Located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the 1 square mile neighborhood of Excelsior, MN is a historic and tightly knit community. The 2,397 residents of Excelsior can be seen visiting antique shops, boating on Lake Minnetonka, or going to see a movie at the old Dock Cinema. You’ll see more than residents though; people from all over the Twin Cities come to Excelsior for its many attractions.

Students living in Excelsior can attend Minnetonka Public Schools. The Excelsior neighborhood is home to Excelsior Elementary which is part of the Minnetonka School District. This is a fantastic elementary, offering the state’s premier Language Emersion Program with Chinese, English and Spanish options. From there, Minnetonka middle and high schools offer Immersion continuation in Spanish and Chinese so students can develop their language skills into adulthood. Additionally, there are multiple private schools and preschools to choose from. See a full list of schools at the end of this post!

The Excelsior neighborhood has a lot to offer families. In addition to great schools, the city has a large community center, a life-guarded beach, community gardens, a streetcar museum, and more!

The community center has daily events and workshops for youth, adults, and seniors. Activities include quilting, zumba, book clubs, and more!

Hungry? Head to Excelsior. Like music? Head to Excelsior. Want to stay fit? Head to Excelsior. Restaurants, bike races, farmers markets, concerts, this neighborhood truly has it all! Most notably, in the summer every Thursday from 5-9pm is Girl’s Night Out hosted by the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce.

Looking for something to do? Check out this full list of events in Excelsior.

This neighborhood is full of popular eateries, old and new. Most of the restaurants have outdoor seating for those lovely Minnesota summer days.

The Patisserie Margo is a bakery with two locations, one in Excelsior and one in Edina. Their bakery items really taste as wonderfully scrumptious as they look. Enjoy a muffin or danish on their outdoor patio. See their full menu here.

Lago Tacos has two locations that are both in Minnesota – one here in Excelsior, and one in Uptown. Keep in mind there is a whole lot more than just tacos on their menu. Check it out here.

The Suburban, owned by a mother and her two daughters, opened in 2014. You will find pizza, burgers, hot dogs and beer on their menu. Be sure to get there in time for happy hour!

For a complete list of local restaurants in Excelsior, check out the links at the end of this post!

Thinking about moving to Excelsior? The neighborhood is eye-catching and beautiful. There are many lakefront homes and apartments to choose from.

Quick Facts!

As you can see, more than half of the residents of Excelsior rent their home rather than own it. This could be due to the fact that the average house in Excelsior sells for $650k! The solution for people who are not able to afford those luxury homes, but still want to live in Excelsior, is to rent!

Excelsior is a great neighborhood with many walkable amenities. You will never run out of things to do, or places to be.

Share with us why you love the Excelsior neighborhood!

Neighborhood Resources

What was once a city slum, has transformed into a beautiful, thriving, and fun section of Minneapolis. This neighborhood, called the North Loop, is located in the northern section of city.  The boundaries of this neighborhood are “West: Interstate 94, with the boundary continuing along 12th Street North to Third Avenue North, then to Washington Avenue, and Hennepin Avenue to the River” (Live MSP). This area now has many different options for housing, dining, entertainment, work, and bars. In addition, it has absolutely stunning architecture, landscaped walking paths, and green spaces. North Loop is has something for everyone, but if you don’t believe me, take Karen Rosar’s, member of the Neighborhood council, advice! Her comments about the neighborhood are included through the post!

History:
The North Loop has not always been so wonderful. In fact, the North Loop, as stated by the City of Minneapolis,  used to be a warehouse district. During the 1900’s its location in Minneapolis and border on the Mississippi River, gave the perfect location for Wholesale market and shipping. Unfortunately, as railroad and shipping declined, the area was transformed into just junkyards and bars. It was a poor neighborhood, in desperate need of an overhaul. Fortunately, this transformation came in the form of new residential and business developers, as well as protection from federal level and many historical preservation societies. Karen Rosar commented that this “change ensued fast but left in certain aspects to retain its character and history”. This wave of development rejuvenated the are, making it “Minneapolis’s fastest growing neighborhood, with 1,500 residents in 2000 tripling to 4,300 in 2010” (North Loop.org)!

Housing:
With its residential overhaul, the North Loop has become home to many expensive and luxury buildings. Luckily this style is justified, as it has the perfect location and good neighborhood amenities.  The location has created a rather young demographic, with the average population being “25-34 (37%), 35-44 (17%), 45-54 (13%) and 55-64 (9%)” (North Loop.org). However as Karen Rosar also mention, the “community is pushing hard for educational families, as they are planning to open a new school this year”.  The neighborhood council would like to diversify the area and make it more welcoming to all families and people.

