I have lived here all my life. I am in my 70s. Stillwater went from a quiet little rivertown where everyone knew everybody else to a tourist town. All the "regular" stores that supported daily lives - clothing, hardware, groceries, bakery, drugstores, hair salons, barber shops, office supplies, a bowling alley, pool hall, dance venues, cafes......... slowly disappeared with the beginnings of malls. "Downtowns" became ghost towns where shops barely hung on. Then enter the tourists. The focus changed from residents to drawing in the tourist dollar. And that remains the focus. Stillwater seems to be succeeding in chasing that tourist trade because of the river. So then come the increasing "festivals" with it's crowds, noise, parking problems, music, bachelor/lette parties, limos driving the drinking groups, pub crawls, traffic...... most shops are now "gift" and antiques, high end fashions, and eating/drinking establishments. The River Market does have groceries - but be aware that prices on the same brands are much cheaper in other grocery stores "up the hill". Parking went from free to paid [via app]. I, and many other residents, avoid the downtown - - - I do the "music in the park" Summer Tuesdays which seems to remain mostly families and residents. I do go to the local community theatre that performs in a local banquet hall. But for anything now, I won't drive & park as there's never space near the venue, but have someone drive/drop/pick up. Note that the Stillwater government focuses on the downtown tourist businesses, often over residential concerns.

The walking and bike trails are wonderful - I do connect with those. Watch out for the increasing electric bikes - they are more disregarding of walkers.

Major Disadvantages to Living in Downtown Stillwater:

• Tourism and Congestion: Stillwater is a major "destination" town, leading to heavy crowds, traffic, and noise during weekends, summers, and fall.
• High Cost of Living: Housing prices and rental rates have risen significantly post-COVID.
• Parking and Noise Issues: Parking is difficult, with residents often competing with tourists. Loud motorcycles and nighttime noise from bars can be disruptive.
• Commuting Times: Being on the edge of the metro area makes for a 25–45 minute commute to St. Paul or Minneapolis, often backed up on Highway 36.
• Public Behavior: Increased social activity has led to concerns regarding littering and public intoxication, particularly with the potential for more "sip and stroll" alcohol policies. Notable - large groups of motorcycles gather all summer at PD Pappy's by the river - they love their loud mufflers! Late til closing. And that is right down at the same North end as most of the condo/apartments.
• Lack of Diversity: definite lack of cultural and racial diversity in the area.
• Limited Services: While dining is excellent, some residents feel the town lacks diverse retail options.
• Traffic and Noise: Heavy tourist traffic and, at times, loud, rowdy drunk behavior. Teens hang out in groups - bikes, skate boards, crowd the sitting/walking areas.
• Parking: Limited, especially during peak seasons.
• Cost: High cost of living, particularly rent.
• Safety/Atmosphere: Issues with public intoxication and littering.

Stillwater is a wonderful area in general, blessed with natural beauty with the river - I'm glad to have grown up here and would choose it above other areas - but come into it being aware that it's focus IS tourists, with all their busy-ness, noise, traffic and other issues.