The Twin Cities are known for their blend of vibrant urban life, scenic natural beauty, and strong sense of community—making it one of the most desirable areas in the Midwest to build a custom luxury home. From lakeside retreats to quiet wooded enclaves, the Minneapolis–St. Paul Metro offers exceptional locations for homeowners seeking architectural distinction, privacy, and convenience.
If you’re considering building a luxury home in 2026, choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as selecting the right builder. Here are five of the top Twin Cities neighborhoods where craftsmanship, lifestyle, and location come together beautifully.
1. Hollydale – Plymouth, MN
Hollydale offers an ideal setting for those seeking a refined balance of luxury and nature. This thoughtfully planned community features executive homesites with private wooded views, elegant architecture, and a host of amenities designed for comfort and connection.
Residents enjoy a private neighborhood pool, scenic walking trails, and easy access to surrounding parks and regional recreation areas. The neighborhood’s setting near French, Eagle Lake, Baker, and Elm Creek Regional Parks means outdoor adventures from golf to hiking and biking are always nearby.
Located within the award-winning Wayzata School District (ISD #284), Hollydale also provides the convenience of being just minutes from Plymouth and Maple Grove shopping, dining, and entertainment. With convenient access to I-494, I-394, and downtown Minneapolis, residents enjoy peaceful suburban living without sacrificing urban convenience.
For families looking for a high-end community with exceptional amenities and an unbeatable location, Hollydale stands out as one of the Twin Cities’ premier destinations for custom luxury living.
2. Rolling Green – Edina, MN
Set in one of Edina’s most prestigious enclaves, Rolling Green combines natural beauty with timeless architectural sophistication. Expansive lots, graceful streetscapes, and mature trees create a peaceful setting just minutes from the heart of the city.
Each home here reflects craftsmanship at the highest level—where stone, glass, and light come together in perfect harmony. The neighborhood’s character blends elegance with warmth, showcasing custom residences that feature open-concept layouts, soaring windows, and outdoor living spaces designed to make the most of Minnesota’s seasons.
Families benefit from the highly rated Edina School District (ISD #273), while nearby Interlachen Country Club and Meadowbrook Golf Course offer year-round recreation and scenic views. Rolling Green’s proximity to fine dining, boutique shopping, and cultural venues ensures convenience without compromising tranquility.
For those seeking luxury living in Edina, Rolling Green remains a rare combination of privacy, prestige, and proximity—an enduring choice for homeowners who value design, location, and legacy.
3. Fairfield – Minnetonka, MN
Tucked beneath a canopy of mature trees, Fairfield in Minnetonka offers a rare blend of natural tranquility and refined living. This intimate neighborhood captures the essence of luxury among nature’s beauty—where each homesite feels private, peaceful, and perfectly placed.
Generous wooded lots create a true retreat atmosphere, with views that shift beautifully with every season. Whether it’s morning light filtering through the branches or quiet evenings spent on a back porch surrounded by songbirds, Fairfield invites a daily connection to nature that few neighborhoods can match.
Despite its serene setting, Fairfield sits minutes from Ridgedale Center, downtown Wayzata, and the recreational gems of Lake Minnetonka. The neighborhood offers effortless access to regional parks, walking trails, and the best of Minnetonka’s shopping and dining—all within the award-winning Wayzata School District.
For those dreaming of a custom home that balances seclusion with convenience, Fairfield delivers timeless luxury in one of the Twin Cities’ most beautiful natural landscapes.
4. Koch Farm Sanctuary – Independence, MN
Nestled among the rolling hills of Independence, Koch Farm Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to build a custom home surrounded by nature’s quiet elegance. Designed to preserve the land’s natural topography, this thoughtfully planned community spans more than 70 acres of protected conservation space—where wooded hills, open meadows, and tranquil water views create an atmosphere of pure serenity.
Each homesite, ranging from 1.5 to 3.6 acres, is carefully positioned to capture sweeping vistas and maintain privacy. Mature trees and native plantings frame every property, while the neighborhood’s lush open spaces provide a scenic backdrop for daily life. It’s a place where luxury and landscape coexist beautifully—offering room to grow, room to breathe, and a deep sense of connection to the outdoors.
Residents of Koch Farm Sanctuary enjoy effortless access to Lake Independence, Baker Regional Park, and nearby golf courses, making recreation a natural part of everyday life. The community is just minutes from the charming towns of Maple Plain, Delano, and Long Lake—each offering boutique shopping, dining, and local events—while convenient routes along County Road 90 and Highways 12 and 55 keep downtown Minneapolis within easy reach.
Families benefit from the highly regarded Delano School District (ISD 879), and every homeowner enjoys the assurance of building in a community dedicated to craftsmanship, conservation, and enduring value.
At Koch Farm Sanctuary, your home becomes more than a residence—it’s a retreat inspired by the landscape itself. Here, custom design meets natural splendor, creating an unmatched lifestyle of privacy, beauty, and balance in the heart of the Twin Cities west metro.
5. Creekside at Huntersbrook – Victoria, MN
Located in the heart of Victoria, Creekside at Huntersbrook offers a lifestyle where elegance, nature, and convenience unite. This thoughtfully planned community blends refined architecture with the peaceful charm of its natural surroundings—creating an inviting retreat just minutes from everything the west metro has to offer.
Expansive homesites are nestled among wetlands, wooded landscapes, and winding trails, giving residents privacy and space to enjoy outdoor living at its best. A private clubhouse and pool anchor the neighborhood, while the nearby Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Lake Minnetonka, and Lake Waconia provide endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Families are served by the respected Eastern Carver County School District (ISD 112) and have access to exceptional private and parochial options, including St. Hubert’s Catholic School, Holy Family Catholic High School, and Southwest Christian Academy. With quick access to Highways 5 and 7, I-212, and I-494, commuting to downtown Minneapolis or exploring nearby regional parks is effortless.
Each homesite in Creekside at Huntersbrook offers a unique opportunity to build a residence that embodies both sophistication and serenity. Whether you’re drawn to views of the timbered landscape or simply the sense of community that comes from careful planning and design, this neighborhood delivers the best of luxury living in Victoria.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Luxury Home
When choosing where to build your custom home, consider what matters most—location, lifestyle, schools, and the character of your surroundings. The right neighborhood should complement your vision as much as your home design.
At Gonyea Custom Homes, we help homeowners find the perfect setting to bring their dream home to life. Explore our New Developments to discover available homesites.