Superior

Once a blue-collar community anchored by the railroad industry, Allouez-Itasca is today a neighborhood of commuters 6 miles from Downtown Superior. “There’s a lot of history with the rail companies,” says Realtor Belinda Sternberg of Century 21 Atwood Realty, Inc. “Rails are a big thing in Superior itself; we have railroad lines that intertwine throughout the whole city.” Train tracks run perpendicular to the neighborhood’s residential streets on its west side, with Allouez Bay to the east. Residents’ back yards overlook Allouez Bay, beyond which lies Wisconsin Point, a strip of beach separating it from Lake Superior. The bay is the leading outdoor draw for visitors and locals alike. Wisconsin Point is a dog-friendly beach, so locals can take their furry friends for a walk along the water while watching the birds. Swimming is safe since the water quality consistently passes when tested year after year, though temperatures are normally below 70 degrees. Interestingly, folks can harvest rice in shallow waters, on the point side. What’s unique about the bay is that there isn’t a hefty price tag to accompany the best views. Lakeside Terrace, the mobile home park, is even closer to the waterfront than the single-family homes. Those who want a truly unique view can head to the northwestern tip of the beach, wherein lies a rocky strip that juts out to Wisconsin Point Lighthouse. The historic beacon is a hotspot for tourists to catch a great view of passing ore carriers. “They ship the ore down here and load it on huge ships, and the ships go out through the Great Lakes and drop it off,” says Sternberg. Back on land, Allouez Park welcomes pups and their owners to the tennis courts and outdoor ice rink, the latter being available in the winter months. The neighborhood’s gridded residential streets hug both sides of the thoroughfare, stretching no more than eight blocks in either direction. Prospective buyers have two options in this area: traditional single-family homes and mobile homes. Bungalows tend to be from the early 20th century, featuring two or three bedrooms and a simple vinyl-siding exterior. Ranch-style homes are also prevalent and appear in the same neat, simplistic fashion. Pricing for these styles ranges between $100,000 and $270,000. This places the community’s homes below the national average and on par with surrounding areas. The alternative housing option, mobile homes, is an affordable option clustered in the Lakeside Terrace subdivision. These units with two or three bedrooms fetch sell for $80,000 to $90,000. The Duluth Transit Authority takes locals where they need to go, passing through both Downtown Superior and Downtown Duluth. More than a dozen bus stops lay scattered along Highway 53, allowing for easy access. The five-and-a-half-mile trip to the University of Wisconsin-Superior takes about 20 minutes, and the connecting five-and-a-half-mile trip into Downtown Duluth takes another 32 minutes. For out-of-town trips, folks can drive the 16 miles northwest to Duluth International Airport. “You’re not living right in town; you’re kind of on the edge, so you can hit Highway 53 and go south,” says Sternberg. Allouez-Itasca’s restaurant options are fewer and farther between than nearby downtown areas. Locally owned and operated bars and grills show up at the intersection of 50th Avenue and Highway 53. Folks can start their day at The Original Louis’ Café with a classic omelet or plate of pancakes. This spot puts a Greek twist on lunch, serving moussaka, gyros and fresh pitas. “There’s Eddie’s “world famous ribs” on the east side of Superior,” says Realtor Megan Wilson of Re/Max Results. “The cool thing about Superior is you’re not getting chain restaurants; you’re seeing a lot of the local touch.” For groceries, folks can take a short drive or bus ride up Highway 53 to Super One Foods. Students in Allouez-Itasca attend classes within the School District of Superior, rated B-minus overall by Niche. They begin at Great Lakes Elementary, also rated a B-minus. They then move to Superior Middle, which gets a C overall, followed by Superior High, which gets a B-minus. Superior High runs its own news column on the school website, frequently publishing teacher highlights and unique happenings around campus.

