Lake Elmo has a rural and farm-like appearance, but it’s nothing short of its urban amenities. This smaller city is tucked away 10 miles from the Wisconsin border and 13 miles from St. Paul. Living in Lake Elmo comes with residing in quiet suburban-like neighborhoods that are surrounded by an ample amount of outdoor recreation. Residents can get involved in the numerous golf courses or swim in the lakes. Getting around is also a major benefit, with significant interstates and roadways bordering most of the city. The population sits under 14,000 people, with an 18% growth in population from 2020. It’s an area where the trend is more families and some retirees. The growth is being handled with lots of newer developments. What keeps locals staying is the area’s intimacy and neighborly atmosphere, which are essential for building relationships.
Lake Elmo is located east of St. Paul and west of the St. Croix River.
Lake Elmo residents have easy access to many retail and dining options downtown.
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Plenty outdoor recreation at Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Lake Elmo is a city that thrives on their outdoor recreation amenities. The city circles the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, which holds 2,165 acres. Several wildlife species are along the rolling hills and landscape variety, including red foxes, woodpeckers, cardinals and white-tailed deer. Besides admiring the natural area, Lake Elmo Park Reserve is the prime spot for camping and fishing. The Lake Elmo Park system has 21 city-run parks. Sunfish Lake Park is recognized as a regionally significant ecological area by the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The nine miles of skiing and walking trails are matched with views of woodland, wetlands and prairies. The Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center is a museum with the Sunfish Lake Park that provides fun activities and exhibits. Owners of furry children can expect a new dog park opening in 2024, where it’s set to have walking trails, green space and a dog area. Lake access is also found along Lake Jane and Goose Lake.
There are acres of waterways and green spaces at Lake Elmo Park Reserve for hikers to explore.
There are two pickle ball courts at Ivywood Park in Lake Elmo.
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Charming two-block downtown
Lake Elmo has a two-block downtown, but it’s a cherished area for its restaurants and local businesses. These restaurants are primarily American-pub-style cuisines. Lake Elmo Inn is the area’s most popular restaurant, having an authentic brunch experience and upscale meal options. South towards Interstate 94 is where there are other cuisines, including chain restaurants and local favorites. Woodbury and Stillwater are the primary areas to find shopping and other dining. Tamarack Village is home to name-brand stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, JCPenney and Old Navy. Then, it holds an array of casual and sit-down restaurants. North towards Stillwater has several other department stores and big box retailers.
Sunshine Coffee is a favorite Coffee shop in downtown Lake Elmo.
Sunshine Coffee is the coffee destination in Lake Elmo.
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New construction in uncompetitive market
Lake Elmo is currently in a buyer’s market and not as competitive. Based on the St Paul Area Association of Realtors housing report, homes are typically on the market for 96 days. That’s about 34% slower than the national average of 41 days. The current median home price is $720,000, which is 13.8% higher than the previous year. For just over $100,000, buyers can get a 1,000-square-foot manufactured home in the Cimarron Park complex. Newly constructed homes can start at around $350,000 and extend to over $1 million. Folks can expect to hold a decent lot size.
Lake Elmo has many new housing developments taking over the landscape.
Lake Elmo Inn is an upscale eatery in the heart of Lake Elmo.
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Small community driven events
Lake Elmo residents have small events throughout the year. Notable events include the Lake Elmo Fourth of July and the National Night Out. Huff n’ Puff Days is a four-day softball tournament organized by the hometown team, the Lake Elmo Jaycees. A collection of 96 teams gather at Lions Park to play a tournament of games. The Lake Elmo Library is often a community gathering space with its book club, crafting programs and story times. Royal Golf Club is a public course right in the city, offering a signature 18-hole course designed by Annika Sorenstam and the late Arnold Palmer. Green Acres Recreation is where most residents are found during the weekends of the winter season. The open hill is designated for snow tubing, downhill skiing and tubing. The Washington County Fair has entertained residents of the Twin Cities for over 150 years. Residents enjoy the carnival, the talent show and several grandstand events.
The Lake Elmo Farmer's Market is held Saturday mornings at Lake Elmo Elementary School.
Hand made jewelry and artwork can also be found at the Lake Elmo Farmer's Market.
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Students can attend two districts
Most Lake Elmo students will attend grade school at the Stillwater Area Public Schools, which stretches through most of the community. The A-minus district serves over 8,000 students. This district covers the eastern end of the area. Most students will likely be zoned for Lake Elmo Elementary, Oak Land Middle. Lake Elmo Elementary is in the beginning phase of a new school since the population has outgrown it. Students on the southwest end may attend North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District schools. The B-rated district serves over 10,000 students. These students can go to the two elementary schools: Eagle Point Elementary and Skyview Community. After high school, students can study at Rasmussen University’s satellite campus or Century College.
Lake Elmo Elementary School
is where every student shines academically in Lake Elmo.
Oak-Land Middle School is located in Lake Elmo, Minnesota.
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Surrounded by multiple interstates
The primary form of transportation is by car. Interstate 694 is west of the area; it connects to Interstate 494, which circles the Twin Cities. On the south end is Interstate 94, which gets commuters directly to St. Paul and Minneapolis in under 25 miles. Luckily for residents, the interstate access does not impact the city’s intimacy. On the north end is Highway 36, which connects to major interstates and is ten miles from the Wisconsin border. Lake Elmo Airport is a smaller airport meant for private planes. For significant travel, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is 25 miles away.
Low crime
Lake Elmo receives a high A-plus rating on Crimegrade.org. It’s rated safer than 95% of other cities. The crime rate occurs at a rate of 13.04 per 1,000 residents. Lake Elmo is also located in Special Well and Boring Construction Area, which means the waters in Lake Elmo have water contamination that pose public health 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.
