River South in Grand Rapids, MN

Pros

• The apartments are real decent.
• The staff is very nice and the facilities are new and clean.
• The maintenance staff is awesome and quick.
• All utilities are included.
• Laundry is on site.
• Pets (spayed or neutered, cats and dogs) are allowed.
• The rental manager is very nice and concerns are addressed.
• The price is great.

Cons

• One reviewer described the property as stinky.
• The reviewer notes that, no matter how much they scrub, the kitchen floor never looks clean.
• The complex does not accept puppies, even with a doctor's note.

Review

River South in Grand Rapids, MN is best suited for independent adults or seniors who want budget-conscious apartment living with a reliable maintenance team and a friendly, responsive on-site staff. The building offers real value: newer, clean facilities, on-site laundry, utilities bundled into rent, and pet allowances for spayed or neutered cats and dogs. The exterior and common areas feel inviting, and residents describe the atmosphere as comfortable and homey. This is not a care facility, but a rental community that rewards tenants who prefer straightforward, low-hassle living with practical amenities.

Those seeking a true assisted-living arrangement or ongoing housekeeping will want alternatives. A few reviews highlight a persistent odor issue and floors that never look truly clean, concerns that matter for health-conscious residents and visitors. The puppy policy is another constraint, great price but puppies are not accepted, even with a doctor's note. For households with young dogs or a need for puppy-friendly accommodations, River South will fall short. If flexibility on pet policies or heightened cleanliness standards are priorities, look elsewhere.

Key positives include a maintenance team described as awesome and quick, plus a rental manager who is approachable and responsive to concerns. The on-site staff’s reliability translates into fewer headaches when maintenance or utility questions arise. The included utilities simplify budgeting, and on-site laundry reduces trips outside. The combination of newer units and a pleasant, stable management presence helps independent residents feel settled and supported without pricey add-ons.

However, the downsides still carry weight. The most persistent concerns center on smell and cleanliness in practice, with at least one reviewer calling it stinky and others noting that kitchen floors may resist even aggressive scrubbing. These issues can undermine comfort in daily living, especially for residents who are sensitive to odors or who expect consistently spotless surfaces. While the property’s facilities look modern and well-kept, the lived experience seems variable, suggesting that prospective residents should scrutinize a unit’s odor and cleanliness during a personal tour and not rely on appearances alone.

The financials align with practical expectations: the base rent includes most utilities, reducing monthly stress, and laundry is readily available on-site. Pets are allowed only for cats and dogs that are spayed or neutered, which is a typical compromise for a rental setting. The notable exception is the puppy ban, even with medical justification, that can be a dealbreaker for dog lovers who anticipate bringing a puppy into an independent living space. This policy choice strongly influences who should consider River South and who should exclude it from the short list.

Overall, River South fits a pragmatic niche for residents who value affordability, predictability, and a responsive maintenance culture, along with a pleasant building atmosphere. For families prioritizing daily cleanliness, odor control, or flexible pet options, alternatives may deliver a better fit. Prospective residents should prioritize a visit focused on odor, cleanliness, and the exact pet policy, then weigh the attractively low utilities-inclusive rent against the gaps in service and policy. The right choice depends on whether the need is simply apartment living with solid management or a community that meets higher standards of cleanliness and pet flexibility.

This part of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient place to live. With multiple places of worship nearby, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Christ Episcopal Church, residents can find spiritual fulfillment within their community. The proximity to parks such as Riverview Park and Lost Creek Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, the area boasts a selection of restaurants like Fuji and El Potro Mexican Restaurant, offering diverse dining options for residents. Access to pharmacies like Walgreens and Super One Foods ensures convenient access to necessary medications and healthcare essentials. Nearby physicians' offices like Northern Pines Orthopaedic Clinic PA and Essentia Health-Grand Rapids Clinic offer quality medical care in close proximity. Overall, this part of Grand Rapids combines a peaceful residential atmosphere with convenient amenities for seniors seeking a comfortable living environment.

Places of Worship

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (0.1 miles)
• Church of the Nazarene (0.3 miles)
• Lords Army Youth Group (0.3 miles)
• Restoration Life Church (0.4 miles)
• Faith Baptist Church (0.4 miles)
• Full Gospel Church (0.5 miles)
• Christ Episcopal Church (0.7 miles)

Parks

• Riverview Park (0.2 miles)
• Lost Creek Park (1 miles)
• Grussendorf Park (1 miles)
• Crystal Springs Park (4.8 miles)
• Longyear Park (5.8 miles)
• Cotton Park (6.2 miles)
• Frog Central (9.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.3 miles)
• Fuji (0.4 miles)
• El Potro Mexican Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Burger King (0.5 miles)
• Unwined Up North (0.5 miles)
• New China Restaurant (0.6 miles)
• Arby's (0.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Super One Foods (0.9 miles)
• Thrifty White Drug (1.4 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Super One Foods (1.6 miles)
• Ott Drug Store (14.6 miles)

Physicians

• Eye Fashions Optical Shoppe (0.6 miles)
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Associates (0.7 miles)
• Northern Pines Orthopaedic Clinic PA (0.9 miles)
• Hise Leo Dr & Mary (0.9 miles)
• New Spirit Women's Clinic PA (0.9 miles)
• Lakewood Surgery Center (1.7 miles)
• Essentia Health-Grand Rapids Clinic (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Caribou Coffee (1.4 miles)
• Higher Grounds Coffee Shop (14.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital (1.8 miles)
• Duluth Clinic Deer River (15 miles)