Cardinal Pointe of Maplewood in St. Paul, MN

Pros

• Cardinal Pointe Cooperative of Maplewood is a wonderful living option.
• The building was refurbished in 2020 in lovely blues, greys, and white.
• The exercise room and woodworking shop are enjoyed by many residents.
• It is an active, social community with beautiful grounds.
• The apartments are a good size and include washers and dryers.
• Residents can customize carpeting and color selections.
• A community room and a dining room are available for rent.
• Staff are very helpful and pleasant.

Cons

• The facility seemed to have fewer group activities than some other communities.
• It lacks a dedicated physical fitness area, so most activities are just games and cards.
• The decor is dated, with colors and wallpaper that need updating and updates likely won't happen soon due to committee governance.
• There is no food service available.
• It is not top of the line, being described as merely adequate and economical.

Review

Cardinal Pointe of Maplewood is best suited for active, independent seniors aged 55 and older who want a cooperative, low-cost living option with real ownership feel and a modest on-site footprint. This community appeals to those who prize a customizable apartment experience - washer and dryer in each unit, the ability to influence carpeting and color choices - and who value a sense of belonging in a small, engaged neighborhood. The campus provides practical amenities that support independent living: a community room, a dining area you can rent, and a guest room, all set within a refurbished building that keeps grounds and public spaces inviting. For residents who relish a social atmosphere but don't require daily hands-on assistance, Cardinal Pointe Maplewood offers a workable, affordable home base.

Those considering alternatives should note who may want more structured support or higher-end amenities elsewhere. Prospective residents who need regular, on-site assistance, 24/7 nursing, or memory-care-style supervision will likely find this community insufficient. Likewise, buyers who expect robust, turnkey programming and a full-service dining operation on campus may prefer a traditional assisted living or continuing-care model with a larger services menu. The lack of a true, on-site dining program and limited fitness infrastructure (as reported by some reviewers) are meaningful gaps for those who prioritize convenience and comprehensive wellness services in one place. And while the interior has been refreshed, several reviews describe dated aesthetics and slower upgrade cycles, a factor for those who want a newer look without manual governance.

The core pros here - refurbished common areas, functional apartment layouts, in-unit laundry, and a co-op governance model - do a strong job offsetting the main drawbacks. Residents note an active, social group and accessible spaces for gatherings, which counters isolation and supports engagement without demanding heavy programming from staff. The co-op structure itself is a meaningful differentiator: residents have a voice in operations and a sense of control over their environment, which can translate into thoughtful community decisions and potential long-term cost savings. The presence of practical facilities such as an exercise room and a woodworking shop (as highlighted by management and residents) adds tangible value for hands-on seniors who want second hobbies without leaving the campus.

In terms of day-to-day living, the strongest offset to the cons is the balance between independence and community connection. Residents describe staff as helpful and pleasant, and tours reflect a willingness to accommodate preferences in unit finishes and community spaces. The ability to rent the dining room or guest room supports social occasions without committing to a full dining program, which suits residents who prefer cooking or who entertain occasionally. The honest trade-off is clear: a budget-friendly, independent-living option that prioritizes ownership, customizing, and social interaction over polished, service-rich campus living. For seniors who want a straightforward, accountable apartment lifestyle with companionship and light programming, the math makes sense.

The practical conclusion is straightforward. Cardinal Pointe Maplewood shines for independent adults who want control, affordability, and a community that supports social engagement without the rigidity or expense of larger senior campuses. It is less suitable for those who require daily care, structured activities, robust on-site dining, or modern, luxury-grade interiors. Families should weigh the value of co-op ownership and customization against the realities of limited amenities and slower interior updates. A focused tour, careful discussion with the property manager, and conversations with current residents will illuminate whether the programming aligns with the specific care needs and lifestyle priorities of the potential resident.

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (0.3 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (6 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (6.5 miles)
• United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (7.2 miles)

Physicians

• Page Graydon T MD (0.3 miles)
• Jacobs Carol RN (0.3 miles)
• Retina Center (1.4 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (1.5 miles)
• HealthPartners Clinic (1.8 miles)
• Healthpartners Clinics (1.8 miles)
• Victhom Human Bionics (3.2 miles)

Parks

• Legacy Pines Park (0.3 miles)
• Hazelwood Park (0.7 miles)
• Harvest Park (1.1 miles)
• Lake Varney Park (1.4 miles)
• Casey Lake Park (1.4 miles)
• Playcrest Park (1.7 miles)
• Joy Park (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (0.7 miles)
• Osaka Sushi and Hibachi (0.8 miles)
• Golden Corral (1 miles)
• The Dog House Bar and Grill (1 miles)
• Sak's Sports Bar (1.2 miles)
• Jimmy's Food & Drink (1.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)

Theaters

• Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn (3.1 miles)
• AMC Rosedale 14 (6.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Jerome Elementary School (3.4 miles)
• St Mary of the Lake Church (3.8 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (5.1 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (6.9 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (7.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Groundswell (7.8 miles)

Transportation

• Union Depot (6.3 miles)
• Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (7.7 miles)