Centerville is a quiet, well-established lakeside community in Anoka County, offering a peaceful suburban lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. Located just north of the Twin Cities, Centerville is known for its small-town atmosphere, strong sense of community, excellent access to outdoor recreation and convenient proximity to major highways. With its scenic lakes, low-density neighborhoods and family-friendly environment, Centerville appeals to those seeking space, calm and connection while remaining close to metro amenities.
Centerville stands out for its serenity, natural surroundings and close-knit community feel.
Residents love:
Beautiful lakes including Centerville Lake and nearby lakes and wetlands
Quiet residential streets with minimal through traffic
Easy access to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve
A true small-town atmosphere within the Twin Cities metro
Proximity to Lino Lakes, Circle Pines and Blaine
Spacious lots and low-density development
A strong sense of neighborhood pride and stability
Centerville offers a rare blend of tranquility and accessibility.
Life in Centerville is relaxed, outdoors-oriented and family-focused. Residents enjoy morning walks along lakeside roads, afternoons kayaking or fishing and evenings spent with neighbors or enjoying quiet time at home. The pace of life is slower than nearby suburbs, making Centerville ideal for those who value privacy, space and a strong connection to nature.
Weekends often revolve around outdoor recreation, local gatherings or short trips to nearby shopping and dining hubs in Blaine, Shoreview or White Bear Lake.
Lakeside Suburban Living best defines Centerville’s lifestyle. With lakes, wetlands and preserved green space shaping the community, daily life is closely tied to the outdoors.
Lifestyle highlights include:
Kayaking, canoeing and fishing on local lakes
Lakeside walking and biking routes
Wildlife viewing including birds, deer and waterfowl
Easy access to regional parks and nature reserves
Seasonal activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing
Centerville delivers classic Minnesota lake living in a peaceful suburban setting.
Centerville offers convenient access to recreation and community activities.
Popular attractions include:
Centerville Lake – fishing, paddling and scenic views
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve – hiking, biking and paddling
Golden Lake & Reshanau Lake – nearby quiet-water recreation
Centerville City Parks – playgrounds, picnic areas and open fields
Nearby Lino Lakes and Circle Pines – dining, shopping and community events
Blaine Sports Center & National Sports Center – regional sports and events
Centerville provides outdoor recreation while staying close to metro conveniences.
Centerville is served by the Centennial School District, a well-regarded district serving the northern metro area.
School advantages include:
Strong academic programs across grade levels
Modern school facilities and supportive learning environments
Active extracurricular, athletic and arts programs
Community involvement and family engagement
Easy access to elementary, middle and high schools
Families value Centerville’s educational stability and school quality.
Centerville’s roots trace back to the mid-1800s as a rural settlement centered around farming and lake life. Over time, the city has grown modestly while maintaining its small-town character and natural landscape.
Cultural characteristics include:
Longstanding local families and community traditions
A strong emphasis on preserving lakes and wetlands
Quiet civic life with local events and gatherings
A culture focused on outdoor living and neighborly connection
Centerville has intentionally grown at a measured pace to preserve its identity.
Centerville offers a limited but desirable housing inventory, emphasizing space and privacy.
Common home types include:
Single-family homes on larger residential lots
Rambler and two-story homes with mature landscaping
Custom-built homes near lakes and wetlands
Homes with lake access or views
Select townhome and low-maintenance options
Well-maintained older homes with modern updates
Homes in Centerville appeal to buyers seeking quiet surroundings and long-term stability.
Centerville’s housing market is stable and competitive due to limited inventory and strong demand.
Current trends include:
High interest in homes with lake proximity or larger lots
Limited new construction supporting stable pricing
Strong demand from families and downsizers
Consistent appreciation tied to location and lifestyle appeal
Low turnover contributing to market stability
Centerville remains a niche market prized for its setting and character.
Centerville’s neighborhoods are small, established and community-oriented.
Notable areas include:
Centerville Lake Area – lakefront and lake-adjacent homes
Main Street Corridor – established homes near city amenities
South Centerville – convenient access to Circle Pines and Lino Lakes
Rice Creek Border Areas – proximity to trails and preserved land
Residential Cul-de-Sacs – quiet streets with strong neighborhood feel
Each area reflects Centerville’s peaceful, low-density lifestyle.
Centerville’s limited inventory, lakeside appeal and small-town atmosphere create steady demand. Buyers often prioritize lot size, lake access and quiet streets, while sellers benefit from low competition and strong buyer interest.
Understanding the local market, property characteristics and Centerville’s unique appeal is essential for successful real estate decisions in this distinctive Minnesota community.
We understand the local market and that buying and selling real estate deserves nothing but the finest attention to detail, in business practice, and a long-term focus on your investment.
