What's the difference between all these 'first-ring' suburbs?
Think of them as personality types: St. Louis Park is the trendy younger sibling who shops at cool stores. Richfield is the practical one who gets things done efficiently. Roseville is the balanced one with shopping and nature. Columbia Heights is the up-and-comer with great value. Robbinsdale has a small-town main street vibe. All are 10-15 minutes from downtown. The 'best' one is the one that matches your lifestyle—visit their downtowns on a Saturday and see where you feel at home.
I wrote this answer, and I stand behind it. I'm Chris Deutsch, a Minneapolis Realtor (MN #20382264). Twenty-five years of walking these neighborhoods, checking basements, and sitting across kitchen tables from people making exactly this call. I re-check every answer and date it — this one was last verified .
If your situation is more specific than the market, that's the one worth talking through. Email me at chris@lakesarearealty.com.