Adjacent to Downtown Superior, Billings Park allows easy access to metropolitan areas while remaining an outdoorsy retreat. The lure of the water on the west side attracts residents to gridded streets that morph into cul-de-sacs closer to the banks of the St. Louis River. Likewise, those looking to enjoy their time in the neighborhood's namesake park also come for the green space and nearby gardens. “It’s a beautiful place; the sunset views are incredible over the St. Louis River.” says Realtor Megan Wilson of Re/Max Results. Residential streets follow the natural curvature of the terrain, giving way to Billings Park and other green spaces along the river. The park itself has a boat launch area and 12 accompanying parking spaces. From here, locals can make their way onto the St. Louis River, which separates Minnesota and Wisconsin and flows into Lake Superior. “A lot of people like to fish,” says Realtor Corrine Hobbs of Edina Realty. “People just like to boat around the lake.” If fishing on the river doesn’t sound appealing, folks can set up on its edge at Brandons Fishing dock. The pier is easy to miss, making it a secluded spot to cast a line. The Children’s Memorial Garden offers a serene place to reflect or read. Those looking to have a leisurely walk can check out the Japanese Friendship Garden, a paved path with benches, Japanese-inspired stone architecture and river views. The community rests on the north edge of Superior Municipal Forest, a 4,400-acre nature preserve offering extensive hiking, canoeing and wildlife-watching experiences. Furry friends are welcome to run free at the Superior Dog Park. Housing in Billings Park is relatively straightforward, offering prospective buyers two clusters from which to choose. Most of the neighborhood’s inventory lines the gridded streets towards its center, around Cooper Elementary. Bungalows from the late 19th and early 20th centuries tend to fall on smaller lots, some very nearly touching as if they were townhouses. “There’s a lot of older home architecture, and I like how people have brought restaurants and coffee shops into the older buildings,” says Hobbs of some of the mixed-use enclaves These homes have since been renovated, showcasing a modern yet predictable vinyl siding and front porch aesthetic. Pricing in the middle of this suburb ranges from $150,000 to $270,000. Closer to the water, buyers will notice ranch and prairie-style homes from the mid-20th century to brand-new construction. Consequently, builds closer to the water fetch between $100,000 and $650,000. The dining scene in Billings Park is largely casual, boasting locally owned spots with few chains in sight. The past two decades, in particular have been kind to small business owners in and around Superior. “I remember when I first got into real estate 14 years ago, and Tower Avenue really started investing a lot of money into rebuilding the area,” says Wilson. “It’s created a culture where local businesses have been able to open and thrive.” Just south of Route 2 sits The Shack, a dive spot serving burgers and wings to match its laidback atmosphere. This is about the extent of dining in the immediate area, with several more options along Tower Avenue downtown. One is Superior Family Restaurant, a diner-style spot serving classics and comfort treats for breakfast. Locals can grab beer and burgers one block south at 7 West TapHouse. The place also serves tacos and salads. “Wissota Chophouse has really good steaks, appetizers and cocktails. It’s a classy vibe over there,” says Wilson. For groceries, folks shop at Super One Foods, a large warehouse-style supermarket. A Walgreens also serves the area for prescription needs and home necessities. Students in Billings Park attend class within the School District of Superior, which gets a B-minus overall from Niche. Students start at Cooper Elementary, rated C-plus, before moving to Superior Middle, rated C. Superior High earns a B-minus and has a student-led news column called the Spartan Spin. Although there is no public transportation in the neighborhood itself, Billings Park residents can venture downtown and board the bus along Tower Avenue. The intersection of Tower Avenue and 16th Street, the bus stop closest to downtown proper, offers a nonstop route into Downtown Duluth to the north. The Richard I. Bong Memorial Airport lies three miles south of the intersection. Duluth's weather can be harsh in the winter, with average high temperatures in January around 18 and lows below zero. Measurable snowfall typically starts before Halloween, with the last snow of the season often in late April, according to the National Weather Service.

