$698,299Average Value$381Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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
Gregory Hiniker,
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 Independence, MN sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Independence, MN over the last 12 months is $1,235,557, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning, like-new construction privately set on over 4 picturesque acres. This exceptional property offers the perfect blend of modern design, high-end finishes, and incredible recreational amenities. Step inside the sun-filled open-concept main level featuring expansive windows, soaring ceilings, and elegant neutral finishes throughout. The gourmet kitchen is beautifully appointed with premium
Newly completed and ready for the Spring 2026 Parade of Homes! Proudly presenting the latest Dingman Custom Homes model, this stunning walk-out rambler is perfectly situated on a serene 1.5-acre lot. This home boasts five spacious bedrooms, five bathrooms, with two bedrooms located on the main floor. Step inside to experience the beauty of the modern farmhouse details that truly set this home
Gonyea Custom Homes model premiering now at the 2026 Spring Parade of Homes! Imagine waking up in a stunning soft contemporary home set on breathtaking acreage, where modern design meets natural beauty. This oasis offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, allowing you to breathe deeply while being just minutes away from city life. As you step into the welcoming foyer, you'll find a
A true statement in architectural design, the home's exterior blends refined materials and clean lines to create a bold and elegant presence. The inspiring great room showcases detailed coffered ceilings with rich woodwork setting the stage, complimented by a statement chandelier and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The stone fireplace serves as a warm
Completely reimagined from top to bottom, this beautifully renovated home on a private one-acre wooded parcel offers the rare opportunity to enjoy the feel of a new build with the character of an established setting. Tucked away with no visible neighbors and located in the highly desirable Delano School District, this property stands out for its extensive transformation and modern updates
Step into an unparalleled sanctuary where the timeless artistry of traditional craftsmanship converges with the pinnacle of modern luxury. Nestled on nearly seven acres—a diverse landscape of grasslands, woods, and marshlands—this architectural masterpiece is a rare find. It balances classic aesthetic details, such as rich, arched wood casings, with the high-tech, sophisticated conveniences
The STONEHAVEN, will be featured in the 2027 Summer Artisan Home Tour, exemplifies sophisticated design and superior craftsmanship. The main level is both grand and inviting, offering an open concept layout enhanced by floor-to-ceiling black Marvin windows, 10' ceilings, and custom beams and architectural detailing throughout. The chef’s kitchen is a statement of both form and function, featuring
Build your dream home with Charles Cudd Co! BridgeVine embodies lakeside living on Lake Independence, with a subtle country retreat, yet close proximity to award-winning schools, shopping, golfing, meandering trails, and countless opportunities to create community and growth. The feeling of a relaxing retreat while being a convenient 20-30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and MSP International
Jeff HolmersKeller Williams Premier Realty Lake Minnetonka
Stunning Lake Sarah Two-Story with Panoramic Main-Level Views Welcome to this exceptional lake front home, where expansive main-level windows frame breathtaking lake views and fill the home with natural light. The open-concept layout is ideal for entertaining, while the beautiful stone fireplace creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyday living. Lake Sarah spans 552 acres and offers
Set on almost 4 acres in the highly sought-after Orono School District, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy, functionality, and comfortable living. The land features a rare mix of open pasture and mature woods, creating a peaceful setting with room to roam. A 35×25 pole barn provides excellent space for additional vehicles or hobbies while the heated and insulated three-car garage
Opportunity to build with JPC Custom Homes on a beautiful lot in Independence. If you've been searching for the right setting but haven't found the perfect home, this is your chance to create it.The featured concept offers 4,240 finished square feet with 10-foot main-level ceilings, an open-conceptlayout, and warm architectural details throughout — distressed barnwood shiplap, beams, and
Escape to your own 10-acre slice of country heaven in the highly desirable Delano school district. Just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, this peaceful property offers easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a serene, rural atmosphere. Watch abundant wildlife from your back deck, including deer, turkeys, pheasants and more. No builder restrictions, bring your own builder. Don't miss this
Stunning peninsula property on Lake Independence with over 700 feet of shoreline on 2.12 private acres. This extensively remodeled two-story home showcases thoughtful design, high-end finishes, and panoramic lake views at every turn. Highlights include a new 46’x36’ pole barn, geothermal system, inviting outdoor living spaces with a screened porch and expansive low-maintenance decking, plus a
Stunning, like-new construction privately set on over 4 picturesque acres. This exceptional property offers the perfect blend of modern design, high-end finishes, and incredible recreational amenities. Step inside the sun-filled open-concept main level featuring expansive windows, soaring ceilings, and elegant neutral finishes throughout. The gourmet kitchen is beautifully appointed with premium
OPEN TO ALL BUILDERS Experience the rare chance to own a premium lakeshore lot in the prestigious BridgeVine Neighborhood, nestled within the highly sought-after Orono School District. Spanning nearly three acres, this remarkable property combines serene natural beauty, unmatched privacy, and the best of waterfront living. With 170 feet of pristine sandy shoreline, the lot features a gentle,
Split level duplex available in a quiet Maple Plain neighborhood with a large yard and deck in the desirable Orono school district. The unit has a fairly new stove and refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer and dryer. A single car garage is available. Water and sewer included in the rent. $35 application fee per adult required. No pets allowed.Interior 1,882 sq ftBedrooms
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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