Waterfront city along the shore of Lake Minnetonka
Settled along the coast of Lake Minnetonka, one of the largest natural bodies of water in Minnesota, Shorewood is a desirable area known for its lakefront lifestyle, distinguished school district and proximity to the Twin Cities. Thanks to the increased popularity of steamboats, Shorewood became a major tourist destination throughout the late 1800s. Born out of a series of border changes with the nearby communities of Deephaven, Excelsior and Tonka Bay, Shorewood was officially incorporated as a village in 1956 and became a city in 1974. Today, the city is home to a population of nearly 7,200 people and features multiple lakes, like Christmas Lake, which is spring-fed and known for its exceptional water clarity; and Silver Lake, which features shallow waters, beautiful wetlands and wildlife. Shorewood is primarily residential without a downtown or a major commercial district, which plays a role in the community's CAP Crime Score of 2, compared to the national average of 4. “The low crime rate, high property values, top-notch school district, and just the beauty of the city attracts people,” says Shorewood's Mayor Jennifer Labadie. “It’s like living in a little paradise.” And with easy access to U.S. Interstate 494, day trips into the Twin Cities are accessible within 20 miles, or a 30-minute drive.
Lakefront ramblers and modern contemporary styles
The real estate market in Shorewood is highly competitive despite the high cost of entry, with a median sales price of around $755,000. “Shorewood is a high-demand area — And homes values have increased by $200,000 as a whole over the last 10 years,” says long-time local Joe Carmack, Realtor with Carmack Real Estate Group and Creator of Living in Minnesota on YouTube. Home styles range from traditional ranch styles and Cape Cods to multi-family townhouses and stately modern contemporaries with lakefront views. Homes in Shorewood range from the high $300,000s for a four-bedroom ranch-style to upwards of $3 Million for a five-bedroom modern contemporary with waterfront access. Homes with waterfront access often feature private docks or beaches and are subject to increased price points here. The community is primarily single family, however, multi-family townhouses are available in areas, like Woodland Cove, which range from $400,000 to upwards of $1 Million. Buyers can expect to find waterfront homes in subdivisions like Christmas Lake and Brentridge along with newer construction in areas like Minnetonka Manor. “While some new lots are being developed, most of the construction is on lots with existing homes built between the 1960s and 1980s, bought with the intention of being updated and modernized,” says Carmack, who has been selling in Minneapolis for 8 years.
Launch onto Lake Minnetonka from Howard's Point Marina
Some residents in Shorewood are within walking distance of Lake Minnetonka, which is perfect for days spent on the water or along the sandy coastline at Crescent Beach. Fishing and boating are cornerstones of the lake lifestyle here. The locally-owned Howard's Point Marina has been serving the Shorewood community since 1926 and offers boat rentals, parking slips and seasonal storage for residents interested in heading onto the water. Or stay dry and on land at Badger Park, which features tennis courts and an updated jungle-gym for children to burn energy. Cheer on the local Little League teams in the spring at Freeman Park, a popular sports complex with a selection of baseball fields. Lake Minnewashta Regional Park offers the largest green space nearby, with 40 acres of green space and continued waterfront views. In the summer, visitors can cast a line off the fishing pier or explore the 5 miles of forested trails along the edge of Lake Minnewashta. While alternative routes are presented in the winter months for skiing and snowshoeing.
The annual Arctic Fever Festival
Every January, neighbors gather at the Shorewood Community & Event Center to kick off the Arctic Fever Festival. The event is hosted annually by the City of Shorewood on the third weekend of January. “Minnesotans embrace the winter, so we offer horse-drawn sleigh rides, we have a big bonfire in the park, there’s hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting, and actual sled dog rides,” says Labadie. Children can enjoy geocaching and disc-golf challenges while parents vibe to the live music and grab a beer from the beverage tent.
Shopping at Shorewood Village
Residents can shop at Shorewood Village, which features a variety of retailers, such as Cub Foods, Dollar Tree and Walgreens Pharmacy. When dining in the area, locals can grab a slice at Joey Nova's Pizzeria, offering a relaxed dining experience and New York-style pizzas. Joey Nova's is dedicated to giving back to the community, pledging 200 free meals to homeless individuals every month. For a southern homestyle meal, check out North Coop Restaurant & Bar, known for its extensive wine list and unique selection of bourbon and whiskey. Visitors can also dine outdoors on their dog-friendly patio when the weather permits. And make sure to visit Hazelwood Food and Drink for an all-American meal, daily specials and brunch on the weekends.
A-rated education at Minnetonka Public Schools
Students in Shorewood can attend schools like Minnewashta Elementary, Minnetonka West Middle and Minnetonka Senior High School, which have earned ratings of A, A and A-plus from the educational review site, Niche. Minnewashta Elementary School offers a Spanish immersion program, which implements dual-language instruction beginning as early as Kindergarten. Minnetonka West Middle School offers a variety of after-school programs from team sports like cross country and tennis to enrichment clubs like Best Buddies and Broadcast Club. Minnetonka Senior High School serves 3,500 students and offers an advanced curriculum with 36 AP courses for the opportunity to earn college credit. Private options like Our Savior Lutheran School are also common.
Commute into Minneapolis on U.S. I-494
Shorewood is primarily car-dependent and residents rely on Highway 7 for easy access to U.S. I-494 and neighboring areas like Excelsior and Deephaven. When traveling further outside the community, the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport is 23 miles away. For healthcare, the St. Francis Regional Medical Center is 13 miles from the community. Closer alternative options like MinuteClinic and North Memorial Health Urgency Center are also available along Highway 7.
Written By
Christian Slater
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
