Compare cities · September 2026
Gem Lake vs. Hilltop
Gem Lake's homes are newer, with a median year built of 1976 against 1971. Hilltop is closer to downtown Minneapolis: about 17 minutes by car, against 30. The two are about 10 miles apart.
Housing market, 12 months through September 2026
| Measure | Gem Lake | Hilltop |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $610,000 | — |
| Change from a year earlier | +3.8% | — |
| Homes sold | 4 | 0 |
| Days on market | 76 | — |
| Share of original list price | 92.8% | — |
| Price per square foot | $178 | — |
| New listings | 8 | 4 |
| Homes for sale (September 2026) | 1 | 1 |
| Months of supply (September 2026) | 0.7 | 1.0 |
Source: Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Local Market Update (NorthstarMLS data).
The homes
| Measure | Gem Lake | Hilltop |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner estimate) | $568,900 | $23,900 |
| Median year built | 1976 | 1971 |
| Single-family homesShare of all housing units, detached houses | 97% | 10% |
| Owner-occupied homes | 87% | 58% |
| Median rent | $1,800 | $1,127 |
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024.
The place
| Measure | Gem Lake | Hilltop |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2024) | 515 | 956 |
| Land area | 1 sq mi | 0.1 sq mi |
| Drive to Downtown Minneapolis | 30 min | 17 min |
| Drive to Downtown Saint Paul | 21 min | 23 min |
| Drive to MSP Airport | 33 min | 31 min |
| Drive to Mall of America | 37 min | 32 min |
| Drive to University of Minnesota | 27 min | 17 min |
| Average commute to work | 19.4 min | 25.9 min |
| Lakes of 10+ acresMinnesota DNR lake outlines touching the city | 1 | 0 |
Source: US Census Bureau 2024 estimates and TIGER/Line; drive times from OpenStreetMap routing (light traffic).
Hilltop
School districts: Columbia Heights Public School District
How we compare places: by their homes, housing market and location only, from public sources, never by who lives there. Medians describe the middle home; both places have homes well above and below them.
Quick answers
Gem Lake or Hilltop?
Which is closer to downtown Minneapolis?
Hilltop, about 17 minutes by car in light traffic (30 from Gem Lake). To downtown Saint Paul: 21 minutes from Gem Lake, 23 from Hilltop.
How far apart are Gem Lake and Hilltop?
About 10 miles in a straight line between their centers.
Which has more lakes, Gem Lake or Hilltop?
Gem Lake has more: 1 lakes of 10+ acres touch Gem Lake (largest: Gem Lake) and 0 touch Hilltop, by Minnesota DNR lake outlines.
Which school districts serve Gem Lake and Hilltop?
Gem Lake: White Bear Lake School District. Hilltop: Columbia Heights Public School District. School district lines don't follow city lines, so check the district for a specific address before you buy.
Should I buy in Gem Lake or Hilltop?
It depends on your budget, the kind of home you want and where you need to get to each day. This page compares the homes, prices and locations; a Huerkamp Home Group agent can show you homes in both and walk you through what's selling now.
Keep comparing
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Deciding between them?
See homes in Gem Lake and Hilltop.
A Huerkamp Home Group agent can show you homes in both, tell you what's selling and for how much right now, and help you decide. There's no cost to buyers.