$376,250Average Value$253Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Southwest Minneapolis living
West Maka Ska is named for the lake on which it’s perched: Bde Maka Ska. Renamed in 2020 to honor the area’s Dakota heritage, Bde Maka Ska translates to “White Earth Lake” or “White Bank Lake.” Wits Realty’s Samuel Andrews, who has been a top local Realtor since 2019, says that West Maka Ska’s location on the lake’s west bank is one of the neighborhood’s most appealing features to homebuyers. “The walkability there is great because there are tons of walking trails around the lake; you’re close to nature while living in the middle of a big metropolitan city, which is a big deal for people,” he says. As the largest lake in Minneapolis, it certainly offers a ton of opportunities for outdoor recreation. But Andrews notes that West Maka Ska’s location in the southwest part of the city is also a large part of its appeal. “You’re far enough west here that you’re pretty close to shopping and dining in Edina, too. It’s right on the edge, with great access to both Minneapolis and Edina, which is also a big draw for people,” he says. This neighborhood is uniquely convenient, with the popular 50th & France shopping and dining district in Edina just a 10-minute drive south and downtown Minneapolis just a 15-minute drive northeast.
With easy access to nature, shopping and dining, West Maka Ska is an admired place to live.
The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is a popular city trail for cyclists.
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Affordability amidst affluence
Homes here range from one or two-bedroom condos to three and four-bedroom single-family homes. Many of the condo buildings in this neighborhood were built in the 1980s, but there are some as new as the early 2000s and 2010s. Most of the single-family homes sprang up between the 1950s and ‘60s, in styles from French and Spanish-inspired Colonial Revivals to traditional ranch-style bungalows and Contemporary cottages with lots of windows and angular rooflines. “Most of the housing in this area is going to be single-family homes, but there is a pocket that is mostly condos,” says Andrews, who sold a two-bedroom condo unit in the northern part of West Maka Ska for $240,000 in December 2023. He says that’s a typical sale price for units of that size around here. Single-family homes here tend to sell for between $350,000 and $500,000. Andrews: “Our single-family prices for the Twin Cities are right around $400,000 on average. In this part of town, it’s a little bit lower—it gets closer to $360,000, which is a pretty approachable market for a lot of people.”
American foursquare-style homes can be found in the northern streets of West Maka Ska.
Homes with enclosed porches and detached garages can be found in West Maka Ska.
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Minneapolis public schools
West Maka Ska students are served by schools in the Minneapolis Public Schools District. Many go to Kenwood Elementary, Anwatin Middle and North High School between kindergarten and 12th grade. In 2024, Kenwood earned an A-minus from Niche. That same year, Anwatin earned a C and North High earned a C-minus. North High School teens can take advantage of their school’s various advanced learning opportunities, from Advanced Placement courses to the College in Schools program, which offers college-level classes to high schoolers in partnership with the University of Minnesota.
Kenwood Elementary School has an overall Niche grade of A-.
Anwatin Middle School enrolls over 300 students in grades 6-8.
North High School enrolls over 400 students in grades 9-12, with a 13 -1 student-teacher ratio.
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Lakefront recreation, indoor and out
Perched on the west bank of Bde Maka Ska, residents enjoy easy access to plenty of outdoor recreation options. “Like everywhere else, proximity to water is a big draw for homebuyers here,” says Andrews. Locals can kayak and paddleboard on the waterfront, or even ride their bikes along the 3-mile trail connecting Bde Maka Ska to Lake Harriet and Lake of The Isles. There’s also a classic playground off West Lake Street on the lake’s north side and a sand volleyball court off West Bde Maka Ska Parkway on the south side. “There’s a ton of money that goes into the park system here. You’d be hard-pressed to find an area in Minneapolis that’s not walkable to a park,” says Andrews. The Minikahda Club, a private country club offering everything from an 18-hole golf course to tennis courts, a pool and a clubhouse, is sprawled over much of West Maka Ska’s center. Established in 1989, it’s the oldest country club west of the Mississippi. Off Zenith Avenue South between the club and Bde Maka Ska, The Bakkan Museum offers exhibits and programs revolving around science, technology and invention. West Maka Ska’s monthly neighborhood board meetings are typically held in one of the museum’s event spaces.
Nearby Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet provide relaxing water recreation.
The Bakken Museum delivers rich education experiences in West Maka Ska.
The Minikahda Club is a private, 18-hole golf course in West Maka Ska.
