Crystal and Robbinsdale (Minneapolis, Plymouth, Eagan: apartment, renting, houses)

[cu79]

In general, what are the Crystal and Robbinsdale areas like? My intentions are not to rile up debate on N. Minneapolis, but are these areas considered part of N. Minneapolis? What school district(s) do these areas fall under?

There is a nice (older, remodelled) house that is just north of Crystal and New Hope -- west of the Crystal Airport between 56th Ave N and 63rd Ave N. For the house, it seems very affordable in comparison to homes in other areas I've researched (Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Plymouth, Maple Grove) ... which automatically makes me wonder if it's a safe area.

[Minnehahapolitan]

The area is safe and is certainly not North Mpls., Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale (New Crystaldale) simply isn't as prestigious as the older western suburbs and Plymouth and Maple Grove are fourty years newer. New Crystaldale offers older homes on small city lots which are nicely maintained (alot of original owners). It is close to the city and offers a good value. The schools do not have as good of reputation has Hopkins or Minnetonka, but are still good. A nice area overall. If you have found a home you are fond of, by no means should you be afraid of that area.

[awsun1980]

........and moved away 6 years ago & now looking back after all the other places I've lived, Crystal is SMALL--only about 27,000 people. Definitely nothing to be afraid of. I don't know much about the school districts--I graduated from Cooper High School in 1998--almost to my high school reunion! My parents have lived in the same house in Crystal since I was a baby, over 27 years ago. If you found a home you like & you enjoy a very small suburb, then it may be for you.

[warmweather!]

Those cities are not North Minneapolis. The school district they are in would be Robbinsdale. They area is pretty safe. I think that the houses are cheaper there because it is an older area with older houses and isn't as fancy and glamorous as Maple Grove or Plymouth, etc. But it is a pretty nice area-just older.

[arvid1985]

Originally Posted by cu79

In general, what are the Crystal and Robbinsdale areas like? My intentions are not to rile up debate on N. Minneapolis, but are these areas considered part of N. Minneapolis? What school district(s) do these areas fall under?

There is a nice (older, remodelled) house that is just north of Crystal and New Hope -- west of the Crystal Airport between 56th Ave N and 63rd Ave N. For the house, it seems very affordable in comparison to homes in other areas I've researched (Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Plymouth, Maple Grove) ... which automatically makes me wonder if it's a safe area.

I bought my house in crystal 7 years ago. just south of twin lakes. it's a quiet neighbor hood. neighbor are great. I do believe that crystal is generally a saft place to live. but as always any where you live in the metro you need to be careful. as far as the school district. i can't say much for that. Robbinsdale needs some help! both my kid go there and will not be when they get into middle school they won't.

[think.reciprocity]

I have lived in Crystal since May of this year (2007) & feel as though I must be living a nightmare!!! I should start by saying I am generally not a suburban gal - I am a city dweller through & through. That all being said - I live just off of Bass Lake Road / 81 West Broadway / & 55th Avenue. My experience here could be vastly different than yours would be as a homeowner - as I am renting an apartment.

I moved from the Uptown area of Minneapolis & was quite comfortable with & accustomed to walking my dog at any hour of the day or night with nary a care or concern. When I took my dog out for a quick potty just outside my building I would often leave my apartment door unlocked. I lived in a garden level apartment & felt fine leaving my windows open for fresh air.

I do not have the same level of comfort or safety here. Not by a longshot. I realize I am new to this area - but, it is very suboptimal. Again, it could have a lot to do with the fact that I am renting from a relatively large complex - but I feel like I am faced with similar concerns as to those I had when living in some of the "developing" neighborhoods of Minneapolis.

Also, I have found, generally speaking - that folks around here are not too welcoming, friendly, or accepting of new folks or anyone mildly different than themselves. There is a large aging population around me & many many many of them are very set in their ways & not at all open to newcomers.

I have a service dog & do not readily appear disabled (they call it "hidden disabilities") - word travels fast & folks are filled with gossip & disdain. While few say anything directly to me - most feel very open to voicing their distaste for me when I am around - as if I am not standing there.

I do notice that many who live in this area have been here from cradle & will be here to the grave - that says something.

Take what I've said for what it's worth given your situation... It's only my experiences from my perspective.... all the best!

[lukeache]

I dislike the North suburbs immensely including North Minneapolis. I dont know how to explain, but usually the North Side attracts lower income people and there is a lot more trashy ppl and ghetto to the North. I would not live anywhere north of Golden Valley(Plymouth and Maple Grove are exceptions). I have lived in the Eagan/Apple Valley area for years and took a job where I dealt with a lot of people from Robbinsdale, New Hope and Crystal, it was truly a culture shock.