The city of Minnetonka is a suburban community located eight miles west of Minneapolis in Hennepin County. The city has a land area of 28 square miles, and its 2000 population of 51,301 makes it the thirteenth largest city in Minnesota. Minnetonka enjoys an excellent location, with convenient access to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area via interstate highways I-494 and I-394. Interstate Highway 394 runs from Minnetonka east to Minneapolis, and is a primary commuter route to downtown Minneapolis. Its reversible high-occupancy vehicle lanes create a priority route for buses and car-pool vehicles during peak traffic hours. The city is just 25 minutes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Minnetonka began its present existence in 1969. The name means "big waters," which undoubtedly refers to Lake Minnetonka (the city of Minnetonka comes up to its eastern shore), which is "big" enough to accommodate about a half dozen cruise-boat companies on the lake that do nothing but give lake tours and provide floating parties for weddings, corporate guests, etc. Quite a far cry from those pioneers and early Native Americans cruising the place in canoes. Homes go for close to $200,000 in this neighborhood and the median household income is over $50,000.

Recreation is highly regarded in Minnetonka. There are 39 parks with recreation lands totaling 1100 acres, and that takes in five large community parks. Then there is the Minnetonka Loop Trail System, which is a 30-mile long trail for jogging, walking and bicycling.

County: Hennepin
Population: 51,301
Median Household Income: $50,659
Median Home Sales Price: $212,000
Median Home Value: $180,000
Average Annual Property Tax: $2,867
Average Monthly Rent: $681

lake minnetonka real estate

Lake Minnetonka is one of the largest lakes in the state of Minnesota. The shores are dotted with parks, beaches, trails, fishing areas and boating facilities, not to mention the many fine dining venues and charming residential neighborhoods.