Rural living with suburban conveniences within shouting distance
Just about 20 miles north of Minneapolis, Ham Lake promises convenient country living, but with big city amenities a short drive away. “One of the big attractions is the proximity to Blaine, which is a more traditional suburbia city in terms of retail and infrastructure,” says broker Sue Juneau, the co-owner of Keller Williams Classic Realty, who has sold a dozen homes in the area. A third-ring acreage community with a rural feel, Ham Lake offers generous lot sizes with more house for buyers’ money. “As a general rule, it’s a minimum of 1-acre lots, and many of them are much larger,” Juneau says. The community also offers abundant waterfront recreation on its namesake lake and is zoned for highly rated Anoka-Hennepin Schools, making it a desirable place to settle for those who want a slower-paced life just 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul.
Newer development in Ham Lake can be seen being built next to waterways and wetlands.
Larger homes on larger lots make up smaller developments throughout Ham Lake.
1/2
New and established homes with acreage to relax on
There’s a diversity of housing in Ham Lake, where sprawling subdivisions with neat lawns and tall oaks await in quiet coves tucked off the rural thoroughfares running through town. “Another advantage to Ham Lake is all the wetlands tend to make for very scenic lots, not just your average flat Prairie-style. It isn’t like other places where you’ve got nothing to look at except for the back of another home,” Juneau says. While a rare townhouse or two-bedroom home might sell for under $300,000, the median price of $520,000 is more on par with the new-construction Craftsmans that populate the area’s more recently built subdivisions. Established ranch-style and split-level homes built between the 1970s and the early 2000s are also available on 1-acre lots, while secluded multi-acre properties can climb upwards of $1 million in price.
Craftsman-style homes with cross-gabled roofs are common new development in Ham Lake.
Split-level homes have been a common sight in Ham Lake for many years.
1/2
Strong ratings for STEM-focused Anoka-Hennepin Schools
Ham Lake is served by Forest Lake Public Schools to the west of Highway 65 and Anoka-Hennepin Schools to the east. Kids in the latter can attend McKinley Elementary, Roosevelt Middle and Blaine Senior High, all of which score an A-minus from Niche. Blaine Senior High is home to the Center for Engineering, Mathematics and Science magnet program, where students can explore a catalog of STEM-oriented electives.
Roosevelt Middle School in Blaine is a highly-rated public school.
Blaine Senior High School enrolls nearly students in grades 9-12.
1/2
Take Highway 65 to work in the Twin Cities
Highway 65 is the main travel corridor for Ham Lake, giving residents a route south to Interstate 35 into the Twin Cities, with Minneapolis roughly half an hour away. Although this is a car-dependent rural area, access to air travel is 35 to 40 minutes south at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
Highway 65 is the main road that runs north & south through Ham Lake.
Highway 65 is the Ham Lake area's main thorough fare.
1/2
Enjoy tranquil lakeside recreation and rolling greens
Like most communities around the Twin Cities, Ham Lake offers an abundance of opportunities to get out and enjoy nature year-round. The area’s namesake lake is a favorite outdoor destination, with Ham Lake Park nestled against the shore. The park provides sports facilities for athletes of all kinds, as well as forested walking trails around the lake and a public boat launch for fishing or kayaking. It also offers a disc golf course, though those who prefer golf of the club-and-ball variety can head to Majestic Oaks Golf Club to book a tee time. The club boasts two 18-hole championship courses in addition to a 9-hole executive course and practice facilities, with scenic greens that make it a popular choice for weddings. Bunker Hills Regional Park is also located on the cusp of town, with over 1,600 acres of recreation that include a water park and horseback riding.
Anglers use the public fishing pier in Ham Lake Park.
There are extensive walking trails to explore at Ham Lake Park.
1/2
Dinner in town and groceries in Blaine
Businesses are sparse in Ham Lake, with gas stations and convenience stores clustered along Highway 65 at odd intervals. Most folks head south into Blaine for their everyday needs, where a Walmart Supercenter, Target and Aldi are all roughly 10 minutes away from central Ham Lake. Other big-box stores can be found nearby alongside chain and local dining. However, some of the best bites around are served at Ham Lake’s own T-Box Bar and Grill. This casual eatery serves elevated American fare like cheese-stuffed burgers, featuring an outdoor patio and craft cocktails that have made T-Box a popular happy hour hangout for locals.
The Steak Burger at the T-Box Bar & Grill is a top choice of Ham Lake residents.
The best pizza in Ham Lake can be found at Mansetti's.
I grew up in Northeastern Minnesota and moved to the Twin Cities in 1989. I began investing in real estate back in 2003. In 2005, I received my real estate license and began working as a full time real estate agent. I speak Vietnamese. I specialize in helping Asians or minorities in selling their home, buying their first home, and buying their first investment property. I like helping first time buyers reach their goal of home ownership. There’s no better satisfaction than having the buyer successful close on the home they love. I also have a passion to help regular people succeed in investing in real estate. I will share with you the ins and outs of owning investment properties. As a new investor a few years ago, I knew what it was like to do it alone. Currently, I live in Burnsville, MN with my wife and 3 children. My two younger kids go to high school at Holy Angels in Richfield, MN. My oldest child is currently a sophomore at the University of St. Thomas. Once a month, I would volunteer to serve lunch to the students at Holy Angels. We personally own and manage 4 single family rental homes and 4 apartment building. In my free time, I like to hang out with my family, work out, play football, and basketball. Regardless of where you are financially, use my experience to build your wealth through real estate. Please feel free to text/call me at 952-994-6988. I would love to chat with you. Please don’t hesitate to check out my website to read the testimonials.
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.
