Pillager - Brainerd Region | Lake Homes For Sale | 43 Listings
Discover the Brainerd MN region active & coming soon lake home listings today February 12, 2026!
Minnesota is synonymous with lakes, and the Brainerd region delivers over 315+ of them (some sources cite even more in the broader area), each with unique charm. Prime spots like the Gull Lake Chain (world class for walleye, bass, northern pike, and crappie)offer clear waters, sandy shores, and excellent boating, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and water sports. It's not just a summer thing, year-round recreation includes ice fishing (think the massive Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza), snowmobiling, hiking on trails like the Paul Bunyan State Trail, and fall foliage adventures. This region has strong investment and appreciation potential. Lakefront properties here have historically appreciated faster than non-waterfront homes often 3 to 5% annually. In 2023, the Brainerd Lakes Area ranked #3 in the U.S. for best places to buy a lake home (per CNBC analysis), and that value holds strong today. As of early 2026, median home values in Brainerd hover around $340,000 to $385,000 (with waterfront often higher, $800K+ for quality lake homes), up modestly year over year amid stabilizing rates and steady buyer interest. Waterfront adds significant premium (nationally a 25% more value), and many owners use properties as vacation rentals for income turning passion into profit.