Welcome to Edina and the Country Club District
Amenity-rich community within an exclusive country club estate
Situated in northeast Edina, less than 9 miles from downtown Minneapolis, Country Club has long been revered for its tranquil, upscale suburban lifestyle since its inception in 1923. As one of Minnesota's earliest planned communities, meticulously crafted by Thorpe Brothers Realty, Country Club achieved official recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. "The neighborhood's rich history holds immense appeal for residents," remarks Mary Holloway, a seasoned Realtor with Holloway Real Estate, who has deep roots in Edina's real estate landscape. "But beyond its historical significance, Country Club fosters a tight-knit sense of community, drawing residents who cherish its sense of belonging," adds Holloway, a lifelong resident herself.
Nestled along orderly, grid-patterned streets, the neighborhood boasts an impressive array of grand residences, distinguishing itself from nearby communities. Many of these stately homes, inspired by Colonial and Tudor architecture, feature five or six bedrooms, matching bathrooms, and sprawling, meticulously landscaped lawns. Due to its historic designation, homes built between 1924 and 1948 retain their original exteriors, adding to the neighborhood's timeless allure. "Country Club stands out for its preservation of architectural character, with minimal teardowns compared to other areas," explains Holloway, underscoring the neighborhood's commitment to maintaining its unique charm. Home prices here range from $800,000 to upwards of $2 million, with the majority fetching well over $1 million, reflecting the neighborhood's premium status in the real estate market.
Residents of Country Club benefit from access to the highly acclaimed Edina Public Schools district, with Concord Elementary, South View Middle, and Edina High School providing top-notch educational opportunities. Concord and South View consistently earn high marks from Niche, while Edina High School's stellar reputation extends to its recognition as one of the top five high schools in the state by U.S. News & World Report. The Edina Rotary Scholars program further enhances students' college readiness, emphasizing academic excellence and leadership development.
Embracing its namesake, residents can partake in the exclusive amenities of the Edina Country Club, established in 1923 by the visionary Thorpe brothers. Just half a mile south of the neighborhood, the private club offers an array of leisure facilities, including an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, fitness center, and fine dining options. For outdoor recreation closer to home, Utley and Wooddale Parks provide ample green space, complemented by sunny fields, picnic areas, and classic playgrounds.
Convenience abounds for Country Club residents, with Jerry's Foods and Lunds & Byerlys nearby for grocery needs. The neighborhood's proximity to the vibrant 50th & France shopping district offers a wealth of upscale dining and shopping options, enhancing its appeal as a highly walkable community. "Country Club's proximity to 50th & France is a major draw," notes Holloway, emphasizing the neighborhood's vibrant urban amenities, including locally owned eateries like Edina Grill, a beloved spot for casual brunch outings.
What to Love
- Variety of amenities and recreational activities hosted by the clubhouse
- Immaculately kept golf course
- Proximity to Minneapolis
- Small, exclusive community
- Edina's real estate options can feature beautifully built single-family homes
Local Lifestyle
Residents of the Edina Country Club district enjoy a relaxed, suburban lifestyle with many of their needs and wants catered for by onsite amenities at the clubhouse. Home to retirees, families, and professionals, most locals commute to Minneapolis nearly daily for shopping and entertainment, while the numerous nearby lakes are also popular among those residents who enjoy boating, fishing, or swimming in the cool, refreshing waters.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Unsurprisingly, much of Edina Country Club’s dining and entertainment revolve around the onsite clubhouse. The club features six restaurants and dining venues, including Chester’s, which enjoys spectacular views of the golf course and offers patrons a delicious menu of classic American dishes with a unique, modern twist. For those who prefer more varied gastronomical experiences, the annual Taste of Edina is a great opportunity to socialize with other foodies while indulging in some of the region’s best food and wine. Held at The Westin Edina Galleria, the event brings samples from various restaurants paired with over 70 wines and 30 craft beers from local breweries.
Just a short drive from the club, Arezzo Ristorante is another neighborhood staple, serving Tuscan-style Italian dishes prepared in a brick oven alongside an extensive wine list. The romantic yet casual eatery is a great choice for date night or an evening out with a small group of friends.
Things to Do
The Edina Country Club community and the surrounding neighborhood's tight-knit, active residents have ensured there is always something fun to do in the area. Besides enjoying a game of golf on the club’s immaculately kept course, residents often take to the nearby tennis courts or resort-style swimming pool to enjoy a day in the sun. Alternatively, residents have the chance to attend the renowned Edina Fall into the Arts Festival, which is held annually and brings arts and crafts vendors, independent artists, and unique exhibitions to the neighborhood’s bustling streets. Another staple among Edina Country Club locals is the nearby Centennial Lakes Park Winter Ice Festival, where families and kids can join in the fun of ice-sculpting, horse-drawn wagon rides, and face painting in the lovely Centennial Lakes Park.
Fitness and nature lovers will be pleased to visit the scenic Arden Park, a hub for outdoor recreational activities like fishing, canoeing, and picnicking. The park is also home to extensive walking paths and is a popular spot for tubing and ice skating in winter. And in summer, another outdoor venue, Minnehaha Creek, typically teems with families and kids floating down the gently flowing river in inflatable tubes while avid anglers try their luck along the shore of the picturesque creek.
Schools
Residents of Edina Country Club enjoy access to an array of excellent schools, including: