With a beautiful, bustling commercial district on Water Street that's brimming in life, gorgeous recreation along shimmering lakes, and a close community, there's so much to love about living in Excelsior MN!
Often dubbed "The Crown Jewel of Minnesota's Little Vacationland", the city of Excelsior MN has come a long way since its incorporation in 1877, and it's now a sought-after hot spot for not just tourists but those looking to lay down permanent roots.
If you have plans on visiting or moving to Excelsior, here's everything there is to know!
You might have a better idea of where those living in Minneapolis are located or have family living in St.Paul, but where is Excelsior MN, and what county is Excelsior MN in?
As one of the loveliest suburbs of Minneapolis, Excelsior is located in Hennepin County on the shores of Gideon and Saint Albans Bay of Lake Minnetonka, just 20 miles west of Minneapolis. This idealistic location means that those living in Excelsior enjoy a quiet environment that's still close to the amenities of the Twin Cities.
Other smaller cities and towns that immediately surround Excelsior include Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Greenwood, and the northern end of Chanhassen.
Excelsior is known for its historic downtown on Water Street, while Minnesota State Highway 7 runs along the southern end of the city, so it's easy to stay connected.
What is the population of Excelsior MN? As of the 2020 Census, there are just 2,414 people happily living in Excelsior MN, spread across 1,276 households. This equates to a population density of around 3,738.10 per square mile, as Excelsior is only 0.63 square miles of land.
The average family size is 2.4, and 15.1% of residents are under the age of 18, adding to the dynamic, diverse nature of this small but thriving city.
If you're planning on moving to Excelsior, you're probably wondering, is Excelsior Minnesota safe? While the FBI doesn't have official data for the Excelsior crime rate, some estimates measure it as up to 80-90% safer than the national average. The Minneapolis crime rate and the St. Paul crime rate are much higher.
So yes, living in Excelsior MN means living in a safe, secure community where you're protected by the efforts of the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department.
Living in Excelsior MN is quite popular, and with this, the cost of living in Excelsior is estimated as about 6% higher than the national average. The closest official cost of living index is for the cost of living in Minneapolis, which is 6.7% lower than the national average, so there's a slightly higher premium in Excelsior.
The Family Budget Calculator gives us an idea that a family of four would want to earn $128.648/year to comfortably meet the economic demands of Hennepin County, so considering the average household size of 2.4 and median household income of $108,611, residents are well-suited to stay on budget.
Let's break down a few common expenses you might run into when living in Excelsior MN:
Data sourced from Payscale.
One of the biggest drives of the cost of living in Excelsior is the Excelsior MN real estate market. If you're planning on moving to Excelsior, it's actually cheaper to rent than it is to buy. The median price of homes for sale in Excelsior MN is a whopping $1.8 million, a number that has increased 214.2% since last year and equates to a considerable $666 per square foot, reflecting the desirability of the area.
Rental options are more sparse, but when it comes to apartments in Excelsior, you can expect to pay $1,507/month, a more affordable number but one that fluctuates with availability and the tourist season/winter rentals.
If you’re looking for quiet, nice areas to live outside Minneapolis MN, Excelsior is a wonderful choice, and the neighborhoods within are lovely. Here's a handful of places to keep in mind to bring out the best of living in Excelsior MN:
Downtown Excelsior lies along Lake Minnetonka’s southern shore at the heart of the city, anchored by a historic Water Street lined with Victorian-era buildings and a postcard-worthy waterfront. This walkable neighborhood stands out for its time-capsule charm and vibrant community energy - locals stroll from quaint boutiques to the lakefront Excelsior Commons park, enjoying a white-picket-fence, small-town lifestyle that feels miles from the big city.
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College Lake sits in the quiet southwest corner of Excelsior, an older neighborhood of charming homes tucked among mature trees that give it a secluded, woodsy feel. Beloved for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, this area offers families the best of both worlds with top-rated Minnetonka schools and parks nearby, while downtown Excelsior’s shops, cafés, and lakeshore fun are only minutes away.
Wrapping around Excelsior Bay and its adjoining inlets on Lake Minnetonka, this prestigious neighborhood area is known for grand lakefront estates featuring classic architecture, private docks, and stunning sunset views over the water, bringing out the best of living in Minnesota.
It stands out as Excelsior’s luxury enclave where residents savor serene lakeside living alongside modern conveniences - imagine peaceful mornings on the dock and evenings strolling into downtown for fine dining, boutique shopping, or a concert in the park at The Commons.
One major allure of living in Excelsior MN is the weather! The weather in Excelsior MN brings a little bit of everything, green and bright on the shores of Lake Minnetonka during the summer and cold and white during winter's grasp.
Excelsior sees about 51 inches of snowfall every year, a considerable number. The average January low is a chilly 4.1 degrees, the average high only reaches 22.7 degrees.
