White Bear Lake vs. Hugo: Which One Is Right for You?

I talk to a lot of buyers who are torn between White Bear Lake and Hugo—two incredible places to live, but with very different personalities. One is a charming, established lakeside community with tree-lined streets and historic homes. The other is a fast-growing suburb full of new developments and family-friendly neighborhoods.

I’ve helped buyers find the perfect home in both, and the right choice comes down to your lifestyle, your priorities, and what you want in a home. Here’s how they compare so you can decide which one feels like home to you.

White Bear Lake: Historic Charm & Lakeside Living

If you want mature trees, lake views, and a well-established community, White Bear Lake might be the perfect fit. It’s one of the most sought-after suburbs in the Twin Cities, and for good reason.

White Bear Lake is more developed, meaning you’ll find fewer new builds at an accessible price point. Instead, buyers are drawn to renovated homes, historic properties, and cozy lake cottages that have been updated over time.

Living here means you’re closer to downtown White Bear Lake, which has that classic small-town charm. Whether it’s grabbing coffee at a local café or walking down to the lake for a sunset view, there’s something special about the way this city feels.

And if schools are a factor? White Bear Lake’s brand-new high school is a big draw. The location of the school now sits between South White Bear Lake and Hugo, making it convenient for both communities.

Hugo: Family-Friendly & Full of New Growth

Hugo has been growing at a rapid pace, and if you’re looking for a newer home in a developing community, this is where you’ll find it. While White Bear Lake is focused on renovation and preservation, Hugo is expanding, with new builds and modern developments popping up every year.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with amenities like community pools, rec centers, and HOA-maintained yards, Hugo has more of those options than White Bear Lake. Many new neighborhoods here are designed for busy families and older homeowners who want low-maintenance living.

Hugo’s newer homes tend to be closer together, which creates a strong sense of community. If you drive through one of Hugo’s newer developments on a summer evening, you’ll see kids riding bikes, neighbors chatting on front porches, and families walking their dogs. If you’re looking for a place where everyone knows everyone, this is it.

Commute & Location: How Close Do You Want to Be?

One of White Bear Lake’s biggest advantages is its proximity to downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. If you want a shorter commute to work or easy access to city amenities, White Bear Lake is the better option.

Hugo, on the other hand, offers more space and newer homes but comes with a slightly longer drive. Depending on where you’re headed, Hugo can add 10-15 minutes to your commute compared to White Bear Lake.

That being said, both cities offer an easy drive to work, shopping, and entertainment—it just depends on how close you want to be.

Which One Is Right for You?

Both White Bear Lake and Hugo are amazing places to live, but the right fit depends on what you’re looking for in a home.

If you love mature trees, a historic community, and walkability to shops and restaurants, White Bear Lake might be the perfect match.
If you’re looking for a newer home with modern amenities, family-friendly neighborhoods, and lower-maintenance living, Hugo has what you need.
If commute time is a big factor, White Bear Lake is the closer choice for getting into the Twin Cities quickly.
If you’re looking for a place with new builds, strong community feel, and growing amenities, Hugo is the way to go.

Thinking About Buying in White Bear Lake or Hugo? Let’s Talk!

I’ve helped buyers find their dream home in both White Bear Lake and Hugo, and I’d love to help you figure out which one is right for you. Whether you want a charming lakeside home or a brand-new build in a family-friendly neighborhood, I can help you navigate the market and find the perfect fit.

Learn more about buying or selling here!