Isanti offers quiet living in the forests and farmlands north of Minneapolis
Isanti is a rural town of around 6,700 residents about 45 minutes north of the Twin Cities. It’s surrounded by rolling rivers, pristine forests and wide-open agricultural lands, offering residents a peaceful setting that’s still within reach of the big city. The town has experienced relatively quick growth over the past 20 years, accompanied by increased new home construction. “I really like being in a small community with a small-town feel, but I can still get to the city in less than an hour,” says Realtor Jeffrey Rud of Re/Max Results, a longtime Isanti resident.
New home construction is becoming more common in Isanti
There is a wide range of housing options in Isanti. Homebuyers will find everything from rustic log cabins to new homes in suburban-style subdivisions. Residential streets are typically quiet and free of through traffic, making them safe for walking and biking. Newer homes are becoming more common as the community continues to add new residents, drawn to its bucolic scenery and slow pace of life. “It’s a growing community, and there are a lot of new homes and new developments being planned here,” Rud says. Many neighborhoods are bordered by woodland scenery and rural lands, especially those closest to the town's borders. Prices range from around $300,000 to $550,000, depending on the size and age of the home.
Outdoor activities include trails, a skate park and an indoor ice rink
Unity Park, Bluebird Park, Clifford Park and Isanti Skatepark are side by side in the heart of Isanti. Together, they have a variety of sports fields, picnic areas and playgrounds for residents to enjoy. During the winter months, extreme sports enthusiasts head to Rum River BMX, an indoor facility with bike ramps and a racetrack, or to the Isanti Civic Arena, an indoor ice rink. Joggers and cyclists can take advantage of the Cambridge-Isanti Bike Walk Trail, which zigzags between local parks on the way to Cambridge. The town is bordered by Rum River, home of the Rum River State Water Trail, which runs 154 miles to the Mississippi River. It’s a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. “There are a lot of parks in Isanti and a lot of fun activities, especially during the summer,” Rud says.
Isanti has a handful of shops, restaurants and grocery stores
WinterGreens is a popular hangout for pub fare and beer, but it also has an indoor golf simulator, an outdoor pickleball court and sand volleyball courts. Chanticlear Pizza is a go-to for takeout, while those searching for ice cream might try Little North Sweets. Locals stop at Rendezvous Coffee for espresso drinks, pastries and breakfast wraps in the morning. For groceries and everyday essentials, there’s Nick & Drew’s Discount Foods and Coborn’s Grocery Store. Urban Hardware is the go-to for home goods and construction materials.
Students attend schools in the Cambridge-Isanti Public School District
Students can start their education at Isanti Primary School, which serves kindergarten through second grade, before heading to Isanti Intermediate School, which serves third through fifth grade. Both schools get C-plus ratings from Niche. The next steps are Isanti Middle School, which is also a C-plus, and Cambridge-Isanti High School, which earns a B-minus. The high school offers various career pathway programs for students interested in learning high-demand skills and professions. The school has specialty programming in everything from visual arts and information technology to agriculture and engineering.
Getting to the Twin Cities from Isanti
Isanti residents will need a car to get around because the town doesn’t have access to public transportation. The town is divided by State Route 65. Commuters are about 41 miles from Downtown Minneapolis and 44 miles from St. Paul. Mercy Hospital is the nearest major medical center, about 27 miles south. Those looking to catch a flight can head to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, about 53 miles away.