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Vibrant food scene and convenient shopping
Everyday essentials are within easy reach with shopping and dining options clustered on either side of West Lake Street within a mile and a half of most homes. There’s everything from Whole Foods, Walgreens and dental and vision offices to Barnes & Noble, pet supply stores and salons. Locals can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants along West Lake Street, too. Wakame Sushi & Asian Bistro offers Japanese and Thai cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Taberna specializes in street tacos and other classic American and Mexican bar fare. There’s also Punch Pizza, known for elevated Italian-style pizzas, and My Burger, which serves classic burgers with a twist. “Lake Street is definitely where a lot of people who live here will go for their everyday shopping and dining, but you’re also close to Linden Hills, which has a lot of really great, fine dining-type restaurants,” says Andrews, adding that the 50th & France shopping and dining district in Edina is also close by. “It’s a nicer outdoor mall space, and highly walkable to nice restaurants and bars and that kind of thing,” he says.
West Maka Ska residents can shop at Whole Foods Market for all their grocery needs.
Enjoy delicious handmade sushi at Wakame Sushi and Asian Bistro.
Punch Pizza specializes in homemade, wood-fired pizza.
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Getting around Minneapolis
Stops on the Metro Transit bus line are easily accessible along Excelsior Boulevard and West Lake Street, two main thoroughfares running through the north end of West Maka Ska. There are several stops within half a mile of most homes. The 5.3-mile drive northeast into downtown Minneapolis takes less than 15 minutes, depending on traffic. 50th & France, a high-end, locally focused shopping and dining district in the heart of Edina, is even closer, less than 10 minutes south. For residents who need to fly farther afield, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is just a 20-minute drive southeast.
West Maka Ska residents have easy access to the Midtown Greenway.
Metro Transit serves bus routes throughout West Maka Ska.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Barbara Brin,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Park Siding Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Bde Maka Ska Thomas Beach
Bike Trails
Trails
Volleyball
Bass Lake Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Grills
Bde Maka Ska
Baseball/Softball
Bike Trails
Boating
Bde Maka Ska
Baseball/Softball
Bike Trails
Boating
Alcott Triangle Park
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain
25 min drive
Bus
Excelsior Blvd & Lake St W
Bus
Lake St W & France Ave S
Bus
Excelsior Blvd & Bde Maka Ska Blvd W
Bus
Excelsior Blvd & 32nd St W
Bus
Excelsior Blvd & Market Plaza
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Maka Ska
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Maka Ska, Minneapolis sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Maka Ska, Minneapolis over the last 12 months is $391,141, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the highly sought-after West Maka Ska neighborhood, this condominium embodies the perfect blend of style, luxury, and location. Just a short walk from Whole Foods, "yum"- Kitchen and bakery. Starbucks, cafes and top-tier restaurants. The proximity to the Minneapolis Lakes is so convenient, offering a wealth of outdoor activities. Inside, the home is a true showstopper. The fully
Top floor unit at The Lakes Citihomes with easy access to exciting restaurants, trails, and the Minneapolis Lakes. This two-bedroom unit features a vaulted ceiling in the living room, recently painted cabinets in the kitchen, and an updated full bath. New furnace installed in 2023, new AC installed in 2024. The private laundry room is located across from the garage, is exclusively for this unit,
This 1938 top floor condo was one of the very first developments surrounding lake Bde Maka Ska, and stands proudly to this day as the closest proximity & largest land parcel to be found! This well-maintained condo has been under the same ownership for the last 25 years, and has been utilized as secondary vacation housing. As a result, its seen occupancy less than 15% of that time. The
Spacious and newly updated 2BR, 2BA corner unit now available steps from the Chain of Lakes! Sunny unit features granite counter tops, newly painted cabinets, new plank flooring, stainless appliances, walk-in closet with custom organizers, private balcony, and in-unit laundry. West Lake Condos features a rooftop patio, indoor pool with sauna and hot tub, exercise room and party room. Live
We cant wait to welcome you home! Heres what you can expect at Axon Green. Our community and all our homes are smoke-free. We allow cats, dogs, and other small animals. We have no breed restrictions upon an approved pet application. Required Fees - Move-in: application fee - $50 per applicant, deposit - $300, & administration Fee - $150. Monthly: rent - fixed cost dependent on size, move-in date,
Penthouse w/ views of Lake Bde Maka Ska!! Sophisticated New Construction! Waterbury House offers a location that is the best of two worlds: A lavish refuge in close proximity to Lake Bde Maka Ska and a beacon of activity in a vibrant neighborhood. Residences that reflect your active and inspired lifestyle, ranging from 1Bdrm, 1Bdrm + Den to expansive 2Bdrm + office & penthouses suites. Experience
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Barbara Brin,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,345
Median Age
33
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$81,327
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$103,865
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.7%
College Graduates
73.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.1%
% Population in Labor Force
78.1%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
9°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
60''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
68/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
45/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
48/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
