Duluth

Unlike the more-regimented lakefront suburbs around Downtown Duluth, Bayview Heights largely fits into more rugged forestland. Locals trade immediate conveniences for a more secluded and picturesque lifestyle. “There are dead-end roads all over town that have huge rock faces and beautiful homes,” says Realtor Tom Acton of Re/Max Results. “People say they don’t want to live here, then they look at the view from a dead-end house looking over the edge, and they say ‘wow.’” The literal elevation of Bayview Heights permeates its residential and recreational sides. The Skyline Trailhead on its east end is an excellent spot not just for hiking but also taking in the landscape. “When you get to the top of Skyline, and you’re hundreds of feet in the air…until you’ve been here, you really don’t understand,” says Acton. The area’s forests and trails overshadow its small parks. A creek passes through the Skyline hiking area, along which folks follow the Superior Hiking Trail. Those who hike far enough can reach the small waterfall at the northernmost end of the neighborhood. A little farther south is Oneota Park, where the tree line periodically opens up reveal unobstructed views of Downtown Duluth and beyond. “When you’re sitting up there looking down, you see everything,” says Acton. “Look across the bay, and you’ll see Superior. It’s a really cool place to be.” Parks in Bayview Heights can seem more mundane in comparison, though are useful in their own right. Klang Park is a hit for kids with a playground and athletics field, with goalposts for both soccer and football. Proctor Golf Course is on the other side of Route 2. The nine-hole, par-33 layout is open to the public. For those more apt to spectate, Halvor Lines Speedway features a range of auto-racing events on its dirt track in warmer months. Vinland Street and St Louis River Road laterally trisect the neighborhood’s largely forested area. The housing in Bayview Heights is divided geographically. Bungalow and ranch-style homes along Vinland Street and those adjoining it comprise most of the center. These typically range in price between $113,000 and $290,000. Prospective buyers looking for something more straightforward and modest head to the neighborhood’s south end, where Zenith Terrace awaits. This manufactured home park offers one-story, three-bedroom units averaging between 1,000 and 1,800 square feet, with a price range of $45,000 to $189,000. Locals have few options for dining out in Bayview Heights, with most close by to the golf course. Sports fans are welcome to watch the game at Legends Bar and throw darts. Music lovers can check out local acts at Powerhouse Bar, which features a small stage. A quick slice or sub is available at Proctor Pizza & Sub Shop. For a sit-down meal, there’s Black Woods Grill and Bar. This place serves carefully prepared mains inside a rustic-meets-modern aesthetic. Folks must drive 4 miles towards downtown to reach Super One Foods, the closest grocery store. Despite its forested seclusion, locals can still catch the bus in Bayview Heights thanks to the Duluth Transit Authority, which stops along a seven-block stretch south of Boundary Avenue. The 8-mile commute might last 23 minutes by bus when boarding at the 5th Street and Boundary Avenue intersection. However, it’s not feasible to ride the bus into Downtown Superior because the route travels northeast into Duluth and then south again into Superior, rather than directly east. The airport is also tricky, with a scheduled route that lasts an hour and a half by bus. Twenty minutes in the car is much more doable. Students in Bayview Heights can attend class within the Proctor Public Schools District, rated B-minus overall by Niche. They start at Bay View Elementary, which gets the same grade, before moving on to A. I. Jedlicka Middle, rated C overall. Proctor High receives a B. Duluth, like many areas on or near the Great Lakes, carries winter weather concerns with it. “Lake Superior is a weathermaker,” says Acton. "Because of the wind coming off the lake, you keep a jacket in your car year-round.”

Situated just north of the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, Central Hillside is a Duluth neighborhood that brushes against downtown and the waterfront. So named for being geographically uphill from downtown, this community dates back to the roots of the Duluth townsite of 1857. Central Hillside’s impressive views of Lake Superior and its access to parks might lead one to think the area is a bustling metropolitan one, but this is not the case. Crime and homelessness were points of concern in the early 2000s. To uplift lower-income families, locals partnered with the city to build and/or renovate more than 300 supportive housing units, rentals and condos between 2008 and 2011. One secondary motive for this outreach was to mitigate crime across certain blocks. Understanding that this is just the beginning, Lutheran Social Services broke ground on a 27,000-square-foot community center in 2016. Named the Center for Changing Lives, this mixed-use property opens its doors to some 800 unhoused youths year after year. The Center offers job training and life development skills to give residents the best possible chance. Just as the Center for Changing Lives is central to the community's health, the local parks are inseparable from daily life. These tiny green spaces are surrounded on all sides by homes and have views that only this lakeside community can deliver. Cascade Park features a playground for the kids and a tiny gazebo for the adults to seek shade. Kids can head to the Hillside Sport Court Park for a ball game. The park offers two fenced-in basketball courts just 250 feet from the community garden. Half a dozen community gardens lay scattered throughout, and though their footprint is small, their impact is not. They are part of a larger concept, the Duluth Community Garden Program, which aims to ingratiate neighbors and educate them on the practices of growing healthy foods and decorative bulbs. Mesaba Avenue, a two-way thoroughfare, winds along the community’s west side. At the northwest corner, this forms an intersection with Rice Lake Road and Central Entrance Drive, allowing easy access to most nearby areas. For those not driving, the Duluth Transit Authority has locals covered with bus stops throughout. The trip into Downtown Duluth is actually walkable, taking just 10 minutes across a half mile. The bus ride takes five minutes from the 4th Street and 2nd Avenue intersection. Folks can also take the transit from Lake Avenue to the Duluth International Airport, a 10-mile trip that lasts 45 minutes. A handful of restaurants are available on the northeast corner of the neighborhood. Round Up Bar and Grill is directly adjacent to the 4th Street Community Garden. This spot serves burgers in baskets and domestic beers on tap for a hole-in-the-wall feel. For an equally authentic experience in a diner setting, folks head to Uncle Loui’s Café. The vibe is casual, and breakfast lovers can have their favorites hot and ready all day. One block away is a Whole Foods Co-Op for all the grocery essentials. If meal planning isn’t in the cards, shoppers can serve themselves from the hot bar and soup station. The Co-Op also offers curbside delivery if a trip to the store isn’t feasible. Nearly all the homes in Central Hillside are modest both in their construction and price. Vinyl-sided bungalows and tightly packed townhouses are the two predominant home styles. These fetch between $138,000 and $310,000. Two or three bedrooms is the usual accommodation, with duplexes being a rare exception. Surprisingly, the most expensive housing in Central Hillside isn’t the new construction; it’s the oldest homes that have since been gutted and remodeled. Bungalows and townhouses hailing from the turn of the nineteenth century now sell between $310,000 and $715,000. A few apartment complexes are available to renters on the south side for a mid-rise lifestyle. Income-restricted complexes sit on the northeast end near 4th Street and 6th Avenue. Students in Central Hillside attend Duluth Public Schools, starting with Myers-Wilkins Elementary. Lincoln Park Middle offers intramurals and art and theater clubs for enrichment. Students can then attend Denfeld High. Each of these schools gets a B-minus overall from Niche. Over the past two decades, Duluth neighborhoods have made efforts to lower and mitigate crime. In addition to the housing projects constructed in Central Hillside, Duluth has a Community Safety Initiative that meets to discuss improving the relationship between law enforcement and Duluth citizens. In 2012, the Initiative won a first-place national award from Metlife for community-police partnership.

