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Summit-University

Summit-University

$378,153 Average Value
$224 Average Price per Sq Ft
30 Homes For Sale
Summit-University features the childhood home of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Summit-University features the childhood home of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Summit-University residents enjoy historic homes and plenty to do

Residents of Summit-University know it as a lively neighborhood with a close-knit community, right next to downtown Saint Paul. The area features a wide range of architectural styles, whether you’re talking about its Victorian-era homes or the historic Cathedral of Saint Paul. Locals can spend hours outside during the summer, especially because there are so many parks, not to mention the fact that the cafes and restaurants along Selby Avenue are within walking distance. Public transportation and nearby highways make it easy to get across the Twin Cities.

The neighborhood is known for Victorian-era architecture

One of the neighborhood’s defining features is its architecture, much of which dates back to the late 1800s. “History matters within this neighborhood, and we do our best to protect it,” says Realtor and former resident Brian Wagner with Coldwell Banker Realty. One of the area homes is the childhood residence of celebrated American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. You’ll find Craftsman styles and American Foursquares throughout the area, and Summit Avenue has the longest stretch of preserved Victorian-era architecture in the country. It also marks the start of Cathedral Hill, a collection of large homes built around the Cathedral of Saint Paul, known for its Beaux Arts architecture and copper-clad dome. Other styles in the neighborhood include Queen Annes, Tudor Revivals and Italianates. A handful of these older houses have been converted into multifamily properties, and there are condo complexes that were built between the early 1900s and the early 2000s.

Colorful homes date back to the 1800s.
Colorful homes date back to the 1800s.
Tudor Revivals and Victorian-era homes are some of the historic styles that can be found in the neighborhood.
Tudor Revivals and Victorian-era homes are some of the historic styles that can be found in the neighborhood.
There are several historic brownstone condos in the neighborhood.
There are several historic brownstone condos in the neighborhood.
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Cathedral Hill homes cost more than the rest of the neighborhood

Once people move to the area, it’s very rare for them to leave. “People trade homes within this neighborhood, they don’t move from it,” Wagner says. The median single-family home price in Summit-University is higher than in Frogtown and other surrounding neighborhoods, likely due to the value of Cathedral Hill residences, but there is a range of prices that can fit many different budgets. “There are very high-priced homes and first-time homebuyer homes,” Wagner says. “There’s also a good mix of rental property available within the neighborhood.” Most homes cost between the low $200,000s and the high $400,000s, but properties in Cathedral Hill and along Selby Avenue can range from the low $500,000s to over $1.3 million. Condos can range from the mid-$100,000s to the high $500,000s, depending on size.

Nearby green spaces like Boyd Park offer plenty of recreation

With so many parks and a YMCA nearby, residents have plenty to do. You can:

  • Have a picnic overlooking the church at Cathedral Hill Park
  • Go for a walk or join a free summer workout class at Boyd Park
  • Play a round of tennis or walk the trails at Central Village Park
  • Admire the public art at Western Sculpture Park
  • Work out or run around the playground at Martin Luther King Recreation Center
There’s more to do beyond the parks, with events like the Selby Avenue JazzFest in September. What started as a block party has evolved into an annual celebration of community with free jazz, food and local artists selling their work at the Village Marketplace. “I think you’re going to see amazing artists that are both local and national,” Wagner says. “It’s a great family-friendly event.” Another way you can connect with neighbors is by signing up for community cleanups and volunteering with the Summit-University Planning Council.

Boyd Park has playground structures with many interactive features.
Boyd Park has playground structures with many interactive features.
Western Sculpture Park has colorful installations and open access for residents.
Western Sculpture Park has colorful installations and open access for residents.
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Bars, restaurants and cafes line Selby Avenue

Living in Summit-University means you are within walking distance of restaurants, bars and coffee shops along Selby Avenue. “It is filled with mom-and-pop retail and tons of eating options,” Wagner says. Those options include:

  • Moscow on the Hill, which specializes in Russian comfort food
  • W.A. Frost, an upscale restaurant known for its patio
  • Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar, which has a weekly jazz brunch
  • 2 Scoops, a local ice cream parlor
  • Nina’s Coffee Cafe, which serves classic coffee and seasonal drinks
There are even more options along Grant Avenue, which was once considered Saint Paul's Main Street, or in the Little Mekong district in Frogtown.

Restaurants, bars and coffee shops line Selby Avenue.
Restaurants, bars and coffee shops line Selby Avenue.
Red Cow St. Paul is located in the neighborhood.
Red Cow St. Paul is located in the neighborhood.
High Hat is a brunch place on Selby that plays vinyl records.
High Hat is a brunch place on Selby that plays vinyl records.
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Commuters can take the interstate, bus or Light Rail to work

Nearby highways and access to public transit make commuting to work simple, whether that’s less than a mile away in Downtown Saint Paul, at the nearby United & Children’s hospitals or in downtown Minneapolis, less than 10 miles away. Interstate 94 goes through the neighborhood, connecting the Twin Cities and intersecting with Interstate 35 East. Many residents take advantage of public transportation, with easy access to the Metro Green Line Light Rail and Metro Transit buses. Even with reliable public transit, Wagner says more people drive. Most of the time, locals park on the street. However, there are a couple of public parking lots near St. Paul College.

Families apply to their preferred Saint Paul schools

The Saint Paul Public School District serves the neighborhood. Families apply to their preferred schools rather than being assigned one, with priority enrollment given to students based on factors like interest in magnet programs and proximity to the school. Options include the highly rated Central Senior High School, which offers French and German immersion programs.

Saint Paul College is a community and technical college located in Cathedral Hill that offers 54 academic programs and 72 certificates and degrees.

St. Paul schools include Capitol Hill Magnet School.
St. Paul schools include Capitol Hill Magnet School.
Maxfield Elementary is part of St. Paul Public Schools.
Maxfield Elementary is part of St. Paul Public Schools.
Central Senior High School in the nearby Union Park offers a well-maintained athletic complex and stadium.
Central Senior High School in the nearby Union Park offers a well-maintained athletic complex and stadium.
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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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain

17 min drive

Bus

Dale St & Selby Ave

Bus

Dale St & Summit Ave & Portland Ave

Bus

Marshall Ave & Victoria St N

Bus

Marshall Ave & Chatsworth St N

Bus

Kellogg Blvd & John Ireland Blvd

Bus

Dale St & Carroll Ave

Bus

Dale St N & Selby Ave

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Summit-University US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
3,044
Number of Homes for Sale
30
Median Year Built
1910
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,706
Below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,613
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,385
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
813
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
525
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
17,960
Median Age
36
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$61,059
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$90,135

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.8%
College Graduates
48.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19%
% Population in Labor Force
72.3%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
9°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
44''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walk Score®

70 / 100

Moderately friendly

Transit Score®

60 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Summit-University
Deanna Wiener
Cardinal Realty Co.
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