Forest Place in Saint Paul, MN

Pros

• The apartment units themselves are nice.
• The units are beautiful, and management is very nice and quick to fix problems.
• Great management.
• The units are nice, clean, up-to-date, and reasonably sized.
• The property offers affordable living and is very quiet.
• The apartment was a gem in the rough when it came to management/maintenance, and Sarah communicates well with residents.

Cons

• They were promised no infestation issues, but roaches and mice appeared, and a ceiling leak was only painted over after a week of maintenance.
• The building is old and poorly maintained, with dirty hallways and third-floor hallways smelling of urine; not worth the rent.
• Parking was horrible, the apartment flooded twice, and maintenance offered little help; the property was consistently trashy and the neighborhood terrible.
• Vehicles parked without a permit are towed for $325.
• Parking accommodations were limited to 12 spaces, with overflow parking shared with a school, leaving tenants with no reserved spots.
• The property has the worst customer service, with long delays to view and appointment cancellations.
• Smoking inside is allowed, which is a deal breaker for some, despite a great location.
• Rent is high and heat/AC costs add to it.

Review

Forest Place in Saint Paul is best suited for independent seniors who need a straightforward, budget-friendly apartment and place a premium on accessible management over modern amenities. The building is older, and while some units can feel comfortable, the community's strongest draw is a rent level that includes basic utilities for budget-conscious residents. This is not the right fit for those who insist on pristine pest control, flawless upkeep, or a neighborhood with polished, contemporary surroundings. Prospective residents should expect a plain setting where maintenance sometimes lags and where the overall environment reflects decades of wear rather than contemporary design.

Those weighing alternatives should consider options that prioritize proactive pest control, rapid, visible repairs, and a safer, more cohesive neighborhood. If infestation control, consistently prompt fixes, and a modern, quiet living vibe are non-negotiables, Forest Place should not be the final pick. For families or individuals who want on-site care coordination, predictable service levels, or a more stable, professionally managed atmosphere, exploring other senior-appropriate communities will likely yield better long-term satisfaction.

On the positive side, the most credible advantages of Forest Place are the room to room value and the reality that some apartments are nicely appointed for the price. Several reviews laud the units themselves as appealing and up-to-date in comparison to the surrounding area, with management that can be quick to address problems in certain cases. The sense of quiet and a low-key environment also appeal to residents who do not require intense social programming or premium building finishes. When management is responsive, these advantages become meaningful, especially for residents who can tolerate occasional maintenance gaps.

The most consequential drawbacks, however, are hard to ignore. Infestation concerns and recurring water leaks paint a troubling picture of the building's infrastructure and upkeep. In several accounts, fixes were slow or superficial - water damaged ceilings painted over rather than fully repaired - that underscored a broader maintenance rhythm problem. Hallways can feel dirty or smell like urine on certain floors, and parking is consistently described as insufficient and awkward, with the added risk of towing for unauthorized vehicles. The neighborhood itself is polarizing, and interior policies such as smoking indoors complicate the living experience for sensitive residents. Taken together, these cons can offset the perceived affordability unless a strong personal tolerance for risk and inconvenience is present.

From a practical decision-making standpoint, that trade-off matters. If driving access and parking are non-negotiable, or if a smoke-free, consistently clean interior is essential, Forest Place demands careful scrutiny and likely a comparison with properties that guarantee reserved parking and stricter interior policies. For seniors who prize budget stability and do not mind occasional maintenance quirks, the community can still offer a workable solution - provided expectations are carefully managed and current conditions align with what is actually experienced on a day-to-day basis.

Before committing, families should demand concrete evidence of maintenance reliability and pest control effectiveness. Request current pest-control logs, a clear maintenance-response timeline, and recent work orders to gauge whether core issues have been resolved or merely patched. Tour multiple units to assess odor, cleanliness, and finish quality; inspect hallways and common areas for consistency; verify parking availability, and understand overflow arrangements and any towing rules in practice. Finally, verify how notices and community communications are handled to avoid the kind of last-minute surprises that have frustrated past residents.

In the end, Forest Place offers a financially sensible path for independent seniors who can accept older infrastructure and a variable maintenance track record. It is unlikely to satisfy families seeking a pristine, modernized living environment with predictable service and abundant parking. If safety, spotless upkeep, and a seamless, low-friction living experience are paramount, alternatives - especially communities with on-site staff, structured care offerings, and stronger pest-control commitments - should be prioritized.

This area of Saint Paul, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to live in a convenient and vibrant community. With a range of restaurants nearby such as McCarron's Pub and Grill, Karen Thai food, and Cossetta's Italian Market & Pizzeria, there are plenty of dining options to enjoy. Additionally, there are several places of worship including the Cathedral of St Paul and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church for spiritual support. Access to pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy ensures easy access to medications and healthcare needs. Parks like Como Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, while hospitals such as Regions Hospital Burn Center provide quality medical care. Transportation options like Union Depot make it easy to get around the city, and cafes like Groundswell cater to those looking for a cozy spot to enjoy coffee. With theaters like AMC Rosedale 14 nearby, there are also entertainment options available in this area.

Restaurants

• McCarron's Pub and Grill (1 miles)
• Karen Thai food (1.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Bole' Ethiopian Cuisine (2.6 miles)
• The Bulldog Lowertown (2.8 miles)
• Giggles' Campfire Grill - Minnesota State Fair (2.9 miles)
• Cossetta's Italian Market & Pizzeria (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Jerome Elementary School (1.4 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (2.8 miles)
• St George Greek Orthodox Church (3.6 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5.2 miles)
• WW Studio (5.4 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (6.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Como Park (2.1 miles)
• Central Park Playground (2.8 miles)
• Flicek Park (2.8 miles)
• Acorn Park (2.8 miles)
• Owasso Park (2.9 miles)
• Harvest Park (3.9 miles)
• Hazelwood Park (4.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Regions Hospital Burn Center (2.3 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (2.7 miles)
• United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (3.1 miles)
• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (4.7 miles)
• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (6 miles)

Transportation

• Union Depot (2.9 miles)
• Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (3.3 miles)

Cafes

• Groundswell (3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)

Physicians

• Retina Center (3.4 miles)
• HealthPartners Clinic (3.6 miles)
• Dermatology Consultants P.A. (3.8 miles)
• West Side Community Health Services (4.2 miles)
• Healthpartners Clinics (4.3 miles)
• Page Graydon T MD (4.7 miles)
• Jacobs Carol RN (4.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rosedale 14 (3.4 miles)