Excelsior once had an amusement park where the Rolling Stones played a famously chaotic 1964 gig; the park is gone, the temperament stayed. Homes in the walkable downtown grid sell almost on contact — median $875,000, 20 days on market citywide. Chris Deutsch of Lakes Area Realty calls The Commons the best front yard in Minnesota.
Historic, Relaxed, Lake-Focused
Excelsior feels like a coastal vacation town. Founded in the 1850s, its Water Street is lined with brick buildings, antique shops, and breweries. It serves as the launchpad for the steamboat Minnehaha and has a deeply rooted sense of history.
The Amusement Park
What is Chris Deutsch's honest take on Excelsior?
If Wayzata is a suit, Excelsior is a flannel shirt and boat shoes. It's just as expensive but feels more relaxed, more historic. The Commons park is the best 'Front Yard' in Minnesota.
Smart Money Move?
Let's look at the raw data. No sugarcoating.
Monthly "All-In"
Estimated mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
$5,719/mo
Down Payment
*Based on a 7% rate and $875,000 price. In Excelsior, taxes vary by block, but this gets you in the ballpark.
Run your own numbersHomes in the 'Grid' (historic downtown streets) sell instantly. The scarcity of walkability in the suburbs makes these lots incredibly valuable regardless of the house condition.
Real Talk Warning
Parking on a summer Saturday is impossible. If you don't live walking distance to downtown, you aren't going.
Living in Excelsior
It's not just about the house; it's about the Tuesday morning coffee run and the Friday night walk. Here's who thrives here.
Is Excelsior Your Match?
This neighborhood isn't for everyone. It's specifically optimized for these three lifestyles.
Preservationist
1853
One of the oldest towns on the lake.
Captain
Launch
Public docks make it easy to hop off for dinner.
Festival Goer
Busy
Art fairs, concerts, and parades all year long.
Local Gems & Secrets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chris Deutsch's honest take on Excelsior?
If Wayzata is a suit, Excelsior is a flannel shirt and boat shoes. It's just as expensive but feels more relaxed, more historic. The Commons park is the best 'Front Yard' in Minnesota.
What is the catch with Excelsior?
Parking on a summer Saturday is impossible. If you don't live walking distance to downtown, you aren't going.
What are the best local secrets in Excelsior?
Haskell's Port of Excelsior has a secret basement bar vibe. Apple Day in the fall is mandatory attendance.
What makes Excelsior special?
Excelsior is known for The Commons, Water Street, Excelsior Brewing, Lake Minnetonka.
What is the average home price in Excelsior?
The average home price in Excelsior is $875,000, with homes typically spending 20 days on market. 140 homes sold last year.
Sources & Data
The market, school, and walkability figures on this page for Excelsior come from these sources.
Market data as of April 2026
- NorthstarMLS — Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota — Median sale price ($875,000), days on market (20), and homes sold for Excelsior, as of April 2026.
- Minneapolis Area REALTORS® — Local Market Reports — Twin Cities metro market statistics used to contextualize Excelsior pricing and inventory trends.
- Minnesota Report Card — Minnesota Department of Education — School enrollment and performance data for the Excelsior area.
- U.S. Census Bureau — QuickFacts — Population, housing unit, and homeownership context for Excelsior and the surrounding city.
- Walk Score® — Walkability & Transit Scores — Walkability (9/100) and transit (9/100) methodology and scoring for Excelsior.
Exploring Beyond Excelsior
No sales pitches here. Just some honest tools, real data, and practical guides to help you figure out the next steps.
Thinking About Excelsior?
I've been helping people find homes in Excelsior for over two decades. If you're curious about what's out there — or just want to know what your home might be worth — I'm happy to chat. No pitch, no pressure. Just real talk over coffee.