I live on Centerville Lake.
Not "I specialize in Centerville Lake." Not "I'm familiar with the area." I live here. My kids swim in it. I watch the ice go out every spring from my backyard. When you ask me what it's like to live on this lake, I don't have to imagine.
That matters when you're making a $600,000 to $1.4 million decision.
What Is Centerville Lake?
Centerville Lake is a 474-acre lake sitting on the Hugo-Centerville border in Anoka County. It's about 25 miles north of St. Paul. It connects to the Peltier Lake chain to the south. The school district is Centennial — ISD 12 — which is one of the stronger north metro districts.
It's not a big party lake. That's by design. The community here is tight. Most people know their neighbors. Boats are respectful. Water quality is good.
That's exactly what buyers who find this lake are looking for.
What Are Homes Actually Selling For on Centerville Lake?
From real closed MLS sales in the past two years:
- Entry-level lake access: $759,900 to $975,000. Older homes, smaller square footage, dated finishes. You're buying the lot position.
- Mid-market move-in ready: $1,080,000 to $2,250,000. 2,000 to 3,400 square feet. Most of the buyer activity lives here.
- New construction: $1,465,000 closed in late 2025. 2025-built, 2,855 finished square feet, 3-car garage.
The spread is real. What you pay depends on the home's era, the frontage footage, and whether you're buying a lifestyle move or a building opportunity.
How Many Homes Are for Sale on Centerville Lake Right Now?
Three.
If you're a seller on this lake, that number should matter to you. Your competition is two other properties. That's significant leverage — if the home is priced correctly and presented well.
If you're a buyer, that number means you move when something right comes up. Not next month. Now.
What Makes Centerville Lake Different From Forest Lake or White Bear Lake?
Size and community feel.
Forest Lake is 2,251 acres. White Bear Lake is over 2,400. Centerville is 474. Smaller means fewer boats. Less noise. More of a neighborhood lake than a destination lake.
Buyers who choose Centerville know what they're choosing. They've been to Forest Lake. They've seen White Bear. They want something quieter. More intentional.
The price reflects that. You get more home per dollar here than on White Bear Lake. The trade-off is less name recognition when you eventually sell — though that gap has been closing fast.
What Should Sellers on Centerville Lake Know?
I've watched lake homes here sit when sellers priced from hope instead of data. Three active listings is a small enough market that a home sitting at the wrong price affects buyer perception of the whole lake.
I work this corridor every day. I live on this water. If you want a straight conversation about what your Centerville Lake home is worth in today's market, reach out.
Tim Ornell Real Estate Advisor | Ornell Group Real Broker Luxury Division (NASDAQ: REAX) 651.263.9480 | ornellgroup.com Specializing in Twin Cities, MN waterfront properties and relocations.
