Somerset Oaks in Saint Louis Park, MN

Pros

• The location is unbeatable.
• Residents loved being able to take their dogs on walks along ample walking paths right outside their door.
• The area is surrounded by grocery stores and a variety of great restaurants within walking distance or a short drive.
• Having a garage is a nice, appreciated perk.
• The property is nice, clean, well-maintained, and conveniently located.
• The staff, including Pam, Pat, Bill, and others, are super helpful and kind.
• They would highly recommend the complex to others, describing it as a great experience.

Cons

• The online listing falsely claimed dogs up to 75 lbs were allowed, but dogs over 25 lbs are not permitted on second-floor apartments.
• The office staff were unwelcoming and rude during tours, with grumpy attitudes and poor service.
• Policies such as no grilling, no storing items in the garage, and no smoking were viewed as overly restrictive.
• The townhomes were described as old and expensive.
• A prospective renter was turned away for not accepting two dogs, despite what was stated online.
• An unannounced maintenance entry raised safety concerns.
• Residents noted safety and nuisance issues, including spiders on doors, loud nearby events, parking problems, and exploding pipes.
• Rent was higher than they could afford.

Review

Somerset Oaks is best suited for active older adults who prize a location-forward lifestyle in the Minneapolis area, with easy access to everyday amenities and outdoor spaces. The community earns its strongest value from a walkable setting: groceries, restaurants, and casual service options cluster nearby, and outdoor time can be enjoyed along nearby trails and a pond. Residents who own a pet will find appeal in the notion of a dog-friendly environment, but the appeal hinges on navigating mixed messages about limits and permissions. A garage option and well-kept grounds add practical credibility, making daily living feel straightforward for those who can tolerate some policy ambiguity.

Those needing a perfectly clear, rigid pet policy or a fully modernized interior should consider alternatives. Reviewers frequently encounter a gap between online statements and in-person disclosures, particularly around dog ownership, size limits, and the number of pets allowed. For households with larger dogs or multiple pets, the risk of conflicting rules and last-minute changes is a meaningful red flag. Additionally, price sensitivity matters: several comments flag rent as relatively high for what is offered, especially when the competing options in the area emphasize more contemporary finishes or stricter, better-communicated pet guidelines.

The core strengths - location, convenience, and a neighborly feel - often offset most concerns for the right resident. Long-tenured staff members are repeatedly named as helpful and friendly, contributing to a sense of stability in day-to-day interactions. The practical perks matter: proximity to shopping and dining accelerates errands, and a quiet, park-adjacent environment supports a comfortable, low-stress routine. For pet-lovers, the ability to walk a dog around the community's surroundings and the potential to avoid longer commutes to amenities can be a compelling trade-off, provided pet policy remains reasonably predictable and enforceable. Cleanliness and well-maintained common areas reinforce a sense of reliability that many seniors find comforting.

On the downside, the pet policy remains the most persistent friction point. Inconsistent messaging about what dogs are allowed - weight limits, floor-specific rules, and even whether two dogs are permissible - creates uncertainty that can derail tours or lead to disappointing decisions after move-in. Staff interactions also vary in tone, with multiple accounts of unwelcoming or grumpy service that clash with the otherwise positive impressions of the community. Add in reports of maintenance entry without notice, occasional odors in units tied to smoke or lingering scents, and the implicit sense that some units feel older or less updated, and the picture becomes more nuanced. Rent levels and perceived value don't always align, particularly for buyers who expect a higher-end interior or more predictable policies.

Prospective residents should enter with a concrete checklist: obtain written confirmation of the pet policy, including the maximum weight, the exact number of permissible dogs, and any floor-specific restrictions; request a current lease addendum and a clear outline of any pet deposits or fees. Inquire about upcoming renovations and odor remediation plans, and inspect one or more units for smells, ventilation quality, and overall condition. Verify parking arrangements and whether garages are included or require an extra fee, and gauge the surrounding noise and traffic patterns. Finally, ask about maintenance processes, notification practices, and how responsive the team is to resident concerns - speaking with current residents can provide real-time insight into consistency and culture.

In the end, Somerset Oaks delivers a practical, location-centric option for seniors who value proximity, walkability, and a community feel, and who can navigate a pet policy that isn't perfectly ironclad. For households with smaller, clearly compliant pets and a tolerance for occasional policy ambiguity, the trade-offs are manageable and the day-to-day living can feel very convenient. For those who require airtight, universal pet rules, or who demand consistently warm service and modern interiors, exploring alternatives in the Saint Louis Park and greater Minneapolis area will likely yield a more predictable fit. A disciplined, on-site tour - focusing especially on pet policy accuracy, unit condition, and staff responsiveness - will reveal whether Somerset Oaks aligns with the family's priorities and budget.

This part of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota offers a range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. The neighborhood features a variety of cafes such as Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar and Jinx Tea for socializing with friends or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Nearby parks like Aquila Park and Dakota Dog Park provide opportunities for leisurely walks or spending time outdoors. For dining options, there are popular chains like Chick-Fil-A and McDonald's, as well as local favorites like Bunny's Bar & Grill. Access to pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS ensures convenient access to medications and healthcare needs. In terms of medical care, there are reputable hospitals such as Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital and Fairview Southdale Hospital nearby, along with various physician offices like Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina for specialized care. Additionally, places of worship like Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church cater to spiritual needs. Overall, this neighborhood offers a mix of conveniences and services that cater well to seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Saint Louis Park.

Cafes

• Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar (0.5 miles)
• Jinx Tea (2.8 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (4 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Aquila Park (0.6 miles)
• Dakota Dog Park (1.1 miles)
• McGuire Park (4.6 miles)
• Loring Park (4.8 miles)
• Gateway Dog Park - Off-Leash Play Area (5.4 miles)
• North Loop Dog Park (5.6 miles)
• Centennial Lakes Park (5.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Taco Bell (1 miles)
• Bunny's Bar & Grill (1.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (2 miles)
• Hazelwood Food & Drink - St Louis Park (2 miles)
• ShowPlace ICON Theater (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Lunds & Byerlys 50th Street Edina (3.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Regency Hospital (3.9 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Hospital (4.7 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (5.7 miles)
• Hennepin County Medical Center (5.8 miles)
• Abbott Northwestern Center For Outpatient Care (5.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (2 miles)
• Westminster Presbyterian Church (5.2 miles)
• Elim Church Center (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina - Crosstown (4.6 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Physicians Building (4.6 miles)
• University of Minnesota Physicians Heart at Fairview Southdale Hospital (4.6 miles)
• Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's Ear, Nose and Throat (4.7 miles)
• CCRM Fertility of Minneapolis (4.7 miles)
• Whittier Clinic (4.7 miles)
• Ellgaard Annemarie Park Nicollet Clinic Carlson Parkway Minnetonka (5.1 miles)

Theaters

• 0705 Amc Southdale 16 (5.1 miles)