Excelsior vs. Wayzata: Which Lake Minnetonka Town Is Right for You?

As a Realtor, I get asked this question all the time:

"Should we be looking in Excelsior or Wayzata?"

The funny thing is, they're both on Lake Minnetonka. They're only about 15 minutes apart by car (or a quick boat ride in the summer), and both offer incredible lake lifestyles, charming downtowns, and beautiful homes.

But the vibe? Completely different.

My unofficial and highly unscientific answer is this:

Excelsior is BMWs, Jeeps, craft beer, live music and a baseball cap.

Wayzata is Bentleys, Ferraris, an old fashioned and a pocket square.

Now before anyone gets upset, I'm joking... mostly.

The Excelsior Vibe

Excelsior feels a little more relaxed, a little more eclectic, and maybe a little more "come as you are."

On a summer evening you'll see people walking down Water Street in flip-flops after spending the day on the lake. You'll find patio dining, local breweries, ice cream shops, and plenty of people who probably own a paddleboard.

Excelsior has a youthful energy that attracts everyone from young professionals to growing families to empty nesters who want to be close to the action.

There's an authenticity to Excelsior that people fall in love with. It feels like a true lake town that just happens to be located in one of the most desirable areas in Minnesota.

If your idea of a perfect Saturday is grabbing a local beer, listening to live music, and ending the day with a sunset cruise on the lake, Excelsior might be calling your name.

The Wayzata Vibe

Wayzata is polished.

Not stuffy. Not pretentious. Just polished.

Everything feels a little more refined.

The downtown is stunning. The restaurants are exceptional. The shopping is upscale. The lakefront is immaculate.

People come to Wayzata for dinner, shopping, and waterfront views from all over the Twin Cities.

If Excelsior is the person showing up to the lake party carrying a cooler full of local craft beer, Wayzata is the person arriving with a bottle of bourbon they've been saving for a special occasion.

Both are fun to hang out with. They just have different styles.

Wayzata tends to attract buyers looking for luxury homes, executive lifestyles, and easy access to some of the most prestigious neighborhoods around Lake Minnetonka.

Let's Talk Real Estate

The housing stock is one of the biggest differences between the two communities.

In Excelsior, you'll find everything from charming cottages and historic homes to newer luxury properties tucked throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.

The housing feels diverse and approachable.

Wayzata, on the other hand, has some of the most sought-after luxury real estate in Minnesota.

Beautiful lakefront estates, high-end custom homes, and elegant new construction projects are common throughout the area.

Both markets are competitive, but buyers often find that Wayzata commands a premium simply because of its reputation, location, and luxury appeal.

Walkability and Downtown Life

Both communities score high marks here.

Excelsior's downtown feels vibrant and energetic. It's easy to spend an entire afternoon wandering through shops, grabbing lunch, and running into people you know.

Wayzata's downtown offers a more curated experience. The lakefront walking trails, boutique shopping, and waterfront dining create an atmosphere that feels almost resort-like.

The truth is you really can't go wrong with either one.

Schools

Families considering either area are often pleased with the school options available nearby.

Strong academics, extracurricular opportunities, athletics, and community involvement make both locations attractive to families looking to put down roots.

For many buyers, the school conversation becomes less about "which is better" and more about finding the neighborhood and home that best fit their lifestyle.

So Which One Is Better?

Honestly?

Neither.

And both.

The right answer depends entirely on your personality.

If you want a little more laid-back lake-town charm, a craft beer on the patio, and a community that feels casually cool, you'll probably find yourself gravitating toward Excelsior.

If you appreciate luxury, fine dining, polished experiences, and a little extra horsepower parked in the driveway, Wayzata may feel more like home.

The good news is that both communities offer something that's becoming increasingly rare: a true sense of place.

They're not just suburbs.

They're destinations.

And whether you're team Jeep or team Ferrari, you'll probably find yourself spending time in both.

After all, life on Lake Minnetonka has a way of bringing everyone together. And the best part, EVERYONE is welcome, regardless of what you drive - or drink!

Need restaurant recommendations, want to know what bays get busy on the weekend? Reach out! I've been to every restaurant and store in Wayzata and Excelsior. If you want to hang out by the lake this 4th of July- go to the Excelsior Commons and spend the day! Food trucks, live music and exceptional fireworks. Just be prepared for the traffic leaving Excelsior after the fireworks. That alone is an adventure! Oof.