Anchored by University of Minnesota-Duluth, Chester Park isn’t a typical college community. Despite some 9,000 students attending class each semester, the neighborhood isn't party central, said Realtor Cynthia Hedlund of Re/Max Results. “I think having the university here makes it more fun,” he said. “The college kids can see what a great community looks like.” Ironically, having the university at the literal and figurative center of things gives the neighborhood a more relaxed and friendly vibe rather than being overtaken by students. “There isn’t a spot where I could say it’s predominantly college kids, families or seniors. It’s pretty diverse,” says Realtor Benjamin Funke of Re/Max Results. Residential streets form a jagged crescent on the community’s south side, with a green space at one end and restaurants on the other. Students and families make the most of the recreational opportunities greater Duluth offers. Chester Park’s northern and western sides brush against the wooded areas of greater Duluth. For this reason, locals have a couple of options when they want to spend time outdoors. Just beyond College Street, there’s the Chester Park playground and hiking areas. The playground features a jungle gym and swing sets for kids. However, the jewel of Chester Park is its access to extensive hiking trails and views. Lean pine trees provide partial shade from the sun along these trails, with miniature waterfalls appearing throughout. North of the university’s campus lies the W. R. Bagley Nature Area, an equally picturesque outdoor refuge. At nearly 60 acres of forest, residents make the most of the area by catching glimpses of the wildlife and relaxing by the pond. “There’s a trail through all of Duluth, really,” says Funke. “You can connect to Hartley Nature Center, which runs through Congdon Park.” This dog-friendly area features a large pond to fish in and even more trails. Recreation is a large part of what makes life in Chester Park special. “We have one of the top 10 marathons in the United States; it’s called Grandma’s Marathon,” says Hedlund of the 26.2 mile Boston Marathon qualifier. "You run right along Lake Superior, it’s beautiful and usually fills up right away,” says Hedlund. Chester Park’s residential portion consists of streets that curve just south of the University of Minnesota-Duluth and its adjacent shopping center. Lot sizes are nearly uniform despite the streets not forming a perfect grid pattern. Classic bungalows and traditional-style homes are common, many built from 1900 to 1925. These established builds fetch, on average, between $300,000 and $400,000. “It’s a cool neighborhood. It’s like Congdon but more budget-friendly,” says Funke. As prices creep beyond $400,000, a more eclectic group of homes styles appears, such as Tudor Revivals, ranch-style and split-level homes. These vary so significantly that they sell for as low as $400,000 to a high of $1.2 million. Most of Chester Park’s restaurants appear along Woodland Avenue, immediately east of the university campus. Of these, most are chains suitable for college students and those hurrying to grab and go. Pizza Hut, Jimmy John’s and QDOBA are the most recognizable fast-food destinations, as well as a Starbucks for morning energy. Tavern on the Hill is an exception to the chains surrounding it, as the spot is a locally owned, sit-down restaurant serving classic burgers, tacos and fish and chips. Super One Foods is a close-by option for groceries, or just a few blocks beyond to the Whole Foods Co-Op. Students in Chester Park can attend class within the Duluth Public School District, rated B overall by Niche. They begin at Congdon Elementary, which earns an A-minus. They then move to Ordean East Middle, which gets a B-plus. East High School rounds out the list with another B-plus, and offers technical, trades-based college credit courses like solidworks and prototyping processes. The university's top three programs in terms of graduated students were psychology, biology and marketing. The school plays sports in the NCAA's Division II, which means game-day crowds aren't to the level of major sports programs. Prospective home buyers should be aware of the dangers the winter months pose to greater Duluth. The National Weather Service's records indicate that heavy accumulated snowfalls plus subzero temperatures are common and often relentless. In early 2014, for example, Duluth experienced 23 consecutive days of temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit. The Duluth Transit Authority serves the Chester Park neighborhood, offering bus routes from the southern end of the neighborhood into Downtown Duluth. A bus ride from where the university and the residential streets meet headed downtown takes 14 minutes. Reaching the airport via public transit is technically doable, but the 11-mile trip would last an hour and 15 minutes. Walking and cycling distances in the neighborhood rarely exceed 1.5 miles.

