Hanover’s transformation from agricultural village to booming area
Hanover got its start as a small agricultural village along the bends of the Crow River. However, the town has seen a major influx of residents in the past two decades. Hanover’s population grew by nearly 130% from 2000 to 2016, according to the city’s comprehensive plan, and most of that growth came from families with children. Commuters aren’t far from Interstate 94, the area’s main artery to the Twin Cities metro, and buyers can find a variety of homes with room to breathe. “Hanover is kind of a hidden little treat,” says Mindy Smith, executive director for the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce, which covers Hanover. “It’s very rural still but right on the edge of a booming area. They have a lot of green space out there, there’s a lot of farmland, and it’s not like a bustling, huge city — yet.”
Most homes in Hanover were built after 2000
Hanover’s housing stock has increased to meet the demands of a growing population, rising from about 450 units in 2000 to more than 1,000 in 2016. New subdivisions and townhome communities have sprung up to support the growth, and more than 60% of the city’s housing was built after 2000. Still, Hanover’s median price of $450,000 is on par with Saint Michael and Rogers. Attached townhouses can range from $250,000 to $375,000, while detached units can cost between $350,000 and $500,000. Some of the area’s older houses can cost between $300,000 and $450,000, but most homes cost between $400,000 and $600,000. Larger new builds can range from $550,000 and $750,000.
Hanover homes display Craftsman-style architectural details.
Suburban homes with landscaped lawns line a Hanover street.
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College credit options at Buffalo High School
Kids can attend Buffalo Hanover Montrose Public School District, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche. Students may start at Hanover Elementary School, rated A-minus, before heading to Buffalo Community Middle School, which receives a B-plus. Buffalo High School receives a B and offers 40 dual credit courses, which the district says is more than double what other Wright County school districts offer. More than 80% of students in the class of 2024 graduated with college credit.
Hanover Elementary School holds an A-minus rating from Niche.
Buffalo High School is part of the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose school district.
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Ample recreation on the Crow River
The Crow River meanders through town and is a defining feature of Hanover. The 17-acre Riverside County Park has access to the river for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, and wildlife spotting. Crow-Hassan Park Reserve offers more passive green space with trails, campsites, horseback riding and winter sports like skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding. Many subdivisions and neighborhoods have their own community parks and playgrounds. Settlers Park serves as a central location for youth league sports thanks to the Hanover Athletic Association Complex in the downtown area. Locals can hike and bike on several paved multi-use trails through town. The Crow River Senior Center hosts events, activities and presentations for older residents. There are several lakes in the area for fishing, boating and swimming, including Beebe Lake just a couple of miles outside town.
Crow River and nearby lakes provide boating and fishing near Hanover.
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve near Hanover offers trails for hiking and horseback riding.
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River Inn and Bore Barbecue attract locals and visitors
“Hanover is definitely known for their great restaurants. Big Bore Barbecue and River Inn are just staples of the community,” Smith says. “People from all the other cities drive to eat there.” River Inn Bar and Grill started as a saloon and pool hall in 1909, but the restaurant’s brick building dates back to 1894. Nowadays, diners enjoy prime rib platters and barbecue ribs at the laid-back establishment. Wood-fired, Texas dry-rubbed meats are on the menu of Big Bore Barbecue, which has live music most weekends during the summer. Locals are excited for the return of The Hilltop, another Hanover staple that opened in August 2025. “The Hilltop has been closed for the past seven or eight years, and a resident from Maple Grove is reopening it. It’s a hot topic in the area,” Smith says. Tom Thumb gas station has essentials and deli items, but residents have to leave town for a proper grocery run. Cub has groceries in St. Michael about 10 minutes away.
River Inn’s historic brick exterior dates to 1894 in Hanover.
Big Bore Barbecue serves wood-fired meats and live music.
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Within a 45-minute drive of the Twin Cities
Part of Hanover’s growth stems from its proximity to Interstate 94, the area’s main avenue to the Twin Cities metro area. “They’re close to the highway corridor, and a lot of businesses are expanding outward, and they’re working on expanding highway access,” Smith says. “From Minneapolis it’s probably a 45-minute drive, depending on where you are in Hanover.” Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is about 40 miles away. The closest emergency room is at Buffalo Hospital about 13 miles away. The historic Hanover Bridge is just south of the downtown area. Built in 1885, the truss bridge crosses the Crow River and is still used by pedestrians today.
Hanover Harvest Festival is an annual tradition
The first Saturday in August is dedicated to the Hanover Harvest Festival, a 20-year tradition jam-packed with events and activities. Families enjoy live music, a car show, a parade and vendors galore. The Hanover Historical Society hosts events like an annual ice cream social and caroling at the Hanover Bridge on the first Friday in December. The Crow River Market brings fresh produce and local goods to the Hanover Elementary School parking lot every Saturday from May through September.
A tractor sits in a Hanover field ready for fall harvest.
Pumpkins fill a cart for sale during harvest season in Hanover.