Some choose the downtown lifestyle while others flock to the waterfront; in Central Park, Superior, locals don’t have to pick. Straddling the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, this Superior Bay-adjacent community has a classic suburban layout, and though it measures just half a square mile, there is plenty to do on both the water and land. “Every year, there’s the Dragon Boat Festival, which is always fun,” says Jordan DeCaro of Re/Max Results. “It’s a good little community right next to Barker’s Island.” A marina separates the mainland from tiny Barker’s Island, where locals moor their boats in preparation for the warmer months. Back ashore, blocks of single-family homes give way to small parks throughout, giving the recreational parts of town a more integrated. Central Superior, often referred to as downtown, lies in the opposite direction. Many restaurants along Tower Avenue are available for a quick bite or night out. Green spaces and waterfront views are the neighborhood’s two most significant selling points. Summer afternoons are best spent at Central Park, which features a dedicated disc golf course. There are also fenced-in tennis and basketball courts that face 7th Street. Faxon Creek is a small body of water that winds its way through the park, along which locals can take a short walk. A few blocks farther towards the water, folks can try the Red Barn Ice Skating Rink. It might not look like much, but the basin is filled and subsequently freezes over in the cold months, making for a fun afternoon out. Kids will be happy with the playground at Gouge Park thanks to its jungle gym, swings and open space to run around. Just 1,500 feet from the closest house, Barkers Island invites folks to swim at its tiny beach, fish from the pier or walk the Osaugle Trail by the water’s edge. After a long, hot day outside, visitors can check out the Fairlawn Museum and Mansion. This Queen Anne-style mansion offers year-round tours. Central Park’s gridded patchwork of residential streets showcases an eclectic mix of home styles. Lots are small, most with less than a quarter acre of land and paved or brick sidewalks that stretch toward the front door. Bungalows and ranch styles from throughout the 20th century appear ubiquitously across the community, a pattern broken by the occasional Tudor Revival. Two—and three-bedroom builds feature between 800 and 1,900 square feet, priced at $115,000 on the low end and $400,000 on the high end. Folks can start their day with breakfast at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery on the neighborhood's northwest side. When dinnertime arrives, those in the mood for Asian dishes head to the Golden Inn Restaurant. This sit-down spot serves Cantonese and Sichuan plates, which are known to have large portions. Half a mile away is Little Caesar’s for pizza takeout and delivery. For groceries, folks shop at Super One Foods, a large warehouse-style supermarket just west of the community. A Walgreens also serves the area for prescription needs and home necessities. “The neighborhood is centrally located right off of Highway 2, so you’ve got many restaurants and grocery stores located close to the area,” says DeCaro. Students in Central Park attend classes within the School District of Superior, rated B-minus overall by Niche. They begin at Northern Lights Elementary, which gets a C from Niche. They then move to Superior Middle, which receives a C overall, followed by Superior High, which gets a B-minus. Superior High runs its own news column on the school website. For higher education, prospective students can apply to the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Central Park residents can utilize the Duluth Transit Authority bus system to access nearby areas. 21st Street offers half a dozen bus stops which travel past Downtown Superior, a 22-minute trip. Making the commute into Duluth by bus takes about 40 minutes. 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.

As its name implies, Central Superior is in the middle of it all. Nearly all the restaurants and shops cling to the two intersecting thoroughfares, Tower Avenue and Route 2. The neighborhood is colloquially referred to as downtown, and with good reason: Downtown Duluth lies seven miles north and Superior Bay two miles east, not to mention the convenience of what’s already in the neighborhood. Though anchored by a retail presence at its core, Central Superior remains a suburb that, when venturing a block or two in each direction, reveals residential streets knitted seamlessly alongside its small businesses. Homes dating back to the early 20th century show their age a bit, but buyers won’t be paying the price for owning established builds. These single-family homes feature updated interiors while retaining much of their vintage exterior look and are priced at a fraction of Downtown Duluth’s price. In addition to the manly yearly events in town, folks have Superior Bay and Superior Lake at their disposal for afternoon fun. One unique characteristic of Central Superior is that not only are its eateries easy to find, but they tend to be locally owned and operated rather than chains. There is no one style of cuisine, either. Locals can start off their morning with something savory or sweet from Superior Waffles or head to KD’s Family Restaurant for more classic breakfast plates. When Saturday arrives, 7 West Taphouse has the burgers and brews covered in their casual, near-rustic dining and bar areas. For groceries, folks head to Super One Foods in the middle of town. Onion and potato enthusiasts can shop at Vee’s Produce, which is known for its quality and freshness. Central Superior’s single-family homes appear on suburban-style blocks, interspersed around the thoroughfares’ intersection. Homes closest to said intersection have the added benefit of walkability to nearby restaurants. Lot sizes are quite modest, averaging about a quarter of an acre. Styles include duplexes and the classic bungalow, with most having been built between 1900 and 1950. Despite their antique charm and sometimes renovated interiors, pricing remains a comfortable $130,000 to $300,000. Buyers considering Downtown Duluth instead would struggle to find any housing for less than the maximum of this range. Superior Bay is the clear winner for attractions, but Central Superior has its own fun to offer. Hammond Park, though no larger than a block of homes, is a fun spot where kids can swing, slide and run around. There are also picnic tables and canopy fit for hosting a small group. Sports enthusiasts can stay active at Wade Bowl Park’s open-air basketball half-court, baseball dugout and ice-skating rink. The latter is only available in the winter months when water is added to a dedicated basin and allowed to freeze. Just a couple miles east, folks have several ways they can spend the day on the water. A sunny Saturday might include swimming at Barker’s Island Beach, playing a few rounds at Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf or casting a line into Pickle Pond. The crowning waterfront challenge, however, is the Dragon Boat Festival. Every August, teams form and compete in the classic Dragon Boat Race on Lake Superior, as well as a 5k Fun Run and Tug of War. Participants and passersby can refresh at the food trucks and stick around for the award ceremony. Central Superior residents can utilize the Duluth Transit Authority bus system to access nearby areas. About half a dozen bus stops line Tower Avenue, which runs from north to south. The buses will take locals from one of these stops along Tower Avenue north into Downtown Duluth, a commute that lasts about 38 minutes. The six-mile trip only lasts about 13 minutes by car, although traffic does become congested just past the John A. Blatnik Bridge. Students in Central Park attend classes within the School District of Superior, rated B-minus overall by Niche. They begin at Northern Lights Elementary, which gets a C from Niche. They then move to Superior Middle, which receives a C overall, followed by Superior High, which gets a B-minus. Superior High runs its own news column on the school website. For higher learning, students can apply to the University of Wisconsin-Superior located on the community’s east side. 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.

Known colloquially as “OId Town” for its 1853 origins, East End is a community with old bones amid modern conveniences. Route 53, the thoroughfare which separates this community from Lake Superior, takes commuters straight into downtown. Neat residential blocks interlock as close as 500 feet to the lakefront. “In East End, you’ve got a mix of some of the oldest homes in Superior and some of the 50-year-old homes as well,” says Realtor Megan Wilson of Re/Max Results. East End shows its community vibe through an annual event known as Family Fun Days. Once a year, families convene towards the end of summer for a day of raffles, rummage sales, games and a pet parade. “It’s more about the little events,” says Wilson. Lake Superior hugs the neighborhood’s eastern edge, inviting locals and visitors for weekend fun by simply crossing the street. Barker's Island, at about a mile in length, connects via a short causeway, offering everything from a beach, to a marina, to a prime fishing spot, to a maritime museum to a hotel and conference center. It's also encircled by Osaugie Trail, which continues along the mainland's shoreline in both directions for pedestrians, cyclists and joggers. Also back on the mainland, Washington Park stretches across Fifth Street into two general parcels. One is an unmarked green space, and the other is a dedicated playground area. Carl Gullo Park shares a block with the plain green space, providing two tennis courts and a basketball court. Narrow residential streets form a grid through the neighborhood, extending to within sight of the lakefront. These streets offer little room for street parking. Although the area has sidewalks on nearly every block, they are also pretty narrow. Lot sizes average about 5,000 square feet, on which modest cottages, bungalows and ranch-style homes sit. These early-to-mid-20th-century homes fetch between $120,000 and $300,000. Locals have few options for dining in the immediate area but can easily grab an afternoon drink at Pudges or Hudy’s Bar along Fifth Street. These two spots are within walking distance of the Super One Foods across the street. Culver’s -- a Wisconsin staple that has expanded beyond the upper Midwest -- and McDonald’s appear on either side of US Highway 58, offering quick bites just a few hundred feet from the waterfront. The closest sit-down restaurant option would be Guadalajara, a Mexican restaurant serving plates of chicken, rice and beans. “When you get farther east, there’s Gronk’s, known for its upside-down burgers, and Eddies World Famous Ribs,” says Wilson. Super One Foods is centrally located for grocery shopping. Students in East End attend class within the Superior School District, rated B-minus overall by Niche. They start at Great Lakes Elementary, also rated B-minus, before moving on to C-rated Superior Middle. Superior High gets a B-minus and offers drama and mock trial extracurriculars. Getting around Superior is typically without traffic jams, whether driving the 4-mile commute downtown or sitting through a 22-minute bus ride. Reaching Downtown Duluth is about double the duration, a 10-mile stretch that’s 20 minutes by car and 47 minutes by bus. The Duluth International Airport sits 16 miles northwest. Like many areas on or near the Great Lakes, Duluth carries winter weather concerns with it. “Lake Superior is a weather maker,” 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.”