Best New Communities in the Twin Cities: A 2025 Guide

Best new communities in the Twin Cities offer everything from resort-style clubhouses and preserved wetlands to fully customizable luxury builds and affordable starter homes. If you are shopping for a new home in 2025, understanding where the growth, amenities, and builder options line up will help you make a smarter move. This guide breaks down five neighborhoods that stand out for different priorities: luxury, affordability, customization, low-maintenance living, and family-focused environments.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Twin Cities' neighborhoods to watch
• Practical tips for buying new construction in the Twin Cities
• Which in the Twin Cities community is right for you?
• FAQs about buying a new construction home in the Twin Cities
• Final thoughts

Introduction

We look at a mix of factors when identifying the best new communities in the Twin Cities. That includes commute and location, builders on site and their customization options, community amenities, local schools, nearby recreation, and longer-term investment potential. I also weigh the feel of the neighborhood: preserved green space, topography, and whether the community is built to foster neighbor interaction or offer more private living.

Across these five communities you will find examples of high-end custom builders as well as national production builders, distinctive community features like sport courts and heated pools, and a range of price points from entry-level townhomes to multi-million dollar estates. Below you'll find practical pros, cons, and the real-world details buyers ask about most.

The Twin Cities' neighborhoods to watch

Huntersbrook, Victoria, MN

Huntersbrook makes the list of best new communities in the Twin Cities because it pairs high-end homebuilding with meaningful open space and rolling topography. Located about 25 miles southwest of Minneapolis and roughly a 35-minute drive into town via I-94, Huntersbrook feels like a true suburban retreat without being isolated.

Builders: Robert Thomas Homes and Stonegate Builders anchor the neighborhood. Stonegate leans toward full custom builds, while Robert Thomas offers a refined semi-custom process—pick a floor plan, spend a day with their studio designer, tweak finishes, and keep costs more predictable than a ground-up custom home.

Amenities and land: Nearly one-third of the 133-acre neighborhood is preserved open space, with wetlands and over five miles of walking trails. The development sits on rolling hills, which is rare in many Twin Cities subdivisions and adds real curb appeal and variety to lot choices.

Community features: Huntersbrook’s clubhouse, fitness space, and pickleball courts create that small-retreat feel. For people relocating here, those shared spaces are invaluable for meeting neighbors and creating community quickly.

Price range and style: Homes here veer modern farmhouse and craftsman. About 40 percent were built by Stonegate with an average sale price just north of $1 million; Robert Thomas homes averaged just under $700,000 last year. If you want 100 percent control over every finish, Stonegate is a go-to. If you want high-end finishes with a streamlined building experience, Robert Thomas works well.

Schools and location: Huntersbrook is zoned to Carver County schools, highly rated on niche.com. Nearby Victoria amenities include Carver Park Reserve, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Lake Minnewashta for boating and dining. Charming downtowns like Victoria and Chaska are close for local shops and restaurants.

Brookshire Lakeville, MN

Brookshire ranks among the Brookshire Lakeville, MN for families who want resort-style amenities without the luxury price tag. Developed by DR Horton, Brookshire centers around a 5,500 square foot clubhouse opened recently that elevates everyday living.

Clubhouse and recreation: The clubhouse includes a great room for gatherings, a conference-style room, a fully equipped fitness center, a dedicated yoga studio, and a children’s nook. Outside, a heated pool, cabana, screened patio with a fireplace and TV, private pickleball courts, shuffleboard, bocce, playgrounds, and an illuminated full-size basketball court keep residents busy year-round.

Home types and price points: DR Horton offers four primary product types here: attached townhomes (about 1,000 square feet) priced in the mid $400,000s; raised ranches with three-car garages and finished lower levels priced roughly $525,000 to $575,000; midsize two-story homes around 2,300 to 2,500 square feet in the low $500,000s to low $600,000s; and larger two-stories around 2,600 to 3,200 square feet priced mid $600,000s to about $700,000.

Customization level: As with many national builders, Brookshire trades broad affordability for constrained customization. You can pick from set floor plans and color packages, sometimes adjusting exterior elevations, but you will not get the full custom-selection experience.

