Living & Building in the South Metro: Lakeville vs. Prior Lake vs. Inver Grove Heights

For most homeowners, the lot they build on and the community they build in is just as important as the house itself. As the old wisdom goes, the three most important factors in real estate are location, location, location.

But what if you haven’t quite settled on the right location for your home yet? Fortunately, this blog was written with you in mind. It compares three of the core south metro areas that Country Joe Homes specializes in: Lakeville, Prior Lake, and Inver Grove Heights. Read on to learn what each of these communities are known for, and what an ideal buyer for each location might look like.

Finding Your Ideal South Metro Community

The Twin Cities south metro’s Dakota and Scott counties are overwhelmingly popular places to live. Their school districts are top ranked. Their natural amenities and parklands are abundant and beautiful. And their local economies are thriving.

Within these counties, Lakeville, Prior Lake, and Inver Grove Heights are the crown jewels for new home builds. But while all three are coveted, they’re hardly interchangeable. Each one has a distinct community character, suited to different lifestyles. They also have very different futures ahead of them in terms of development and new construction site options.

Lakeville: The Master-Planned Powerhouse

Lakeville is a sprawling, fast-growing Twin Cities suburb in Dakota County. It has a population of approximately 79,000, most of whom live in some form of master-planned neighborhood. There’s also the historic downtown area, which dates back to the late 1800’s. The city is served by the Lakeville Area School District (ISD 194), which includes two high schools and is known for its excellent youth athletic programs and facilities. The main commercial corridor to and from the area is I-35. Additional highlights of this community include its exceptional municipal infrastructure and active community programming.

As for the types of lots available in Lakeville, this suburb is defined by its high number of master-planned, single-family neighborhoods. Here you can find an extensive selection of new spec homes and lots available for semi-custom builds. New lots are also added regularly as the MUSA expands its range.

Best suited for: 

• Families with children of any age.
• Buyers looking for a robust inventory of lots and spec homes to choose from.
• Buyers with commutes along 1-35 W/E.

Prior Lake: The Lake-Oriented Lifestyle Hub

Prior Lake is a close-knit community in Scott County. It has a population of approximately 28,000 residents, with most homes centered around the eponymous 1,340-acre lake. The city is served by the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools (ISD 719), whose district-wide environmental STEM (E-STEM) program was the first of its kind in Minnesota. The main commercial corridors in and out of the area are Hwy 169 and Hwy 13. Other notable features of this city include its excellent public beaches, tight-knit community feel, and ample access to nature.

Because land supply in Prior Lake is limited, the lots that are available tend to command higher premiums. These lots are spread across a variety of neighborhood infills, custom acreage developments, and smaller ‘boutique’ neighborhoods.

Best suited for:

• Buyers for whom water access and recreation are top priorities.
• Buyers looking for a ‘small-town’ feel without leaving the south metro.
• Buyers with commutes along Hwy 169 or Hwy 13.

Inver Grove Heights: Rolling Topography & River Corridor Charm

Inver Grove Heights is a well established Twin Cities suburb in Dakota County, known for the scenic views it affords from atop the Mississippi River bluffs. Properties feel more secluded here, due in large part to the abundant rolling hills and mature trees. This city is served by two school districts. The majority of homes are part of the Inver Grove Heights Schools district (ISD 199), while part of the southwest corner of the city attends Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan schools (ISD 197) instead. The main commercial corridors that serve Inver Grove Heights are Hwy 52 and I-494. Other notable features of this city include Inverwood Golf Course, one of the best public courses in the state, and its expansive range of regional parks and walking paths.

Inver Grove Heights is the most ‘finished’ community on this list, with most lots available for new homes being one-off infills or part of smaller neighborhood developments. These lots frequently feature unique topography, suitable for basement walkouts and lookouts. Some are heavily wooded. They tend to offer buyers a significant amount of acreage while remaining in very close proximity to the Twin Cities’ urban core.

Best suited for:

• Buyers that want a scenic, private-feeling lot.
• Buyers interested in more extensive customizations.
• Buyers who want quick access to the MSP International Airport.
• Buyers with commutes along Hwy 52 or I-494.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Commutes, Lot Styles, and Lifestyle

• Lakeville
  • County: Dakota
  • Primary Commute Corridors: I-35
  • New Construction Feel: Master-planned developments
  • School District(s): ISD 194
  • Approx. Population: 79,000
  • Land Area: 38.35 sq mi
• Prior Lake
  • County: Scott
  • Primary Commute Corridors: Hwy 169, Hwy 13
  • New Construction Feel: Lakeside builds & boutique infill
  • School District(s): ISD 719
  • Approx. Population: 28,000
  • Land Area: 19.53 sq mi
• Inver Grove Heights
  • County: Dakota
  • Primary Commute Corridors: Hwy 52, I-494
  • New Construction Feel: Secluded & rolling terrain lots
  • School District(s): ISD 196, ISD 197
  • Approx. Population: 37,000
  • Land Area: 30.22 sq mi

Choosing Your South Metro Footprint with Country Joe Homes

How well your home suits you in the long run hinges on how well its location matches your lifestyle priorities. Whether you’re a lake culture junkie, a fan of master-planned conveniences, or dreaming of a scenic bluff view, defining your goals will help lead you directly to your ideal neighborhood.

Ready to start the hunt for your perfect lot? Explore Country Joe Homes' active developments and inquire about our lot sourcing services in Lakeville, Prior Lake, Inver Grove Heights, and surrounding cities today. We’ll help you find the perfect location for your perfect, semi-custom home build.