RE/MAX TODAY'S REALTY

Carver County, Minnesota

With its mix of small towns, larger cities, and proximity to Minneapolis, Carver County rolls convenience and rural charm into one package.

Just 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis, Carver County is part of the “seven county metro area” established by the legislature in 1967 to coordinate economic development and other services.

Cities in Carver County are: Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, Cologne, Hamburg, Mayer, New Germany, Norwood Young America, Victoria, Waconia, and Watertown.

Metro Transit bus service extends to Victoria, Chaska and Chanhassen.

Major Industries & Employers

The county enjoys a diverse industrial base, with strong concentrations of manufacturing and bioscience businesses. Major employers include Entegris, Rosemount, Supervalu, Lake Region Manufacturing, Beckman Coulter and General Mills.

Population & Workforce

Carver County is one of the fastest growing counties in the 11-county Metro MSP region – in population, housing and business expansions.

• Carver County’s population is expected to double by 2020, topping 163,830, according to the Metropolitan Council.
• The U.S. Census Bureau ranked it among the “Top 100 Fastest Growing Counties in the US” in 2000-2005.  
• Carver County supports one of the strongest housing markets in the Twin Cities metro area, outperforming the region even during the recent housing slowdown. 
• New business developments are underway throughout the county – including a major BioTech Center in Chaska, an open-air lifestyle center in Chanhassen, a mixed-use development in Waconia, and industrial parks in Norwood Young America and Waconia.

Schools

In eastern Carver County the cities of Carver, Chaska, Chanhassen, and Victoria are part of Minnesota Independent School District 112. The district has a total of 13 elementary, middle and senior high schools. www.district112.org. Some students in Chanhassen and Victoria may attend Minnetonka School District 276. www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us. The cities of Norwood Young America, Cologne and Hamburg are part of district #108. www.central.k12.mn.us. Waconia, New Germany and St. Bonifacius are in District 110. www.waconia.k12.mn.us. Watertown and Mayer comprise the Watertown-Mayer School District 111. www.wm.k12.mn.us. The World Learner School is a Montessori elementary and middle charter school located in Chaska. www.worldlearnerschool.com. Fourteen private parochial schools are in Carver County.

Quality of Life

The county’s popularity is bolstered by national recognition of its outstanding quality of life. For two years straight, Money Magazine ranked Chaska, the county seat, “the nation’s eighth best city to live in.” (2006 and 2007)

Carver County is distinguished by its upscale communities and breathtaking natural surroundings. Pristine lakes dot the landscape. Scenic parks and trails are abundant. Most communities have managed to retain their small-town character, despite their proximity to a bustling metro area.

The county is steeped in history and popular attractions – including the Chanhassen Dinner Theater and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. It is home to several championship golf courses, including Hazeltine National, site of the 1999 U.S. Open.

The Carver County Historical society was established in 1940. It is located in Waconia and was expanded in 1998. It houses five local history exhibits, a veteran’s exhibit and a local history and genealogy library. www.carvercountyhistoricalsociety.org

The Carver County Library has branches in Chanhassen, Chaska, Norwood Young America, Waconia and Watertown. A law library is located in the Carver County Courthouse in Chaska. www.carverlib.org

County Web Site: www.co.carver.mn.us