
Living in Minnetonka MN comes with many great benefits. Minnetonka means “great water” in the Dakota language, which is fitting because Minnetonka sits alongside Lake Minnetonka, a body of water spanning 14,000 acres, with over 100 miles of shoreline. Minnetonka is known for its lush parks and great job opportunities. UnitedHealth Group and Cargill, the largest privately owned company in the U.S., are two of the top companies located nearby, making moving to Minnetonka a great idea for many.
The city's natural surroundings of trees, wetlands, prairies, and diverse bodies of water provide a backdrop for many outdoor recreational activities, such as boating, hiking, swimming, and even ice fishing in the winter. Minnetonka is a vibrant community with many local events throughout the year, including the Summer Festival in June, featuring many activities for all ages, live music, and fireworks. The annual Kids’ Fest is a family fun event that includes dog sled rides, horse-drawn trolley rides, face painting, and much more. Minnetonka is an awesome place to live.
Minnetonka is located in Hennepin County and is part of the Twin Cities metro area. Minnetonka is about 10 miles west of Minneapolis. The city borders the eastern tip of Lake Minnetonka, otherwise known as Shady Oak Beach, one of the largest lakes in Minnesota.
The City of Minnetonka is dedicated to making all people feel welcome, regardless of their race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability. The city works to remove barriers to living, working, and thriving in the community so all residents can feel at home there. The Minnetonka Coalition for Equitable Education pledges to end institutional racism in Minnetonka Schools through measures such as diversity training and an anti-oppressive, anti-racist curriculum. As a community, Minnetonka is striving for inclusion for all races and ethnic backgrounds. Minnetonka’s population is fairly diverse. The Minnetonka population is 52,651.
Here's an overview of Minnetonka's demographics:
The safety of its residents is very important in Minnetonka, and the Minnetonka Police Department and its 57 sworn officers are committed to serving and protecting the community with honor and integrity. Minnetonka is a very safe place to live. The crime rate is 15.21% lower than the national average. In Minnetonka, there are an estimated 1,786 crimes per 100,000 people. Violent crime is 77.95% below the national average. It’s much safer than living in Minneapolis.

Living in Minnetonka is fairly expensive. The cost of living in Minnetonka is 22% higher than the national average. If you're looking for affordable housing, living in Minnetonka MN just got a bit more complicated. The Minnetonka MN real estate market is competitive. In Minnetonka, housing prices are 84% higher than the national average. However, it still has a lower cost of living than Minneapolis.
The median sale price of a home in Minnetonka is $525,000. The average cost per square foot of the Minnetonka MN homes currently for sale is $221. If you want to be a part of this community, the homes go quickly, so check out the many current homes for sale Minnetonka MN has to offer! That being said, you don't need a large home while living in Minnetonka MN, you can also check out townhomes for sale in Minnetonka MN.
If you are considering renting in Minnetonka, the average rent in Minnetonka is $1,997 for a 949-square-foot apartment, according to Rent Cafe. Apartments in Minnetonka are frequently available and make a great option for young professionals. You can find apartments and homes for rent in Minnetonka MN on RentCafe.
Source: Numbeo, Payscale Minneapolis
Public transportation in Minnetonka isn't expensive. There are four park and ride lots in Minnetonka MN that will take you to downtown Minneapolis and to a few other parts of the city. This is a perk of living in Minnetonka MN.

Minnetonka has beautiful neighborhoods with a variety of housing options that include mid-century single-family homes, spacious contemporary properties, magnificent lakefront homes, and luxury high-rise apartments and condominiums available when living in Minnetonka MN. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Minnetonka:
Living in Minnetonka MN in Glen Lake is great for families and young professionals. Glen Lake is a picturesque neighborhood around scenic Glen Lake. The community offers single-family homes, townhouses, and condos that fit a variety of lifestyles and budgets. Residents are close to schools, parks, and local shops.
Luxury living along near the shores of Lake Minnetonka is what Groveland offers those living in Minnetonka MN. With stunning lake views and beautiful, large homes, Groveland is a highly sought-after neighborhood. There are many nearby activities, dining options, and shopping opportunities.
Those living in Minnetonka MN in this historic neighborhood that dates back to the 1850s, are in for a treat. It features a mix of quaint older homes and modern new construction, giving the neighborhood a diverse blend of residents. With several parks, trails, and the popular Minnetonka Mills Park close by, Minnetonka Mills is great for active outdoor lovers.
Minnetonka has a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and cold winters. The average daily high temperature in summer is a warm 78°F, while in winter, the average low temperature is a frigid 11°F. Minnetonka gets about 35 inches of rain annually. But grab your snow boots because the average annual snowfall is a whopping 54 inches! If you love snow and winter activities, you’ll love Minnetonka.
Despite the cold weather and the frosty winters, Minnetonka sees an average of 217 days of sunshine per year and has a similar climate to Minneapolis. Many people use these days to head to Lake Minnetonka. The best time of year to visit Minnetonka is mid-June to early September.