Entertainment:
The North Loop has many entertainment options.  Home to Acme Comedy Club, it is the perfect destination for those with a case of the giggles. Acme, has many top comedians and hilarious open mic nights.  They also have great deals for college kids! Additionally, the North loop is home to the Guthrie, a huge theater that plays many popular shows and artists. Moreover, this neighborhood, has sports! It is home the Minnesota Twins, a professional baseball. Finally the North Loop also has the Cedar Lake Regional Trail, which is the perfect outdoor option for a good stroll outside.

Restaurants/ Bars:
The North Loop has many top notch restaurants, most of which stretch from 3rd street to 5th Avenue. Some specific restaurants that are so good they must be mentioned would be, Be’witched Deli, Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza, Smack Shack, (these restaurants are Karen’s favorite and she highly recommends them), Haute Dish, and Bar La Grassa. Check out this link for a full list of all of your dinning and drinking options.

Green Spaces/ Walking Space/ Parks:
Since the North Loop borders right on the Mississippi River, there are some green space options. There is a walking path right next to the Mississippi on West Mississippi  River Boulevard. It is so beautiful, safe, and peaceful! In addition, a brand to playground was built, giving  families and children a place to play in the city.

Transportation:
Since the North Loop is in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, driving becomes a bit more complicated.  The traffic is heavy and there are limited places to park.  However, this problem is easily solved, as having a car isn’t necessary. Walking is very easy, bike paths are abundant, bus systems are efficient, and there is a brand new light rail close by. All of these options make accessing the  surrounding Twin Cities very easy and logical. Karen also mentioned that the light rail is a big step for the neighborhood. She said that is important because “in order to have opportunity, you need to have access to things”!

The North Loop is a great afternoon destination, place to live, and place to go out! Take our word for it and go check it out!!

Golden Valley, located in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, has a population of more than 20,000. The city is known for being home to multiple Fortune 500 Companies, including General Mills and Honeywell. It also happens to be home to Gigi’s Cupcakes, which serves some of the BEST cupcakes we’ve ever tried, as well as having some of the most active community centers we’ve ever visited. Read on for much more about this lovely city!

Theodore Wirth Park is a 795-acre recreation area that offers year round activities for the entire family. Golf courses in the summer turn into slopes for cross-country skiing when the temperatures drop. At the same time, you’ll find several scenic hiking trails, which are popular during the winter. The park also serves as the starting point for the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival, a fun event held annually at the end of January. Theodore Wirth definitely has a lot to offer everyone throughout the year!

After skiing, if you feel like warming up next to a cozy fire or having a nice strong drink (we mean coffee, of course), you can do so at the Golden Valley Golf and Country Club, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014. With luxe amenities and a very welcoming staff, the club serves as a great place for members to take their family after a round of golf in the summer or to warm up after hiking during the winter. Located on a hill overlooking the city, the GVGCC stands out for it’s elegance and stately grace – that explains why it’s an award-winning venue for social events and weddings!

Golden Valley doesn’t only take care of its human residents – they also make plenty of time to look after our furry, four-legged friends! The Animal Humane Society, located right next to Theodore Wirth Park, is a place with double “do-good” benefits. Not only is it a place where you can adopt your future pet (and save an animal that’s oftentimes injured or orphaned), but the Society also provides many great services to the surrounding community. For example, they have a well-known Outreach program that offers summer camps for young children and teens who love animals, as well as various community service projects. If you’re interested, feel free to read about more ways to help animals here.

Now back to Golden Valley’s human population. The city has many active community centers, such as the Davis Community Center and Brookview Community Center, which houses GV’s Park & Recreation department (no word on whether the staff gets into as many shenanigans as the Pawnee team from the beloved TV show). The center also offers activities for residents of all ages, including exercise classes, and it’s associated with the Brookview Golf Course located right outside of its doors.

If your kids still have energy after spending time at the community center, feel free to head to the 3rd Lair Skatepark and Skateshop. Behind its well-decorated but unassuming front door, the Skatepark hides hours of safe family fun. You might ask yourself, “What? Skateboarding in the middle of winter?” If so, you’ll be glad to know it’s an indoor skatepark (which also welcomes BMX riders). So even though it might be cold outside, your kids can still skate/ride to their heart’s content without (your) fear of (them) getting frostbite.

The fun at 3rd Lair doesn’t stop with the skateboard park; it also serves as a skateboard shop, a favorite hangout among locals. Both the park and shop are owned by Mark Rodriguez, a St. Paul native, who opened 3rd Lair twelve years ago. According to Mark, 3rd Lair is an integral part of the Golden Valley community, participating in youth programs and remaining active with local charities. Mark also happens to be the proud owner of the most photogenic cat we’ve ever seen, Big Al (check out his adorable cameos in the photos above!).

