$371,131Average Value$283Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes 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!
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 features ski trails, playgrounds, and hiking in both winter and summer.
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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.
Chester Park in Duluth, with its ski hill and hiking trails, is perfect year-round .
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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 houses in Chester Park.
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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.
Tavern on the Hill serves wood fired pizza and other eats in the Chester Park neighborhood.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
Jamie Sathers-Day,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Heritage Garden
Duluth Lakewalk
Chester Park
Old Main Park
W.R. Bagley Nature 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.
Chester Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Chester Park, Duluth sell after 118 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Chester Park, Duluth over the last 12 months is $303,000, down 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Full of charm, this inviting home offers a thoughtful layout and timeless features throughout. The main floor flows beautifully with hardwood floors, a cozy living room with a gas fireplace, and a dining room featuring floor-to-ceiling built-ins and patio doors that open to a private back deck. The updated eat-in kitchen is both spacious and functional, with room for a breakfast nook. Upstairs
Welcome to this stately 6-bedroom, 2-bath home in the heart of Hunters Park! This spacious residence is brimming with timeless character and versatile living areas to suit any lifestyle. Across three levels, you’ll find classic hardwood floors, elegant details, and plenty of room to spread out. Each of the six sizeable bedrooms offers space for rest, study, or working from home, easily
Location, Convenience, and Charm—All in One Package! Just steps from the UMD campus (less than 500 ft!), this move-in ready 4-bedroom, 1-bath home is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners and investors alike. With updates including a newer water heater, furnace, and a roof installed in 2014, this home offers comfort and peace of mind from day one. Step inside and enjoy the warmth of the inviting
Experience Next Level Living at BlueStone Flats. Duluth's most modern and dynamic housing community.As an extension of the neighboring BlueStone Lofts, the Flats offers an unique, upscale living experience that caters to the needs of the modern individual. A variety of floor plans and pet-friendly options will ensure that you find the right space to fit your life.
Welcome to Mount Royal Manor, located in the beautiful city of Duluth, MN. Our apartments offer a convenient and comfortable living experience with a range of amenities to suit your lifestyle. Enjoy the ease of having an on-site laundry facility, making laundry day a breeze. Stay active and fit in our fitness room, perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With our prime
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jamie Sathers-Day,
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.
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.
