As one of Duluth’s southernmost neighborhoods, life in Smithville gets a bit quieter and greener than its more built-up neighbors to the north. A handful of streets shaded by mature pines and box elders cling to either side of Route 23, where buyers can settle down into an established ranch-style or manufactured home. “Things are still moving quickly, but people looking for space move out there,” says Realtor Tom Acton of Re/Max Results. Despite the 16-mile distance to downtown, residents still make an effort to participate in Duluth's year-round calendar of events. To fill the time between these, nearby Magney-Snively Natural Area is a hiking, cycling and skiing destination.
Route 23, also known as Grand Avenue, forms an artificial divide across Smithville.
Smithville is a south Duluth neighborhood bordered by a natural area and the St Louis River.
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Weekends on the river or in the forests
Route 23, also known as Grand Avenue, forms an artificial divide across Smithville. The Magney-Snively Natural Area encompasses the west half, totaling some 1,800 acres and stretching beyond Smithville residents’ backyards. The Superior Hiking Trail runs through this natural area and others like it, stretching from south Duluth towards Minnesota’s Canadian border. Residents can take a trek north through the forests on a round-trip day hike to Ely's Peak, an overlook known for its views of Duluth. Hiking in the opposite direction yields a similar spot, the Bardon Peak Overlook. Hikers going slow and steady might encounter a mountain biker zipping down the trails. When snow accumulates, athletes shift to cross country skiing along similar routes.
Smithville’s west side has so much forest to explore that it can be easy to forget about the St. Louis River on opposite side. The boat ramp sits no more than 500 feet from the last of Smithville’s homes on the northeast side. Residents can launch small vessels for a day trip or cast a line at Munger Landing. The latter is a wooden fishing pier that doubles as an entry point for canoes and kayaks. Historically, the St. Louis River has had pollution issues, so swimming is discouraged.
Along the connected Superior Bay each year, the fundraising Dragon Boat Festival occupies a weekend in August. Friends, family and neighbors team up to race large, paddle-powered boats along the edge of Barker’s Island while spectators watch from the shore. Tug of war and a 5K race are supporting events, and food trucks typically provide an assortment of things to eat and drink.
The Lake Superior Hiking Trail in Smithville offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Smithville is located along the St. Louis River and offers a variety of water activities.
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Older homes come in several styles
Virtually all of the community’s homes are clustered in the neighborhood's northeast corner. Manufactured homes appear on narrow lots at Pleasant View Manufactured Home Community. The park is conveniently situated along Grand Avenue, which is a direct route to downtown. These units are rarely on the market but sell for less than $50,000 when they are. Buyers will also find some loosely gridded residential streets displaying single-family homes. Split-level and ranch-style homes sit on quarter-acre lots with private driveways. A two- or three-bedroom home in either of these styles would sell for between $250,000 and $450,000.
Smithville offers a variety of two- and three-bedroom ranch style homes
Homes in Smithville sit on quarter-acre lots with private driveways.
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Downtown is 9 miles away
Because Smithville’s homes lie along Grand Avenue, Downtown Duluth is a 9-mile, 12-minute drive. A bus ride in the same direction lasts about 40 minutes. Duluth International Airport sits 15 miles north, accessible in 23 minutes by car and an hour and 15 minutes by bus.
The Duluth Transit Authority offers several bus stops along Route 23 for Smithville residents.
Smithville is one of Duluth’s southernmost neighborhoods.
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A bite to eat means hopping in the car
There are no restaurants in Smithville, so residents must drive a mile north or south for a sit-down meal. Folks can stop into Hugo's Pizza for a slice. Trophy Cafe serves breakfast and lunch, but closes daily at 2 p.m. Tappa Keg Inn is farther north along Route 23. This casual spot offers drinks alongside prime rib and Reuben sandwiches. Super One Foods is the nearest grocery store.
Trophy Cafe south of Smithville is the go-to restaurant for breakfast and lunch.
Hugo’s Pizza, near Smithville is a casual restaurant serving pizza, subs and more.
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Attending class in Smithville
Students in this neighborhood can attend Stowe Elementary before moving on to Lincoln Park Middle. Denfeld High rounds out the list, offering various AP and CTE courses. Each of these schools receives a B-minus rating from Niche.
Stowe Elementary School is a public PK-5 elementary school.
Lincoln Park Middle School provides a supportive learning environment with 3 full-time school co
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Duluth's winters are typically frigid
Greater Duluth is known for its winter months, which often creep into subzero temperatures. In winter 2022, Duluth’s average lows fluctuated between seven and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Monthly snowfall gradually accumulates over time, typically reaching its highest point in mid-December, according to Weather Spark.
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
Magney-Snively Natural Area
Jay Cooke State Park
Smithville Park
Transit
Airport
Duluth International
31 min drive
Bus
Grand Ave & Keene St
Bus
Commonwealth & Iconix
Bus
Grand Ave & Beaudry St
Bus
Grand Ave & Swenson St
Bus
Idaho St & Grand Ave
Bus
88 Aw & Grand Ave - Morga
Bus
Idaho St & Commonwealth A
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Smithville
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Smithville, Duluth sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Smithville, Duluth over the last 12 months is $270,855, up 37% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Grand Avenue Apartments and Patio Homes of Duluth! The Grand Avenue Estates Apartments and Patio Homes community is located just moments away from the St. Louis River. Apartments feature spacious open concept living areas available in 1 bedroom/1 bath, 2 bedrooms/2 baths or 3 bedrooms/2 baths, each with it's own laundry room-complete will full sized washer and dryer. Individual
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 Owners
Demographics
Total Population
703
Median Age
40
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,249
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,216
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.6%
College Graduates
23.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
6°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
69''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
28/ 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.
