Best neighborhoods in Mounds View

Maya Mar 26, 2025

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a chef, 37, moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.

30 upvotes

Jose Harris Mar 15, 2025

Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.

Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure

Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options

Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.

Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..

28 upvotes

Jaxon Ross Mar 27, 2025

Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value school system, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Uptown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.

My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.

9 upvotes