$281,212Average Value$214Average Price per Sq Ft88Homes For Sale
Vacation land for the Twin Cities and beyond
A 14,000-person lake town known as Minnesota’s vacationland, Brainerd is where many Minnesotans own second homes, and where an increasing number are opting to stay full-time. With remote work leading to increased flexibility, more and more Minnesotans have moved to Brainerd. The city's outdoor lifestyle and direct access to both the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and the Gull Chain of Lakes make it appealing. As do the lake's luxury resorts which feature both fine dining options and championship golf courses. The lakes also offer some of the state’s best fishing, which is a popular year-round activity here. Lifelong resident and Realtor Adam Kalenberg says the city’s also popular with 'snowbirds' — the term used to describe people who live in the warmer southern states during the winter and who migrate to the Midwest for the summers. “If you can afford it, winter in Florida or Arizona and summer up here – that’s everyone’s dream,” he says. “I always say this is vacation land for the Twin Cities, but we have buyers coming in from all over the country,” says Realtor Michael Fish. “Over half my sales in the last few years have been to out-of-state buyers.” Despite Minnesota’s cold winters, Kalenberg wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. “I can go visit Vail or Montana, but for all-around lifestyle and affordability, I’d pick Minnesota,” he says. “It’s a great place to live and work. If I were looking at moving to Minnesota, I would definitely recommend checking out the Brainerd Lakes area.”
The Whitefish and Gull Chain of Lakes in Brainerd offers lakeside living and year-round recreation.
Luxury resorts in Brainerd reside next to scenic lakes and pristine golf courses.
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Lakefront homes in Brainerd’s growing luxury market
Brainerd’s average home value is $350,000, which is about $200,000 below the national average. Brainerd offers everything from modest bungalows and ranch-style homes to New Traditional houses and luxury lakefront mansions, which has become a growing market. “Many come here to buy their dream vacation home,” Fish says. “For us, a $1.5 million listing used to take a year, or two or three years to sell. Now, that listing will sell in 30 to 60 days,” Kalenburg says. “We’ve seen people build million-dollar garages for their toys. They build their homes, and then they want an indoor pickleball court and a golf simulator, that sort of thing. People have been investing in some large significant homes being built on the lakes, and we didn’t see that 10 or 15 years ago.” Fish goes on to explain that: “The Brainerd, Baxter, and Crosslake area in Minnesota is a magnet for real estate buyers, thanks to its stunning local economy, and safe, family-friendly environment. We have every reason to believe that between the pressure from out of state and from the growing tourism in the area that the market will only get stronger in the coming years.”
The Brainerd Lakes Area is home to many luxurious lakeshore homes with private dock access.
Classic ranch-style homes are common in older neighborhoods in Brainerd.
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Whitefish Chain of Lakes, Gull Chain of Lakes and an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course
Between the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and the Gull Chain of Lakes, Brainerd offers plenty of outdoor activity year-round. “It’s absolutely beautiful in the winter with lots of ice fishing, snowmobiling and skiing,” Kalenburg says. “There’s plenty to do in the winter, but summer is the reason why people live here. Our area is known for having wonderful fishing. It’s all freshwater, with lots of great bass fishing and panfishing. There’s a lot of muskie in the area. It’s a great outdoorsy area with deer hunting and fun game farms. There’s lots of stuff to do.” Brainerd also features several championship golf courses, including Deacon’s Lodge, designed by Arnold Palmer. “We have some of the best golf courses in Minnesota,” Kalenburg adds. “We have local designers that have put together fantastic places. It’s really become a destination for groups that want to golf and stay at all the resorts.”
The Brainerd Lake Area features a number of championship golf courses.
Brainerd is a top destination in Minnesota for fishing and water recreation.
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Brainerd Public Schools and Central Lakes College
Brainerd Public Schools gets a B-plus rating on Niche and is also ranked by the site as the top school district in all of Crow Wing County. Lowell Elementary gets an A-minus rating and ranks as the top public elementary school in Crow Wing County. Central Lakes College is a public community college with a campus in Brainerd and students who attend can pursue associates degrees or complete the Minnesota transfer curriculum for eligibility to transfer to a four-year university.
Most area students attend Brainerd Senior High School.
Central Lakes College, a comprehensive community and technical college, resides in Brainerd.
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Restaurants on the Gull Chain of Lakes
“On the Gull Chain, there are 17 restaurants on the lake, and it’s fine dining. You can get risotto, filet or bar food, and there’s great fish,” Kalenburg says. “We also have great businesses in town. We have healthcare and Costco and all the things you wouldn’t expect in a midsize town. We have all that you need, but you can still feel like you’re up north in a cabin.”
Ernie's on Gull is a Brainerd dining favorite, servicing up classic American fare with scenic lake views.
Brainerd residents can shop Costco Wholesale for affordable deals on bulk goods.
