Mahtomedi is a city in Washington County, Minnesota, zip code 55115, with a population of approximately 8,200 residents. It sits on the east shore of White Bear Lake, 15 miles northeast of Saint Paul. Yes, Mahtomedi is a safe, highly desirable community: Washington County ranks among Minnesota's lowest for violent crime, and Mahtomedi Public Schools (ISD 832) is one of the highest-rated small school districts in the state with a GreatSchools average of 8 to 9 out of 10.
Welcome to Mahtomedi
Mahtomedi is a small city on the east shore of White Bear Lake in Washington County, with a population of approximately 8,200 residents. The city's history dates to 1883, when the area was first developed as a summer cottage community for Saint Paul families. That original character — private, lake-focused, and residential — has persisted through more than a century of growth and defines the community today.
The housing stock ranges from original lakefront estates with expansive footprints and direct White Bear Lake access to newer construction on traditional tree-lined streets set back from the water. The school district (ISD 832) is the primary draw for families, and the combination of top-ranked schools and White Bear Lake access at a smaller scale than the city of White Bear Lake proper is what keeps Mahtomedi on the short list for discerning buyers.
Mahtomedi Fast Facts
| Category |
Detail |
| County |
Washington County |
| Zip Code |
55115 |
| Population |
Approx. 8,200 (U.S. Census estimate) |
| To Saint Paul |
15 miles via I-694 (15 to 25 min) |
| Lake Access |
White Bear Lake (east shore); public beach at Mahtomedi Beach, Park Ave |
| School District |
Mahtomedi Public Schools (ISD 832) |
| School Rating |
Among highest-rated small districts in MN; GreatSchools avg. 8 to 9 out of 10 |
| Crime Rating |
Washington County ranks among MN's lowest for violent crime |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 estimates; Minnesota Department of Education ISD 832 data; Minnesota Department of Public Safety; Google Maps.
What to Love
🏡Private, small-town feel under 10,000 residents
⛵White Bear Lake access on the quieter east shore
🎓ISD 832, one of MN's highest-rated small districts
Local Lifestyle
Mahtomedi's lifestyle is defined by its scale and its lake. With fewer than 10,000 residents, the community operates at a pace that larger lake suburbs cannot replicate. Summer activity centers on White Bear Lake: boating, beach days at Mahtomedi Beach on Park Avenue, fishing, water skiing, and kayaking. Winter brings ice fishing and snowshoeing on the frozen lake and surrounding trails.
For dining and entertainment beyond Mahtomedi's own footprint, the city of White Bear Lake is minutes away and offers the full range of restaurants, boutiques, and community events including Manitou Days and the weekly Marketfest. Saint Paul is 15 miles southwest via I-694 for major employment, cultural venues, and airport access.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Mahtomedi's own restaurant footprint is intentionally limited, which is part of the community's appeal. The options below include both in-Mahtomedi venues and nearby options that residents use regularly.
Neighboring Mahtomedi, MN
Upscale steakhouse known for the original black and bleu sirloin. Steaks, seafood, and pasta with a traditional atmosphere. Summer patio dining available.
Price: $$$ | Best for: Special occasions, date night
Mahtomedi, MN (in-town)
The primary in-town dining option. Handcrafted food and drinks with a casual atmosphere. Menu includes Brussels sprouts, cheese curds, shrimp and grits, fish and chips, and wild rice risotto. Daily and happy hour specials.
Price: $$ | Best for: Weeknight dinner, happy hour
Nearby White Bear Lake area
Long-established Italian restaurant known for pasta, pizza, and burgers. Consistent food quality and award-recognized service.
Price: $$ | Best for: Family dinner, Italian
White Bear Lake, MN
Upscale Japanese restaurant in White Bear Lake serving fresh small plates, entrees, and sushi rolls using high-quality ingredients.
Price: $$$ | Best for: Sushi, upscale dining
Things to Do
The city's primary public lake access point on Park Avenue. Sandy beach on the east shore of White Bear Lake, open during summer months. Swimming, sunbathing, and lake views. Free public access.
Address: Park Ave, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 | Season: Summer | Cost: Free
Award-winning winery with more than 100 competition wins at the national and international level. Tastings in a century-old barn tasting room with outdoor picnic tables. A popular afternoon destination for Mahtomedi and Washington County residents.
Location: Stillwater area, Washington County | Season: [VERIFY: current hours and seasonal schedule] | Cost: Tasting fee applies
White Bear Lake Farmers Market
Located on the White Bear Lake side of the lake, open every Friday from June through October. Fresh local produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods. A community staple for Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake residents alike.
Schedule: Fridays, June through October | Cost: Free to browse
White Bear Lake Recreation
Living in Mahtomedi means direct access to the full White Bear Lake recreational calendar: boating, fishing, water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in summer; ice fishing and snowshoeing in winter. Mahtomedi's east shore position offers a quieter experience than the White Bear Lake city side while sharing access to the same 2,400-acre lake.
Season: Year-round | Cost: Free (public access)
Schools
Mahtomedi Public Schools (ISD 832) is one of the primary reasons families choose the city over its neighbors. The district is small by metro standards — serving approximately 2,800 students — which translates to smaller class sizes, more teacher access, and a tight-knit community feel that larger suburban districts cannot match.[1]
Public schools in the district include:
Private option in the area:
[1] Minnesota Department of Education, ISD 832 district profile and enrollment data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Mahtomedi, MN in?
Mahtomedi is located in Washington County, Minnesota. Washington County is one of the Twin Cities metro's most desirable suburban counties, known for low crime rates, strong school districts, and communities along the St. Croix River and White Bear Lake. The county seat is Stillwater, approximately 10 miles east of Mahtomedi.
Is Mahtomedi, MN a good place to live?
Yes, Mahtomedi is consistently regarded as one of the best small communities in the Twin Cities metro. The combination of a top-ranked small school district (ISD 832), direct White Bear Lake access, low crime rates, and a genuinely private small-town feel makes it attractive to families who have done serious research across the metro. The tradeoff is price: Mahtomedi carries a premium over neighboring White Bear Lake, and inventory is limited due to the city's small geographic footprint.
What is the difference between Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake?
Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake share the same lake but serve different buyer profiles. White Bear Lake (city) has a larger population, a walkable historic downtown, more dining and retail options, and ISD 624. Mahtomedi has fewer than 10,000 residents, a more private and residential character, no commercial downtown district, and ISD 832, which is smaller and consistently rated higher than ISD 624. Buyers who prioritize school quality and quiet over amenity density typically choose Mahtomedi; buyers who want a walkable downtown with more services typically choose White Bear Lake.
About the Muske Team
The Muske Team works with buyers across Washington County and the White Bear Lake area, including Mahtomedi, where limited inventory and premium pricing mean that local market knowledge makes a measurable difference in outcome. The team understands the ISD 832 school zone boundaries, the distinction between Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake addresses for tax and district purposes, and the specific characteristics of the east-shore lakefront market. License: [INSERT: MN license number].
Ready to learn more about Mahtomedi? Contact the team for a straightforward conversation about current inventory and pricing.