Location and commute: Lakeville’s rating on niche.com sits high, and Brookshire is centrally located near I-35 and other major roadways. It’s about a 35-minute drive to downtown Minneapolis and 25 minutes to the airport—an easy option for commuters and frequent travelers. Big-box shopping and downtown Lakeville are just minutes away.

Sundance Greens, Dayton, MN

Sundance Greens earns a spot on the list of best new communities in the Twin Cities for buyers who want multiple builder options, customization, and immediate access to premier outdoor recreation. This community offers a rare combination of design flexibility and proximity to Elm Creek Park Reserve.

Builders and product mix: From national production builders like Lennar and M/I to more bespoke builders such as Hanson Builders and Regency Homes, Sundance Greens provides variety. M/I and Lennar typically offer villas and production single-family homes. Hansen is notable for including indoor sport courts in many plans—two-story interior spaces roughly 15 by 20 feet, often used as half-court basketball areas or large workout spaces. Regency is the standout for near-full customization.

Sport courts — love them or leave them: Indoor sport courts are polarizing. They can be an incredible play area for families, and a dedicated training space for fitness-focused buyers. On the flip side, they consume about 600 square feet split between main and lower levels and reduce available living or kitchen space. Consider how you and your family will use that square footage over the long term.

Outdoor access and growth: The neighborhood sits literally across from a trail entrance to Elm Creek Park Reserve. Elm Creek offers miles of biking and hiking trails, a dog park, a swimming pond and sandy beach, skiing and snow tubing in winter, disc golf, archery, and what many consider the best playgrounds in the metropolitan area. Dayton is also seeing new mixed-use development that will add retail, restaurants, bank, coffee shop, daycare, and services—an investment-friendly backdrop for buyers getting in now.

Evanswood, Maple Grove MN

Evanswood ranks among the best new communities in the Twin Cities for buyers pursuing upscale custom homes, exceptional finishes, and strong long-term market fundamentals. This is next-level luxury in the northwest suburbs with builders who deliver large, detailed homes.

Builders and homes: Creative Homes, Robert Thomas, Stonegate, and Hanson Builders are among those building in Evanswood. Floor plans include 5,200 square foot plus homes with private indoor sport courts, gourmet prep kitchens, spacious primary suites, and custom options such as home theaters and wine rooms. Stonegate and Hansen lean toward more exclusive, higher-price homes, while Robert Thomas and Creative Homes provide a mix that includes approachable luxury.

Price and inventory snapshot: Of the initial homes sold, Creative Homes averaged about $860,000, Robert Thomas around $900,000, Stonegate around $1.18 million, and Hansen’s early builds averaged near $1.7 million. A community pool and other shared amenities are planned, adding to the lifestyle appeal.

Why it’s a strong investment: Maple Grove has outpaced many nearby markets with year-over-year value growth, above-average household incomes, strong job growth projections, and major community projects that continue to draw buyers. Schools in the area rank among the top in the state, and access to shopping, dining, and Elm Creek Park Reserve add convenience and lifestyle value.

Oneka Shores, Hugo, MN

Oneka Shores earns the top spot among the best new communities in the Twin Cities for buyers focused on affordability, variety, and easy entry into new construction. Built primarily by M/I Homes, Oneka Shores offers an extensive product mix from attached townhomes and villas to rambler-style single-level homes and full two-story plans.

Home types and pricing: Homes range from attached townhomes around 1,300 square feet in the mid $350,000s to larger two-story homes that can reach the high $700,000s. A limited number of lakefront lots are available, and pricing reflects the broad range of choices, making it a solid pick for first-time buyers, downsizers, and people looking for low-maintenance living options.

Builder incentives and financing: National builders like M/I and DR Horton often run incentive programs, including lender incentives and interest rate buydowns that can materially lower monthly payments. On some promotions, buydowns to sub-5 percent were offered historically. Those incentives change daily, and a savvy buyer’s agent can often negotiate larger package deals for upgrades or rate savings.

Customization and trade-offs: While production builders provide limited customization, they make up for it with predictable timelines, lower base prices, and incentives. If you want to maximize affordability and minimize decision fatigue, those trade-offs often make sense.

Practical tips for buying new construction in the Twin Cities

Whether you are looking at the best new communities in the Twin Cities for luxury, customization, or affordability, here are practical tips that make a difference at closing.