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Weather and the Brainerd Police Department
Brainerd’s humid continental climate gives it warm summers and severely cold winters. “For buyers unfamiliar with the northern climate, it’s important to understand just how cold winters can get here,” Fish says. “Over the years, I’ve had several buyers purchase homes only to sell and move after underestimating the challenges of the winter months. The cold, snow, and ice can be intense, and adjusting to these conditions requires a certain mindset.” Regarding natural disasters, Kalenburg considers Brainerd much safer than many other parts of the country. “We get occasional tornadoes or high winds, but we don’t get the devastation that so many parts of the country get. We’re in a very safe area, which feels important right now,” he says. The Brainerd Police Department reports decreased violent crime and increased property crime in Brainerd during 2023, and Brainerd's violent and property crime rates both exceed the U.S. average.
Minnesota State Highways, Crow Wing County Public Transit and Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport
Minnesota State Highways 18, 25, 210 and 371 run through Brainerd, and Crow Wing County Public Transit offers dial-a-ride services for Brainerd residents who need transportation assistance. “We’re only two hours from Minneapolis, and we also have an airport here that will fly you to Minneapolis,” Kalenburg says. “If you want to do business from Brainerd, it’s pretty easy to run your company here. You have quick access to the airport, so you can travel. You can do business while looking out over the lake.” Kalenburg reiterates that COVID brought a population boom to Brainerd, with many Minneapolis residents opting to live at their lake cabins full-time rather than staying in the city, which was experiencing high crime at the time.
The Fourth of July and the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza
“Brainerd is the Fourth of July capital of Minnesota,” Kalenburg says. “We have several days of fireworks. We have wonderful family-owned resorts in our area, Grand View Lodge and Madden’s. They’re incredible. We’ll anchor up on the lake for the day and then have bonfires at night. There’s no place in the country I’d rather be than Brainerd on the Fourth.” Brainerd’s winter events include an annual polar plunge and the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. First held in 1991, the annual ice fishing tournament has become the largest ice fishing contest in the world. It raises funds for the Brainerd Jaycees, a local youth-centric nonprofit that provides ways for young people to give back to the Brainerd community.
Grand View Lodge in Brainerd hosts their annual 'Party at the Pines' Fourth of July celebration.
Brainerd's Fourth of July celebration continues at Madden's Resort, where fireworks can be seen over Gull Lake.
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Written By
Ellen Daly
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Karels
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryan Johnson,
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 Brainerd, MN sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Brainerd, MN over the last 12 months is $290,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 9159 Viking St. in Brainerd, MN. This meticulously crafted home offers a multitude of amenities and upgrades. Step inside to discover spacious living areas adorned with elegant finishes, including front door upgrade, vinyl floors and two clerestory windows that fill the main living area with natural light. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a
Welcome to this impeccably maintained and professionally designed East Gull Lake home! Surrounded by scenic walking paths that connect you to nearby resorts, world-class golf courses, and fine dining, this home blends luxury living with outdoor adventure. The beautifully landscaped and private yard features multiple fire pits, a children’s play area, a well-appointed garden, and a natural pond
Lakefront Living at Its Finest!Enjoy fabulous sunsets and a sandy beach with level elevation on the sought-after south shore of North Long Lake! This year-round home is packed with upgrades, including two fireplaces, stamped concrete patio and sidewalks, steel siding, and an insulated, heated garage.Hosting guests? The charming bunkhouse comfortably sleeps four with two queen beds—perfect for
Joe LaudenbachKeller Williams Realty Professionals
Live on the Lehman at Craguns Resort! This recently finished home is fully furnished at the Craguns Development and you can make this your full-time residence or enter it into the Craguns Rental Program. If you've thought about doing a vacation rental, we just made it an easy decision for you with our $60,000 rental guarantee! This home has been carefully designed so the main level includes very
Paradise North is For Sale!Here’s your chance to own a turnkey, fully furnished Airbnb located just steps from Upper South Long Lake. This beautifully crafted authentic log cabin, built in 2016, has been a consistent performer as a vacation rental, grossing in the $65K–$80K range annually.Just two hours from the Twin Cities, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home was designed as a year-round retreat. It
Back on the Market! Stunning 50-Acre Property in Crow Wing County.Situated on a paved road with essential utilities already in place—septic, electric, and water—this beautiful parcel offers both convenience and serenity. A solid 30’ x 50’ shed, built just five years ago, features a concrete floor and provides ample space for storage or future plans.The land is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts,
Deposit Special. $500 deposit special along with a $500 off 1st month rent with a 1-year signed leaseNewly updated units with new cabinets, countertops and appliances, window treatments and flooring.
Bonnywoode Arms Apartments was built in 1972 and consists of 18 residential units, 4 two bedrooms with balcony, 2 one bedrooms with den, 11 two bedrooms, and 1 one bedroom. This property is on a corner lot near Brainerd Community College and has ample parking for tenants in a private parking lot.
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