North Oaks is one of the most exclusive residential communities in Minnesota — a private city built on history, preservation, and luxury living. Located just north of St. Paul and minutes from Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, and White Bear Lake, North Oaks offers unmatched privacy, expansive natural beauty, lake access, and an elevated lifestyle centered around community and outdoor recreation.
With gated streets, private lakes, and architectural homes ranging from luxury colonials to modern estates, North Oaks attracts executives, professionals, relocating families, and buyers seeking a private, secure environment with a focus on natural beauty and long-term value. As a Northern Suburbs luxury specialist, I’ve helped clients navigate this unique community — where privacy, land stewardship, and tradition shape the real estate landscape. North Oaks is not a typical neighborhood; it is a preserved, thoughtful community rooted in history and built for generational living.
North Oaks is one of the most historic and thoughtfully developed communities in the Twin Cities. The land was originally purchased in 1883 by James J. Hill, the legendary railroad magnate known as “The Empire Builder,” who used the property as a working farm and retreat. The Hill family maintained the land for decades, preserving its lakes, wetlands, oak savannas, and rolling terrain. In the mid-20th century, family descendants began developing the community with one goal:
Preserve the natural beauty while allowing residential living that respects the land.
This vision created the hallmark features that define North Oaks today:
Private roads (maintained by the homeowners)
No public access — only residents and invited guests
Large, wooded lots
Extensive trails and natural reserves
Strict architectural controls to maintain quality
Lakes and parks protected for residents only
North Oaks remains one of Minnesota’s most unique private communities, rooted in the legacy and stewardship principles established by the Hill family.
North Oaks offers some of the most desirable and stable luxury real estate in the Northern Suburbs.
Large wooded parcels
Private streets
Mature landscapes
High architectural standards
Luxury estates and custom homes
Quiet winding roads and private cul-de-sacs
Home values typically range from $700K to over $3M, with premier custom estates, lake homes, and golf-course properties commanding significantly higher prices.
North Oaks is also known for its strict architectural review, which maintains community quality and long-term value.
One of the most defining features of North Oaks is its private lakes, accessible only to residents. The most notable is:
Private to North Oaks residents
Excellent water quality
Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding
Walking loops and trails
Fishing for residents only
Scenic views and quiet atmosphere
Pleasant Lake is one of the most peaceful water amenities in the Twin Cities — a major selling point for relocating families and buyers who desire privacy without sacrificing natural beauty.
North Oaks also features additional private nature preserves, wetlands, prairies, and trail systems managed by the North Oaks Homeowners Association.
At the heart of the community is the North Oaks Golf Club, a premier private club known for:
Championship golf
Clubhouse dining
Pickleball and tennis
Junior programs
Family-focused social events
Designed originally by Stanley Thompson and enhanced over the years, the course is known for its rolling terrain, mature trees, and exceptional conditioning.
For buyers seeking a country-club lifestyle, North Oaks remains one of the top choices in the Twin Cities.
North Oaks appeals to buyers who want:
Security and privacy
Natural beauty
High-end homes
Private lakes and trails
Elite schools
A peaceful, scenic environment
Close proximity to both downtowns
The community provides a retreat-like feel while remaining minutes from shopping, healthcare, dining, and freeway access.
North Oaks is served by top-tier academic options:
Mounds View School District
One of the strongest districts in the state, known for academic rigor, STEM programs, athletics, and college preparation.
Totino-Grace High School
A respected private Catholic school offering high-level academics and athletics — only minutes away.
Families consistently target North Oaks for its school access and safe, community-focused environment.
North Oaks is one of the most requested relocation destinations in the Northern Suburbs — especially among executives, physicians, business owners, and professionals moving to the Twin Cities.
Why relocation buyers choose North Oaks:
Extremely private, quiet neighborhoods
High-end housing stock
Prestigious country club
Private lakes & trails
Fast access to downtown St. Paul
Top-tier schools
A strong sense of community and safety
Executives often place North Oaks at the top of their list because it combines privacy with proximity — ideal for families wanting space and security without a long commute.
As a relocation advisor familiar with the Northern Suburbs, lake communities, and school options, I guide families through neighborhoods, lake areas, new construction, and long-term investment factors with clarity and care.
North Oaks is a nuanced market — private, controlled, and unique in its structure. You need a specialist who understands:
Architectural controls
HOA regulations
Private road rules
Lake access policies
Lot differences
Long-term values
Off-market activity
As a Northern Suburbs luxury and waterfront specialist with extensive experience in high-end neighborhoods,, I help clients evaluate North Oaks with confidence and preparation.
At Ornell Group Real Estate, we believe in strategy, integrity, and teamwork.
We row together — every client benefits from the strength and preparation of our unified team.
Whether you’re relocating, buying, selling, or considering a new-build opportunity, I’d be honored to guide your next chapter.
ORNELL GROUP REAL ESTATE | TIM ORNELL
Northern Suburbs Luxury & Waterfront Specialist
Real Brokerage | Luxury Division
Institute for Luxury Home Marketing – GUILD Certified
$200M+ Sold | 200+ Transactions
[email protected] | ornellgroup.com
Content and insights provided by Ornell Group Real Estate. Real estate services brokered by Real Broker. Select content enhanced with AI-assisted tools used by our team. All market data subject to change.
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.
