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Old 03-24-2011, 08:21 AM
 
1,114 posts, read 2,429,681 times
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At some point before I move, I'm going to end up asking about every neighborhood, suburb, and exburb in the TC area. This week's subject is Anoka. Anyone spend much time there, or live there? Is it pretty developer-driven, suburbany, new-and-shiny, or are there some neighborhoods that are a bit older and more mature? From looking around online, it seems like its far enough out that its got a bit of the small-town vibe, but that might be wishful thinking on my part. Looks like there is a weekly concert series, which is always good, and some sort of theatre downtown.
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Old 03-24-2011, 05:38 PM
 
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I like Anoka. I know it's technically a suburb, but I don't really get that feeling when I've been there. It feels like a small town that stands alone. They have a pretty nice downtown filled with mom and pop stores, places to shop, eat etc. It definitely has a lot more character and charm than a lot of the nearby suburbs IE Coon Rapids, Blaine etc.

The pictures at the link below should give you an idea of what its like. Some quality pics in there.

Anoka, Minnesota - SkyscraperCity
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Old 03-24-2011, 06:56 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vcvc View Post
I like Anoka. I know it's technically a suburb, but I don't really get that feeling when I've been there. It feels like a small town that stands alone. They have a pretty nice downtown filled with mom and pop stores, places to shop, eat etc. It definitely has a lot more character and charm than a lot of the nearby suburbs IE Coon Rapids, Blaine etc.

The pictures at the link below should give you an idea of what its like. Some quality pics in there.

Anoka, Minnesota - SkyscraperCity
Hey thanks, thats great! That's the feeling I got from pictures and I know I've driven up highway 10 thinking "this suburb feels like a small lakes country town", so that may have been Anoka.

Fun pictures, too, I've been looking for something like that, so thanks for pointing them out. Can't wait to visit in a few weeks!
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Old 03-24-2011, 07:37 PM
 
Location: Twin Cities
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I like Anoka too. Has a little bit of a Stillwater vibe. Lots of antique stores, gift shops, cafes and bars (some allegedly haunted...perfect for Anoka's title as "Halloween Capital"). Definitely has more character and charm and history (probably due to it's location near the rivers) than lots of other Twin City suburbs.
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Old 03-24-2011, 10:03 PM
 
Location: St Paul
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Great stuff! I've never been to Anoka, it's not at all what I imagined. It looks like Stillwater, I was thinking Coon Rapids/Fridley/Blaine
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Old 07-01-2011, 08:21 PM
 
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Well, I am officially here in Anoka, now! Based on my first 24 hrs living here, here are my thoughts:

-Easy little town to get around. And, as much as I wouldn't usually admit to liking giant commercial developments, I have to admit its nice to know that virtually anything I'd actually need to buy is right down the road in the Riverdale Village shopping area.

-The rivers will be fun to explore. I drove around looking for parks and such and found some beautiful little parks along the Rum and Mississippi rivers. I also think I need to buy a license and learn how to fish (except of course the govt shut down as I moved to town, can I still buy a license?).

-A little disappointed in the lack of sidewalks and trails in key places. In particular, I wish there was a safer-feeling way to bike or push a stroller down main, across Round Lake Blvd to Riverdale Village if we want to go for ice cream. On the other hand, downtown is only a little further away and has small streets and sidewalks all the way, I think.

-Looking forward to exploring downtown a bit more...especially the truffle place!

-Drove into Chamlin today and discover Elm Creek Park Reserve. Wow, looks awesome, and CAN NOT WAIT to go back and explore. Looks like it is awesome in the winter, too!

Oh, and my house didn't blow down in the storms tonight (yet)
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Old 07-02-2011, 09:56 AM
 
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Where'd you move from just out of curiosity?
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Old 07-04-2011, 07:30 PM
 
1,114 posts, read 2,429,681 times
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Originally Posted by vcvc View Post
Where'd you move from just out of curiosity?
From Iowa City, which is a tough town to compete against, so I'm trying to come in with an open mind.
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Old 09-11-2011, 09:09 AM
 
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Default Han's Bakery

I used to live in Anoka and am moving back. Do they still have
Han's Bakery? mmmm
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Old 09-11-2011, 07:53 PM
 
1,114 posts, read 2,429,681 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtntime1 View Post
I used to live in Anoka and am moving back. Do they still have
Han's Bakery? mmmm
I've driven by there a few times and it appears to be closed down. Too bad, because I LOVE a good home-town bakery.
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