Buying a Lake Home in Minnesota (Must-See Areas!) | North Suburbs Guide

Minnesota isn’t called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing—and if you're thinking about buying a lake home in the north suburbs, you're in for a treat. 🌊 Whether you're dreaming of peaceful mornings with coffee by the water or weekend boating adventures with family and friends, owning a lake home in this part of the state offers the perfect balance of relaxation, recreation, and real estate investment potential.

In this week’s blog, we’re diving into the must-see areas for lake homes just north of the Twin Cities—focusing on Forest Lake, the Chisago Chain of Lakes, and White Bear Lake. These are some of the most desirable lakefront communities in Minnesota, offering everything from charming cabins to luxury retreats.

🏡 Why Buy a Lake Home in Minnesota’s North Suburbs?

The north suburbs offer proximity to the Twin Cities (most are within 30–45 minutes of downtown), but with the feel of a true lake getaway. You don’t have to drive for hours to get that up-north vibe—you can enjoy it every day or just on weekends.

Benefits of buying a lake home here include:

  • Strong resale value and high demand for lakefront property

  • Year-round use—swimming, fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling

  • Community events, restaurants, and marinas near many lakes

  • A wide variety of home styles, from seasonal cabins to luxury homes

📍 Top Lake Home Locations in the North Suburbs

1. Forest Lake

Just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, Forest Lake is one of the most popular destinations for lake living in the metro area. The lake covers nearly 2,200 acres and offers space for everything from jet skiing and tubing to paddleboarding and quiet fishing coves.

Why buyers love it:

  • Close to I-35 for easy commuting

  • Large, deep lake with multiple bays and islands

  • Mix of year-round homes and weekend getaways

  • Strong local community with shops and dining nearby

Expect to see:
🏡 2–4 bedroom homes on the water starting around $450K, with luxury listings reaching $1M+ for premium frontage

2. Chisago Chain of Lakes

Want access to multiple lakes without leaving your backyard? The Chisago Chain is a dream. Located in Chisago City, Lindstrom, and Center City, this connected lake system gives you boating access to several bodies of water—all in one outing.

Highlights include:

  • North and South Center Lake

  • Chisago Lake

  • Lindstrom Lake

Why it’s a hot spot:

  • Quaint, small-town charm with Swedish heritage and cozy cafes

  • Great for boaters who love to explore

  • Good value for buyers looking for more space and water access

Typical price range:
🏡 Waterfront homes in the $350K–$600K range, with fixer-uppers and undeveloped land occasionally listed for less

3. White Bear Lake

For buyers wanting a blend of lake life and city convenience, White Bear Lake is a classic pick. This area offers a vibrant downtown, walkable shops, lakeside dining, and a true community feel—all wrapped around a beautiful 2,400-acre lake.

What to expect:

  • High demand and limited inventory

  • Historic homes, modern rebuilds, and everything in between

  • Local events like Marketfest, the Manitou Days festival, and boat parades

Home prices:
🏡 Expect to spend $600K+ for direct waterfront, but condos and homes with lake access can sometimes be found for less

💡 Buyer Tips for Shopping Lake Homes in 2025

Lake homes are different from your average suburban property. Here are a few tips to help you shop smart:

Know what kind of lake you want. Are you looking for a quiet, no-wake lake for kayaking—or one that allows power boats?
Look into shoreline rules. Some areas have restrictions on docks, boat lifts, or additions.
Check well, septic, and elevation. Rural or lakefront properties may have private systems or be in flood zones.
Start your search early. Lake home inventory can move fast—especially between spring and early fall.
Use our custom search tool to stay ahead of new listings: Click here to find lake homes & save your search


👋 Ready to Find Your Lakefront Retreat?

Whether you're dreaming of weekend escapes or year-round lake living, the north suburbs of Minnesota offer plenty of opportunity under 45 minutes from the metro. From Forest Lake’s spacious waterfront homes to the adventure-ready Chisago Chain to the charm of White Bear Lake, there’s a perfect shoreline out there waiting for you.

📧 Thinking about buying in MN or WI? Let’s chat: Click here to connect
👍 Like this post if you’re dreaming of lake days and dockside sunsets!
💬 Got a favorite lake or question? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.
📢 Subscribe and turn on notifications 🔔 so you never miss a lake home tip or market update.

Your lake life starts here. 🛶🏠🌅