The City of Isanti is a young , vibrant and growing community with thriving businesses , flourishing residential neighborhoods , and expanding amenities . Through continued growth , the community has maintained the small-town feel that residents and visitors appreciate . Isanti ’ s population has grown at higher than anticipated rates , now at approximately 7,700 . The positive atmosphere and community feel is a sign that Isanti is where people not only want to live but also work and play .
Housing options include single-family homes , senior-living facilities , memory care , town homes , apartments and condominiums . Since the start of 2020 there have been 317 single family housing starts . In that same time period , median housing sales have increased from $ 285,000 to $ 306,000 . In 2023 , over 200 market rate apartment units were platted the first phases were completed in 2024 and the second phases are currently under construction . In 2024 , 66 single family lots received final plat approval and were completed or are currently under construction . The Isanti housing market remains strong .
Commercial and industrial businesses provide services , shopping opportunities , dining options , and manufacture , supply , and distribute products worldwide . Isanti is home to over 180 businesses that employ over 1,980 people . The city has been active selling their commercial / industrial lots , with 4 industrial buildings / expansions completed in 2024 and more available lots to continue industrial growth . Many Isanti businesses are currently expanding or planning for expansions in the city .
Isanti has become known as a destination for the boutique shopping experience . In 2024 , Rockstad and Co . Relics and Wares completed the construction of the newest building on Main Street which is now home to their unique boutique and new Isanti business : Pretty Little Signs . Along with Little North Boutique , Card Liberty , Four 13 Boutique , Revival , Johnson ’ s Decorating , and Unhinged Diecast there is something for everyone in Isanti .
Isanti ’ s economic development team , tasked with encouraging business growth , expansion , and retention , works in collaboration with regional networking groups and statewide programs to not only help businesses establish roots in Isanti but also to give them resources for a solid foundation to help their business succeed .
Visitors and residents enjoy many recreational activities including biking / walking trails , natural and play parks , free admission to Redbirds baseball games , the excitement of hockey with Isanti Outlaws and the Isanti Soccer Complex with nine fullsize fields where state and regional tournaments are played . The 74,000-square-foot Isanti Indoor Arena is home to the Rum River BMX Association , and has attracted attention as the nation ’ s # 1 track again in 2024 . The community is always invited to come out and watch the track in action – spectator admission is free .
Many events bring neighbors and the community together and offer opportunities for fun , such as the Fire District ’ s Isanti Rodeo , the Chamber of Commerce ’ s Isanti parade and Jubilee Days , Isanti Street Dances , Bluebird Park Family Summer Event Series , Fireworks , and a community favorite : Splish Splash Summer Bash featuring a giant slip n ’ slide on the sledding hill in Bluebird Park .
The book “ Preserving a Sense of Heritage : Isanti , Minnesota Centennial 1899-1999 ” by Marlys Wickstrom and R . W . Dutch Schoenecker , outlines much of the city ’ s history . It states Isanti ’ s name originates from the Native Indian culture [ SS1 ] , specifically
CITY OF ISANTI
the Dakota-Sioux tribes who lived in the Mille Lacs Lake area and along the Rum River . They are sometimes referred to as the Santees , and Isanti is a derivative of that name .
The site of old Isanti is located about three miles north of the present-day city . It was established as early as the 1860s at a busy crossroads , although no traces of the older settlement remain . In 1899 , Edward and Albert Norelius moved their first store building into Isanti , and Wilfred D . Oleson also arrived to build a new shop , staying with the Norelius ’ until his building was finished .
A five-member city council includes the mayor and meets at 7 p . m . the first and third Tuesday of each month . City departments include Administration , Community Development ( which encompasses Planning / Zoning , Economic Development , Building Inspections , and MS4 ), Parks and Recreation , Police which opened in their new facility in 2024 , Public Services and a Municipal Liquor Store . Residents can visit the city ’ s website , www . cityofisanti . us , for a city information , events and meeting agenda packets .
CITY OF ISANTI 110 1st Ave . NW , PO Box 428 Isanti , MN 55040 763-444-5512 Web : cityofisanti . us
City Hall Hours : 8:00 a . m . -4:30p . m . Monday - Friday
largest
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in East CEntral MinnEsota
ExtEnsivE Craft & spECialty BEErs availaBlE East Hwy . 95 , Cambridge
NORTHBOUND 763-689-2468
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
LIQUOR
HOURS : Mon . -Sat. 9am-9pm Sundays 11am-5pm www . ci . cambridge . mn . us / northbound
Isanti County Community Guide • March 2025 Page 19