• Always use a buyer’s agent. Builder sales reps legally represent the builder. A dedicated buyer’s agent protects your interest, negotiates incentives, and often saves you thousands in price, upgrades, or lender credits.
• Understand spec versus build-to-order. Spec homes are built before a buyer signs, which shortens timelines and reduces cost but limits options. Build-to-order and custom builds grant choice but typically add time and complexity.
• Ask about incentives and buydowns. National builders rotate incentive programs. Interest rate buydowns can dramatically lower payments. A buyer’s agent who knows the local builder playbook will get you the best package.
• Think beyond the house. Consider nearby amenities, schools, trails, and planned commercial development. Those factors drive both daily quality of life and long-term resale value.
• Check topography and lot position. Rolling lots offer character and views. Pay attention to lot orientation, drainage, and future neighboring lots.

Need help buying a new-construction home? Our team knows the Twin Cities builders, incentives, lot nuances, and the negotiation playbook — we’ll represent your interests, help you compare offers, and get the best package for your budget. Reach out and we’ll walk you through options, current incentives, and next steps to tour homes or secure a lot.

Checklist: Which Twin Cities community is right for you?

1. If you want upscale customization and estate-caliber homes, prioritize Evanswood and Huntersbrook.
2. If you want resort-style amenities on a budget, Brookshire is a standout.
3. If you want maximum builder choices and immediate outdoor recreation, consider Sundance Greens in Dayton.
4. If you want affordable new construction and starter-friendly pricing with good variety, Oneka Shores is designed for you.
5. If minimizing maintenance and single-level living are priorities, look at villa offerings in M/I communities like Oneka Shores and comparable villa neighborhoods in Sundance Greens.

FAQs about buying a new construction home in the Twin Cities

Do I need a buyer's agent when buying a new construction home?

A buyer’s agent is highly recommended. Builder sales representatives legally represent the builder, not you. A buyer’s agent negotiates incentives, protects your contract terms, helps navigate warranty and inspection items, and frequently saves buyers thousands without additional cost because builder pricing often assumes agent commission.

What is a spec home and how does it differ from a custom build?

A spec home is built before a buyer signs and comes move-in ready or nearly finished. It reduces wait time and typically lowers cost, but customization is limited. A custom build allows full floor plan and finish choices, but it takes longer, costs more, and requires more decisions and coordination.

What should I consider about community amenities when choosing a new neighborhood?

Think about which amenities you will actually use, such as pools, fitness centers, playgrounds, pickleball courts, and trails. Amenities add lifestyle value and can support resale, but also influence HOA dues. For families, schools and proximity to parks matter most. For commuters, road access and proximity to the airport matter.

How do builder incentives like rate buydowns work?

Builders sometimes offer lender credits that lower your mortgage interest rate for a set period or permanently buy down points. These incentives can make monthly payments much more affordable. Programs and eligibility change frequently, so timing and negotiation through a buyer’s agent are key.

Are sport courts worth it?

Sport courts provide dedicated indoor activity space, great for families and fitness enthusiasts, especially during long winters. They take up square footage that might otherwise be allocated to other living spaces. If you will use it regularly, it is a valuable feature. If not, it can feel like wasted space.

Which of the best new communities in the Twin Cities is best for investment?

Strong investment candidates combine quality builders, planned community amenities, easy access to employment centers, and upcoming commercial development. Evanswood and Sundance Greens have strong upside due to local projects and park access. Brookshire offers steady demand because of its amenity-rich approach at more affordable price points.

Final thoughts

Choosing among the best new communities in the Twin Cities comes down to priorities: luxury finishes versus affordability, full customization versus predictable pricing, and private yards versus robust shared amenities. Each of the five neighborhoods profiled here fills a different niche. Evaluate the builders on site, the customization offered, the community features you will use, school ratings, commute times, and planned commercial growth.

When you combine those elements with sound negotiating through an experienced buyer’s agent and careful attention to incentives, you can find a new home that fits your lifestyle and investment goals in 2025. Whether you want a lakeside rambler, a villa with minimal upkeep, a sport court for year-round play, or a custom estate with rolling hills, the Twin Cities supply of new communities has an option that will suit your needs.