The Boulevard in Columbia Heights, MN

Pros

• The Boulevard offers great value and friendly staff that support independence.
• The facility is smaller and more home-like, with a la carte services that provide choice and value.
• The Boulevard's staff are very friendly and easy to work with.
• The move-in process went smoothly.
• Crest View is economical, clean, and has friendly people, with options for an apartment, garage, and meals.
• They take very good care of the sister-in-law and are always responsive when contacted.

Cons

• The reviewer noted that management didn’t notify residents about the bed bug infestation until after it had spread to seven apartment units.
• The reviewer cited a mouse issue as a factor in their lower rating and suggested regular exterior inspections.
• One reviewer felt the property wasn’t well kept, noting that the parking lot needed resurfacing.
• The reviewer noted that it would be nice to have a separate elevator to use.

Review

The Boulevard in Columbia Heights is best suited for independent seniors who want a smaller, home-like setting where social connections come easy and cost remains reasonable. This community leans into personal choice, offering a la carte services that let residents tailor their day-to-day life without paying for a full bundle of care. The overall vibe is intimate, with a pace and footprint that feel more neighborhood-sized than institutional, which suits individuals who value autonomy, casual social interaction, and accessible, affordable living.

However, families should explicitly consider alternatives if flawless pest control history, or access to broader care services, is a top priority. A bed bug outbreak was reported, with management not notifying residents promptly, followed by a later spread to multiple units. In the same vein, a mouse issue surfaced and, although addressed, it underscores vulnerabilities in maintenance and preventive oversight. While the team did respond and fix the problems, these episodes raise legitimate concerns for households seeking an uncompromising standard of cleanliness and proactive communication.

On the upside, the pros strongly align with daily life that feels personal rather than cursory. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a smooth move-in and ongoing ease of interaction. The smaller, home-like environment supports regular interaction with neighbors and staff, which sustains a sense of belonging. Independent living is the core, with good opportunities to mingle, snack, and participate in informal activities, plus the option to pick and pay for only the services that matter, which translates into genuine value for the money.

These strengths offset the key drawbacks only for residents who prize independence over comprehensive care infrastructure. The model’s value hinges on the willingness to manage a la carte services and to accept a smaller scale facility with limited built-in programming. The pest incidents puncture this equation, and the combination of a compact footprint with older-style maintenance expectations can feel vulnerable. Yet the promptly addressed pest control efforts and responsive care when called upon mitigate some risk, signaling that the operation can correct course when gaps appear.

Context from nearby options helps clarify where The Boulevard fits in a broader decision. Crest View Senior Communities Columbia Heights Campus often presents as a more economical, multi-building campus with independent living, assisted living, memory care, and other levels of care in one place. For families prioritizing predictable pricing, broader care pathways, and a more expansive feel, Crest View offers a compelling alternative. Even other nearby options that blend apartment-style living with meal sign-ups illustrate how families can gauge whether a true care-focused environment or a more flexible, life-as-you-go setup best matches the elder’s needs and the family’s budget.

The bottom line is practical and clear: The Boulevard delivers a solid, social, budget-conscious independent living option in a smaller, approachable package. It works well for residents who want autonomy, friendly staff, and a community that feels like a neighborhood. But the bed bug incident, the mice issue, and the facility’s compact, less-polished infrastructure are meaningful cautions for those with high expectations around pristine conditions, comprehensive on-site services, or advanced care requirements. Prospective families should insist on current pest-control protocols, preventive maintenance plans, elevator access details, and transparent, predictable pricing before deciding. If those assurances aren’t satisfactory, exploring Crest View or other campuses with broader care ladders and stronger maintenance promises will likely yield a better-aligned fit.

Located in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With several parks nearby such as Silverwood Park and Boom Island Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views. The area also features a range of dining options including Steele & Hops and Tony Jaro's River Garden, providing delicious meals without the hassle of cooking. For healthcare needs, there are multiple pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, as well as medical facilities such as Unity Hospital and Hennepin County Medical Center within close proximity. Additionally, transportation options like the Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub make it easy for seniors to get around the city. With places of worship, theaters, cafes, and physicians also nearby, this neighborhood offers a blend of convenience and comfort suitable for senior living.

Parks

• Silverwood Park (0.6 miles)
• Boom Island Park (4.2 miles)
• North Loop Dog Park (4.7 miles)
• Mill Ruins Park (4.9 miles)
• Twin Lake Beach Park (5 miles)
• Central Park Playground (5 miles)
• Gateway Dog Park - Off-Leash Play Area (5.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Steele & Hops (1 miles)
• Cowboy Jack's (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• Tony Jaro's River Garden (3 miles)
• Sociable Cider Werks (3.1 miles)
• Jimmy's Bar & Lounge (3.2 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Park Nicollet Clinic (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (4.6 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (6.1 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• Fairview Clinics (1.5 miles)
• Eye Care Center (2.2 miles)
• Cardiovascular Systems (2.5 miles)
• Fairview Fridley Clinic (2.7 miles)
• Aesthetic Reconstructive Plastic Surgery (4.2 miles)
• Eyeklinic of Edinburgh (5.4 miles)
• Northtown Mall (5.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Fridley United Methodist Church (2.6 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (3.7 miles)
• Elim Church Center (5 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5.2 miles)
• Westminster Presbyterian Church (5.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Unity Hospital (3.9 miles)
• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (5.4 miles)
• Hennepin County Medical Center (5.5 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (5.6 miles)
• Regency Hospital (6.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rosedale 14 (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (5.5 miles)