Richmond, MN vs Cold Spring, MN (St. Cloud, Waite Park: low crime, homes, cinema)

[CityBoy]

I will be relocating with my family from the Washington, DC area to the St. Cloud are very soon. We've looked at several postings on this site that talks about latino gangs and other crime in St. Cloud. I find that so very hard to believe - we have family in the area and although they do talk about an influx of latino immigrants into the area (particulaly Melrose) that does not mean gang affiliation. Does anyone have statistical information to validate that comment.

Regardless, we've seen some property in small towns away from St. Cloud. One town is Cold Spring (incredible bakery) and the other is Richmond. Cost of homes in Cold Spring appear a bit higher than Richmond.

Any thoughts or recommendations about these towns. How are the schools? I imagine crime is pretty low.

Whattayathink?

[snowlandcook]

Originally Posted by CityBoy

I will be relocating with my family from the Washington, DC area to the St. Cloud are very soon. We've looked at several postings on this site that talks about latino gangs and other crime in St. Cloud. I find that so very hard to believe - we have family in the area and although they do talk about an influx of latino immigrants into the area (particulaly Melrose) that does not mean gang affiliation. Does anyone have statistical information to validate that comment.

Regardless, we've seen some property in small towns away from St. Cloud. One town is Cold Spring (incredible bakery) and the other is Richmond. Cost of homes in Cold Spring appear a bit higher than Richmond.

Any thoughts or recommendations about these towns. How are the schools? I imagine crime is pretty low.

Whattayathink?

From middle school through high school, ROckville, COld Spring, and RIchmond have a combined school: ROCORI Middle School and ROCORI High School (2 separate buildings). Crime is practically non-existent in both of the towns you mentioned.

Cold Spring is growing faster than Richmond simply b/c it is closer to St Cloud. Besides the bakery (which can't be beat), there is a hardware store, a DQ, several gas stations, a cinema, a bridal shop, and other stores. There is far less in Richmond.

As for crime in St Cloud, I would say that what you've heard is an exaggeration. I've lived in St Cloud for 20+ years, raised my kids here, and have had zero experience with crime, drugs, gangs. (I was born and raised in Detroit, MI.) You're coming from DC? Apply the same principles you use in DC to St Cloud (or any area) and I doubt you'll encounter any problems.

[snowlandcook]

Oh, and I forgot to mention--Rocori High School experienced a school shooting 3 years ago. Two students were killed. That hasn't happened in any of the schools in St Cloud.

I'm not suggesting that Rocori is more dangerous than other schools. It's not. But crime can happen anywhere--even in small towns with statistically low crime rates.

[PortieOwner]

I have been living in the DC area for 20 years but I am very familiar with that part of Sterns County since I went to school there and have relatives there. The only disadvantages of Richmond are that your kids can't walk to the high school and the town is 5 miles farther from St. Cloud. Richmond is almost right on some nice lakes, has a golf course, and at one time had a nice butcher shop and corner bar/restaurant. The town had a gigantic old Catholic Church.

I'd consider living a lot closer to St. Cloud. If you want to be in a smaller town look at St. Joe. I stayed in Waite Park a few months ago and saw no evidence of gangs or other undesirables.

Portie