The best American cities, Minnetonka and Excelsior, sit in the "west metro" of the Twin Cities. Both touch Lake Minnetonka, providing easy access to serenity and peace.
Minnetonka is the right choice to live your life. Why? The biggest reason is that it is a huge suburb and is just around 15-20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
At the same time, Excelsior is a small, walkable lake town of under 3,000 residents, about 20 miles from downtown Minneapolis, which is a good choice if you love a quiet neighborhood.
Both Minnetonka and Excelsior are known for good schools and access to the lake, and have a mix of long-time families and new professionals moving in.

Minnetonka has a substantial list of neighborhoods to choose from. Let’s visit each one!
It is about 2 miles south of central Minnetonka. The neighborhood ‘Glen Lake’ is named after its own small lake. So if you choose to reside here, you get to enjoy slow mornings or pleasant evenings by the lake.
Additionally, Glen Lake has a good mix of home styles and easy access to main roads and good schools.
Situated west of the city center, Tonkawood is known for its schools, and the families living here moved for the same reason. Not just the schools, this neighborhood walks the talk when it comes to ensuring greener and recreational areas with a strong trail and park system.
You will find Williston south of Highway 7. If you are moving in with a family, it can be the right choice as it is known for its classic mid-century homes, hills, small lakes/ponds, and utmost safety.
Still confused? How about a neighborhood near I-494, close to the center of Minnetonka? Spring Lake is the one for you; it gives you quick and easy access to shops and well-kept homes for you to live your life at its best.
Want to live on the east side of the city? Consider Minnetonka Mills, a neighborhood renowned for good schools, bigger lots, and lush-green parks. If you want to ensure a bright future for your kids in an environment with the freshest air and safe streets, choose Minnetonka Mills.
Excelsior is a one-square-mile lakeside village on the south shore of Lake Minnetonka. Here, the homes are limited because it's small and boxed in by water. Hence, the prices are higher, but you get to enjoy the coziness.
The first neighborhood on the list is Downtown Excelsior. The residents get a walkable area with a public beach, Water Street shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. This is the heart of the "small-town lake life" feel.
Get a quieter and more affordable area with calm water, mature trees, good schools, and a close-knit community feel – the reason why it is called a relative of Lakefront Excelsior.
Various reasons why families prefer staying or shifting to Minnesota, either in Minnetonka or Excelsior. Let’s understand why!
1. The first major reason is the availability of some of the best schools.
2. Anybody living in these areas can reach downtown Minneapolis in a 15-25 minute drive. So, an easy commute is another reason, especially for professionals who are looking for quiet space to sustain.
3. You can expect a better lifestyle with lake access for boating, paddleboarding, and swimming.
Moving to Minnetonka or Excelsior? Here are some tips from professional moving services.
● Check school boundaries carefully before you buy or rent
● Ask about dock rights if you want lake access
● Plan around seasonal traffic and events
● Allow extra travel time on lake-area roads, as commute times can vary depending on your location and route.
● Older homes may have narrower hallways, stairs, and doorways, so inform your moving company in advance.
Premium Moving Services is one of the best Minnesota movers committed to ensuring our customers receive the highest quality of moving service.
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