When most people hear “Minnetonka,” they immediately think expensive homes, lake life, and luxury neighborhoods—and honestly, that reputation is well earned. With top-rated schools, mature wooded lots, proximity to Minneapolis and MSP Airport, and easy access to Lake Minnetonka, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, regional parks, and apple orchards, Minnetonka is one of the most desirable suburbs in the Twin Cities.
Right now, the average resale home price in Minnetonka is around $718,000, and new construction is closer to $740,000 or more if you can even find it. So when I recently started showing homes in a pocket of Minnetonka where prices are still in the low $600,000s, I was genuinely impressed.
A Retro-Built Neighborhood That Lives Large
Most of the homes in this more affordable section of Minnetonka were built in the 1970s and 1980s. And while that era might not sound glamorous at first, these homes have something many modern builds simply don’t: actual rooms.
Instead of one massive open-concept floor plan, these houses typically offer:
- 4 or more bedrooms
- Separate family rooms and living rooms
- Kitchens that don’t dominate the entire main level
- Flexible spaces perfect for offices, playrooms, or quiet retreats
If you enjoy gathering as a family—but also value the ability to close a door and not stare at the kitchen mess—this style of home just makes sense.
Big Lots, Hills, and Mature Trees
What truly sets this pocket apart is the land.
Many of these properties sit on ½ acre or more, with:
- Rolling terrain
- Curving neighborhood streets
- Towering mature trees
- A peaceful, established feel
You’ll find this housing style throughout the Twin Cities, but the combination of lot size, price point, and location is what makes this area particularly special.
Easy Commute & Everyday Convenience
Another major perk? Location.
From this area of Minnetonka, you’re about:
- 20 minutes to downtown Minneapolis
- 20 minutes to MSP Airport
- Minutes from Target, Cub Foods, and Ridgedale Center
- Close to all the restaurants, small shops, and local charm of downtown Hopkins
That’s a rare mix of space and convenience that’s becoming harder and harder to find.
Who This Area Is Perfect For
This neighborhood is ideal if you’re looking for:
- A retro home with character
- Large yards for kids or dogs
- A quiet suburban feel
- Short, manageable commutes
- And a price that’s below the Minnetonka median
Minnetonka doesn’t usually scream “affordable,” but this hidden pocket proves that great opportunities still exist if you know where to look.
If you’re searching for a home in Minnetonka or anywhere in the Twin Cities and want help finding the smartest value for your budget, I’d love to help. I’m Mary Schumann, a Minnesota relocation specialist, and I help buyers move smart in Minnesota every day.
