Duluth consists of many different areas with unique characteristics and history. The differences in each area are due to various periods of growth which resulted in the evolution of individual neighborhoods. The boundaries and classifications of the neighborhoods are not well defined and vary according to different sources.

Cloquet, Esko, Proctor, and Hermantown, although separate cities, are considered part of the Duluth community.

CLOQUET:
Cloquet is located southwest of Duluth on the St. Louis River. More than 11,000 people live in Cloquet.
(Source: Duluth Area Association of Realtors

Neighborhood Descriptions
A study completed by the University of Minnesota graduate students describes the conditions of various neighborhoods in Duluth. The descriptions provided are subjective in nature and are based on the students' observations and interpretations of archival data.
 

WEST DULUTH:

Fond Du Lac, Gary New Duluth, Morgan Park, Smithville, Riverside, Norton Park
The housing supply in these area is in relatively good condition. Some homes show evidence of deferred maintenance.

Bayview Heights, Fairmont Park, Irving, Cody, Spirit Valley, Denfeld, Oneta
The housing supply is well maintained toward the top of the hillside but poorly maintained toward the bottom. There area areas of very poor housing, especially proximal to Interstate 35. Over the past decade, a significant number of older, less desirable dwellings were demolished. The numerous new housing projects make this area one of the fastest improving neighborhoods in Duluth. A significant amount of housing was built prior to 1940.

West End
The housing supply is well maintained toward the top of the hillside, but some deferred maintenance can be found toward the bottom. Some newer, larger, more expensive single family homes are located along Skyline Parkway and Exhibition Drive. Many homeowners are remodeling, repairing, and refinancing their homes indicating they are likely to stay in the West End. Little land is available for residential development other than scattered, vacant lots. A significant amount of housing was built before 1940.

Piedmont Heights, Duluth Heights
The housing supply is in good condition, but there are indications of deferred maintenance on the west side of Duluth Heights. There are some new subdivisions such as Crystal Tree and Ponderosa Groves. Area residents have concerns regarding the intrusion of commercial development in the Miller Hill Mall area. Most residents want to maintain low population density and "green space." High demand and new residential construction result in high sale prices. The abundance of available land increases the likelihood of further residential construction.

(Source: Residential Housing Market Study, a research project conducted in conjunction with the UMD Center for Economic Development in May 1995).

EAST DULUTH:

East Hillside, Endion
The housing in the area is in average condition. Many homes are well maintained, but others require significant repair. It consists of mainly older housing a smaller multifamily structures. The street conditions are poor and require further paving in Endion. Many larger family homes were converted to rental units over the past few years. The average sale price increased the most in this area due in part to the construction of many new homes.

Kenwood, Woodland, Hunter's Park, UMD, Chester Park, Morley Heights, and Parksville
The housing supply consists of newer, primarily larger, single family homes and multifamily structures. Many single family homes are rented by college students. This area accounts for the largest number of sales in Duluth from 1990 and 1993. The area also has the largest supply of single family homes in Duluth.

Congdon Park, Lakeside, Lester Park
The condition of housing in this area is above average. There are many newer, larger single family homes. Many individuals with low or moderate incomes cannot afford to purchase a home in the area.

North Shore
There are above average housing conditions in this neighborhood. The housing is considered to be rural in nature with little or no multifamily housing. There is a large number of adults and married couples without children in this area. Residents often have higher incomes and own their property. Some areas are not served by public utilities. This is one of the areas which accounted for the smallest number of sales in Duluth from 1990 to 1993.

CENTRAL DULUTH:

Central Hillside, Central Business District
The best housing in the area can be found west of Mesaba Avenue. There are areas of substandard housing on the eastern side of the roadway. Portions of the entire area are in need of major renovation or complete demolition. There is little land available for additional development. Residents generally oppose multifamily development and prefer to reserve the smallest number of single-family home sales.

Kenwood, Woodland, Hunter's Park, UMD, Chester Park, Morley Heights, and Parksville
The housing supply consists of newer, primarily larger, single family homes and multifamily structures. Many single family homes are rented by college students. This area accounts for the largest number of sales in Duluth from 1990 and 1993. The area also has the largest supply of single family homes in Duluth.

Park Point
The housing in the area is in relatively good condition. There is a good mix of new and older unites, many of which are expensive. There is a little land available for additional development. Residents have a strong sense of community and are resistant to the building of rental units. Sale prices are high due n part to the proximity of Lake Superior.