Minneapolis Real Estate

NORTH OAKS REAL ESTATE

 

 

North Oaks is a suburb 10 miles north of Saint Paul in Ramsey County. Formerly a gated community that now posts private access signage, all land is owned by homeowners with the North Oaks Home Owners Association maintaining all roads, plowing, parks, facilities, and recreation trails. Each homeowner's property extends halfway into the street.

 

There is also a city government with a Mayor and City Council that administers basic services such as fire, police, planning, and licensing. The City owns no property. As such the Metropolitan Council has no jurisdiction over the city's comprehensive plan. The Council estimated the City of North Oaks' population to be 4,457 in 2006.

 

Centered around Pleasant Lake, it began as a water source for the Saint Paul municipal water system, which still maintains water access rights today. The land was later purchased by Twin Cities magnate James J. Hill in 1883 and expanded it into a 5,000 acre breeding and hobby farm. His son Louis Hill later owned North Oaks Farm until his death in 1950, when Louis' children incorporated the North Oaks Company to create a model residential community based on respect for the natural environment, as metropolitan growth had reached the area.

 

Land was subdividied and sold with a warranty deed that created the North Oaks Home Owners’ Association (NOHOA) to be responsible for roads and recreation. The North Oaks Company to date owns and develops property not owned by residents.