White Bear Lake is a historic lakeside community in Ramsey County, Minnesota, zip code 55110, with a population of approximately 24,400 residents. Located 15 miles northeast of Saint Paul via I-35E, it surrounds a 2,400-acre recreational lake and features a walkable downtown district, top-rated ISD 624 schools, and diverse real estate options from riparian lakeshore estates to deeded-access cottages.
Access Type | Dock Rights & Features | Typical Price Range | Key Buyer Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
Lakeshore (Riparian) | Private dock on direct owned shoreline | $1,100,000 to $2,500,000+ | Private dock permits require MN DNR review; riparian rights transfer with deed |
Deeded Access | Shared dock or beach association easement | $550,000 to $850,000 | Confirm association rules and slip waitlist availability prior to offer submission |
Lake View / Public Access | No private dock; access via Ramsey Beach or launches | $350,000 to $550,000 | Most accessible entry point; convenient public access at Matoska Park & Ramsey Beach |
Exploring real estate in White Bear Lake? Partner with The Muske Team at eXp Realty to verify water rights and local market values.
White Bear Lake is a legendary lake community in Ramsey County, positioned 15 miles northeast of Saint Paul. Covering roughly 2,400 acres with a maximum depth of 80 feet, the lake is one of the East Metro's largest and most sought-after water bodies.
Originally established as a premier resort town in the late 19th century, White Bear Lake seamlessly combines historic architectural charm with modern suburban amenities, excellent public schools in ISD 624, and year-round outdoor recreation.
Category | Detail & Specification |
|---|---|
County Jurisdiction | Ramsey County (city portion) & Washington County (township portion) |
Zip Code | 55110 |
Population | Approx. 24,400 (U.S. Census estimate) |
To Saint Paul | 15 miles via I-35E (15 to 20 mins) |
To Minneapolis | 20 to 25 miles via I-694 (20 to 30 mins) |
Lake Surface Area | Approx. 2,400 acres; max depth 80 feet |
School District | White Bear Lake Area Schools (ISD 624) |
Safety & Crime | Consistently ranks below Minnesota state average for violent crime |
Understanding water rights is essential when evaluating White Bear Lake real estate. Properties fall into three categories: riparian lakeshore (private dock on owned shoreline), deeded access (shared private beach or dock association), and non-lakefront homes utilizing public launches like Matoska Park or Ramsey County Beach.
The walkable downtown area along Third and Fourth Streets features historic brick storefronts, independent boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and popular gathering spots like Acqua Restaurant, Rudy's Redeye Grill, and Brickhouse Food & Drink.
Situated with immediate access to I-35E and Highway 61, White Bear Lake offers an easy 15 to 20 minute commute to Downtown Saint Paul and quick highway connections to Minneapolis and MSP Airport.
Served by White Bear Lake Area Schools (ISD 624), local students benefit from comprehensive academic, athletic, and vocational programs across 15 facilities, alongside private options like Frassati Catholic School and Liberty Classical Academy.
Explore our detailed extraction table at the top of this guide to review valuation benchmarks and dock rights across riparian lakeshore, deeded access, and off-lake residential neighborhoods.
Comparing White Bear Lake to surrounding east metro communities highlights its distinct character:
Located directly across the lake, Mahtomedi offers an exclusive, quiet residential feel centered around the top-ranked Mahtomedi School District.
A historic river town along the St. Croix River with Victorian architecture and high tourist traffic, compared to White Bear's residential lake culture.
A modern suburb in the Mounds View School District featuring extensive trail systems and the Shoreview Community Center.
A northern lake community along I-35 offering a 2,200-acre chain of lakes and larger lot sizes at more accessible entry-level price points.
A charming Swedish heritage community in Chisago County offering a slower, rural chain-of-lakes lifestyle.
White Bear Lake offers celebrated dining options including Acqua (lakeside Italian dining), Rudy's Redeye Grill (rooftop deck and walleye specialties), Brickhouse Food & Drink, and seasonal events like Marketfest and Manitou Days.
Whether searching for a riparian lakeshore estate or a home with deeded beach access, partner with The Muske Team at eXp Realty for unmatched market knowledge.
The city of White Bear Lake sits primarily in Ramsey County, while White Bear Township extends into Washington County. Most city addresses (55110) fall under Ramsey County jurisdiction.
The primary zip code for White Bear Lake, MN is 55110, covering both the city and surrounding township areas.
Downtown Saint Paul is 15 miles via I-35E (15 to 20 mins), while Downtown Minneapolis is 20 to 25 miles via I-694 (20 to 30 mins).
White Bear Lake is a public body of water with public access points at Ramsey County Beach and Matoska Park boat launch, alongside private homeowner dock rights.
Riparian homes sit directly on the shoreline with private dock rights. Deeded-access homes include legal easements to shared community beaches or dock associations.
Yes. White Bear Lake offers a 2,400-acre recreational lake 15 miles from Saint Paul, top public schools in ISD 624, and a vibrant historic downtown district.
The Muske Team specializes in White Bear Lake and Twin Cities East Metro real estate. Guided by licensed Minnesota real estate professionals, the team provides expert advisory on riparian water rights, deeded access associations, and ISD 624 home values.
Office: Forest Lake, MN. Learn more on The Muske Team Page.
Source Notes: Lake surface metrics verified via MN DNR Lake ID 62004200. Population statistics verified via U.S. Census Bureau estimates as of 2026.
24,026 people live in White Bear Lake, where the median age is 42.1 and the average individual income is $44,403. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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White Bear Lake has 10,438 households, with an average household size of 2.26. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in White Bear Lake do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 24,026 people call White Bear Lake home. The population density is 2,986.55 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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