Excelsior is a small, historic city of roughly 2,300 residents on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Hennepin County. At just one square mile, it's one of the most walkable communities in the southwest metro, built around a classic Main Street and Water Street shopping and dining district. The city's identity is inseparable from the lake — Excelsior Commons, marinas, the historic Minnehaha steamboat, and a vintage streetcar line all trace back to its roots as a 19th-century resort town, a character it has carefully preserved.
Why Live Here
Why Buyers Choose Excelsior
Excelsior sits within Minnetonka Public Schools, which carries a Niche A+ grade and ranks #2 among Minnesota school districts overall, and #1 for best teachers — a significant draw for families willing to pay a premium for lake-town living.
Rather than a corporate employment base, Excelsior's economy runs on tourism, retail, and dining — its walkable downtown is anchored by Excelsior Brewing Company, Kowalski's Market, and a dense cluster of independent shops and restaurants that draw visitors from across the metro.
A+
Niche Grade, Minnetonka Schools
#2
Best School District in MN
2,302
Population (2026 est.)
1 sq mi
Walkable Downtown Footprint
Who Lives Here
Who Moves to Excelsior
Lake Living Buyers
Direct Lake Minnetonka access, marinas, and boating culture make Excelsior a top choice for buyers who want water at their doorstep, not a drive away.
Families Chasing Top Schools
Minnetonka Public Schools' #2 statewide ranking and #1 rank for teachers make Excelsior a serious contender for school-focused families who also want lake-town charm.
Downsizers and Empty Nesters
Excelsior's walkable, low-maintenance downtown lifestyle appeals to buyers trading a larger suburban home for a more compact, amenity-rich setting.
Second-Home and Luxury Buyers
With home values that regularly stretch into the millions on the lake, Excelsior attracts buyers treating the purchase as a lifestyle upgrade, not just a move.
Life in Excelsior
Excelsior's downtown is one of the most walkable in the Southwest Metro, packed with independent boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops just steps from the water. The historic streetcar still runs along the lakefront in summer, and the Excelsior Bay Farmers Market draws crowds on market days.
Real Estate in Excelsior
Excelsior is one of the more expensive markets in the southwest metro, reflecting its lake frontage and limited inventory. Recent data puts the median sale price around $820,600, down roughly 1.4% year-over-year, at a median of about $376 per square foot. Listings range widely, from cottage-style homes in the $400Ks to multimillion-dollar lakefront estates.
Figures are directional based on recent market data — I'll pull a live, current CMA for any specific home or timeframe.
$820K
Median Sale Price
-1.4%
Year-Over-Year
$376
Median $ / Sq Ft
2,302
Total Population
Where to Look
Areas Within Excelsior
St. Albans Bay
A named bay area along the lake shared with neighboring Shorewood, popular for its water access and quieter residential feel.
Gideon Bay
A townhome-centered area offering a lower-maintenance path into Excelsior's lake-town lifestyle.
Downtown Water Street & Main Street
The walkable heart of the city — shops, restaurants, and historic architecture within a short walk of the lake.
Echo Hills & Maple Heights
Established residential pockets slightly back from the shoreline, offering more classic single-family homes.
Why Buyers Love It Here
- ✓Walkable downtown filled with local shops and restaurants
- ✓Direct access to Lake Minnetonka and the historic Excelsior streetcar
- ✓Excelsior Bay Farmers Market
- ✓Minnetonka School District
Outdoor Life
Parks & Trails
Excelsior Commons
A 13-acre lakefront park dating to 1854, with a swimming beach, playground, tennis courts, ball diamonds, and picnic areas.
Lake Minnetonka & Marinas
Direct access via Excelsior Bay Harbor and Minnetonka Marina, plus the historic Minnehaha steamboat offering round-trip excursions to Wayzata.
Minnesota Streetcar Museum
A heritage streetcar line running through Excelsior, one of the city's most distinctive year-round attractions.
Southwest LRT Regional Trail
Runs directly through downtown Excelsior, connecting the city to the broader regional trail network.
Commute & Access
Getting Around
Excelsior is served primarily by Minnesota Highway 7, which connects to Highway 100 about 11 miles east in St. Louis Park. Downtown Minneapolis is roughly 16 miles away, typically a 20–25 minute drive.
Common Questions
FAQs About Excelsior, MN
What is the median home price in Excelsior?
Recent data puts the median sale price around $820,600, down roughly 1.4% year-over-year, at about $376 per square foot. Pricing varies widely between cottage-style homes and lakefront estates — I can pull a live CMA for specifics.
Are Excelsior schools good?
Yes — Excelsior is served by Minnetonka Public Schools, which holds a Niche A+ grade and ranks #2 among Minnesota school districts, and #1 for best teachers.
What's the commute like to Minneapolis?
Excelsior is about 16 miles from downtown Minneapolis via Highway 7, typically a 20–25 minute drive.
What is Excelsior known for?
Excelsior is a historic lake town on Lake Minnetonka known for its walkable Water Street and Main Street shopping district, Victorian-era architecture, a vintage streetcar line, and a strong boating culture.
Is Excelsior a good fit for downsizers?
Yes — its compact, walkable downtown and low-maintenance lifestyle make it a popular landing spot for buyers looking to simplify without leaving the lake behind.
