Annandale is known as the Heart of the Lakes
Known as the “Heart of the Lakes,” Annandale is a small city about 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis. More than two dozen lakes sit within a 10-mile radius, and water-based recreation is a way of life. “Annandale’s a very active community, very go-go-go,” says Andy Rosenquist, broker and co-owner of Elevate Realty with 10 years of local experience. “They have a lot of nice lakes up there, and they’re all recreational — fishing, waterskiing, public beaches.” Some residents commute to the Twin Cities, a little over an hour away, and the St. Cloud metro area is about 35 minutes away.
Swimming, boating and fishing on Pleasant Lake
Many residents have an easy walk to Annandale Municipal Park on the shore of Pleasant Lake. A small dock extends from the swimming beach, and anglers can cast off from the nearby fishing pier or set out from the boat launch. Mature trees grow at the water’s edge and lend shade to grassy knolls and picnic areas. Other amenities include sports courts, a baseball field and a playground. On the northern side of the lake, Clearwater/Pleasant Regional Park features another lakeside beach, paved multiuse trails, a sand volleyball court, a disc golf course and a whimsical fish-themed playground. Lake John borders the city’s western edge and offers a public access point for boating and fishing. Minnesota Pioneer Park, an educational museum with covered wagons and railroad cars, is a common destination for school field trips. The golf courses at Southbrook and Whispering Pines are both open to the public.
National homes and large lakeside properties in Annandale
The Great Northern Railway brought an influx of new settlers to the area in the late 1800s, and some centrally located homes date to that period. Others were built between 1950 and 1980, and housing incentive programs have spurred newer construction, especially on the outskirts, where properties may include more acreage. In central areas, many lots measure one-third to a full acre, with paved driveways and narrow front yards. Some streets are bordered by well-maintained sidewalks that make it easy for residents to stroll to the lakeside park. Properties on the lakes can include private docks and shoreline access. Prices start at $150,000 to $300,000 for townhouses, ranch-style homes and National builds. New Traditional houses and small lakefront properties can cost $300,000 to $600,000, but larger custom-built lakeside homes sell for $600,000 to $800,000.
College-level courses available at Annandale High School
Annandale Elementary School receives a Niche grade of A-minus, and Annandale Middle School receives a B-plus. The B-plus-rated Annandale High School teams with St. Cloud and Southwest State Universities to provide college-level courses in core areas like English, math and science.
Neighborhood bars enliven Oak Avenue in downtown Annandale
In 2020, Annandale completed a redevelopment initiative that gave the downtown area a face-lift without sacrificing its charm. Coffeeshops, bakeries, bars and specialty shops line Oak Avenue. Billy D’s Crooked Tavern hosts live music and comedy shows, and Rendezvous offers game-day specials for Minnesota sports and prize giveaways during Vikings games. On weekends, The Stadium Bar & Grill holds meat raffles —fundraising events that allow patrons to bid on prize cuts. Thayer Hotel Restaurant & Lounge is an upscale option suitable for date nights. More retail and restaurant options can be found along Highway 55, along with The Marketplace grocery store.
Fireworks light up Annandale’s Fourth of July celebration
Annandale’s Fourth of July celebration is the city’s flagship event. “The town swells with people on the Fourth. It’s a really big deal,” Rosenquist says. Neighbors gather for a parade, carnival, live music and fireworks over Pleasant Lake. Businesses hand out free samples during May’s Chili Cook-Off, and tasters can vote for their favorites online.
Commuters have a 60-mile drive to Minneapolis
Minnesota state Highway 55 cruises through Annandale and offers the best starting point for the 60-mile drive to Minneapolis and the 25-mile commute to St. Cloud. State Highway 24, which skims the shores of Pleasant and Clearwater Lakes, provides an alternative route to St. Cloud. Travelers have a 70-mile drive to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and medical services are available at Meeker Memorial Hospital, about 30 miles away in Litchfield. The city recently installed a roundabout at the intersection of Highway 24 and Hemlock Street to improve traffic flow and safety around the elementary school. Trailblazer Transit offers on-demand Dial-A-Ride service to Annandale residents.
Protection against hail and ice storms
Hail risk is high in the Twin Cities area, and ice storms are frequent in winter. Buyers can look for homes with garages to help prevent vehicle damage during severe weather.
