What is Duluth's appeal? (Minneapolis, Rochester: homes, neighborhoods, subdivisions)

[acrylic]

I for one can't figure it out.

I guess the scenery can be pretty, driving down Mesaba, and being in Canal and Park Point, but for those of you that say "I really like/love Duluth!":

Why?

[kuan]

Good weather. Proximity to Ely and Iron Range recreation. Close to Grand Marais. Affordable housing.

[aluminumpork]

Originally Posted by kuan

Good weather. Proximity to Ely and Iron Range recreation. Close to Grand Marais. Affordable housing.

Strangely, none of those really play a role in it for me (except summer weather I suppose). For me, it's the neighborhoods, the lakewalk, the people, the local businesses and the separation from big big cities. Driving through any of the East End neighborhoods, there's an incredible amount of trees, hiking trails and streams that are in what is an urban environment. (I only use East End as an example because it's the area I know best).

Duluth doesn't feel suburban to me. That's why I can't stand most of the Minneapolis suburbs. Duluth has thousands of examples of classic, late 1800s, early 1900s homes and other buildings that have been renovated and updated. It's the character of Duluth that does it for me. These buildings looked great when they were built and they'll look great a hundred years from now if they're preserved. Half of the trendy buildings in most suburbs will look aged in 20 years.

The passion people have for this area (that I also share) is also incredible. Duluth residents really care about this city, and try their hardest to keep a place that people want to live.

Also, if you're judging the Duluth's scenery from the top of MesabaAve, then you haven't seen anything.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by acrylic

I for one can't figure it out.

I guess the scenery can be pretty, driving down Mesaba, and being in Canal and Park Point, but for those of you that say "I really like/love Duluth!":

Why?

Well, it's a largish port city which makes it unique for Minnesotans, it has a lot of very interesting older architecture built in a geographically interesting location, and the climate is very nice in the summer for those of us who are visiting there from further south in the state.

It's also the beginning (southern point) of the scenic North Shore Drive, which I really enjoy.

[kuan]

Originally Posted by aluminumpork

Strangely, none of those really play a role in it for me (except summer weather I suppose). For me, it's the neighborhoods, the lakewalk, the people, the local businesses and the separation from big big cities. Driving through any of the East End neighborhoods, there's an incredible amount of trees, hiking trails and streams that are in what is an urban environment. (I only use East End as an example because it's the area I know best).

Duluth doesn't feel suburban to me. That's why I can't stand most of the Minneapolis suburbs. Duluth has thousands of examples of classic, late 1800s, early 1900s homes and other buildings that have been renovated and updated. It's the character of Duluth that does it for me. These buildings looked great when they were built and they'll look great a hundred years from now if they're preserved. Half of the trendy buildings in most suburbs will look aged in 20 years.

The passion people have for this area (that I also share) is also incredible. Duluth residents really care about this city, and try their hardest to keep a place that people want to live.

Also, if you're judging the Duluth's scenery from the top of MesabaAve, then you haven't seen anything.

Yeah all that too. I don't live there, I just visit.

[acrylic]

Originally Posted by aluminumpork

Strangely, none of those really play a role in it for me (except summer weather I suppose). For me, it's the neighborhoods, the lakewalk, the people, the local businesses and the separation from big big cities. Driving through any of the East End neighborhoods, there's an incredible amount of trees, hiking trails and streams that are in what is an urban environment. (I only use East End as an example because it's the area I know best).

Duluth doesn't feel suburban to me. That's why I can't stand most of the Minneapolis suburbs. Duluth has thousands of examples of classic, late 1800s, early 1900s homes and other buildings that have been renovated and updated. It's the character of Duluth that does it for me. These buildings looked great when they were built and they'll look great a hundred years from now if they're preserved. Half of the trendy buildings in most suburbs will look aged in 20 years.

The passion people have for this area (that I also share) is also incredible. Duluth residents really care about this city, and try their hardest to keep a place that people want to live.

Also, if you're judging the Duluth's scenery from the top of MesabaAve, then you haven't seen anything.

I guess you have some good points there,a nd I guess I can understand the appeal of some people. But that stuff just plain doesn't really appeal to me.

Also, you saying that me judging Duluth's scenery from the top of Mesaba means I haven't seen anything has absolutely no truth to it. That's my favorite view in Duluth. Also, lets not forget. I live here, and have lived here all my life. (Unless you were speaking in the general sense)

@Kuan: My view on good weather must be opposite then. I think Duluth has some of the worst weather compared to many other places I've visited. Also, housing isn't all that affordable. A quarter million won't get you as much here anymore, as say, 5 years ago, even with this market.

[roneb]

aluminumpork does a nice job summarizing many of the positives. I haven't had the privilege of living in Duluth yet, but I sure want to! Out here in Portland, OR I DO have the privilege of living in a very green city with beautiful scenery and tons of outdoor recreation opportunities. But it has its drawbacks - rapid growth, bad traffic, a growing hipster/yuppie population (read "superficial, pretentious, and fake"), and a long gray fall/winter/spring with no snow. At heart I guess I'm still a small town boy who misses snow!

Duluth has all of the positives of Portland, with fewer drawbacks:

There is the beautiful scenery and proximity to a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities (it could be argued very successfully that it's EASIER to get to these in Duluth)

There are greenspaces and hiking trails right in town along the creeks.

The neighborhoods there FEEL LIKE NEIGHBORHOODS. Portland is getting overrun by huge Cali style mcmanshion subdivisions - which I can not stand. I've been told by a few Duluthians that such development would never fly there.

Duluth is somewhat isolated from any other major metro area, which I believe allows it to retain its own distinct feel and identity.

The people in the midwest are genuine and more down to earth, in my experience.

Duluth has SNOW (lots of it)!

[Minnehahapolitan]

Duluth does not currently equal what it was and what it could be. I think Duluthians would be the first to admit that. That said though, it is quite amazing what a vibrant, cosmopolitan city Duluth is figuring it has fewer than 100,000 people. Its culutral offerings rival cities much larger, it has a deep history and a very urban vibe that is simply found in other cities in the region (Fargo, Rochester, Green Bay, et. cetera). Its geographic setting surpasses even the largest of American cities and it remains an inexpensive place to live. The weather is what the weather is. Many people love a good winter, and even more appreciate a summer lake breeze.

[aluminumpork]

Sorry, from the way your initial post was written I assumed you'd hadn't lived here long or were visiting. I too have lived here my entire life. I grew up out in the country (Normanna Township) and have only relatively recently moved into town.

Basically, why I love Duluth can be summed up with, it's unique. There's a ton of potential that has yet to be realized and there could some exciting times watching that potential be realized.

[acrylic]

Originally Posted by aluminumpork

Sorry, from the way your initial post was written I assumed you'd hadn't lived here long or were visiting. I too have lived here my entire life. I grew up out in the country (Normanna Township) and have only relatively recently moved into town.

Basically, why I love Duluth can be summed up with, it's unique. There's a ton of potential that has yet to be realized and there could some exciting times watching that potential be realized.

I do agree...it's pretty unique, and when I do move away within a couple years, I'll be sure to miss it. It just has that feel that I like coming back to. But the thing that really bothers me is the weather. The summer CAN BE gorgeous, but this summer has been very subpar. Also, I can't stand the winters. So, I want someone else's perspectives that does love the winters, and whatnot.