What makes a Twin Cities home 'luxury' in 2026?
Answered by Chris Deutsch, Founder & Editor
Licensed Minnesota Realtor #20382264 ·
The short answer
Luxury isn't just price — it's experience. I've sold $800K homes that felt ordinary, and $600K homes that felt rare. The difference wasn't the price tag.
On stage The 60-second answer
Captions on · Transcript below
The stage is set.
Chris's video answer is on its way. Until then, the short answer above says the same thing.
The transcript posts with the video.
The longer answer
In the Twin Cities, homes over $750K are the entry point for the luxury tier. But what actually makes a home feel high-end? Five things.
1. Waterfront or city views
Lake Minnetonka access, Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River bluffs. Location you can't replicate.
2. Smart home technology that disappears
Not a gadget in every room. Lighting, climate, security — all invisible. It works without you thinking about it.
3. Materials with intention
Custom millwork, high-end appliances, designer fixtures. But they have to feel purposeful, not just expensive.
4. Private outdoor spaces
Outdoor kitchens, private docks, screened porches that actually get used. The ability to enjoy outside without leaving your property.
5. Neighborhoods with pedigree
Kenwood, Lowry Hill, East Edina, Wayzata lakefront. Privacy and identity.
Here's the deal: The true high end in the Twin Cities runs past $3M, but the $800K home with the lake view can feel more luxurious than the $1.5M home in a regular subdivision.
In 25 years, I've learned that luxury isn't what you pay — it's how you live.
The next department over
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From the editor's desk
“As Founder and Editor, I review, correct, and stand behind every answer.”
Is your situation more specific than the market? That's the one worth talking through.