Section Image

Waconia

Waconia

Located in Carver County

$502,801 Average Value
$207 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes 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 has an historic downtown.
Waconia is a quaint town west of the twin cities.
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.
Some recent home developments are located along the lake.
Recently constructed craftsmans are found in various developments.
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 has a regional park with a beach.
Lake Waconia is a popular ice fishing destination in the winter time.
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.
Mackenthun's is the major grocer in the Waconia area.
Main Street in downtown Waconia is home to restaurants and businesses.
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 Middle School is ranked 44th in Minnesota middle schools
Waconia high School has a 97 percent graduation rate.
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
Stewart Taveras
Video By
Stewart Taveras

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kristie Bernard, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Waconia Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$540,365
Median Sale Price
$540,365
Median Single Family Sale Price
$525,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$415,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
152
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$207

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,919
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
1999
Months of Supply
1.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,107
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,388
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,761

Open Houses

  • 628 Tiffany Ln, Waconia, MN 55387

    $320,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,792 Sq Ft
    • 628 Tiffany Ln
    • New 3 days ago

    Nestled in a prime location, this well kept townhome offers an ideal blend of comfort and convenience. With its well-maintained interiors, this home provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. One of its standout features is the versatile loft space, which can be transformed into a home office, cozy reading nook, or an additional space to suit your

    Julie Dial eXp Realty

    Section Image
  • 1313 Oriole Dr, Waconia, MN 55387

    $425,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,210 Sq Ft
    • 1313 Oriole Dr
    • New 4 days ago

    Enjoy peaceful ease of one-level living in this beautifully maintained townhome tucked into a peaceful, private lot backing to a serene creek. Located in the well established Green Meadow TH neighborhood, this home offers a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Inside, you’ll find a bright galley-style kitchen, sun-drenched sunroom, and freshly painted interiors. The walkout lower level

    Ann C. Smothers RE/MAX Advantage Plus

    Section Image
  • 830 Foxglove Terrace, Waconia, MN 55387

    $554,900

    • 5 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,599 Sq Ft
    • 830 Foxglove Terrace
    • New 4 days ago

    Move-In Ready with Transferable Builder Warranties! Welcome to this stunning two story home, perfectly positioned on a premium lot overlooking peaceful farm fields and featuring a full privacy fence for added seclusion. This spacious residence offers 5 true bedrooms upstairs, 3 beautifully finished bathrooms, and a versatile loft space — ideal for growing families or those needing extra room to

    Ken Haasken Chestnut Realty Inc

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Waconia Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
14,621
Median Age
40
Population under 18
26.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$95,881
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$120,673

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.4%
College Graduates
52.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.8%
% Population in Labor Force
76.7%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
30''
Average Winter Low Temperature
3°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
34''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

49 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

69 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

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.
Waconia