$700,629Average Value$370Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Horse country scenery and rolling hills outside Minneapolis
“Independence reminds me of Kentucky horse country, transplanted out here in the Midwest. It’s beautiful countryside with rolling hills,” says Realtor Molly Hartgartner, with Realty Group LLC’s Homes by Molly. Hartgartner acknowledges that Independence is very small, population-wise. “There are only about 3,500 people there, so it’s super tiny, but it’s because everyone is so spread out across the land,” she says. “People move here for the land more than anything else. It’s not walkable, and there aren’t a lot of businesses there, but it’s the land that really speaks to people.” Independence Township was organized in the mid-1800s, became a Village just 100 years later and incorporated as a town a little more than 100 years after that. The obvious differences between the Independence of 1858 and the town of today are the much-improved infrastructure and the modern homes. But the heavily wooded hills and lush farmland, just 30 miles west of Minneapolis, are similar to what you would have seen back then.
Rural life in Independence, MN means a slower pace and peace and quiet.
At just around 35 square miles, Independence, MN offers rural living and pastoral scenes.
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Acreage properties, estates and hobby farms across wooded land
Independence’s homes range in price between $300,000 and $1.5 million, a spectrum that, like the city itself, is largely defined by land. “A lot of these homes are on large acreages, even those that aren’t farms or estates,” says Hartgartner, explaining that more acres mean a higher price tag. For a two-bedroom, three-bathroom Minimal Traditional-style home on a quarter-acre lot, you can expect the list price to hover around the $325,000 mark. The list price will climb closer to $1 million for a five-bedroom, six-bathroom Traditional-style home, on a 10-acre estate furnished with stables, a detached four-car garage and an in-ground pool.
Two-story contemporary-style farmhouse in Independence, Minnesota offers quiet country living.
This two-story farmhouse in Independence, MN offers cozy living.
Colonial revival-style homes overlook Lake Independence.
Sprawling estates and hobby farms can be found on the outskirts of Independence.
Ranch-style homes are a common sight in rural Independence, MN.
Homes like this ranch-style house are set back a ways from the road in Independence, MN.
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Orono, Delano, Westonka and Rockford schools serve local students
Students in Independence are served by four different school districts depending on their address, so you’ll want to double-check the boundary maps ahead of registration time. The four districts are Orono Independent Schools, Delano Public Schools, Westonka Public Schools and Rockford Public Schools, but most students attend schools in either the Orono or Delano system. Orono students go to Schumann Elementary between preschool and second grade, Orono Intermediate Elementary between third and fifth grade, Orono Middle for Grades 6 through 8 and Orono Senior High for Grades 9 through 12. All four schools are located on one campus just over 8 miles east of Independence, on either side of Old Crystal Bay Road between Sixth Avenue and Wayzata Boulevard. The sprawling campus includes a swimming pool and ice arena, as well as the Orono Activities Center, which opened in 2019. The four schools are all highly rated by Niche. In 2023, Schumann Elementary received a B-plus grade. That same year, Orono Intermediate and Middle Schools received A’s and Orono Senior High received an A-plus. Students served by the Delano Public Schools system go to Delano Elementary between preschool and third grade, Delano Intermediate between Grades 4 and 6 and Delano Senior High between Grades 7 and 12. The three schools are also highly rated by Niche. Both the elementary and intermediate schools received A grades in 2023. Delano Senior High received an A-minus that same year. Through a partnership with the Wright Technical Center, Delano Senior High students can apply to participate in a variety of technical programs, from automotive technology to graphic communications.
Hilltop Primary Schools' test scores have surpassed the state average.
Mound Westonka High School is in Minnesota's top school district.
Orono Intermediate Elementary School located in the Orono neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Orono Middle School enrolls nearly 700 students in grades 6-8.
The student-teacher ratio at Orono Middle School is 18 to 1.
Over 25 athletic programs are available to students at Orono Senior High School.
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Lake Rebecca and Lake Independence parks offer trails and water access
Independence residents enjoy easy access to the great outdoors, even beyond the acreages and oversized lots right before their front steps. Lake Rebecca, on the city’s northwest side about 7 miles from the center of town, offers a myriad of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can fish from the pier or bring their watercraft and take advantage of the public access boat launch. There are campsites available at the Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, too. Lake Independence, the city’s namesake, lies just 4 miles east, alongside the Baker Park Reserve. You can fish and boat here, too, sunbathe on the lake’s sandy beach or ride your bike along the 16-mile multiuse, paved trail. In Baker Park, there’s even a zipline and ropes course-style climbing structures.
