Compare cities · September 2026
Gem Lake vs. Oak Park Heights
Homes in Gem Lake sold for a median $610,000 over the 12 months through September 2026, 42% more than in Oak Park Heights ($429,950). Homes sold faster in Oak Park Heights: 48 days on market on average, against 76 in Gem Lake. Oak Park Heights's homes are newer, with a median year built of 1988 against 1976. Gem Lake is closer to downtown Minneapolis: about 30 minutes by car, against 37. The two are about 11 miles apart.
Housing market, 12 months through September 2026
| Measure | Gem Lake | Oak Park Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $610,000 | $429,950 |
| Change from a year earlier | +3.8% | +16.2% |
| Homes sold | 4 | 36 |
| Days on market | 76 | 48 |
| Share of original list price | 92.8% | 96.5% |
| Price per square foot | $178 | $230 |
| New listings | 8 | 58 |
| Homes for sale (September 2026) | 1 | 12 |
| Months of supply (September 2026) | 0.7 | 3.7 |
Source: Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Local Market Update (NorthstarMLS data).
The homes
| Measure | Gem Lake | Oak Park Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner estimate) | $568,900 | $354,800 |
| Median year built | 1976 | 1988 |
| Single-family homesShare of all housing units, detached houses | 97% | 44% |
| Owner-occupied homes | 87% | 46% |
| Median rent | $1,800 | $1,443 |
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024.
The place
| Measure | Gem Lake | Oak Park Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2024) | 515 | 4,674 |
| Land area | 1 sq mi | 2.9 sq mi |
| Drive to Downtown Minneapolis | 30 min | 37 min |
| Drive to Downtown Saint Paul | 21 min | 29 min |
| Drive to MSP Airport | 33 min | 40 min |
| Drive to Mall of America | 37 min | 44 min |
| Drive to University of Minnesota | 27 min | 35 min |
| Average commute to work | 19.4 min | 23.8 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).
Oak Park Heights
School districts: Stillwater Area 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 Oak Park Heights?
Is Gem Lake or Oak Park Heights more expensive?
Gem Lake. The median sale price was $610,000 there and $429,950 in Oak Park Heights over the 12 months through September 2026, according to the Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Local Market Update. The median is the middle sale, so both have homes well above and below it.
Where do homes sell faster, Gem Lake or Oak Park Heights?
Oak Park Heights: 48 days on market on average against 76, over the 12 months through September 2026.
Which is closer to downtown Minneapolis?
Gem Lake, about 30 minutes by car in light traffic (37 from Oak Park Heights). To downtown Saint Paul: 21 minutes from Gem Lake, 29 from Oak Park Heights.
How far apart are Gem Lake and Oak Park Heights?
About 11 miles in a straight line between their centers.
Which has more lakes, Gem Lake or Oak Park Heights?
Gem Lake has more: 1 lakes of 10+ acres touch Gem Lake (largest: Gem Lake) and 0 touch Oak Park Heights, by Minnesota DNR lake outlines.
Which school districts serve Gem Lake and Oak Park Heights?
Gem Lake: White Bear Lake School District. Oak Park Heights: Stillwater Area 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 Oak Park Heights?
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 Oak Park Heights.
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.