$412,313Average Value$206Average Price per Sq Ft64Homes For Sale
Convenient lifestyle along the Mississippi River
Located in Minnesota’s lake country, Baxter offers a convenient lifestyle along the northern banks of the Mississippi River. “Baxter is a newer, suburban-style city,” says Noah Goedker, Realtor with eXp Realty. “It's seen significant retail, dining, and recreational development, making it a desirable place for families and professionals.” Established as a city in 1939, Baxter began as an agricultural hub and further developed as a result of railroad expansion. It was named after Luther Baxter, an attorney for the Northern Pacific Railroad. Today the city is home to over 9,000 residents and top employers like Ascensus, a financial services company, and Walmart Supercenter contribute around 1,000 jobs to the local workforce. Community go-to spots include Whipple Beach, for lakeside sunbathing during summer, or Oscar Kristofferson Park, for outdoor ice skating in winter. Aside from the annual Lakes Area Music Festival held in neighboring Brainerd, locals rarely have to leave the city limits to have fun. “The Brainerd Lakes Area spans multiple cities and townships, including Baxter,” says Goedker. "This area is a top-tier destination for second-home buyers and vacationers, drawn by the almost 500 lakes, world-class fishing, golf courses, and year-round outdoor recreation.”
The Mississippi River meanders along the southern edge of Baxter, offering a multitude of recreation.
Located in the heart of Minnesota's lake country, Baxter is a destination for homebuyers and tourists alike.
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Ranch styles and ongoing new construction
Low-cost housing, new development and a range of housing options attract buyers to Baxter. “The market in Baxter is on the rise, reflecting the city's expanding appeal,” says Goedker, a third-generation Realtor who has over 7 years of experience selling in the area. “With one in four new listings being new construction, Baxter is rapidly growing to meet demand.” Most of the housing stock here consists of single-family ranch-styles, however the area also includes a mix of condos and townhouses as well as split-levels and two-story Traditionals. With a median sales price of $350,000, homes cost around $50,000 less than the national median. Price points can range from as low as $20,000 for a vacant plot of land to $360,000 for a three-bedroom ranch-style and upwards of $600,000 for a new traditional with lakefront views. Outliers, like properties with expansive acreage, can reach up to $1 million. Multi-family condos and townhouses are primarily clustered in developments like Gracewin Living and Country Club Estates, while new construction is ongoing throughout the city.
Classic ranch-style homes are common throughout Baxter.
On the outskirts of Baxter, new construction homes with modern designs are prevalent.
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Year-round recreation at Oscar Kristofferson Park
Baxter maintains eight parks and outdoors facilities for residents to enjoy. Locals here are accustomed to all four seasons, ranging from hot humid summers to freezing winters with an annual average snowfall of 44 inches. “Whether it's boating in the summer, snowmobiling in the winter, or enjoying the local shops and restaurants year-round, the lifestyle here is second to none,” says Goedker. Oscar Kristofferson Park is centrally located and has sand volleyball courts, a batting cage and baseball fields for the warmer months. Come winter, the park has a hockey rink equipped with a warming house. Whipple Beach is another option on the north side of the city and offers a playground, picnic pavilion and a fishing pier along its sandy beaches. Three Bear Waterpark, also to the north, features waterslides, hot tubs and a lazy river that's open for families to enjoy throughout the year. On the east side, Northland Arboretum provides miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and nearly 400 acres of naturally preserved land to explore. Crow Wing State Park, to the south, is home to camp sites, a fishing pier, a canoe launch and plenty of scenic views of the Mississippi River.
Three Bear Waterpark in Baxter has waterslides, hot tubs, and a lazy river.
Baxter's Oscar Kristofferson Park is fun for the whole family with an expansive playground and multiple baseball fields.
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The annual Lakes Area Music Festival
In the summer, residents can attend the annual Lakes Area Music Festival in nearby Brainerd, less than 5 miles or a 10-minutes' drive away. Held over a four-week period from July through August, the festival features over 250 musicians and plenty of classical music performances. Concert admission is free, however, donations are welcomed. The festival is highly anticipated and has been a long-standing tradition for over 16 years.
Minutes from Baxter, the annual Lakes Area Music Festival features an array of musical performances and artists every July.
Baxter residents can visit the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts for many performances during the Lakes Area Music Festival.
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High marks at Brainerd Public Schools
Families in Baxter are zoned for the Brainerd Public School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche. The district serves over 6,000 students and is ranked 69 out of 383 for the best school district in Minnesota. There are six elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Most students attend Brainerd Senior High School, which earns a B-plus rating and offers 16 AP courses for college credit. Private options like Lake Region Christian School and Family of Christ Lutheran School are also available in Baxter. Those interested in higher education can look to Central Lakes College, which awards associate degrees in 48 programs.
