Considering Robbinsdale vs Minneapolis -help me decide
Hey everyone, Born and raised here. With a population of 14,318, Robbinsdale is a small town. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
4 upvotes
8 Replies
Cora Morris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 12 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Vivian Kim
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
26 upvotes
Donald R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Pine Hills and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
17 upvotes
Alexander D.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Abigail Ward
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely improving and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Uptown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
11 upvotes
Caleb Robinson
Saving this thread
7 upvotes
Oliver Baker
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much established but now it's improving.
4 upvotes
Addison N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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