In July, the average high warms to a perfect 82.6 average, which is ideal for swimming, paddling, and hiking! This is accompanied by a typical 199 days of sunshine every year. June, July, and August are some of the best months when it comes to the weather in Excelsior MN, as they're warm and inviting. That said, August is the rainiest month, seeing an average of 4.5 inches of rain.
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Overall, living in Excelsior MN means enjoying all four seasons in full force.
Excelsior, Minnesota is a postcard-perfect lakeside town on Lake Minnetonka, known for its historic charm and vibrant downtown. Its Water Street district is lined with unique boutiques and eateries; local favorites include Excelsior Bay Books, a cozy indie bookstore with a well-curated selection, and Golden Rule Gallery, an artful shop offering apparel, jewelry, and home goods.
Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy outdoor lake adventures, delve into local history, and find top-notch entertainment in this charming community with the following things to do in Excelsior MN:
Lake Minnetonka’s expansive 14,000-acre waters invite all kinds of outdoor fun, from swimming at Excelsior Commons Park to fishing and kayaking along its scenic shoreline. Visitors can also hop aboard a narrated paddlewheel cruise – such as the 100-passenger Lady of the Lake – for a relaxing tour around the lake’s bays and the famous Big Island.
Located on the shores of Excelsior MN.
Climb aboard a restored vintage trolley for a brief ride through downtown on the Excelsior Streetcar Line, reliving the days when streetcars carried city-dwellers to the lake over a century ago. The streetcar stops at a historic car barn museum, where riders can view photo exhibits of 1800s-era hotels, trains, and steamboats that showcase Excelsior’s rich past.
Excelsior, MN 55331 (952-922-1096)
For a night out on the town, go to Excelsior Brewing Company, a lake-themed micro-brewery downtown with a lively taproom experience. Patrons can sip locally brewed beers on tap among 20 selections, along with live music and games on the large outdoor patio, making it a locals' and visitors' go-to destination.
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421 3rd St, Excelsior, MN 55331 (952-474-7837)
The city hosts a calendar of popular Excelsior MN events, and the countless city parks ensure outdoor activity is accessible to all.
Excelsior’s dining scene offers something for everyone, from upscale cuisine to laid-back lakeside eats. Here are four top restaurants in Excelsior MN – each with a distinct vibe and delicious food.
Launched in 2023, Layline delivers a sophisticated fine-dining experience in downtown Excelsior with an eclectic menu of curated, contemporary American fare.
301 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331 (952-856-8003)
Coalition is a casual Excelsior eatery where “comfort meets culinary,” offering a diverse menu that satisfies all appetites and making it one of the top restaurants in Excelsior MN.
227 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331 (952-283-1952)
Maynard’s is a popular lakeside restaurant celebrated for its spectacular Lake Minnetonka views and a welcoming waterfront dining experience that everyone can enjoy.
685 Excelsior Blvd, Excelsior, MN 55331 (952-470-1800)
Parlour Excelsior is a hip cocktail lounge known for its handcrafted drinks and the iconic Parlour Burger, delivering a chic yet relaxed vibe for burger lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. It's a favorite for those living in Excelsior MN.
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200 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331 (952-247-4790)
Excelsior, MN is a lakeside community that benefits from the robust Twin Cities economy, where future job growth is projected at around 36.9%. Major industries include manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services, while average salaries hover near $43,000 (about $20.76/hour).
Local anchors like Lyman Companies, Minnetonka Public Schools, and Kowalski’s regularly hire, with postings on the City of Excelsior Jobs Board and Indeed.com. Tourism, fueled by thousands of yearly Lake Minnetonka visitors, also supports numerous hospitality jobs.
The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce helps drive growth, connecting businesses, job seekers, and the wider community to enhance local prosperity and professional horizons.
Excelsior MN schools are led by the Minnetonka Public Schools District #276.
Excelsior Elementary serves over 700 students living in Excelsior MN with an amazing student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Middle school students will most likely attend Minnetonka Middle School West (MMW), just south of city limits, while high school students will head to Minnetonka High School.
The two private schools in Excelsior include Our Savior School and the St. John the Baptist Catholic Montessori School, for those interested in other educational pathways.
Those pursuing higher education can explore nearby institutions such as Normandale Community College in Bloomington or the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, both within a reasonable commute.
For additional learning resources, the closest library is the Excelsior Library on Water Street, part of the Hennepin County Library system.
Eager to explore living in Excelsior MN? Do so with this interactive map!
Is moving to Excelsior in your future, or perhaps you're planning on leaving our area? No matter what your situation looks like, our Excelsior MN movers are here to help! Call us at 612-361-6787 to discuss your moving needs and review a totally customized, free quote.
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