The Insider’s Guide to New Home Developments in Stillwater, MN

If you have been looking for real estate in the St. Croix Valley lately, you know that Stillwater offers a vibe you just can't replicate elsewhere. It’s that rare mix of historic river town charm and modern convenience that draws people in. However, if you have your heart set on new home developments in Stillwater MN, you might have hit a common roadblock: there isn’t much buildable land left in the historic city limits.

The secret to finding the perfect new build here is knowing where to look just outside the downtown core. The market has expanded into surrounding townships like Baytown and West Lakeland, as well as rapidly growing neighbors like Lake Elmo.

Most buyers I talk to are prioritizing the lifestyle and the schools over the specific zip code. As long as the home is within the Stillwater Area School District (ISD 834) boundaries, you get that prestige and community connection. Just know that inventory moves fast here. The east metro is in high demand, and when a good lot opens up, it doesn't stay available for long.

Before we jump into specific neighborhoods, let’s talk about the numbers. If you are relocating to Stillwater or looking to move up, the pricing landscape has shifted. The days of finding a sprawling new single-family home in the $300Ks are essentially behind us.

Currently, the price floor for new construction is rising. You will generally see entry-level options starting in the high $400Ks, and that is usually for townhomes or smaller footprints. For a standard move-up home with the finishes most buyers expect today, you are likely looking in the $600K to $900K range.

I’m also seeing a distinct split in what buyers want. One group is chasing "Lifestyle Communities"—neighborhoods with shared pools, clubhouses, and pickleball courts. The other group wants privacy and is willing to pay a premium for acreage lots tucked away in the woods.

Timelines are stabilizing, which is good news. While production builders can turn a home around faster, if you are planning a fully custom build, you should still budget about 10 to 14 months from contract to move-in.

Here is a quick look at what your budget gets you in the current market:

When exploring new construction homes Stillwater MN, it helps to categorize them by the lifestyle they offer rather than just their geographic borders. Some of the most popular neighborhoods right now technically have Lake Elmo or Bayport addresses, but they are zoned for Stillwater schools and are just minutes from the lift bridge.

One quick note for clarity: You might see "St. Croix Crossing" pop up in searches. While the name sounds local, that development is actually across the bridge in Wisconsin. 

For this guide, we are sticking to the Minnesota side of the river.

If you want elbow room and trees, you are likely looking at the custom home market. These communities are designed for buyers who want to design their dream home from the ground up.

White Pine Ridge is a standout option if you want to be close to nature. Developed with Stonegate Builders, this neighborhood features large, wooded lots and sits very close to the Brown’s Creek State Trail. It’s perfect for cyclists or runners. You can expect price points here to sit firmly in the $1M+ range.

Another top contender is Hills of Spring Creek. While technically in Bayport, it feels like an extension of the Stillwater bluffs. Hanson Builders has done a great job here, offering massive lots—often 1.25 acres or more. It is a great spot if you want a pool or a large outbuilding. Pricing generally starts in the $900Ks.

Finally, keep an eye on Miller Farms in Baytown Township. This community features rolling hills and a conservation design that preserves the open feel of the land. It attracts buyers looking for that "Stillwater Farmhouse" aesthetic. Creative Homes and other custom builders have been active here, with final phases and custom opportunities ranging from $800K to well over $1M.

If you prefer sidewalks, neighborhood gatherings, and amenities, you’ll want to look at the master-planned communities. This is where the bulk of the "move-up" market is heading.

Wildflower at Lake Elmo is perhaps the most talked-about development in the area right now. It is serviced by ISD 834, which is a huge draw. The neighborhood is built around a nature preserve and offers diverse housing styles. You have the "Garden Villas" by Robert Thomas Homes for easier living, and larger custom options by builders like Michael Lee. Prices range from the high $600s to over $1M depending on the lot and collection.

The Royal Club offers a completely different vibe, centered around the legendary golf course (formerly Tartan Park). Located in Lake Elmo but bordering Stillwater, this is luxury resort-style living. You’ll find high-end villas and estate homes from Lennar and custom builders. It’s prestigious and quiet, with homes ranging from $800K to $1.5M+.

For a slightly more accessible price point, Willowbrooke by Lennar is worth a look. It is located in Oakdale but serves the area well. It features parks, trails, and pickleball courts, with prices generally landing between $450K and $600K.

We are seeing a lot of downsizers who want to stay in the St. Croix Valley but are done with shoveling snow and mowing 2-acre lawns.

Zvago Stillwater is a unique option near downtown. It’s a cooperative living model (ownership, not rental) that offers a maintenance-free lifestyle with a strong sense of community. It’s great for those who want to walk to Main Street dining.

For a campus-style approach, Birchwood Landing / The Lakes at Stillwater offers intergenerational living with various levels of independence.

If you still want a single-family feel, the Villas at Royal Club offer single-level living for active adults who want golf course views without the yard work. These are popular with "snowbirds" since the HOA typically covers the heavy lifting on exterior maintenance.

Choosing to build here is about more than just the house; it’s about the lifestyle. One of the first things I tell people considering relocating to Stillwater is that the commute is easier than it looks on a map. Highway 36 is the main artery, and it’s a straight shot—usually 25 to 35 minutes—into St. Paul.

The area is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Between the St. Croix River for boating and the Gateway Trail for cycling, there is always something to do.

Of course, the Stillwater Area Public Schools are a major pillar of the community. The high school has vast sports facilities and a strong academic reputation, often referred to as "Pony Pride." Even if you don't have students in the district, the quality of the schools helps maintain strong property values across the board.

And we can’t forget downtown. Having one of Minnesota's best Main Streets in your backyard means you have access to incredible dining, the lift bridge, and river events year-round. It makes living in Stillwater MN feel like a permanent vacation.

Yes, but they are in shorter supply compared to single-family homes. You will typically find new construction townhomes in the surrounding areas like Lake Elmo or specifically designed pockets within larger master-planned communities. These usually start in the $400K range.

Yes, there are several options for active adults. Developments like Zvago Stillwater offer cooperative living near downtown, while the Villas at the Royal Club offer single-level homes with golf course amenities perfect for downsizers.

This can be tricky because Lake Elmo is split between districts. However, major developments like Wildflower at Lake Elmo are within the Stillwater Area School District (ISD 834). Always verify the specific lot boundaries before signing a purchase agreement.

If you are building a semi-custom home with a production builder, it might take 6 to 9 months. For a fully custom home on an acreage lot, you should expect the process to take between 10 and 14 months from design to move-in day.