Just a little over a square mile in size is Gem Lake, a city located in Ramsey County. Although small, the area is packed with unique architecture, scenic views and a popular golf course, making the neighborhood a stand-out in the greater Twin Cities area. Almost every part of Gem Lake is covered in trees, resulting in secluded and scenic residential lots. Homes start at $250,000 and go up as high as $700,000. Residents here enjoy their proximity to Gem Lake, a private property, and the Gem Lake Hills Golf Course, consisting of two 9-hole courses. When residents have to drive out of this neighborhood, they can hop onto Highway 61, a road that runs through the outskirts of the city.
This golf course is public and open to all at Gem Lake Hills Golf Course.
There is a lot of secluded housing around the Gem Lake neighborhoods.
An aerial perspective of Hillary Farm at Gem Lake.
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An accessible golf course for everyone
The Gem Lake Hills Golf Course is Northeast of the city, which makes up a sizeable portion of the neighborhood. Gem Lake Hills offers two nine whole courses, often frequented by locals. General Manager Matt Greer speaks on what makes the course so popular with residents in the neighborhood: "You're not surrendering four to five hours to play; you need 90 minutes to two hours to play a nine-hole round. Greer says, "We take a good amount of pride in being here for everyone, whether you've never played before or you're a seasoned, accomplished player."
A foursome shooting a Par 3 at Gem Lake Hills Golf Course.
Aerial view looking over the greens at Gem Lake Hills Golf Course.
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From historic homes to modern renovations
Because Gem Lake was incorporated in 1959, some homes here are even older than the city, having belonged to the town of White Bear Lake previously. These include a historic lodge built alongside the lake and some ranch-style homes from the 1920s. Smaller homes, such as ramblers built during the 1940s, start at $300,000, while villas constructed during the 2010s begin at $500,000 and go up to as high as $700,000.
A beautiful lakeside home at Hillary Farm at Gem Lake.
Here is a beautiful, newer home located at the Villas of Gem Lake.
There are higher priced mansion surrounding outside of Gem Lake.
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A private lake for a backyard
Gem Lake, which shares a name with the town, is a 183-acre lot of water sitting at the center of the neighborhood. The lake is surrounded by trees and pirate property, creating a secluded area for residents to visit. Residents with access to the lake can kayak, sightsee, or fish off the small docks built into the water.
Home buyers can seek out lake side houses along Gem Lake.
An aerial view looking north over Gem Lake.
Gem Lake can only access by residents living on or near the lake.
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Enroll at White Bear Lake Area High School
Students commute to the next town over, White Bear Lake, for their schooling. Willow Lane Elementary is where many students begin their education. The school has a C+ rating from Niche. Two miles east is Sunrise Park Middle School, which has a B-minus rating. Students in Grades 9-12 attend White Bear Lake Area High School, rated B by Niche. The high school operates on two campuses- underclassmen attend the North Campus, and upperclassmen attend its South Campus. In the fall of 2024, North Campus will house all four grades after renovations are completed.
Willow Lane Elementary School has an overall C+ on Niche.
Teachers at Sunrise Park Middle School go above and beyond.
Growing in knowledge students achieve greatness White Bear Lake Area High School - South Campus.
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Visit the Vadnais Square Shopping Center
Several small plazas sit right outside of Gem Lake, where various local businesses are located. One of these is the Black Sea Restaurant, a small, family-owned chain serving Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. Macaluso's Roadhouse is another spot to visit, a fun bar that hosts live music acts, weekly bingo and game nights. For groceries and other needs, residents can head over to Vadnais Square, southwest of the city. The Vadnais Square Shopping Center features multiple big-brand retailers such as Fresh Thyme Market, Walmart, Target and Marshalls.
The Vadnais Heights Square is less than 5 minutes from the Gem Lake neighborhood.
Vadnais Heights Square is a local shopping center that Gem Lake residents visit for goods.
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Take Highway 61 into downtown Minneapolis
While there is little public transportation available, Highway 61 is located east of Gem Lake, which residents can take into Saint Paul, about an 11-mile drive away. Highway 61 also leads to downtown Minneapolis, about a 17-mile drive.
Highway 61 allows Gem residents to travel in and out of the neighborhood and nearby cities.
Gem Lake as well as neighboring areas take I-35E to travel towards the Twin Cities.
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Written By
Flora Jiang
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tom Meckey,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Gem Lake, MN sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Gem Lake, MN over the last 12 months is $675,000, down 42% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Opportunity awaits with a large lot close into to White Bear Lake and easy access to freeways. Minutes to Gem Lake Golf Course and downtown White Bear Lake, this property has a ton of future potential with a solid foundation (house was moved to new foundation in early 70's) Original building has historic roots as Freddy's Tavern on Hoffman's Corner. Nice tall ceilings and large footprint of 1500
Our apartments in White Bear Lake offer the perfect blend of form and function. The style we provide extends beyond the thoughtfully designed interiors and ideally sized living areas within your new apartment home. Do not forget about our landscaping and charming outdoor community spaces that are great for hosting your friends and family.
Additional fees for this community include:Non-Optional FeesApplication fee: $50/adultNon-refundable administrative fee: Management charges a $150, non-refundable, administrative fee that is related to our internal and administrative costs for the establishment of a resident file, and preparation of initial lease paperwork and related addendums. This administrative fee must be paid, in addition
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
