op Waterfront Communities in the Northern Suburbs

A Luxury Guide to the Best Lakes, Views & Waterfront Living North of the Twin Cities

From legacy lakes to quiet private shorelines, the northern suburbs offer some of Minnesota’s most desirable waterfront living. Whether buyers want walkability, acreage, new construction potential, or a private-lake experience, each community brings something unique to the market.

Here’s the definitive, updated guide to the top waterfront areas north of the Twin Cities — ranked by demand, lifestyle, water quality, and long-term value.

1. White Bear Lake

White Bear Lake is the crown jewel of the northeast metro — bustling, walkable, charming, and full of energy. It’s one of Minnesota’s most iconic lakes and offers something for everyone: sailing, dining, beaches, marinas, and gorgeous waterfront homes.

Why Buyers Love It

• Walkable downtown + restaurants

• White Bear Yacht Club + golf

• Marinas + sailing culture

• High water clarity and strong recreation

• True community lake lifestyle

Home Profile
Historic cottages, modern rebuilds, and luxury lakefront ($1M–$4M+) with limited premier lots.

2. Turtle Lake (Shoreview)

Turtle Lake is one of the most exclusive lakes in the entire metro — pristine water, private lots, and estate-level homes. Often called the “North Oaks of Shoreview,” it’s quiet luxury at its finest.

Why Buyers Love It

• Some of the cleanest water in the NE metro

• Peaceful boating with limited public access

• Large wooded lots and long driveways

• Strong luxury resale

• Extremely low turnover

Home Profile
$1.5M–$4M+ estates with privacy, wooded buffers, and incredible panoramic views.

3. North Oaks

North Oaks offers unmatched privacy: gated access, private roads, nature preserves, and lakes for residents only. It’s an elite community built around quiet luxury.

Why Buyers Love It

• Secure, private, exclusive

• Stunning wooded settings

• Pleasant Lake + Gilfillan Lake waterfront

• Championship golf + amenities

Home Profile
Executive homes, rebuild opportunities, and top-tier estates on large wooded lots.

4. Stillwater – St. Croix Riverfront

Stillwater delivers luxury and charm with incredible riverfront bluff views, historic architecture, and a vibrant downtown. The St. Croix River offers one of Minnesota’s most picturesque waterfront lifestyles.

Why Buyers Love It

• Iconic scenery + historic district

• High-end riverfront estates

• Bluff-top views you can’t replicate

• Walkability + boutique restaurants

• Elite boating + tourism appeal

Home Profile
Historic mansions, modern river estates, and rare bluff homes with premium views.

5. Centerville – Centerville Lake

Centerville Lake is an underrated gem — big enough for recreation, small enough to feel calm and community-focused.

Lake Stats

• Size: 474 acres

• Depth: 20 ft

• Known For: Excellent fishing

Why Buyers Love It

• More affordable vs. nearby luxury lakes

• Strong fishing + boating

• Friendly community

• Remodel and rebuild opportunities

Home Profile
Classic lake homes, updated remodels, and new-construction lakeshore.

Another popular Centerville Lake is Peltier Lake

6. Hugo

Hugo blends rolling hills, acreage, and quiet lakes. It’s ideal for buyers wanting space and a scenic lifestyle with quick access to the freeway.

Why Buyers Love It

• Larger lots and wooded privacy

• Multiple lakes and nature preserves

• Strong balance of affordability and luxury

Home Profile
Ramblers, acreage estates, and quiet shoreline homes.

7. Forest Lake – Clear Lake & Forest Lake

Forest Lake continues to grow in popularity as buyers look farther from the metro for bigger water, cleaner lakes, and a true “up north without the drive” feel. With both the main Forest Lake (“big lake”) and Clear Lake offering different experiences, this market is becoming a favorite.

Why Buyers Love It

• Multiple lakes with big-water recreation

• Clear Lake offers clean, calm water

• Forest Lake provides full boating, skiing, and sunset cruises

• Strong fishing, marinas, and lakeside restaurants

• Bigger lots and better value as you move farther out

Lake Breakdown

Forest Lake (Big Lake)

• Full recreation: skiing, tubing, wakeboarding

• Active boating scene with marinas

• Larger shoreline homes with sunset exposure

Clear Lake

• Cleaner, quieter, more private

• Great for peaceful views without heavy traffic

Home Profile
Cabins, remodeled lake homes, multi-million-dollar estates, and rebuild opportunities.

8. Lino Lakes

Lino Lakes is surrounded by wetlands, trails, and lakes — a paradise for outdoor lovers seeking quiet living close to the city.

Popular Lakes

• Rice Lake

• Reshanau (fully recreational)

• Parts of Centerville Lake

Perfect for boating, skiing, tubign kayaking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful recreation.

9. Roseville – Lake Owasso

Lake Owasso is one of the top recreation lakes in the inner-ring suburbs — clean, deep, and ideal for boating.

Why Buyers Love It

• Clear, high-quality water

• Strong fishing + watersports

• Quick commute to both downtowns

Home Profile
Classic lake homes, modern remodels, and occasional new builds.

10. Little Canada – Lake Gervais

Lake Gervais offers energetic lake living with great watersports and a convenient central location.

Why Buyers Love It

• Fast access to both city cores

• Fun, active boating scene

• Strong demand for limited shoreline

Home Profile
Remodeled cottages, classic lake homes, and rare updated waterfront.

11. Lake Elmo

Lake Elmo may be the most naturally beautiful lake in the metro — quiet, clear, and surrounded by rolling hills and protected land.

Why Buyers Love It

• Extremely clean, peaceful lake

• Acreage + estate-style lots

• Quick access to Woodbury + Stillwater

• Luxury lake-living feel

Home Profile
Large wooded parcels, executive estates, and rare single-family lakeshore.

Tim Ornell | Real Luxury | Ornell Group Real Estate 
Specializing in Northern Suburbs Waterfront Properties
[email protected] | ornellgroup.com

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Content and insights provided by Ornell Group. Real estate services brokered by Real Broker. Luxury lake properties marketed through Ornell Group | Real Luxury. Content enhanced and transformed with AI assistance by our team. All market data, pricing, and property information subject to change.