple Grove Crossing Mall.

9) Medicine Lake: Plymouth

Medicine Lake is one of the top suburban lakes, quieter than its larger neighbor, Minnetonka, but still a good size where it doesn’t feel crowded. The neighborhood is full of single-family homes within a natural setting. Nearby city centers along Highway 55 offer plenty of retail shopping, entertainment and dining.

10) Bearpath: Eden Prairie

One of the most affluent areas of the suburb Eden Prairie is Bearpath. The gated neighborhood is known as the location of Bearpath Country Club, home of a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and offers some of the best golfing in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Exclusive, expensive real estate listings are in the millions of dollars, but residents get unfettered access to golfing, as well as natural recreation areas and Lake Riley.

11) Armatage: South Minneapolis

The Armatage neighborhood is distinct in that the majority of houses were built during the post WWII housing boom from 1949 to 1969. As the area grew out from the center point of Maude Armatage School, it came to incorporate more single-family and multifamily units, parks, a community center and local retail spots along Penn Ave.

12) 66th & Penn: Richfield

A small but upcoming suburb on the western side of Minneapolis, this neighborhood in Richfield sports a revived 66th street, growing population, thriving restaurant industry and rising home values. Locally famous restaurants include Sandy’s Tavern and Fireside Foundry, a new apartment complex directly off 66th street caters to young socialites, and new recreation paths connect the Richfield to the rest of the major western suburbs.

Searching for fun things to do in Minneapolis?

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