If you're considering building in the northern suburbs right now, you are not alone.
There is a clear shift happening.
Families are moving north for space.
For land.
For privacy.
For schools and community.
But not all developments are equal.
From my perspective — as someone who lives and works in these communities — three neighborhoods are attracting serious attention: Hidden Forest, Elliott Crossing in Grant, and Elwell Farms in Ham Lake.
Let me break this down the way buyers actually think.
Hidden Forest: Proven Momentum
Hidden Forest started about 3–4 years ago.
Today, it’s no longer just dirt and drawings. It’s real homes. Real families. Real architecture.
I have friends who live there. The neighborhood has substance. The homes are not entry-level builds. They are large, well-designed, and intentional.
When early builds in a development set a strong architectural tone, that matters.
It creates a ceiling.
It attracts similar buyers.
It protects future resale.
Hidden Forest appeals to families who want:
• Larger homes
• Meaningful yard space
• A neighborhood feel without density
• Access to Forest Lake amenities
It feels established — not speculative.
That matters when you’re committing to a build.
Elliott Crossing in Grant: Land + Luxury Alignment
Grant has always attracted buyers who value land.
Elliott Crossing takes that and pairs it with newer, higher-end construction.
This is for buyers who want:
• Estate-style lots
• Fewer neighbors
• Architectural presence
• Long-term hold potential
Grant is not loud. It’s stable. Buyers here tend to stay.
Elliott Crossing works because it aligns build quality with the land itself. That combination creates pricing durability.
If you're building at this level, you are not thinking about two-year flips.
You are thinking 10+ years.
Elwell Farms in Ham Lake: The $1.5M–$3M Move North
Elwell Farms is different in scale.
Approximately 40 acres.
Larger estate lots.
Luxury builds pushing into the $1.5M–$3M range.
That price point in Ham Lake signals confidence.
Buyers here want:
• Acreage
• New construction
• Space for pools, sport courts, outdoor living
• A quiet setting without sacrificing access to Blaine retail and highways
Elwell Farms attracts families who may have looked at lake homes — but decided they want land without shoreline maintenance.
That’s a growing segment.
What Buyers Should Really Be Evaluating
When building in the northern suburbs, ask:
What is the architectural ceiling of this development?
Are the early homes strong?
What does resale look like in 7–10 years?
Is the neighborhood attracting similar buyers — or mixed tiers?
Is the land positioned for long-term stability?
New construction feels exciting.
But structure matters more than emotion.
From my seat, Hidden Forest, Elliott Crossing, and Elwell Farms represent three of the more intentional development lanes in the north metro right now.
Each serves a slightly different buyer profile.
The key is alignment.
If you’re considering building in one of these communities and want to walk through lot selection, builder fit, and long-term value positioning, let’s talk.
Preparation creates leverage.
Relationships outlast transactions.
Tim Ornell
Luxury & Waterfront Real Estate Advisor
Ornell Group | Real Broker Luxury Division
NASDAQ: REAX
651.263.8480
ornellgroup.com
