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Minnetonka, MN

Frequently asked questions

Minnetonka, MN

Minnetonka is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States. A western suburb of the Twin Cities, Minnetonka is located about 10 miles (16 km) west of downtown Minneapolis. At the 2020 census, the city's population was 53,781.

Minnetonka is the home of Cargill, the country's largest privately owned company, and UnitedHealth Group, the state's largest publicly owned company. Interstate 494 runs through the city while Interstate 394 (U.S. Route 12) and U.S. Route 169 are situated along the suburb's northern and eastern boundaries respectively.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.22 square miles (73.09 km2), of which 26.93 square miles (69.75 km2) is land and 1.29 square miles (3.34 km2) is water. Part of the city includes the eastern tip of Lake Minnetonka, one of the largest lakes in Minnesota. The outlet of Lake Minnetonka is Minnehaha Creek, which winds through south Minneapolis and flows over Minnehaha Falls and into the Mississippi River. Minnetonka is located 8 miles (13 km) west of Minneapolis, in Hennepin County.

Since the mid-19th century, Minnetonka has evolved from heavily wooded wilderness through extensive farming and industrialization to its present primarily residential suburban character. The Minnetonka area was home to the Dakota and Ojibwe Native American tribes before Euro-Americans arrived in the 1800s. They believed Lake Minnetonka (mni meaning water and tanka meaning big, anglicized to Minnetonka) and the land around it to be sacred. The first recorded exploration of the area by Euro-Americans was in 1822 when a group from newly constructed Fort Snelling made its way up Minnehaha Creek (then known as Brown's Creek or Falls Creek) to the lake. In 1851, the Dakota sold the area including Minnetonka to the United States with the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. The first census, the Territorial Census of 1857, lists 41 households. Twenty-nine of the heads of households are listed as farmers. The occupations of the remaining twelve are associated with the operations of Minnetonka Mill and a nearby hotel.

Minnetonka places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with various facilities and initiatives supporting residents' overall well-being. Minnetonka boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including the renowned Methodist Hospital, ensuring residents have access to quality medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Minnetonka Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include CrossFit Minnetonka, SOTA Fitness, and Orangetheory Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Minnetonka, such as the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail and Minnetonka Mills Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.
 

Top sites in Minnetonka, MN include the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Mill City Museum.

Population: 53,781 (2020). Elevation: 938 feet (286 m). Area: 27.95 sq mi (72.39 km2). ZIP Code: 55345. Area code(s): 952. 

FAQs

Is Minnetonka, MN a good place to live?

Minnetonka is in Hennepin County and is one of the best places to live in Minnesota. Living in Minnetonka offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Minnetonka, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Minnetonka and residents tend to lean conservative.

Is Minnetonka, MN expensive to live in?

Minnetonka, Minnesota's cost of living is 9% higher than the national average. Minnetonka's housing expenses are 17% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 0% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 4% higher than the national average.

Is Minnetonka, MN safe?

The crime rate in Minnetonka is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 19 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Minnetonka is 1 in 53. Based on FBI crime data, Minnetonka is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Minnesota, Minnetonka has a crime rate that is higher than 82% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Minnetonka

Methodist Hospital

Minnetonka Parks and Recreation Department

CrossFit Minnetonka

SOTA Fitness 

Orangetheory Gym

Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail 

Minnetonka Mills Park

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Mill City Museum

Niche

Payscale

Neighborhoodscout

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.