The northern shore of Lake Minnetonka
Situated along the shore of Lake Minnetonka, one of the largest lakes in Minnesota, Wayzata is a highly desirable city within Hennepin County. Known for its lakeside recreation, A-rated school district and proximity to downtown Minneapolis, Wayzata is home to around 4,000 residents. “It’s beautiful here from a nature perspective, but we’re also just 12 miles west of Minneapolis, so you really have the best of both worlds,” says Wayzata City Manager Jeffrey Dahl. “In one way, it’s a small town, but we’re also a big, thriving, sophisticated city.” Founded in 1854 and incorporated as a city in 1883, Wayzata began as a few wooded outposts in the mid-1800s before becoming a getaway destination for the regional elite by the early 1900s. The area would later act as a summer destination for the Twin Cities as high-end hotels were replaced by cozy cottages and grandiose country estates. Amenities like the resident-only Wayzata Municipal Boat Slips, the sandy coastline at Wayzata Beach and local eateries along Lake Street East give this western Minneapolis city an attractive lakeside village charm. “It’s known as the gateway to the lake, and it’s only a 20-minute drive into downtown – that’s what fuels the real estate, making it the most desirable destination in the Twin Cities, says fourth-generation resident Pete Ice, Real Estate Agent with Edina Realty’s Wayzata Office. And with easy access to U.S. Interstates 494 and I-394, day trips into the Twin Cities are more than accessible.
Lakeside New Traditionals and multi-family townhouses
The real estate market in Wayzata is highly competitive due to its lakeside recreation and tourist attraction. The average home value in Wayzata is around $500,000 more than the average home value in the United States. “There are price points for everyone in Wayzata, from affordable living with shared amenities to lake homes on Wayzata Bay, which are among the most expensive in all the upper midwest,” says Ice, who has been selling in the Twin Cities for over 21 years. With a median sales price of $1 Million, single-family homes range from the low $200,000s for a tear-down lot to upwards of $10 Million for a contemporary new traditional with private water access. Wayzata features a variety of home styles from minimal traditionals and Tudor cottages to multi-family condos or townhouses and larger estates along the shores of Lake Minnetonka. While single-family homes dominate the area, multi-family options range from as low as $200,000 for a one-bedroom condo to upwards of $3.6 Million for a townhouse with immediate bay access. Homes situated along Wayzata Bay are subject to increased price points. Home construction has been steady since the early 1900s, but it has picked up steam since 2010 – there have been over 700 homes built or rebuilt since then. “They are buying up 2,000 square foot homes for $700,000, tearing them down and building $2.5 million homes on the lots,” says Dahl.
Boat slips and lake access along Wayzata Bay
With Lake Minnetonka nearby, Wayzata residents enjoy a variety of outdoor amenities on Wayzata Bay. Some neighbors are within walking distance of Wayzata Beach, which features a sandy coastline, jungle-gym and water access for cooling off during the warmer months. The Wayzata Municipal Boat Slips are also located here, featuring a 100-boat marina for Wayzata residents. Cyclists can hop on the Dakota Rail Regional Trail at Shaver Park, offering 13.5 miles of paved trails connecting Wayzata to St. Bonifacius. In the summer, dog owners can bring four-legged friends to Klapprich Park & Field, which offers an expansive off-leash dog park. Locals can be seen skating on the outdoor ice rink here in winter. Golfers are in luck with the private Wayzata Country Club nearby, offering an 18-hole course, tennis and pickleball courts and an outdoor pool for members to enjoy. History enthusiasts can visit the Wayzata Depot Museum, which partners with the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society to preserve local history and educate residents on Wayzata’s founding and steamboat roots.
Live music at The Great Lawn every Sunday in August
Neighbors gather at The Great Lawn along Lake Street East for the annual Sunday Music in the Park in August. The event is hosted from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every Sunday throughout August. Residents can dance to their favorite local artists, with performances ranging from bluegrass and rock music to funk and jazz. Visitors are expected to bring their chairs and blankets, as seating will not be provided.
Everyday essentials and local eateries along Lake Street East
Residents can shop along Wayzata Boulevard for everyday essentials and groceries at stores like Lunds & Byerlys and Walgreens Pharmacy. Wayzata might lack larger department stores, however, the primary business district along Lake Street East offers a variety of local eateries and mainstays like Five Swans, which offers unique home decor and has served the city for over 45 years. When dining in the area, locals can visit Wayzata Bar & Grill, known locally as The Muni, for a community-oriented atmosphere and classic all-American fare. The Muni has been serving the community since 1947 and is owned and operated by the City of Wayzata, meaning the profit contributes directly to municipal needs and development. For seafood options and lakefront views, head to 6Smith and enjoy a meal on their patio with stunning views of Lake Minnetonka. Or check out the family-owned Gianni’s Steakhouse for an upscale dining environment and an award-winning wine list of around 400 wine labels – which received two stars from the Wine Spectator in 2023.
A-rated education at Wayzata Public Schools
Families with school-aged children are served by the Wayzata Public School District, the best school district in Minnesota, according to the educational review site, Niche. Students in Wayzata can attend schools like Gleason Lake Elementary, Wayzata West Middle and Wayzata High School, which have earned ratings of A, A and A-plus from Niche. Gleason Lake Elementary School offers a Special Education program to qualifying students conducted by highly trained individuals. Wayzata West Middle School provides a variety of after-school clubs and extracurriculars from Cross Country and Basketball to the Honors Reading Program and First Lego League. Wayzata High School offers a rigorous curriculum with more than 32 AP courses for the opportunity to earn college credit. Private options like St. Therese School and Redeemer Lutheran School are also available.
Nearby healthcare and quick commutes into downtown Minneapolis
Residents in Wayzata rely on U.S Route 12 for easy access to U.S. I-494 and I-394 when traveling to neighboring areas and toward downtown Minneapolis. When seeking public transportation, residents can hop on the Metro Transit bus at the Park & Ride along Wayzata Boulevard. Trips on Route 645 operate into downtown Minneapolis every hour. Those interested in traveling further outside the community are 24 miles from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. For healthcare, the Minnetonka Medical Center is only 6 miles from the community.
Written By
Christian Slater
Photography Contributed By
Tyler McNair