This popular Minnetonka fun center gives you awesome escape rooms and storylines to choose from, including an old haunted mansion, a sinking submarine, and a kidnapper's creepy hideout. If you want a hard challenge, don’t ask for any hints. If you’re new to breakout rooms or have kids with you, ask for as many as you want. Either way, you’ll have a lot of fun!
12369 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305, (952) 300-6230
There’s nothing like the feeling of flying, and at iFly, you can soar. iFly is fun and safe for kids and adults, and challenging for beginners and seasoned pros. Enjoy a great time with your family, a team-building event, or work on your advanced tricks for competition.
12415 Wayzata Blvd Ste 15, Minnetonka, MN 55305, (612) 444-4359
For summer fun and relaxation, Shady Oaks Beach offers 85 acres of recreational area that includes 76 feet of sandy beach, a clear, spring-fed lake, swimming, water sports, a playground area, lifeguards, a high dive, concession stands, a changing area, water activity rentals, and beach volleyball.
5200 Shady Oak Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55343, (952) 908-7083
The City of Minnetonka operates many parks with a plethora of available outdoor activities and green spaces. Boulder Creek Park offers athletic fields, outdoor hockey, picnic areas, play equipment, a skating rink, and walking and biking trails. Lone Lake Community Park and Preserve features fishing, a football/soccer field, a full-court basketball court, horseshoes, mountain biking, pickleball courts, tennis courts, trails, and more. Minnetonka is known for its natural beauty, and you'll find yourself in a serene setting in any of its parks. For more activities, you can also check out upcoming community events in Minnetonka.
Minnetonka offers a wide range of dining opportunities that cater to a variety of tastes for those living in Minnetonka MN. Whether you’re looking for American fare, Asian, Italian, or something else, you can find it in Minnetonka. For fast food options, check out the famous Dave's Hot Chicken Minnetonka MN location. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in Minnetonka:
BLVD Kitchen & Bar is an American bistro that puts a twist on the traditional bar and grill fare. They serve upscale casual American cuisine and use only the freshest ingredients. Everything is prepared in their scratch kitchen. This is a favorite for those living in Minnetonka MN. Signatures include hand-carved sandwiches and unforgettable entrées such as rigatoni bolognese, sea bass, and lobster risotto.
11544 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305, (763) 398-3200
Bacio partners with local farmers living in Minnetonka MN to bring the finest, freshest ingredients to your table. They specialize in authentic, homemade cuisine and warm hospitality. The menu selection is extensive, from seafood to pasta to pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and more. It's a great Minnetonka restaurant to go to after a full day of outdoor activities on Lake Minnetonka.
1571 Plymouth Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55305, (952) 544-7000
Viet Hoa is the place to go for Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine while living in Minnetonka MN. The large menu offers a wide range of noodles, rice, pho, beef, chicken, and pork dishes, and much more.
4773 County Rd 101, Minnetonka, MN 55345, (952) 933-6361
Minnetonka offers residents multiple job opportunities. There are many major industries for those living in Minnetonka MN are in Hennepin County. They include manufacturing and healthcare, such as medical services. The city’s proximity to Minneapolis and St. Paul offers many additional employment possibilities. One of the major employers in Minnetonka is Cargill, a multinational food company and the largest privately held corporation in the U.S. Cargill employs 3,400 people. Other top employers in Minnetonka include Carlson, UnitedHealth Group (managed healthcare insurance company), Digital River, and Radisson Hotel Group. If you’re looking for a job in Minnetonka, take a look at job openings on Indeed and other job search sites.
Those living in Minnetonka MN are served by three independent school districts. All three districts are highly rated and have some of the top public schools in the state.
Hopkins School District, which includes the central and eastern parts of Minnetonka, consists of an early childhood school, six elementary schools, two middle schools, and Hopkins High. Hopkins serves over 7,000 students. The Hopkins public schools are highly rated.
Minnetonka School District covers western Minnetonka, serving over 11,000 students living in Minnetonka MN. The district is made up of 6 elementary schools, two middle schools, and Minnetonka High. Minnetonka School District is one of the best school districts in the state of Minnesota, with some of the best choir, orchestra, band, theater, and athletic programs in the state.
Wayzata School District is one of the top-rated districts in the state and serves those living in Minnetonka MN. The district spans the northern part of Minnetonka and enrolls over 13,000 students. This district includes an early learning school, nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and Wayzata High.
Living in Minnetonka offers excellent private schools as well, such as Notre Dame Academy and Minnetonka Christian Academy.
For those living in Minnetonka MN who want to further their education, several colleges and universities are nearby, including Carleton College, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and North Hennepin Community College.
For a fun activity while living in Minnetonka MN, check out the libraries. The Hennepin County Library has two locations in Minnetonka Minnesota: Ridgedale Library and Minnetonka Library. These libraries are great places to relax and enjoy a book or check out music, magazines, DVDs, and more.

The name “Minnetonka” comes from the Dakota Sioux language, meaning “great water” or “big water,” referring to the area’s prominent lakes, especially Lake Minnetonka, one of Minnesota’s largest lakes at about 14,528 acres. The word reflects the Dakota term mni tanka for significant bodies of water in the region’s Indigenous heritage.
Minnetonka MN is known for Lake Minnetonka, the large recreational lake that’s visited for its boating, fishing, and parks. It’s also home to the Grayston Quarry and Minnetonka Mill. The city is also close to business hubs like Ridgedale Center and Cargill’s global offices.
The closest city to Minnetonka is Hopkins, which is adjacent to Minnetonka’s eastern border. Other cities nearby include Eden Prairie and St. Louis Park. Minneapolis is 12-15 miles east of Minnetonka, making urban amenities accessible while retaining the suburban lake community atmosphere.
Minnetonka MN is 350 miles west of Fargo, North Dakota (about 5-6 and a half hours by car). Most cars traveling from Minnetonka to Fargo take Interstate 95 throughout most of their journey.
The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the closest major airport to Minnetonka. It’s about 18 to 20 miles east of downtown Minnetonka and offers both domestic and international flights.
There's no doubt that you'll love living in Minnetonka, MN. If this is the right place for you, you'll need help from top-rated Minnetonka movers to get there! Call The Move Crew today at 612-361-6787 for a free quote to move you to your new community!
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