White Bear Lake Apartments and Rentals

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, White Bear Lake's population was 23,797 in 2010. Those searching for White Bear Lake apartments for rent will forget they are in the Twin Cities suburbs when they step foot in this historic and charming Minnesota city. Originally inhabited by the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes, White Bear Lake was once both a haven for wildlife and hunting grounds for native peoples. White Bear Lake was incorporated as a township in 1858 when Minnesota became a state. As the Twin Cities area grew throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, sprawl overtook much of the metro area, but the town has managed to hang on to its small-town feel and natural beauty for the past 150 years.

Though it is known for its revitalized and historic downtown area, White Bear Lake has many of the amenities of suburban life. Development throughout the 1970s and 1980s led to widespread suburban growth, and White Bear Lake was no exception. Amenities, proximity to the Twin Cities and an old-fashioned, small-town vibe give White Bear Lake a distinctive character and widespread appeal.

White Bear Lake's 23,797 residents enjoy fishing, exploring, boating and enjoying the outdoors, either on beautiful White Bear Lake itself or in one of the city's many parks. Trails and nature reserves are also available for public enjoyment, and the city's clean beaches offer great summer swimming opportunities. 

White Bear Lake's five historic wards remind the city of its past, while the revitalized Main Street area gives residents direct access to their history. Historic pub crawls, girls' nights out and other community events are commonplace in the downtown area, and visitors can browse specialty shops and enjoy local cuisine.

However, White Bear Lake is a suburban community, and it wouldn't be fitting to discuss life in White Bear Lake without mentioning the Twin Cities. Access to Minneapolis and St. Paul make White Bear Lake a convenient choice, and those looking for White Bear Lake rentals will be happy to note that this charming town is only 11 miles from St. Paul and 18 miles from Minneapolis.

Although White Bear Lake is not home to any major colleges or universities, numerous places of learning are located within 15 miles of White Bear Lake in the city of St. Paul. Bethel University, Northwestern College, Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul College, Hamline University, Concordia University - St. Paul and University of St. Thomas are all located less than 15 miles from White Bear Lake.

According to White Bear Lake's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city's top employment industries are education, retail trade, health care, accommodation, food services and manufacturing. Many residents commute to other areas of the Twin Cities for work: White Bear Lake loses about 6.7 percent of its population during workdays due to commuting. About 19 percent of residents live and work in White Bear Lake.

Incoming residents will want to be aware that the cost of living in White Bear Lake is 14.5 percent higher than the national average, according to city-data.com. Residents will also want to factor commuting costs into their monthly budgets.

According to U.S. Census data, about 30 percent of households in White Bear Lake were renter-occupied in 2010. This healthy rental market should be good news to those searching for White Bear Lake apartments. The median gross rent in White Bear Lake was just $922 per month in 2010.

White Bear Lake's downtown area hosts numerous community events throughout the year. Residents and visitors alike flock to the city's farmers market, which has been thriving since the 1970s.

The city's Manitou Days celebration has been a White Bear Lake tradition for more than 40 years. The themed summer celebration includes fireworks, parades, music, games and other community activities.

Marketfest is another White Bear Lake tradition. This free family-friendly festival features live music and entertainment, art stands, food, games and a classic car show. Marketfest is part of the Manitou Days celebration.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a White Bear Lake apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.