Most Baxter students attend Brainerd Senior High School.
Central Lakes College, a comprehensive community and technical college, is only minutes from Baxter.
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Eastside grocers, eateries and Westgate Mall
Baxter does not have a designated downtown area, however, there’s a primary commercial hub on the east side of the city. Most residents shop along Highway 371, which features a mix of name-brand retailers like Walmart Supercenter, Costco Wholesale, Cub Foods and Target. Stores like Dunham's Sports, JoAnn Fabrics and Harbor Freight are available at Westgate Mall along Great River Road. When dining in the area, locals can choose between nationally recognized fast-food chains and locally owned eateries in the retail district. Notable restaurants include 371 Diner, which has served traditional American fare in Baxter since 1998.
Costco Wholesale is a popular shopping destination in Baxter for deals on bulk goods.
The 371 Diner is a local dining favorite in Baxter, offering classic American fare with a retro vibe.
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Nearby healthcare and access to U.S. Route 10
Highways 210 and 371 intersect on the east side of the city, connecting residents to neighboring areas and U.S. Route 10 for trips into the Twin Cities. Jefferson Lines provides public bus rides along Great River Road. When traveling farther outside of Baxter, the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport is 8 miles away. It partners with commercial airlines like Delta for connections to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. For healthcare, the Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center is 4 miles east of the community.
Crime
According to FBI data, the Baxter Police Department’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime rose by 60% in 2023, while property crime increased by 14%.
Written By
Christian Slater
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Baxter, MN sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Baxter, MN over the last 12 months is $370,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
STUNNING MODEL HOME FOR SALE !! 3 BR/2 BA WITH 3-CAR GARAGE !! ALL LIVING SPACE ON ONE LEVEL. NO STAIRS! BEAUTIFUL LOT !!!FEATURES: In-floor heat, vaulted ceilings, real wood finishes, a kitchen to die for-- custom alder cabinets, under cabinet lighting, granite counter-tops, pounded copper sink, large pantry, huge island and more. Mater Bath has large soaking tub and walk-in shower. Almost
Welcome home to this well-maintained 4-bedroom rambler situated on a rare and spacious 2.29-acre corner lot in the heart of Baxter. Offering the perfect blend of privacy, convenience, and potential, this property features plenty of room to enjoy both inside and out — including the possibility to split the west lot for future development or investment opportunities.This spacious home has
BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME WITH 4-CAR ATTACHED GARAGE !! ALL LIVING SPACE ON ONE LEVEL. NO STAIRS!FEATURES: heated floors, vaulted ceilings, real wood finishes, a Kitchen To Die For -- including custom alder cabinets with soft close, granite counter-tops, under cabinet lighting, HUGE kitchen Island, pantry, and more. Extra-Large Garage gives you lots of storage space which is missing from most
Welcome to your own private slice of lake living right in town. This inviting 5 bedroom 2 bath sits on a desirable in-town lake with a perfect blend of peaceful waterfront living and convenient everyday access. Step outside onto the spacious lakeside deck and take in the water views, ideal for morning coffee, evening gatherings, or simply watching the seasons change. This home is perfectly
Welcome to easy, maintenance-free living in the heart of Baxter! This sunny, south-facing third-floor Sparrow floor plan offers comfort, style, and convenience in a welcoming 55+ cooperative community. The thoughtfully designed unit features modern white cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and stylish matte black farmhouse-inspired fixtures. Luxury vinyl plank flooring
STUNNING MODEL HOME FOR SALE !! 3 BR/2 BA WITH 3-CAR GARAGE !! ALL LIVING SPACE ON ONE LEVEL. NO STAIRS! BEAUTIFUL LOT !!!FEATURES: In-floor heat, vaulted ceilings, real wood finishes, a kitchen to die for-- custom alder cabinets, under cabinet lighting, granite counter-tops, pounded copper sink, large pantry, huge island and more. Mater Bath has large soaking tub and walk-in shower. Almost
This spacious 5-bedroom home offers nearly 4,000 finished square feet with over 2,000 square feet on the main level alone. Designed with accessibility in mind, the home features wheelchair ramp access, wide doorways, grab bars, and a large main-level layout that is easy to navigate. Four bedrooms, main-floor laundry, and 1.5 baths are all located on the main level, making this a great option for
Welcome to easy, maintenance-free living in the heart of Baxter! This sunny, south-facing first-floor Goldfinch floor plan offers comfort, style, and convenience in a welcoming 55+ cooperative community. The thoughtfully designed unit features modern white cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and stylish matte black farmhouse-inspired fixtures. Vinyl plank flooring flows