Cycle paved or rustic trails at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
The beach at Baker Park Reserve is the perfect place to spend a summer's day.
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Groceries and comfort food in nearby Delano and Maple Plain
In true horse country style, it’s common to see neighbors out and about on horseback here, but you’ll want a car to get around outside of town. For their groceries and other everyday essentials, Independence residents tend to head either west into Delano or east into Maple Plain. The two neighboring cities offer a wide variety of shopping and dining options. On Wednesday afternoons, visit the Delano Farmers Market in the Flippin’ Bills parking lot at the corner of Highway 12 and County Line Road to stock up on everything from locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables to locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs and scratch-made baked goods. The market is just 4 miles west down Highway 12. For any groceries you didn’t grab at the market, head half a mile north across the highway to Coborn’s Grocery Store. Avoid after-dinner dishes tonight by heading to Iron Exchange Tavern & Brewery in Maple Plain Plaza just 5 miles east of Independence. The casual eatery offers craft beers and a menu full of Midwestern-style comfort foods. McGarry’s Pub, just 4.5 miles east of Independence, offers traditional Irish comfort foods in a cozy, casual setting.
Spread your wings for the weekly area farmer's market at Flippin' Bill's in Independence, MN.
Customers can find local produce in Independence, MN at the weekly, seasonal farmer's market.
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Photography Contributed By
Pat Vasquez-Cunningham
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Krista Wolter,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Independence, MN sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Independence, MN over the last 12 months is $1,387,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Dingman Custom Homes creation is in the Koch Farm Sanctuary in Independence MN. This 2-story 6-bedroom 6 bath home is nestled on 1.7 acres that backs up to a preserve. The open floor plan features 4 bedrooms on the upper level including a luxurious primary suite. The main floor features a large gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry, a great room with a gas fireplace, and an office. On the
Dingman Custom Homes newest To-Be Built luxury home in Koch Farm Sanctuary. Experience refined living on this picturesque 1.5 acre lot. Customize your finishes and design to fit your lifestyle. New construction options starting at $1.4M. Main level primary suite, chef's kitchen and fully finished walk out lower level with 3 additional bedrooms will be beautifully designed with functional spaces.
Be prepared to be impressed by this immaculate new-construction home set on nearly 6 graceful acres. A long, tree-lined roundabout driveway leads to a timeless residence where craftsmanship and elegance meet. Attention to detail and use of the finest finishes and building materials in all corners of the home on full display - a discerning buyer will appreciate and grow to love. Inside, soaring
Hanson Builders 'Hawthorne' is under construction and will be showcased in the Summer Artisan Home Tour! This exceptional home is set on a picturesque 1.7 acre lot offering serene pond and wooded views. Discover unique details sprinkled through the home — including 10' main level ceilings accented by 9 wood beams that extend across the Kitchen and Great Room, a vaulted Sunroom with floating
Build Your Dream Home with Lake Access in the new BridgeVine Community!BridgeVine—a premier luxury development offering 28 homesites with shared lake access, dock, gazebo, and pontoon. This listing highlights just one of many custom home possibilities. Choose from our inspired designs, collaborate with our award-winning team at Black Dog Homes, or bring your own architect to bring your
Beautiful 2-story home located in a wonderful family neighborhood! This 3BR/3BA residence features an open floor plan with numerous updates throughout and is in pristine, move-in condition. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, it offers a spacious country-style kitchen, large deck, and private backyard - perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Conveniently located near parks, major highways, and
UPDATED WITH NEW PLANK FLOORING AND FRESH PAINT THROUGH OUT! Spacious three bedroom apartment with balcony, walk in closet in master and garage. Close to Baker park and easy access to 394 and down town Minneapolis. Orono school district.
NEW FLOORING AND FRESH PAINT THROUGH OUT!! Two bedroom apartment with garage. Close to Baker Park Reserve and easy access to 394 and down town. Orono School district. Please call for more information
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