Homes and Real Estate in Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Lake Elmo is a Washington County city between Highway 36 and Interstate 94 that still looks rural, with the 2,165-acre Lake Elmo Park Reserve at its center.

Talk about Lake Elmo How we sell

Living in Lake Elmo

Lake Elmo is a city of about 11,300 people in Washington County, east of St. Paul. It lies between Highway 36 on its northern edge and Interstate 94 on its southern edge, and much of the land inside the city limits is still farmland.

I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty, and we help buyers and sellers in Lake Elmo and across Minnesota.

What is Lake Elmo, MN like? It looks and feels rural, even though it sits between two major highways. Open fields, a large park reserve, and a small historic downtown set it apart from the suburbs on either side.

Talk to Lesley About Lake Elmo

Talk to Lesley About Lake Elmo What's My Home Worth?Call (651) 661-4770

Or read how we do it, step by step

A rural city that is growing

Lake Elmo's first farm was established in 1852, and for most of its history the city stayed agricultural. That is changing. The population grew from 11,335 at the 2020 census to an estimated 14,161 in 2024, and new neighborhoods are being built.

That gives buyers an unusual range of choices in one city:

Homes on acreage, where a well and a septic system are common. We have both inspected before you buy, and we confirm what the land can be used for.
Newer neighborhoods and new construction. If you visit a model home, bring us with you from the first visit, because the sales consultant works for the builder.
The historic downtown, where older homes sit near long-standing businesses such as the Lake Elmo Inn.

Looking for land itself? Our farmland and acreage page explains what to check.

Parks and open space

Lake Elmo Park Reserve. 2,165 acres, with most of it set aside for preservation. It has hiking and horse trails, campgrounds, a fishing pier, a boat launch, an archery range, and a sand-bottom swim pond open in summer.
Sunfish Lake Park. A 284-acre natural area with about nine miles of mowed trails through woods, wetland, and prairie.
Lake Elmo Airport. A small general aviation airport on the east side of the city. If a home is nearby, we visit at different times of day so you can hear it for yourself.

Commute and schools

The commute. Interstate 94 along the south edge leads west to St. Paul and Minneapolis, and Highway 36 along the north edge leads to Stillwater and the northern suburbs. Which one you use depends on where in Lake Elmo the home sits.

Schools. Lake Elmo is part of Stillwater Area Public Schools. Lake Elmo Elementary and Oak-Land Middle School are located in the city. Confirm the schools for any specific address with the district.

How we help buyers and sellers in Lake Elmo

Buying. We begin with your budget and the steps of the purchase before we tour. See buying a home in Minnesota and how we help buyers.
Selling. We price your home from recent Lake Elmo sales, prepare it, and market it widely. See selling your home and our home value page.

Comparing communities? Lake Elmo borders Woodbury to the south, where homes sit closer together and shopping is nearer. If you are moving from out of state, see our relocation page.

Let's talk about Lake Elmo

Whether you want acreage, a newer home, or to sell a property you have owned for years, we would be glad to help. No pressure and no obligation.

Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770. What questions do you have?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Elmo, Minnesota?

Lake Elmo is in Washington County, east of St. Paul, between Highway 36 on the north and Interstate 94 on the south. It borders Woodbury.

Is Lake Elmo rural?

Much of the land inside the city limits is still farmland, which gives Lake Elmo a rural appearance. Newer neighborhoods are also being built as the city grows.

Do homes in Lake Elmo have wells and septic systems?

Many homes on acreage do. Both should be inspected before you buy, and we arrange that as part of your purchase.

Which school district serves Lake Elmo?

Stillwater Area Public Schools serves Lake Elmo. Lake Elmo Elementary and Oak-Land Middle School are in the city. Confirm the schools for a specific address with the district.