Welcome to this spacious 5-bedroom, 4-bath home in the heart of Baxter, offering the perfect combination of comfort, functionality, and location. Thoughtfully designed with an ideal layout for everyday living and entertaining, this home features inviting living spaces and seamless flow throughout. Step outside and enjoy the exceptional outdoor entertaining areas, perfect for gathering with family
Welcome to your New Home in Baxter. Presenting the "Willow," a charming 1-level home designed with convenience and comfort in mind. Say goodbye to stairs with this zero-step 2-bedroom home with a 2-stall garage. Optional 3- stall garage and sunroom, and corner gas fireplace are available all thoughtfully crafted for seamless living on the main floor. At Thomas Allen Homes, we believe that
Lakefront living at its best! This beautiful property offers an impressive 112 feet of lake frontage, complete with a sandy-bottom shoreline and beautiful white sand beach — perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying everything lake life has to offer. Step outside and take in the stunning lake views from multiple outdoor spaces, including deck and patio areas overlooking the water. A screened
Unlock the potential of this highly visible ±22 acre commercial parcel located along the thriving Hwy 371 corridor, located just north of the Brainerd International Raceway and just south of Dunmire's on the Lake. This property offers exceptional flexibility for a variety of commercial uses. Ideal for office, retail, storage, warehouse, or outdoor display, this site features outstanding highway
Purchase an easy-to-access location in Baxter! This half acre lot is near the new Inglewood Drive & Hwy 210 stoplight intersection. Commercially zoned, this affordable site is ideal for your office-service business. Enjoy high traffic counts and excellent visibility.
Welcome to White Sand Lake! Three-bedroom, four-bathroom lake home conveniently located in Baxter. The main level features a new kitchen with hickory cabinets and quartz countertops, new stainless-steel appliances, and new hardwood floors. Enjoy stunning lake views from the kitchen, dining room, living room, or deck. Adjacent to the living room you have the half bathroom for guests and the
Looking for great visibility and access in Baxter? This lot has a fantastic location near the Arboretum, West Gate Mall and the movie theater. Call to schedule your showing today!
Lofts on Novotny Apartment Homes are nestled in the heart of Baxter, Minnesota, offering convenient access to shopping, dining, and recreational activities.Enjoy a contemporary living experience with state-of-the-art amenities, including a club house, fitness center, community spaces, and well-maintained facilities.Lofts on Novotny provides spacious and well-designed living spaces, perfect for
Timberline Heights in Baxter, MN, is brand new and built for comfort, making daily life easy with in-unit laundry, elevator, and warm underground parking. Enjoy a community loaded with features, including an amazing outdoor swimming pool, a pickleball court, a private theater room, and practical perks like the on-site dog wash and car wash stations.
Pinehurst Apartments are brand new, class A apartments for rent in Baxter, Minnesota! We offer private heated attached garages, large kitchens with islands, central air conditioning and heat, luxury plank flooring, walk-in closets, in-home laundry, and a private balcony or patio!
The apartments at Pine Grove Estates feature open concept living rooms, kitchens and dining areas with 1 and 2 bedrooms. A community room, library, fitness room and on-site laundry facilities make living at Pine Grove Estates comfortable and enjoyable.Pine Grove Townhomes feature 2 bedroom/1 bathroom, 2 bedroom/2-1/2 bathroom or 3 bedroom/2-1/2 bathroom with attached
The quest for the perfect home stops at Clearwater Estates. Brimming with attractive amenities, cozy interiors, and dazzling leisure areas, our apartments in Baxter, MN, will make you feel like you belong.
Prime location single level, new construction 3 bed 2 bath home in Baxter for lease! Multiple new homes available October November and December in various exterior colors! White & black, blue and white/gray, and Emerald green exterior colors available! Multiple locations in Baxter on Forestview Dr and Oakwood Dr. Dead end street with culdesac leading to Paul Bunyan Trail and Mississippi
3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Single Family Home in Brainerd, MNGo to rentals and you can apply for pre-qualification on a rental. Must put in an application to be able to see the property. General requirements are: Gross Monthly Income must be 3 times the rent; No felony convictions in the last 5 years; Credit Score of 600 or more. Application must contain paystubs for the previous 30 day
Recently remodeled single-family home in Baxter, MN offering four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The interior updates provide a fresh, modern feel throughout, and the attached garage adds convenient, covered parking and extra storage. This home combines updated living spaces with practical features in a desirable beautifully maintained, fully finished 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom rambler nestled in
Built in 2025, this one-level townhome offers a functional layout and modern finishes in a convenient Baxter location near parks, shopping, dining, and everyday amenities.The open-concept living area features a kitchen with white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a center island that flows into the dining and living spaces. The primary suite includes a
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