Gem Lake is a small, residential community just northeast of Saint Paul. People are drawn to the area for its spacious lots and well-kept homes from the mid- to late 1900s. Residents also have easy access to nearby green spaces like Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park, while commuters benefit from quick connections to both St. Paul and Minneapolis. Highly rated schools in the White Bear Lake Area School District further add to the area’s appeal.
There are over 500 residents in the Gem Lake area.
Gem Lake has a suburban lifestyle with a hint of rural atmosphere.
1/2
What people can pay for ramblers and New Traditional villas
The community emphasizes lower-density development and open space. Ramblers, traditional two-story homes and New Traditional detached villas are found throughout the city, usually on large lots. Housing has been added over time, but many properties were built in the mid- to late 1900s. Prices generally range from the lower $500,000s to the mid-$700,000s. Properties don't go up for sale often, given the limited number of homes in the area, but those that do tend to be well-maintained. There are also a handful of townhomes that typically sell in the upper $100,000s. The area tends to be a bit more expensive than surrounding communities like White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights.
Residents often come to Gem Lake for its open space.
The Gem Lake neighborhood has varied homes.
1/2
An aerial look at Gem Lake Hills Golf Course.
Explore a regional park or play a round at Gem Lake Hills Golf Course
In Gem Lake, outdoor opportunities revolve around nearby green spaces rather than the lake at its center, whichly is mainly private. Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park spans over 1,200 acres and has a trail network that wind through woodlands and past lakes. The park is open for swimming, fishing and picnicking during the summer, and it becomes a cross-country skiing and sledding haven each winter. Tamarack Nature Center has around 320 acres dedicated to environmental education and exploration. Stellmacher Park in White Bear Lake provides sports courts, a grilling area and a pet area. Closer to home, Gem Lake Hills Golf Course takes public tee times for its two nine-hole courses. "You're not surrendering four to five hours to play; you need 90 minutes to two hours to play a nine-hole round," says Matt Greer, the course's general manager. "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."
White Bear Lake Area High School serves the community.
Students fall under a highly rated school district
Students are served by White Bear Lake Area Schools, a highly rated district. White Bear Lake Area High School is known for its cutting-edge performing arts center and athletics field house. Private options include the top-rated Community of Grace Christian School, which is for prekindergarten through eighth grade.
U.S. Highway 61 cuts through the city.
Easy commutes to the Twin Cities
Most people get around the area by car. U.S. Highway 61 runs directly through the city, and interstates 694 and 35E are close. Saint Paul is just over 10 miles away, a commute that takes 15-25 minutes. Minneapolis is less than 20 miles away, and driving there can take 20-35 minutes.
Black Sea Restaurant is a favorite lunch spot.
Restaurants and Maplewood Mall are close by
There are not many businesses in Gem Lake, but there are several dining spots within a few miles. You can try:
Black Sea Restaurant, a family-owned Turkish and Mediterranean eatery
Cafe Cravings, an independent cafe with an espresso bar and a drive-through
Bear Dogs, a fast-casual spot with specialty hot dogs and sandwiches
Donatelli's Restaurant, an Italian eatery that first opened in 1976
There are a number of grocery stores nearby, including Fresh Thyme Market and Lunds & Byerlys. Retail shopping can be done at Maplewood Mall, home to stores like Kohl’s, H&M and Sephora.
Residents can attend nearby events
Gem Lake doesn't host any large-scale annual festivals, but neighboring communities do, and residents can easily attend them. You can check out:
Marketfest, a weekly themed summer festival in White Bear Lake highlighted by live music and food trucks
Vadnais Heights Days, a week-long August celebration featuring a parade, concerts and fireworks
Summerfest, a two-day June event in Oakdale with a parade and a fireworks finale
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
David Alexander
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Wiegele,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Welcome to 9 Hillary Farm in Gem Lake, where refined luxury meets effortless indoor–outdoor living. Perfectly situated on Gem Lake, this home offers expansive lake views that enrich every moment. Inside, the main floor showcases an impressive open layout with double-height ceilings, creating a bright and airy atmosphere ideal for both everyday living and elegant entertaining. This stunning
Welcome to 1590 Goose Lake Rd where you feel like you're living in a rural MN, but you're only a 10 minute drive from downtown St. Paul and a 3 minute drive from downtown White Bear Lake! Discover this spacious and stunning 4-bedroom, 4-bath home, perfectly designed for comfort and style. The primary suite is a true retreat, featuring a generous walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bath, and a cozy
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
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.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