Bisected by a railroad track with parks on one side and housing on the other, Duluth’s Cody neighborhood has a straightforward layout. Large open green spaces are met with extensive hiking trails and picturesque views. On the residential side, homes appear on lots less uniform than in a traditional suburb, yet more cohesive than in a rural community. “With an area like Cody, it’s not as busy or heavily trafficked by tourists,” says Realtor Megan Wilson of Re/Max Results. “People want somewhere where they can get away.” Despite the abundant opportunities to get outdoors and connect with nature, residents aren’t as far as one would think from the conveniences of town. Restaurants and retail stores cling to Grand Avenue, a main thoroughfare that runs southwest to northeast along Cody’s south side. With Downtown Duluth and Central Superior virtually equidistant, Cody residents have an easy time commuting in either direction. Cody’s residential streets aren’t a perfect grid but instead seem to get absorbed by the tree line at the neighborhood’s edges. Lot sizes vary slightly, but rarely do they reach even a quarter of an acre. “It’s an older neighborhood, so you have a lot of 100-year-old properties and the more two-story traditional homes,” says Wilson. Bungalows dating back to the early 20th century are set close to each other, some tightly packed as if they were townhomes. These three- and four-bedroom builds fetch from as low as $110,000 to $290,000 on average. Distance to Grand Avenue varies, but some homes are no more than 300 feet from the nearest restaurant or up to a maximum of half a mile. Locals can easily find an excuse to get outdoors to spots close by, like Quarry Park, which has a few disc golf baskets scattered throughout and trails for hiking. One thing worth absorbing during a short hike is the elevated rock faces and cliffs, which make for impressive views and screensavers. Just a bit north sits Brewer Park, a large area comprised of open green space and wooded trails. It is common to hike, mountain bike, and bring pups along for the panoramic views of Duluth. Back in town, folks can have equal fun indoors at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park. They take group reservations for kids’ birthday parties. Alternatively, there’s the Duluth Public Library, which is open weekdays only for a quiet afternoon read. Several of Cody’s restaurants are fast food chains. Locally owned sit-down spots, such as Sammy's Pizza Palace, appear in the strip mall on the south side. The rustic booths offer a simple setting for a slice. For more significant portions, there’s China King Buffett. Wussow’s Concert Café is an interesting little joint that serves all beverages, be it coffee or cocktails, in a narrow dining area. The small soundstage at the end hosts live music acts. Fresh meats and produce are available at the Whole Foods Co-Op on Grand Avenue. Students in Cody attend class within the Duluth Public School District. They can begin at Laura MacArthur Elementary, which gets a C-plus from Niche. They then move to Lincoln Park Middle, which earns a B-minus and offers various extracurriculars like drama and chess clubs. Denfield High rounds out the list with a B-minus. Navigating Cody is quite simple, owing to the clear division between homes and parks. For trips into Downtown Duluth, there are several bus stops scattered around the shopping center. The five-mile bus ride from there into Downtown Duluth takes about 35 minutes, and the trip into Central Superior takes almost three times as long by bus. Prospective home buyers should be aware of the dangers the winter months pose to greater Duluth. The National Weather Service's records indicate that heavy accumulated snowfalls plus subzero temperatures are common and often relentless. In early 2014, for example, Duluth experienced 23 consecutive days of temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit.

