Chaska, MN 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Nestled in the scenic southwest metro area of the Twin Cities, Chaska, MN is an ideal location for those seeking an active and vibrant retirement. With a thriving arts scene, exciting outdoor recreational opportunities, and a friendly community, Chaska has something for everyone. The city is home to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the popular River City Days, which features live music, a parade, and a street dance. Chaska is also known for its top-notch golf courses, which attract golf enthusiasts from around the world. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the numerous parks, lakes, and trails in the area, which offer endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. With its low crime rate, excellent healthcare facilities, and easy access to the Twin Cities, Chaska is a fantastic place for retirees to call home.

Here are some local resources that can provide more information about Chaska:

• Town of Chaska
• Chaska Parks and Recreation
• Chaska Herald - Local News

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Chaska has a 12.4 percent cost of living when compared to the national average. The cost of housing is one of the biggest expenses, with the median home price around $406,000. Groceries, transportation and utilities are 1 to 7 percent higher than the U.S. average although healthcare is about 26 percent less expensive than the national average. Property tax in Carver County where Chaska is located is 1.04 percent of home value. Chaska sales tax is 7.38 percent and consists of the 6.88 percent sales tax and a 0.5 percent Carver County special tax.

The state of Minnesota has an income tax ranging from 5.35 percent to 9.85 percent, as well as a tax on retirement benefits, including Social Security. Moreover, Minnesota has an estate tax and a higher sales tax than the national average. Low-income seniors can take advantage of some income tax deductions and property tax programs.

The Chaska area sees about 30 inches of rain per year and summertime thunderstorms are common. Average winter temperatures range from 6 to 25 degrees. Summer in Chaska is hot and humid with a summer average high temperature of 82 degrees and 50 to 70 percent humidity. Average snowfall in Chaska is 50 inches with the highest chance of snow during the month of January.

Chaska is located in the Minnesota River Valley, and the town's scenery is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and lakes. The nearby Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a popular destination for nature lovers, with over 1,200 acres of gardens, trails, and natural areas to explore. Chaska is also located near the Minnesota River, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Nearby Carver Park Reserve has over 3,900 acres of land that includes lakes, marshes, and woodlands. Chaska is also within 20 miles of scenic Lake Minnetonka and is a short drive from the Mississippi River.   

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Chaska offers a wide range of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment for both residents and visitors. 

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Chaska Town Course: An 18-hole golf course designed by Arthur Hills.
• Hazeltine National Golf Club: A championship golf course that has hosted several major tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and the U.S. Open.
• Chaska Community Center: Offers indoor tennis and pickleball courts, as well as an ice rink and other recreational activities.

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Over 1,200 acres of gardens, trails, and natural areas to explore on foot or bike.
• Lake Minnewashta Regional Park: Offers hiking and biking trails, as well as a beach and boating opportunities.
• Carver Park Reserve: Over 3,900 acres of natural beauty, including lakes, marshes, and woodlands for hiking, biking, and boating.

Museums and Historical Sites

• Scott County Historical Society: Preserving and sharing the history of Scott County through exhibits, programs, and events.
• Minnesota Historical Society: Operates several museums and historic sites throughout the state, including the Mill City Museum and the Minnesota History Center.

Performing Arts

• Chaska Valley Family Theatre: A community theater that produces several shows each year, including musicals and plays.
• Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: Known for its Broadway-style productions and dining experiences.
• Minnesota Orchestra: Performs classical music concerts throughout the year in Minneapolis and other locations.

Shopping

• Chaska Commons: A shopping center with a variety of stores and restaurants, including Target, Kohl's, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
• Chaska Town Square: A downtown area with several boutique shops and local businesses.
• Eden Prairie Center: A shopping mall with over 100 stores and restaurants, including Macy's, JCPenney, and Barnes & Noble.

Parks and Gardens

• Chaska City Square Park: A downtown park with a playground, picnic tables, and a pavilion for community events.
• Chaska Athletic Park: A baseball stadium that has been in operation since 1950 and hosts local baseball games and tournaments.
• Noerenberg Memorial Gardens: A 14-acre garden on the shore of Lake Minnetonka, featuring formal gardens and natural landscapes.

Festivals and Fairs

• Chaska River City Days: A summer festival with parades, live music, food vendors, and a carnival.
• Minnesota Renaissance Festival: Held annually in nearby Shakopee, featuring period-themed entertainment, jousting tournaments, and artisan vendors.
• Chaska Farmers Market: Open on Wednesdays from June to October, featuring locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and food vendors.

Health and Wellness 

Chaska has a variety of health and wellness support options for 55 and over adults. The city is home to several major medical centers, including Ridgeview Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic Health System. Ridgeview Medical Center is a nonprofit, regional health care provider offering a wide range of medical services. The Mayo Clinic Health System is a network of clinics and hospitals that provides world-class medical care to patients in Minnesota and beyond.

In addition to these medical centers, Chaska also has several local options for self-care and keeping fit. The Chaska Community Center offers a variety of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, strength training, and a swimming pool. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers guided nature walks and classes on topics such as meditation and mindfulness. The Chaska Farmers Market, located in the city's downtown area, provides access to locally grown produce and other healthy food options.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

As a suburb located just southwest of Minneapolis, Chaska is an attractive and peaceful community that offers a range of amenities and services. To get a better sense of what Chaska has to offer, spend a few days exploring the area. 

Day One

Morning:

• Grab breakfast or coffee at Caribou Coffee, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious breakfast items and coffee drinks.
• Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, a beautiful 1,200-acre park featuring gardens, walking trails, and educational exhibits.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at the Arboretum's Cafe, which serves up fresh, seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
• Take a guided tour of the Chaska Curling Center, the site of the 2016 World Men's Curling Championship.
• Visit the Chaska History Center to learn about the city's rich history and heritage.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Hazellewood Grill and Tap Room, a popular local spot serving up classic American cuisine and craft beers.

Day Two

Morning:

• Enjoy breakfast at Dunn Brothers Coffee, a cozy coffee shop with delicious baked goods.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss and tour available retirement communities in the area.

Afternoon:

• For lunch head to the Red Bench Bakery and Cafe for homemade soups, sandwiches, and pastries.
• Take a leisurely walk along the trails at the Carver Park Reserve, which features more than 3,000 acres of woods, wetlands, and prairies.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Patron Mexican Restaurant, a casual and friendly spot serving up delicious Mexican cuisine.

Getting to Chaska, MN

Chaska is located in the southwestern suburbs of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Visitors to Chaska have several options for transportation, including flying, driving, and by train.

By Car: 

Chaska is easily accessible by car via major highways such as US-212 and MN-41. US-212 is a major east-west highway that connects Chaska to the Twin Cities and western Minnesota. MN-41 is a north-south highway that connects Chaska to the surrounding communities. Visitors arriving from the north can take I-494 and exit onto MN-212, which leads directly to Chaska.

By Air: 

The nearest major airport to Chaska is the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), located approximately 30 miles northeast of Chaska. MSP is served by many airlines, including Delta, United, American, and Southwest, and is a hub for Delta. Visitors can rent a car or take a taxi, shuttle, or ride-share service to reach Chaska from the airport.

By Train: 

The closest Amtrak station to Chaska is the St. Paul Union Depot, which is located about 30 miles northeast of Chaska. Visitors can then reach Chaska by taxi or ride-share service.