Stillwater vs White Bear Lake

If you are looking at the eastern suburbs of the Twin Cities, you are likely torn between two heavy hitters: Stillwater and White Bear Lake. Both are iconic, water-centric communities that offer a distinct break from the cookie-cutter sprawl you might find elsewhere. But while they are neighbors geographically, they offer two very different lifestyles.

Stillwater is the "Birthplace of Minnesota," famous for its historic downtown, steep hills, and massive tourist draw along the St. Croix River. It feels a bit like living in a postcard. On the other hand, White Bear Lake feels more like a classic, lived-in community. It’s closer to the core cities, deeply rooted in local traditions, and centers its life around the lake rather than a tourist economy.

For many buyers in 2026, the decision often starts with the budget—there is a significant price gap between the two—but it usually ends with the vibe. Do you want the hustle and historic charm of a river town, or the quieter, convenient rhythms of lake life?

When you walk down Main Street in Stillwater, you know you are in a destination. The town has a vacation-like atmosphere almost year-round. It is packed with antique shops, boutiques, and some of the best dining in the metro, all set against the backdrop of the Lift Bridge and the St. Croix River. However, that charm comes with crowds. living here means sharing your downtown with thousands of visitors on nice weekends and navigating steep hills that can be tricky in winter.

White Bear Lake offers a different energy. It has a legitimate, walkable downtown with great restaurants and shops, but it feels built for the locals rather than the tourists. The vibe here is "suburban lake culture" in the best way. It’s flatter, easier to navigate, and feels a bit more grounded.

Summer events define the calendar in both towns.

If you love the energy of motorcycles, bachelorette parties, and bustling patios, Stillwater is hard to beat. If you prefer a town that quiets down a bit on Sunday evenings, White Bear Lake might be more your speed.

Let’s talk numbers, because this is often where the decision is made. Historically, Stillwater commands a premium. It is one of the most desirable addresses in the state, and the housing prices reflect that high demand and the unique, historic nature of the inventory.

As we look at the market in early 2026, you can generally expect a median home price in Stillwater to land between $430,000 and $450,000. You are paying for the zip code, the school district, and the river views. The competition here is stiff; desirable homes often go under contract in under three weeks.

White Bear Lake sits in a more approachable price bracket. It is often a sweet spot for first-time buyers or those looking for more value per square foot. The median home price here hovers around $330,000 to $350,000. The housing stock is different, too. While Stillwater is famous for Victorians and new luxury builds, White Bear Lake is known for sturdy, rambler-style homes from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

For renters, the story is similar. Stillwater offers luxury downtown lofts and newer apartment complexes on the outskirts that come with a higher price tag. White Bear Lake tends to have more traditional garden-style apartments and duplexes that are easier on the monthly budget. If you are comparing the overall cost of living in Minnesota, White Bear Lake stands out as a high-value option.

If you work in St. Paul or Minneapolis, geography is going to play a major role in your happiness. White Bear Lake has a clear advantage here. It is significantly closer to the urban core.

From White Bear Lake, you can usually get to downtown St. Paul in about 15 to 20 minutes (roughly 12–15 miles) and Minneapolis in about 25 minutes. It also has better access to Metro Transit bus lines if you prefer to let someone else do the driving.

Stillwater is a "destination" town, which means it is further out. It relies heavily on Highway 36 as its main artery. While the drive is scenic, that highway can get backed up during rush hour. You are looking at a 25 to 30-minute drive to St. Paul and a 35 to 45-minute haul to Minneapolis on a typical morning.

Walkability is another factor to consider. Downtown Stillwater is incredibly walkable once you are there, but the residential neighborhoods often sit atop steep bluffs, making a walk to town a workout. Downtown White Bear Lake is flat and compact, making it very easy to bike or walk from the surrounding neighborhoods to grab a coffee or dinner.

For households with children or those thinking about resale value, the school district is always a top priority. Both cities are served by districts with strong reputations, but there are differences in how they rank and feel.

Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834) is frequently a major draw for homebuyers. The district often ranks in the top 5-10% of state metrics. Stillwater Area High School is particularly well-regarded, often landing in the top 4% in Minnesota. The district is known for unique offerings like the "Gate 4/5" program for advanced learners and extensive extracurriculars.

White Bear Lake Area Schools (ISD 624) has a solid reputation and strong community support. The district has been investing heavily in its facilities over the last few years, modernizing buildings to meet current educational needs. While it sometimes ranks slightly lower in raw test score metrics compared to Stillwater, it offers a comprehensive education with robust AP programs and sports. Both districts are excellent places to learn, but Stillwater generally carries a slightly higher prestige in the real estate market.

You can’t go wrong with either town if you love the outdoors, but your playground will look different. It really comes down to whether you are a river person or a lake person.

In Stillwater, life revolves around the St. Croix River. This is big water—ideal for large cabin cruisers, pontoon rides, and watching the historic Lift Bridge raise and lower. The river valley is dramatic, offering incredible hiking and overlooks at places like Pioneer Park.

In White Bear Lake, the focus is, naturally, the lake itself. It is one of the largest lakes in the metro area and is famous for sailing, fishing, and sandy beaches. It feels more intimate and accessible for daily recreation than the massive St. Croix. You also have the Tamarack Nature Center nearby, which is a massive preserve perfect for hiking and getting lost in nature.

The best part is that you don't really have to choose. The Brown’s Creek State Trail connects Stillwater directly to the Gateway State Trail, which runs right through White Bear Lake. You can literally ride your bike from the river in Stillwater to the lakes in White Bear Lake on a paved, scenic trail.

Winter is embraced in both towns. Stillwater is picturesque in the snow, looking like a holiday card. White Bear Lake gets active on the ice. When conditions allow, the lake becomes a village of ice houses, skaters, and sometimes the famous "Art Shanty Projects," turning the frozen water into a community space.

When looking at moving to the Twin Cities suburbs, safety is rarely a major worry in this area. Both Stillwater and White Bear Lake are considered safe communities with crime rates below the national average.

Stillwater specifically boasts very low violent crime rates—statistics often show it around 77% lower than the national average. It is a quiet town, despite the tourists. The main issue residents might encounter is property crime or retail theft, which is typical for any area with a high volume of visitors and shops.

White Bear Lake is also a very safe place to live, with crime rates generally tracking about 22% lower than the national average. Because it has some higher-density housing areas and is closer to the city, the stats can look slightly different than Stillwater’s, but it remains a secure, stable environment. In both towns, the "crime" is usually minor and rarely impacts the day-to-day sense of safety residents feel.

Here is a quick way to weigh your options:

Stillwater

White Bear Lake

Choosing between these two really comes down to what you value most in your daily life.

If you are looking for historic character, want your children in one of the highest-ranked school districts in the state, and don't mind a longer drive to work in exchange for river valley views, Stillwater is the choice. It is a premium market for a reason.

However, if you want a shorter commute, better value for your money, and a community that feels grounded in lake activities rather than tourism, White Bear Lake is likely the better fit. You get the water, the trails, and the charm without the markup or the traffic.

Stillwater is generally more expensive. You can expect median home prices there to be roughly $100,000 higher than in White Bear Lake due to the historic housing stock and high demand for the river lifestyle.

They are actually very close neighbors, located only about 15 minutes apart by car. Many residents live in one town but dine, shop, or work in the other, so you can easily enjoy the amenities of both.

Both districts are strong, but Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834) typically ranks higher in state metrics and test scores. However, White Bear Lake (ISD 624) has a solid reputation and has recently invested significantly in upgrading its school facilities.