Lino Lakes may not be a bustling metropolis, but this Minneapolis city, set amid glistening lakes and rolling hills, offers a comfortable lifestyle while maintaining access to urban amenities nearby. “We have a rural, suburban lifestyle here, away from Minneapolis, but not too far away. It’s close enough that you don’t feel isolated, but with the quiet peacefulness people are looking for,” says Realtor Dee Thor of the Lino Lakes Real Estate Group. Here, about 20 miles north of the Twin Cities, there’s the friendly smiles of neighbors, the peace of quiet streets and the convenience of being close to it all. “Once you live on the lake, you really don’t want to sell,” Thor says. The best part? Adventures don't stop at the city limits. The bustling heart of Minneapolis and St. Paul is just a 20-minute drive away, offering world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and iconic landmarks, from the Walker Art Center to a Twins game at Target Field.
Lakeside residents in Lino Lakes enjoy private dock access.
A streetscape of newly constructed homes in the Watermark development in Lino Lakes.
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Parks and green spaces form a nucleus
Sought after for its parks and lake access, Lino Lakes stands out among other nearby suburbs with its abundant water access and greenspace. As the name suggests, lakefront property is plentiful in Lino Lakes, but it’s hard to come by. Surrounded on three sides by George Watch Lake, the Wargo Nature Center is an outdoor learning center with beautiful natural areas to enjoy along the wooded trails of the rugged peninsula. Canoes, kayaks, kick sleds and snowshoes are available to rent seasonally. Sunrise Park is on 20 wooded acres shaded by mature trees and includes a robust playground and paved walking trails. Swimmers hoping to avoid crowds and traffic love Centerville Lake Beach, which is clean, calm and quiet. From the sprawling athletic fields of Lions Park to the serene nature trails of Lake Josephine Park, there's a green space for everyone. Community events like movie nights and summer concerts in Lions Park add to the vibrant atmosphere, fostering a true sense of community.
The Chomonix Golf Course with Rice Lake in the background.
Lino Lakes residents have access to a number of lake recreation activities.
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Seasons only increases options for things to do
Whether kayaking on sparkling Snail Lake, casting a fishing line in scenic Lake Josephine or hiking the scenic trails at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, there’s always something to do outdoors. Waldoch Farm is a family-run garden center providing plants, garden accessories and produce. On-site is the Joyer Adventure Farm, which is open seasonally and features barnyard animals, a sunflower garden, a honeybee experience and, in the fall, a pumpkin patch and corn maze. Right off Rice Lake is Surfside Airport, home to Adventure Seaplanes, which offers the unique thrill of flying off the water in a vintage bush plane.
Spend the day fishing off the pier on Peltier Lake in Lino Lakes.
Rice Creek Park offers an extensive trail system.
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Housing is competitive, but more is on the way
The Lino Lakes housing inventory consists primarily of single-family homes, with some townhouses and condos interspersed. The median home value here is around $450,000, higher than some of the surrounding communities. The price range of homes ranges from about $290,000 to over $1 million. The market is highly competitive, according to Thor, who says homes may be listed for as few as five days before an offer is accepted. There are pockets of older construction built between the 40s and 80s at that price point – largely ramblers and split-levels – but new construction is the norm. Planned communities with a variety of housing options are being developed in Lino Lakes. Watermark is a masterplan community with new townhouses, single-family homes and villa homes for sale. Nadeau Acres is a development that is still under partial construction.
Developments with custom homes and three-car garages are being built in Lino Lakes.
Traditional colonial revival-style homes beautify neighborhoods in Lino Lakes.
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Student test scores top state averages
Lino Lakes schools consistently rank high in Niche's ratings, with both Lino Lakes Elementary and Centennial Middle schools earning impressive A-plus grades. For high schoolers, Centennial High School, also in the district, boasts an A-minus rating, offering a strong academic foundation for future success. Other highly rated schools in the area include Centerville Elementary, which has an A grade from Niche. According to state test scores, 84% of students are at least proficient in math and 80% in reading. Rice Lake Elementary and Blue Heron Elementary have four levels of programming to support the needs of gifted learners and see that they meet their academic and intellectual needs through rigor, pacing and depth of curriculum. Both are ranked among the best public elementary schools in Minnesota, according to Niche
Centerville Elementary School has an overall Niche rating of A-.
Centennial Middle School enrolls over 1,500 students in grades 6-8.
Centennial High School has a student-teacher ratio of 43 to 1.
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Satisfying eating and shopping options
Lino Lakes has everything you need within its borders for eating out or staying in. The main business district is where Lake Drive intersects with Interstate 35 West. Big box stores like Kohl’s and Super Target sit near national chains like Caribou Coffee and McDonald’s. Nearby is Don Julio’s, a lively hub for classic Mexican fare. Delighted diners rave about the specialty margaritas and the Taco Tuesday specials. MC’s Taphouse promises burgers and brews in a modern industrial venue with walls of windows that let in lots of natural light. The locally owned restaurant sources all fresh ingredients from farms within 300 miles. Waldoch Farm is a family-run garden center providing top-quality plants, garden accessories and produce. On-site is the Joyer Adventure Farm, which is open seasonally and has barnyard animals to interact with, a sunflower garden in the summer, a honeybee experience and fall treats like a pumpkin patch and corn maze. Lino Lakes might not be a shopper's paradise but don't underestimate its convenience.
Enjoy the "Bleu Berry" burger at MC's Tap House in Lino Lakes.
Kohl's is conveniently located off of Lake Drive in Lino Lakes.
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Crime, medical help and transportation
Rest easy knowing Lino Lakes boasts some of the lowest crime rates in the Twin Cities metro area. This quiet community boasts a crime rate 56% lower than the national average, making it a haven for peace-loving citizens and slightly paranoid yard-art enthusiasts. Residents are more likely to get their yard gnomes stolen than to be victims of a violent crime. Petty thefts are slightly more common. But even then, the chance of being a victim is 1 in 99. The biggest crime someone might witness is someone stealing your best fishing spot. And if that happens and you become ill, you won't be far from quality healthcare. Regions Hospital in nearby Maplewood and Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids provide excellent services. Urgent care clinics are also easily accessible, ensuring your well-being remains a top priority. While Lino Lakes might not have a dedicated public transportation system, Metro Transit buses connect to surrounding towns and the Twin Cities properly, ensuring convenient commutes and access to the vibrant city pulse.
Lake Dr and 35W are the main access to the city of Lino Lakes.
Lino Lakes lies north of the Twin Cities metro area.
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.
