The Best Independent Living Communities in Anoka County, MN

"I toured Chapel View Senior Health & Living Senior Living Community. It seemed very nice. The staff was very friendly. I didn't spend a lot of time there, but what I saw, I thought was really good."

"We had my mom ready to go into Cornerstone Assisted Living, but we'd have to put her into memory care there. Having seen other memory cares, it's probably the best one but that's a drastic change, and it's not an environment I would want to put my mother in at this point. It's a very nice community, and the assisted living was beautiful. We toured the assisted area where they have a dining area, a solarium and activities. It was very nice. My mom would have to be sent down into the lower level, which they lock up unless family comes. It's a newer community, but the memory care rooms were pretty small, which my mother doesn't like. They also wouldn't allow pets, and that was a big deal for her too, and that was probably the last straw for her. From what I understand, it's normal for any memory care community."

"Havenwood of Maple Grove seemed very nice. They didn't have the unit that I wanted available. So, I kind of didn't go back there. The rooms were nice. There were some things that I didn't like. There weren't many closets. I didn't meet very many people, but the person who gave the tour was very nice. It was clean."

"I toured Rose Arbor & Wildflower Lodge. The facility is clean. The people are friendly. The price is very inexpensive. They have got a lot of amenities that they can do. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. I like their setup for the bedrooms. They have a nice big bedroom with a nice closet with kitchen amenities. The atmosphere felt serene."

"They're very nice at Brookdale Edina. The food looked delicious. The physical condition, maintenance, and cleanliness were very good, too."

"I liked Havenwood of Richfield really well. I just didn't like it being on the other side of the river from me. The rooms were quite spacious, but the kitchens were probably a third of what the apartment was. For a one-bedroom apartment, it is kind of ridiculous to have the kitchen be so huge when they're providing two meals a day. I just felt that they could have had more living space. The living room/dining area was tiny. There was no living space. It's all kitchen. Everything was clean, neat, and well-organized. The staff was very friendly. Their social activities director's dad lived there. I think that's a pretty awesome statement that the staff would want or have their family members living there."

"My parents moved into Haven Wood in June 2023. Sadly, my mom passed away that fall, and I was initially concerned about how my dad would manage living on his own. Fortunately, he truly loves it at Haven Wood. The facility and rooms are top-notch, and my dad can’t say enough good things about the food — both the quality and variety are excellent. He especially appreciates the willingness of the kitchen staff to accommodate "off-menu" requests, which makes meals feel more personal and enjoyable. While there has been quite a bit of staff turnover, everyone has been exceptionally kind and attentive to my dad, and I’m deeply grateful for the care he’s received."

"I toured Gable Pines. They can't take my wife because she is non-ambulatory. It's a fine place and the staff was very helpful. I didn't look at a room because we didn't get that far when they found out what kind of care my wife would need, but that's okay. The dining area was nice."

"I toured Elim Shores. I like the price of the unit. And it was located by a lake, so that was another plus for me. It also had the capability of having assisted living, and you would stay in your own unit, and not move, so it has services where you live. Also, they would take a program in Minnesota called elderly waiver. They have three meals a day. You have the option of buying a meal plan. You didn't have to buy all three meals. You could pay as you go or buy a reduced ticket group. I like the availability of meals and I like the availability of assisted living and elderly waivers. As life changes for me, I will probably need all of those. They have underground garage parking, which is ideal in Minnesota. There's a beauty shop, and of course, crafts and church services, so all of that was appealing. They have units that view the lake. If financially you could afford them, then you could live there. I had a taste of their barbecue, and it was okay. They have a dock, so those who would like to fish that would be available. They were planning to buy a pontoon, so there would be rides in the water. I think they have a bus and take people out in outings."

"I toured Ecumen Seasons at Maplewood. It has a continuum of care, in other words, if I can manage it in independent living, I can and if I need more help, I can add more services. So, it's not either or. It's more flexible in terms of what services I have to take. Plus, I can stay in the same unit even if I need to add care. I don't have to move to another section of the building if I go from independent to assisted living. It's a beautiful place. There's a huge walking path out in front and they have a walking club. And in the summer I like to walk. But the continuum of care was the biggest for me in my choice. They have an opening now, but I have to get my house cleaned out. So they said that they'll have openings in the fall. They know I'm coming then. The staff are caring and helpful."

"It was important to Karen and I that we found a place that we felt safe, comfortable and valued in. From the moment we toured, we knew that this is a community that we would love to call home. The staff is phenomenal. From the housekeepers to the maintenance director to the head managers, they all have and continue to go above and beyond for every single resident, no matter the situation. I really like the grounds and how they are well maintained, and how quiet and peaceful it is."

"My mom will move into Oakdale Commons. When my mom and I were there, she just fell in love with the apartments because they had a nice little patio, a walk-in shower, and it had its own washer and dryer. They had a gym. They also had a conference room. They also had a kitchen area, where you could have guests come over and stay. Outside, they have a nice little area where you can sit and gather, and they have a gas fireplace out there. They also had little garden plots where you could plant tomatoes or flowers. Another thing that my mom liked was underground parking. The lady who gave us a tour went out of her way for us, and she was very friendly. I liked her a lot."

"Attentive and friendly staff Clean and beautiful facility Good food!"

"I visited Oakland Assisted Living. I thought it was very nice but I don't know if I'm in denial but I didn't think it was for me because all my friends are in Wright County and we're getting to the point where none of us drive. I did like it though and if I got drastically ill I would go there. Being a person of independence I had a little qualms about sharing a bathroom but it was only two people in one bathroom so I do believe it would be workable, otherwise, that was a beautiful home. Beautiful setting. Very nice."