$502,932Average Value$209Average Price per Sq Ft23Homes For Sale
Waconia is a former resort town and a current water recreation hub
Waconia, Minnesota was founded in the mid-1800s as a resort community on the shores of Lake Waconia. Located 35 miles west of Minneapolis and 45 miles west of St. Paul, it became a place for people to get out of the city and into the fresh air. While many resorts closed with the invention of the automobile, Jeff Schulz, a lifelong resident and Realtor with Re/Max Advantage Plus-Waconia, says Waconia is still a destination. “It’s an amazing town that always has activity,” he says. “It’s small-town living, but you can drive 40 minutes to a Twins game or a Vikings game. There are community centers, walking trails, bike trails. It has stuff for everyone, young and old.” Schulz does have a warning for visitors, though. He says, “Careful when you come here, because you may never want to leave.”
Waconia has an historic downtown.
Waconia is a quaint town west of the twin cities.
1/2
Waconia homes vary widely in age, price
Homes in Waconia vary widely in style and price. Craftsman and ramblers are popular home styles, and many new builds feature takes on the modern farmhouse design. Home prices can range anywhere from $325,000 for a 1910 three-bedroom house located downtown to $900,000 for a 2023 five-bedroom home located on the edge of the city. The market in Waconia is pretty active, and the median sales price stays around $471,000, which is higher than the national median. Schulz says he sees a mix of homebuyers in Waconia, from first-time owners to empty nesters.
Some recent home developments are located along the lake.
Recently constructed craftsmans are found in various developments.
1/2
Celebrate Nickle Dickle Day in Waconia
Every September, Waconia residents gear up to celebrate Nickle Dickle Day. The festival was started more than 60 years ago by business owners who wanted to attract people to shop downtown. Many items were available for a nickel, and dickle is derived from a German word for bartering, honoring the town’s German heritage. The festival is now held in City Square Park and features an arts and crafts fair, library book sale, car and truck show, duck races, live music and more. While the festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, Schulz says, “Obviously things aren’t a nickel these days, but you can still get nickel beers."
Lake Waconia offers swimming, boating, fishing
There’s no shortage of parks in Waconia, with many concentrated along the lakeshore. Lake Waconia Regional Park is split into two sections, one on the mainland and one on Coney Island of the West, an island a half mile offshore. On the mainland, there’s a swimming area with a sandy beach and launches for both kayaks and boats. On the island side, there’s a walking trail and dock. During the cold Minnesota winters, residents can walk across the frozen lake to the island, and many still go out with their icehouses to ice fish. “People throw icehouse parties," Schulz says "There are probably 1,000 ice houses that are like lodges and fully heated.”
Lake Waconia has a regional park with a beach.
Lake Waconia is a popular ice fishing destination in the winter time.
1/2
Waconia has a coveted Mackenthun location, lakeside restaurant
Downtown Waconia has many older buildings that remain from its early days, including a mix of repurposed shingled homes and some more traditional brick storefronts. Today, these are now filled with local shops including a bakery, hair salon, movie theater, florist, and assorted bars and restaurants. For a meal with a water view, Lola’s Lakehouse serves up seafood and American fare with views of Lake Waconia. Waconia is also home to one of three Mackenthun’s locations – a grocery store known for its award-winning meat department, homemade sausage and baked goods.
Mackenthun's is the major grocer in the Waconia area.
Main Street in downtown Waconia is home to restaurants and businesses.
1/2
State Highway 5 connects Waconia to Twin Cities
State Highway 5 runs through Waconia, connecting residents to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and to downtown St. Paul. The airport is about 33 miles away, while St. Paul is 45 miles away. To get to Minneapolis, residents can use Highway 5 to get to Interstate 494. The nearest hospital is the Ridgeview Medical Center, which is located right in downtown Waconia.
Waconia Public Schools district is 30th best in Minnesota
Waconia is part of the Waconia Public Schools system, or Independent School District 110. The district earns an A-minus rating from Niche and is named the 30th best district in the state. The district has three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The student-teacher ratio is low, at 15:1.
Waconia Middle School is ranked 44th in Minnesota middle schools
Waconia high School has a 97 percent graduation rate.
1/2
Important to know
Waconia has a typical northern climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Winter lasts about five months, and the area averages more than 50 inches of snow annually. Waconia is served by the Carver County Sheriff’s Department, so crime data for the city is not readily available.
Written By
Tanner Harding
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mike Heinzerling,
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 Waconia, MN sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Waconia, MN over the last 12 months is $540,365, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MODEL HOME, NOT FOR SALE AT THIS TIME. Welcome to this beautiful new community that is on the edge of downtown Waconia built up by D. R. Horton, America’s Builder. Walking distance to the fairgrounds, across from the ball fields and middle school. A short drive to the hospital, movie theatre, many restaurants, shops, and groceries! Waconia is a self sufficient city with all the large amenities
Stunning single owner home in very desirable Waconia Community. 4 beds all on the upper level, large master walk-in closet and private bathroom with separate tub and shower. Upper level laundry adds convenience and main level open floor plan has a great flow for families. Equity opportunity in the lower level with usable unfinished space that can be utilized as a gym or game area- or finished to
Welcome to a beautiful home that checks all the boxes for space, style, and smart updates. This meticulously maintained five-bedroom, four-bathroom contemporary two-story offers 3,060 square feet of living space on an impressive 0.48-acre lot. With fresh paint, brand-new carpet, and gleaming maple hardwood floors, its ready for you to move in, kick back and enjoy. Lets talk about the kitchen, its
Welcome to your private lakeside retreat on 10 breathtaking acres with lake frontage to Lake Reitz! This home offers 5 spacious bedrooms, including a main-floor primary suite with spa-like ensuite featuring double vanities, a soaking tub, and walk-in shower. Soaring ceilings and oversized windows flood the home with natural light, while the open-concept kitchen boasts white cabinetry, granite
Just like new detached walkout town home on a private treed site! Enjoy one level living that has been meticulously maintained, loaded with upgrades & architectural details. Step onto custom stained hardwood floors that flow throughout the open gathering spaces. Entry has a sitting bench and built-in cabinet for storage. French doors open to the second main floor bedroom that could also service
Reside just mere steps away from the shimmering expanse of Lake Waconia, a natural haven bursting with recreational adventures, from thrilling jet skiing to tranquil paddleboarding sessions. Enrich your days with delightful shopping escapades, immerse in cinematic experiences, or savor the delicate notes of fine wine at the region's renowned wineries. In this strategically located haven,
Zero Turn Lawn Mower and Pool Table May Be Included with Acceptable Lease! NEWER PAINT AND PLUSH CARPETING! Welcome Home to this Move In Ready 5 Bedroom 4 Bathroom Home with a 3 Car Garage in the Highly Sought-After Windmill Creek Neighborhood! The Home Boasts 9' Tall Ceilings on the Main Level, a Large and Open Layout, Maple Floors, Cabinetry, and Woodwork. The Kitchen Includes a Large Center
Here, youre just steps from trails, lakes, and parks, and minutes away from the best shops, entertainment, and dining. And when youre ready to come home, youll find unmatched amenities that keep the adventure going.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
