Two cities combined to form growing exurb of Elko New Market
Elko New Market was once two separate cities: Elko and New Market. In 2007, the communities came together to form one municipality, making it easier to provide services to residents. Today, its new subdivisions offer space to spread out alongside highly rated schools and access to Interstate 35. “They’re a growing community,” says John Clay, a Realtor with Associated Realty who has worked in the area for nearly 40 years. “New Market has some of the older businesses, while Elko has the new ones. But if you live in Elko New Market, you’re commuting to the Twin Cities.”
New Traditional homes within recently built subdivisions
Most homes in Elko New Market sit on wide streets in recently built subdivisions. The New Traditional builds feature farmhouse or Craftsman flourishes, often on well-maintained front lawns. These larger homes tend to sell for $290,000 to $650,000, while smaller, older houses near the Elko or New Market downtown areas go for $140,000 to $390,000.
Highly rated Lakeville and New Prague schools
Despite the unification of Elko New Market, the two sides are mainly zoned to different school systems. The Elko portion is served by Lakeville Area Schools, which receives an A overall grade from Niche. The district is also ranked the best in the state for student athletes. Meanwhile, the New Market side is served by New Prague Area Schools, which receives a B-plus rating. Other than Eagle View Elementary, schools are a few miles away. “Since you’re driving about 10 miles each way to go to school, what I’ve found is that families will carpool if there’s an activity — baseball, softball, football, basketball,” Clay says. “One family picks somebody up this time, the other family picks them up the other.”
Recreation for all seasons, including baseball, golf and hockey
Elko New Market has recreation options for all seasons. City parks include Wagner Park near downtown New Market, which has baseball diamonds, a playground and an outdoor hockey rink. When not iced over, the rink doubles as a basketball and pickleball court. Fredrickson Field, on the east side of the community, is home to the Elko Express amateur baseball club. Boulder Pointe Golf Club, which is open to the public, has an 18-hole course with a driving range, practice greens and indoor simulators.
Bars and restaurants within both old downtown areas
Both Elko and New Market still have their own small downtowns. “There’s a little area where there’s half a dozen bars in the older part of Elko,” Clay says, “and then the New Market side has the traditional downtown with the Domino’s Pizza and a few other things.” The nearest shopping centers and grocery stores are in Lakeville, about 10 miles north, though the recently built Kwik Trip in Elko has a small selection of milk, eggs and produce.
Free festivals and races at the Elko Speedway
The city hosts free summer events in Wagner Park. The family-friendly performances include live music, magicians and dance parties. Meanwhile, Fire Rescue Days is a weekendlong festival celebrating first responders with a parade, a beer garden and a cornhole tournament. But the Elko Speedway is the biggest attraction in Elko New Market, holding races most weekends between June and September. The Speedway is also the site of the Elko Drive-In Theater, a summer staple in the community.
Commutes to the Twin Cities via Interstate 35
Interstate 35 runs through the community's east side, leading north to Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The Twin Cities and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport are roughly 30 miles. Rather than driving the entire way, commuters sometimes drive 12 miles to the Kenrick Avenue Park and Ride to hop on a Metro Transit bus that heads to downtown Minneapolis. The closest emergency room is 15 miles away at the M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital.
