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Chester Park

Chester Park

Neighborhood in Duluth, Minnesota

St Louis County 55803, 55811, 55812

$364,400 Average Value
$189 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

A Duluth college town with a different kind of vibe

Anchored by the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Chester Park isn’t a neighborhood that earns the connotations of a typical college town. Despite some 11,000 students attending class each semester, the college campus has no overwhelming noise factor. “I think having the university here makes it more fun,” says Realtor Cynthia Hedlund of Re/Max Results. “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 partying 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 extremity and restaurants on the other. Students and families make the most of the recreational opportunities greater Duluth offers.
UMD athletics offers a balanced and competitive athletic program. Go Bulldogs!
UMD athletics offers a balanced and competitive athletic program. Go Bulldogs!
Deer can be seen grazing in the yards of the Chester Park neighborhood.
Deer can be seen grazing in the yards of the Chester Park neighborhood.
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Winding, wooded trails and unparalleled views

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 to burn off extra energy. However, the jewel of Chester Park is its 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.
Chester Park in Duluth provides skiing, hiking, playgrounds, and a sports field for all seasons.
Chester Park in Duluth provides skiing, hiking, playgrounds, and a sports field for all seasons.
Chester Park in Duluth features ski trails, playgrounds, and hiking in both winter and summer.
Chester Park in Duluth features ski trails, playgrounds, and hiking in both winter and summer.
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A variety of home styles in Chester Park

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.
A row of homes with a bungalow on the corner in Chester Park.
A row of homes with a bungalow on the corner in Chester Park.
A row of houses in Chester Park.
A row of houses in Chester Park.
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All eyes are on the annual Grandma's Marathon

Recreation is a large part of what makes life in Chester Park special. “We have one of the top ten marathons in the United States; it’s called Grandma’s Marathon,” says Hedlund. Despite what the name would suggest, this event isn’t for the faint of heart. The race is 26.2 miles from end to end, changing only slightly in elevation. “It’s a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. You run right along Lake Superior, it’s beautiful and usually fills up right away,” says Hedlund. In 2024, more than 17,500 participants finished this race, setting a new record after 47 years of annual growth. As of 2023’s statistics, Grandma’s Marathon is the tenth largest in the country by participation.
An aerial overview of the Chester Park neighborhood.
An aerial overview of the Chester Park neighborhood.
Chester Park in Duluth, with its ski hill and hiking trails, is perfect year-round .
Chester Park in Duluth, with its ski hill and hiking trails, is perfect year-round .
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Getting the grade in Duluth Public Schools

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. East High seniors can apply to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for higher education.
Congdon Elementary's minority enrollment is 17%, with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.
Congdon Elementary's minority enrollment is 17%, with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.
Ordean East Middle School is in Duluth, MN, serving 1,022 students in grades 6-8.
Ordean East Middle School is in Duluth, MN, serving 1,022 students in grades 6-8.
East High School offers AP® coursework and exams, ranking #4,218 in the National Rankings.
East High School offers AP® coursework and exams, ranking #4,218 in the National Rankings.
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Extreme winters in Duluth

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.

Casual bites just off-campus

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. For groceries, folks can drive a mile south to the Super One Foods or just a few blocks beyond to the Whole Foods Co-Op.
The Muffaletta Sandwich at Sarah's Table Chester Creek Cafe.
The Muffaletta Sandwich at Sarah's Table Chester Creek Cafe.
Tavern on the Hill serves wood fired pizza and other eats in the Chester Park neighborhood.
Tavern on the Hill serves wood fired pizza and other eats in the Chester Park neighborhood.
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Hopping on the bus to Downtown Duluth

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.
Malcolm Longerbeam
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Charlie Lingner
Video By
Charlie Lingner

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Karen Pagel Guerndt, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Duluth International

21 min drive

Bus

St Marie St & Midway Dr

Bus

St Marie St & Stuart Ct

Bus

College St & University D

Bus

19 Ae & College St

Bus

04 St & 21 Ae

Bus

St Marie St & Bayview Ave

Bus

21Ae & 4th St.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Chester Park US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Chester Park Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$333,250
Median Sale Price
$335,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$333,250
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$189

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,115
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
1925
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,488
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Karen Pagel Guerndt, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,992
Median Age
26
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$62,133
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,010

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
63.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
6°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
69''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

70 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

51 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

44 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Chester Park
Karen Pagel Guerndt
Real Estate Services
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