Nestled in the rolling landscapes of southwestern Edina, Braemar Hills stands as one of the city’s most cherished neighborhoods, thanks to its natural beauty, vibrant spirit, and rich heritage. For generations, families have chosen Braemar Hills for its serene setting, enduring charm, and deep-rooted community ties. To truly appreciate what makes this corner of Edina unique, it helps to look back at its fascinating journey—one that intertwines rural beginnings, thoughtful development, and a commitment to preserving both heritage and nature.
Origins of Braemar Hills: From Prairie to Prestigious Neighborhood
Like much of Edina, the land where Braemar Hills now flourishes was originally native prairie and woodland, dotted with farms and open fields. Edina itself was incorporated in 1888, growing slowly as small settlements, flour mills, and family homesteads emerged. The transformation of this rolling terrain into a sought-after residential neighborhood came much later, as postwar suburban growth swept the Twin Cities area.
The roots of Braemar Hills can be traced back to the 1950s and 60s—a period of rapid expansion for Edina. Developers recognized the beauty and topography of the area, and sought to create a residential enclave that preserved the majestic oaks, winding hills, and signature ponds. The result was a neighborhood distinct from the dense grids found elsewhere in the Twin Cities: streets like Braemar Lane, Tara Road, and Westridge Road curve organically with the land, fostering both privacy and a close-knit community spirit.
How Braemar Hills Got Its Name
Braemar Hills derives its name from two sources of inspiration—one local, one international. “Braemar” itself is a nod to the scenic Braemar village in Scotland, famed for its highland beauty and historic gatherings. Early developers and city officials sought names that would capture the rolling, wooded terrain of Edina and imbue it with a sense of timelessness and stature.
The "Hills" portion, of course, reflects the neighborhood’s natural landscape. The hills that define this enclave are more than just topographical quirks—they shape everything from the layout of homes to the experience of an evening walk, lending Braemar Hills a distinct sense of place that sets it apart from neighboring communities.
Key Historical Milestones
Braemar Hills’ history is marked by a handful of important milestones that have helped define its identity:
- 1960s: Residential boom — The neighborhood begins to take shape, with custom homes built amid the oaks and around the edges of newly constructed Braemar Golf Course.
- 1964: Opening of Braemar Golf Course — Instantly, this championship course becomes a hub for recreation, attracting not only local golfers but visitors from across the region.
- 1970s-80s: Community institutions flourish — Nearby schools such as Creek Valley Elementary and Our Lady of Grace Catholic School become anchors for young families.
- Late 1980s-90s: Preservation efforts — Residents and city officials collaborate to maintain green space and support parkland, reinforcing Braemar Hills’ legacy of environmental stewardship.
Notable Landmarks and Neighborhood Gems
What really defines Braemar Hills for those who live here are its beloved landmarks—places that bring people together and tell the story of the neighborhood.
- Braemar Golf Course (6364 John Harris Drive): Not just an 18-hole course, but a centerpiece of community life and one of Edina’s crown jewels. The clubhouse, with its panoramic views, serves as a gathering spot for everything from family brunches to city tournaments.
- Braemar Arena (7501 Ikola Way): This indoor ice rink complex welcomes figure skaters, hockey teams, and recreational skaters year-round, helping foster Edina’s legendary hockey culture.
- Braemar Park: Surrounding the golf course is an expanse of parkland and walking paths—perfect for a Saturday morning stroll, a pick-up game at one of the fields, or watching a sunset over the hills.
- Roy W. Anderson Elementary (formerly part of the area): Generations of children started their education here before reorganization shifted boundaries and school facilities in Edina, showing how the community adapts to changing times.
Streets like Claremore Drive, Olinger Circle, and Braemar Circle are lined with mature trees and homes reflecting a variety of midcentury and contemporary architectural styles. Many properties offer sweeping views of the golf course or secluded backyards bordered by woods, making every walk feel serene and private.
Evolution Over the Decades
While much has changed in Edina over the decades, Braemar Hills has remained remarkably consistent in its commitment to quality of life, sense of community, and preservation of natural beauty. The homes here, many custom-built, reflect the evolving tastes of each decade, with thoughtful renovations honoring the integrity of the original designs.
- The 1960s and 70s saw the neighborhood’s first wave of families establishing roots, many of whom have stayed for generations.
- The 1990s brought a renewed focus on updating and enhancing homes to meet modern needs, while still preserving mature landscaping and classic curb appeal.
- Today, Braemar Hills remains a premier destination for families seeking excellent schools, active lifestyle amenities, and a sense of community that’s hard to match.
Braemar’s annual block parties, holiday luminary nights, and informal gatherings in yards and parks continue to thread bonds across generations. Residents cite the ability to step outside and walk miles of connected trails, or drive just a few minutes to the shops and dining of 50th & France, as key benefits to living here.
A Neighborhood with a Lasting Legacy
Ask any longtime resident, and you’re likely to hear stories about snowy days spent sledding down golf course hills, neighborhood kids growing up together, or sunrise walks along Tara Road. There’s something about Braemar Hills that’s more than the sum of its parts—a legacy of stewardship, shared history, and an enduring connection to the land.
Today, newcomers are welcomed with the same warmth and inclusiveness that have defined Braemar Hills from the start. Whether you arrive for the acclaimed golf course, the wooded serenity, or the sense of continuity, you soon discover why so many choose to put down roots here—and why Braemar Hills is one of Edina’s most cherished treasures.