By David Reed, The Dave Reed Real Estate Team at REMAX Results · Updated May 2026
If you’re shopping for a home along the St. Croix River, odds are good that two towns keep landing on your list: Stillwater and Bayport. They sit just five minutes apart on Highway 95, share the same river, the same school district, and a lot of the same small-town charm. So which one is right for you?
After decades of helping buyers and sellers across the St. Croix Valley, we’ve walked countless clients through exactly this decision. Here’s our honest, side-by-side breakdown — no brochure spin — to help you figure out where you belong.
The Quick Answer
If you want walkable downtown energy, riverfront tourism, boutique shopping, and a nationally-known main street — and you’re comfortable paying a premium for it — Stillwater is likely your fit. If you want the same river, the same schools, and genuine small-town quiet at a noticeably lower price point, Bayport is one of the smartest values in the entire east metro.
Now let’s get into the details.
Home Prices — Bayport Wins on Value
This is usually the deciding factor, so let’s start here.
As of 2026, Bayport’s median sale price typically lands in the $350,000–$425,000 range. Stillwater’s median generally runs higher — often meaningfully so for homes near the historic downtown core, where charm, walkability, and tourist-driven demand push prices up.
The kicker: you’re not trading down on lifestyle to save money in Bayport. You get the same St. Croix River, the same ISD 834 schools, the same five-minute drive to downtown Stillwater. For value-focused buyers, that gap is hard to ignore.
(Note: market figures shift month to month. For current numbers on either town, grab a free market report → or check what your home is worth →.)
Bottom line: Bayport offers a Stillwater-area lifestyle at a Bayport price.
Schools — A Tie (And a Good One)
Here’s the great news for families: both Bayport and Stillwater are served by Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834) — consistently one of the highest-rated districts in Minnesota.
That means choosing Bayport over Stillwater doesn’t cost you anything on the school front. You’re feeding into the same respected district either way. For buyers who assumed the lower-priced town meant a trade-off in schools, this is often the detail that tips the decision.
Bottom line: Identical school district. No compromise.
Lifestyle & Character — Two Very Different Vibes
This is where the two towns genuinely diverge.
Stillwater — Historic, Bustling, Tourist-Loved
Stillwater is the “Birthplace of Minnesota,” and its downtown is a destination. The historic lift bridge, Lowell Park, antique shops, riverboat cruises, breweries, and a packed calendar of festivals draw visitors from across the region all summer. If you love energy, walkability, and being in the middle of it all, Stillwater delivers — though peak-season crowds and traffic are part of the deal.
Bayport — Quiet, Historic, Under-the-Radar
Bayport offers a slower, quieter version of the same river life. Home to roughly 3,500 residents, the historic Andersen Windows headquarters, the Bayport Marina, and beautifully preserved late-1800s housing, it has all the character of Stillwater with a fraction of the foot traffic. You’re still five minutes from everything Stillwater offers — you just get to come home to peace and quiet.
Bottom line: Stillwater for energy and nightlife; Bayport for calm and character.
The River — Both Win, Differently
Both towns sit directly on the St. Croix, one of the country’s most beautiful National Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Stillwater’s riverfront is the social hub — boat slips, riverboats, restaurants with patios, and the iconic lift bridge connecting to Wisconsin. Bayport’s riverfront centers on the Bayport Marina and Lakeside Park, offering boating and river access without the crowds. Both towns put summers on the water and quiet winters of ice fishing well within reach.
Bottom line: Same river, different pace.
Commute & Location
The two are functionally identical here — they’re neighbors. Both offer roughly a 25–35 minute drive to downtown St. Paul, easy access to Woodbury and Lake Elmo, and a quick hop across the river into Hudson, Wisconsin. If commute is your deciding factor, it’s a wash.
Bottom line: Effectively the same commute.
Housing Stock — Character in Both
Both towns are rich in historic homes. Stillwater has grander, higher-profile historic properties — and prices to match. Bayport has equally charming late-1800s and early-1900s homes, often at more accessible price points, plus a solid stock of mid-century ramblers and updated family homes in its established neighborhoods.
One word of caution that applies to both: historic homes carry historic considerations. Older systems, original features worth preserving, and inspection items a general St. Paul real estate agent might overlook all make working with an agent who knows these homes essential.
Bottom line: Character in both; better entry prices in Bayport.
So… Which Should You Choose?
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Walkable downtown energy & nightlife | Stillwater |
| The best value for the lifestyle | Bayport |
| Top-rated schools | Either (same district) |
| Quiet, low-crowd river living | Bayport |
| Tourist-town buzz & festivals | Stillwater |
| A grand, high-profile historic home | Stillwater |
| Historic charm at a friendlier price | Bayport |
Honestly? Many of our clients start out set on Stillwater and end up falling for Bayport once they see what their budget actually buys there. Others wouldn’t trade Stillwater’s downtown for anything. There’s no wrong answer — only the one that fits your life.
Let’s Find Your St. Croix Valley Home
Whether you lean Stillwater, Bayport, or you’re still weighing the two, we’d love to help. As longtime St. Croix Valley or Woodbury, MN real estate agents based right in Stillwater, we know both markets block by block — and we’ll give you the honest version, not the sales pitch.
Explore our local pages to dig deeper:
Or skip ahead and make an appointment → — call (651) 230-0251. No pressure, no commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bayport or Stillwater more affordable?
A: Bayport is generally more affordable, with a 2026 median sale price typically in the $350,000–$425,000 range, while Stillwater tends to run higher — especially near the historic downtown. Both share the St. Croix lifestyle and ISD 834 schools.
Q: Do Bayport and Stillwater share the same school district?
A: Yes — both are served by Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834), one of Minnesota’s top-rated districts.
Q: Which has better river access?
A: Both sit on the St. Croix. Stillwater offers a livelier, tourist-oriented riverfront; Bayport offers a quieter experience centered on Bayport Marina and Lakeside Park.
Q: Is Bayport a good place to buy a historic home?
A: Yes — Bayport has excellent, well-preserved historic housing stock, often at more accessible prices than Stillwater. Just be sure to work with an agent experienced in older homes.
David Reed leads The Dave Reed Real Estate Team at REMAX Results, serving Stillwater, Bayport, Woodbury, St. Paul, Lake Elmo, White Bear Lake, and the greater St. Croix Valley. Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