You’ve now seen much of what Golden Valley has to provide as far as family fun activities go. But of course we couldn’t leave out one of our most favorite things: food, food, food! A great spot to find casual eateries as well as upscale dining options is the Golden Valley Commons Shopping Center. If a tasty lunch is what you’re craving, you have a great variety of choices. From Noodles & Company to Subway, there’s something to suit every palate. Or if you’re hankering for some ethnic flavor, then Panchero’s Mexican Grill is the place for you. Planning a romantic date night (Valentine’s Day is on its way, after all)? Then check out Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill, known for its warm, relaxing atmosphere – perfect for cuddling up to your loved ones!

Speaking of great Valentine’s treats, you should definitely visit Gigi’s Cupcakes, now a world-famous business! Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, Gigi’s serves as a great place to give in to your sweet tooth. During our visit, we were lucky enough to talk to one of the sweetest (yes, pun intended) people you’ll ever meet – resident cupcake artist, Amanda (aka Amanda “The Decorator”). She said they pride themselves on how their goods are baked fresh daily and they never sell day-old goods; instead owners Jamie and Aaron Clayborn take them to the local hospital for patients, nurses, and doctors to enjoy! We had a great time at Gigi’s and the cupcakes were sensational – we highly recommend them. We particularly enjoyed the chocolate chip cookie dough cupcake (phew, that was a tongue-twister, see the picture above). Take a trip to Gigi’s and Tweet us to let us know which treat is your favorite!

As a real estate brokerage, we of course couldn’t help noticing all the great looking houses and other living facilities during our time in Golden Valley. The community truly embraces all ages and backgrounds! The single-family homes are perfect for growing families, while the townhomes and apartments are better suited for young professionals. Take a look at a sampling of the living options that Golden Valley has to offer:

We really loved this log cabin – how about you? Feel free to tell us in the comments.

For people who like to go jogging or take scenic walks through parks, now is your time to rejoice! GV has many parks, including Wesley Park and Brookview Park. While the parks vary in size, all are great for family strolls, or even for your morning run. Feel free to visit the Golden Valley Community website for a map of all the city’s parks.

Did you know that Golden Valley holds more jobs than people per capita? Well, no surprise. Golden Valley is home to the World Headquarters of General Mills, and companies such as Allianz Insurance, Tennant Company, Honeywell, Kare 11 TV Station, and Room & Board. These companies provide many employment opportunities in the area.

Well dear reader, this is where we end our post. We highly encourage you to visit Golden Valley and keep it in mind if you’re searching for a new home. If you’re familiar with the area, tell us what is your favorite local spot? Have you visited any of the places we mentioned?

                Neighborhood Resources

Located just 20 minutes southwest of the Metro area, Shakopee has a small town feel with the convenience of a big city. Founded in 1851 by Thomas A. Holmes, this city was named after a Dakota Chief, Chief Shakopee II, whose band was living in the area along the Minnesota River. Today it is home to over 39,000 and offers a variety of single-family homes as well as a variety of recreational and entertainment opportunities. While the city may be small, Shakopee is a great place to live, work and play.

While downtown Shakopee may be small, this historic downtown features a number of quaint boutiques and restaurants, an old fashioned bakery, Turtle’s 1890 Social Center and a bi-weekly classic car show in the summer.

In addition, Shakopee is known as a regional entertainment destination and is home to attractions such as Valleyfair Amusement Park and Canterbury Park Racetrack. It also features the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and The Trail of Terror.

However if you are in search of something more leisurely, you should check out the expansive green spaces at the 18 hole frolf, or Frisbee golf course. Unlike many of the frolf courses in the area this one stands out because it allows patrons to play at no cost.

It would be hard to mention Shakopee without mentioning the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. This group is behind Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, the Midwest’s largest casino as well as Little Six Casino. Combined, the two employ over 4,200 people making it the largest employer in Scott County. Besides gaming, the tribe is also very active in the community and giving back. For example, the Dakota tribe have a community center that is owned by the tribe but is also open to the residents living in the community. Here patrons can drop off the kiddos at the daycare, break a sweat in the gym or score a strike at the bowling alley.

Hungry? Well, you will be sure to find a variety of sports bars, ethnic restaurants and tiny cafes here. Our personal favorites include El Toro, which boasts an outstanding salsa selection and Taco Loco, a hidden gem. On the other hand if you are seeking a more unique experience you may want to give Dangerfield’s a try. This upscale restaurant, open 364 days a year overlooks the Mississippi River and has a screened in porch for dining. Additionally, they boast a comedy club and a stellar Sunday brunch.

Next, the schools in Shakopee are known to be both dynamic and diverse. The schools are also concerned and involved about the Shakopee community. For example, the Shakopee High School won the Regional Jefferson Award for outstanding community service and even traveled to Washington DC to receive this award. How awesome is that?!

For those looking to become a part of the community, the housing market in Shakopee offers a variety of options. From town homes and newer two-story homes to single family homes, this town suits a wide variety of styles and budgets.

Overall, Shakopee is a city that prides itself on being an affordable city with a wide assortment of fun entertainment options located just outside the Twin Cities. If you are looking for the best of both worlds, Shakopee is the place for you.