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Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Timothy Cerva
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mandy Kruse,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Hanover, MN sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Hanover, MN over the last 12 months is $459,490, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$464,900
Median Sale Price
$459,490
Median Single Family Sale Price
$459,950
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$423,400
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$417,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
107
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$234
Area Facts
Number of Homes
1,372
Number of Homes for Sale
111
Median Year Built
2003
Months of Supply
12.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,008
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,026
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,068
Open Houses
Monday, Sep 7
Open Mon 12PM - 4PM
$517,390
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,271 Sq Ft
This home is the model, not for sale. Welcome to Crow River Heights in Hanover, a brand new community of single-family homes! This Vanderbilt home offers a spacious open-plan layout and lots of natural sunlight throughout from the large windows. This new two-story home features a contemporary design. The first floor showcases a Great Room flowing seamlessly into a nook and kitchen with a corner
Move in NOW! Welcome to this beautifully designed new construction home by JP Brooks Builders, your local, trusted, quality home builder. Builder offering flex cash incentive with preferred lender to help with rate buydown and/or closing costs! See Sales Consultant for details! Be one of the first to move into the incredible brand new community of Oakview Ridge! Come experience the small-town
Don’t miss a single beautiful Minnesota day in this stunning corner-lot two story home, thoughtfully designed for both comfort and exceptional outdoor living. Enjoy the low-maintenance Trex deck with stairs leading down to a stamped concrete patio, all surrounded by lush landscaping, irrigation system, colorful flowers, and beautiful stone accents.Just steps from your front door, Cardinal
Move-in ready and packed with buyer-friendly updates! Enjoy a newer roof (2020), updated A/C (2022), stainless steel appliances, fresh landscaping, and a fully fenced backyard. Thoughtfully maintained and ready to make your own—schedule your showing today!
Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offering approximately 3,221 finished square feet on a spacious 0.45-acre lot in desirable Hanover. Fresh interior paint and brand-new carpet throughout provide a clean, move-in-ready feel while offering the opportunity to make the home your own over time.Enjoy year-round comfort in the heated four-season porch, a wonderful space to
Nestled at the end of a quiet, dead end cul-de-sac, this remarkable sanctuary sits on 2.2 meticulously groomed acres featuring over 400 feet of prime Crow River frontage. Delivering absolute privacy and an unmatched setting, this fully updated estate seamlessly combines rich natural beauty with turn key modern luxury. Substantial exterior enhancements offer complete peace of mind, highlighted by
Ready for a September move! Come experience single level living at its finest! The Villas at River's Edge offers this beautiful Madison home, part of a collection of HOA maintained homes that offer the ultimate ease of living. Say goodbye to home maintenance time and instead simply enjoy life while the HOA completes all of your snow removal, yard maintenance, and sanitation needs. Step into the
Move in NOW! Be one of the first to move into the incredible brand new community of Oakview Ridge! Come experience the small-town charm of Hanover, MN in this stunning Edgewater rambler - one level living! Backing up to a large rural pond with mature trees, the scenery is unmatched! No HOA! Over 3,400 sq.ft between the huge main level and the finished walkout basement - LOADED with features!
Ready for a September move! Come experience the small-town charm of Hanover, MN in this incredible single level home here in The Villas at River's Edge! Step into this stunning Lakewood home, where natural light floods every corner of the expansive open-concept kitchen, living, and dining areas. Designed with entertaining and everyday comfort in mind, the space boasts oversized windows that frame
This is a To-Be-Built opportunity to build the brand new Tahoe floorplan with a finished basement and Athletic Court! Special builder incentives include many free upgrades! Choose which structural and design upgrades to add to the home and personalize every element in our Design Center! This new Tahoe floorplan features: Private Primary Suite; Four bedrooms on the Upper Level; Jack and Jill
Welcome to the Sedona two story floor plan! The main level includes a a spacious living room with an optional gas or electric fireplace, large kitchen island with a gourmet kitchen upgrade option, formal dining room, butler's pantry, dinette, bedroom/flex room, mudroom with walk-in closet, and more! The upper level features a large primary suite with a walk-in closet and a private bathroom, with
Ready for a September move in! Welcome to this beautifully designed new construction home by JP Brooks Builders, your local, trusted, quality home builder. Builder offering flex cash incentive with preferred lender to help with rate buydown and/or closing costs! See Sales Consultant for details! Be one of the first to move into the incredible brand new community of Oakview Ridge! Come experience
Richard SauerJPW Realty
$517,390
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,271 Sq Ft
This home is the model, not for sale. Welcome to Crow River Heights in Hanover, a brand new community of single-family homes! This Vanderbilt home offers a spacious open-plan layout and lots of natural sunlight throughout from the large windows. This new two-story home features a contemporary design. The first floor showcases a Great Room flowing seamlessly into a nook and kitchen with a corner
JP Brooks presents the Madison floor plan! Features include a front porch, three bedrooms on the main level, a spacious kitchen with a center island and walk-in pantry, living room with optional tray ceilings and an optional fireplace, a primary suite on the main level with a large walk-in closet, double vanity, and an optional vaulted ceiling. A four season porch can be added off the dining
Move in NOW! Welcome to this beautifully designed new construction home by JP Brooks Builders, your local, trusted, quality home builder. Builder offering flex cash incentive with preferred lender to help with rate buydown and/or closing costs! See Sales Consultant for details! Be one of the first to move into the incredible brand new community of Oakview Ridge! Come experience the small-town
This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 4.0 bathrooms, and approximately 2,851 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a Tricon resident, you'll enjoy access to Tricon Vantage — a program designed to support your rental
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