With its diverse collection of homes surrounding wooded trails, Congdon Park is one of Duluth’s more self-contained lakefront neighborhoods. Lake Superior is a focal point for this community, but there’s more to the story: the sometimes-quirky early 20th century homes. “Congdon is the historic neighborhood, so you have some really expensive mansions here,” says Realtor Benjamin Funke of Re/Max Results. The actual green space known as Condon Park forms the community’s center, around which wind streets featuring a blend of established homes and newer construction. The local country club and trails that wind for miles ensure residents have no excuse not to be outdoors. Provided that prospective buyers are willing to spend above the national average, Congdon Park is well-situated for homeowners: Downtown Duluth is 4 miles away, and the shore is no more than a mile southeast. Despite its spot on the edge of Lake Superior, Congdon Park isn’t full of waterfront inventory. These luxury homes and borderline mansions don’t appear on the market often, and when they do, they list at three-quarters of a million and beyond. Many are set back from Voyageur Highway (Minnesota Route 61), with sometimes-elaborate gates fronting the road. A more realistic choice for prospective buyers would be the Tudor Revivals, bungalows, moderns and ranch-style homes just beyond Route 61. This thoroughfare artificially divides the waterfront homes from the landlocked ones, there being a mere 600 feet between it and the water. A mixture of gridded and winding residential streets forms a patchwork amidst the trees, where buyers can snag a no-frills bungalow for between $280,000 and $485,000 or a ranch-style for $419,000 up to $665,000. “The prices are a little bit higher here. Houses are well-kept, and the schools are well attended,” says Realtor Cynthia Hedlund of Re/Max Results. More unique and experimental Tudor Revivals and modern builds fall within the range of $550,000 to $960,000. Congdon Park has a green space at its center of the same name. Though technically a park, it is more so an immersive set of trails anchored by a rushing creek. This makes for a hiking experience without hitting the road. “People are buying into the trails and great outdoor cities that Duluth offers,” says Funke. Folks can trek through the woods, cross the wooden bridge over the creek and stop to appreciate the views along the way. Residents head northeast to the Northland Country Club for a different kind of activity. This club prides itself on limited membership and its 18-hole, par 71 golf course is fit for novices and low-handicappers alike. In addition to the course itself, the club offers a heated pool, sundeck and tennis courts. Closer to the water lies Glensheen Mansion, a piece of history with 39 rooms open for touring. Those less interested in the history behind the home can still have fun on the property, which serves as a summer venue for Concerts on the Pier. Folk, country and soul acts are common in this concert series, appealing to a wide range of music lovers. Congdon Park has few restaurants within its borders, encouraging most residents to make the short drive into Chester Park. There, folks will find standard fast-food chains, a Starbucks, and a few locally owned sit-down spots all in a row along Woodland Avenue. Tavern on the Hill heads this strip on the north side, serving classic American fare. A drive from there toward the water brings folks to the Black Woods Grill and Bar. This modern-meets-rustic establishment has two sister locations across Northern Minnesota, serving a mix of upscale surf and turf. A wide selection of fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses can be found at Mount Royal Market just off Woodland Avenue. Students in Congdon Park can attend class within the Duluth Public School District, rated B overall by Niche. They begin at Congdon Elementary, which earns an A-minus. They then move to Ordean East Middle, which gets a B-plus. East High rounds out the list with another B-plus, and offers technical, trades-based college credit courses like solidworks and prototyping processes. Extracurriculars at East High are unique to Duluth. “Hockey and curling,” says Hedlund. “Those are the two big sports in this area. Kids attend different high schools because of the hockey programs. And then we have the curlers from the Olympics that are from this area; a lot of people curl.” The Duluth Transit Authority serves the Congdon Park neighborhood, offering bus routes along Superior Street. Folks can board the bus at the intersection of Superior Street and 34th Avenue and traverse the three miles to Downtown Duluth in 20 minutes. Reaching the airport via public transit is doable, but the trip takes just over an hour by bus while driving there takes only 15 minutes to cover the 7 miles. Duluth's central core is about 4 miles southwest along Interstate 35. Prospective home buyers should aware of Duluth's winter conditions. The National Weather Service's records indicate that heavy accumulated snowfalls plus subzero temperatures are common and often relentless. In early 2014, for example, Duluth experienced 23 consecutive days of temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Colder weather is a concern, but some have found a silver lining. “A lot of people are moving here for the premise of global warming,” says Funke. Folks looking at Duluth are thinking far ahead. “It’s been a while, but most years I sell to a buyer or two that’s relocating from a hot area.”

