Find Your Place in the North.
Whether you want the historic charm of Anoka, the dynamic energy of Blaine, or the riverfront recreation of Coon Rapids—I help you find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, not just your budget.
Take the Neighborhood QuizThe “Big Three” at a Glance
A quick comparison to orient your search.
| Feature | Anoka | Blaine | Coon Rapids |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Vibe | Historic, Walkable, “Main St” Feel | New, Energetic, Sports-Focused | Practical, Riverfront, Recreative |
| Avg. Home Age | 1920s – 1970s | 1990s – New Construction | 1960s – 1980s (Split Levels) |
| Best For… | Character & Community Events | Turn-key Homes & Amenities | Value per SqFt & Commuting |
| Major Draw | Halloween & River Confluence | National Sports Center (NSC) | Dam Regional Park |
Anoka
Anoka isn’t just a suburb; it’s a river city with a soul. Known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” this community values tradition, walkability, and its unique position where the Rum River meets the Mississippi.
JZ’s Insider Take
“If you love front porches and knowing your neighbors, this is it. The housing stock is older, which means ‘character’ but also ‘maintenance.’ I love the walkable downtown—grab a coffee at Avant Garden and walk the river trails.”
Deep Dive into Anoka
Blaine
Blaine is where the growth is. Defined by the National Sports Center, TPC Twin Cities golf course, and a boom of new construction, this is the spot for families who want modern amenities, big retailers, and endless youth sports.
JZ’s Insider Take
“Traffic on Hwy 65 is the price you pay for convenience. Blaine has incredible parks like Lakeside Commons (beach day!), and if you want a home built after 2000 with an open floor plan, this is your best bet.”
Deep Dive into Blaine
Coon Rapids
Coon Rapids is the “Gateway” to the north. It offers the best bang-for-your-buck real estate, incredible shopping at Riverdale, and direct access to the mighty Mississippi via the Dam Regional Park.
JZ’s Insider Take
“I have a soft spot for Coon Rapids (we adopted Rockslide Park here!). This is where you find solid 1970s split-levels with huge yards. If you use my Renovation Visualizer, you’ll see the massive equity potential in these homes.”
Deep Dive into Coon Rapids