Denfeld is a classic suburb featuring sporty entertainment and city-centric conveniences. Just three miles from downtown, this neighborhood sits between the forested expanse of greater Duluth and the waters of Lake Superior. Despite the overwhelming presence of nature on both sides, Denfeld remains a neatly organized grouping of residential streets with restaurants, athletic fields and bus stops nearby. “Denfeld is fantastic,” says Realtor Tom Acton of Re/Max Results. “It’s a cool spot. If you go a little bit further west you have the zoo, and there are some really nice mountain trails in that area.” Some of Duluth’s older residential pockets are cramped, with tiny lots and little privacy. “I really like Denfeld because you have a little bit more space between the homes,” says Acton. The lots aren’t huge, so the values are really good there. You get a lot of house and a little bit of space for not that much money.” Lot sizes tend to average 3,000 square feet. Buyers will find bungalows and traditional-style homes from block to block, most built between the late 19th century and early 20th century. These range in price between $150,000 and $270,000. The parks in Denfeld are somewhat small, with its largest, Memorial Park, on the southwest end. Memorial Park’s playground area features three separate jungle gyms for kids to explore and burn energy. There’s also a multi-spot dugout and basketball court for a game of hoops. Back indoors, Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a fun way to get active. The facility has jumping stations and obstacle courses alongside the expected trampolines, keeping things interesting. More prominent attractions require a short car ride, but for ones like the Lake Superior Zoo, it’s worth it. Located southwest on Route 23, the Lake Superior Zoo has various creatures to see, like lions, tigers, bears and more. Kids will appreciate the mini train tour, which escorts visitors on an ADA-accessible trip around the grounds. For those who would rather stretch their legs, the DWP Trail runs perpendicular to the zoo, stretching miles in each direction. Back toward the city is the Wheeler Athletic Complex, a spot for aspiring athletes and sports lovers. This sports campus has everything from baseball diamonds to bocce ball to a skate area. Grand Stadium sits opposite the complex, home to the Huskies, a summer collegiate-baseball team. Several recognizable fast-food chains brush against Grand Avenue, with few exceptions. Locals can start their day with a breakfast staple from Perking Restaurant and Bakery, or take a baked good to go. Erbert and Gerbert’s is a made-to-order joint that is great for a quick lunch. When dinner arrives, Margarita’s has things covered with plates of Mexican classics and generous mixed drinks. Various small business appear one to two streets back toward Interstate 35. Construction and electrical specialists are the most prevalent, stretching some seven blocks parallel to Grand Avenue. The local Whole Foods Co-Op sells grocery essentials and offers delivery as well. Students in Denfeld attend class within the Duluth Public School District, rated B overall by Niche. They begin at Laura MacArthur Elementary, rated C-plus, later moving on to Lincoln Park Middle, which gets a B-minus. Denfeld High rounds out the list with the same grade. Denfeld’s placement on the map is such that the commute to downtown is a straight shot. “In Denfeld, you’re close to everything,” says Acton. “You can go toward Duluth and be over the hill in four minutes.” The downside of having amenities close by is the noise factor. First Street assesses the neighborhood’s sound score as 88 out of 100, due to the traffic along Grand Avenue and various nearby sports courts. The Duluth Transit Authority serves the area, with more than half a dozen stops along 3rd Street. Locals can board the bus at 3rd Street and 29th Avenue and make the three-mile trip in just 15 minutes. It takes longer to reach Superior, amounting to a 6-mile, 45-minute bus ride. Duluth International Airport is six miles away, splitting the difference with a 35-minute trip time. Duluth, like many areas on or near the Great Lakes, carries winter weather concerns with it. “Lake Superior is a weathermaker,” says Realtor Tom Acton of Re/Max Results. “Because of the wind coming off the lake, you keep a jacket in your car year-round.”