Why Duluth is a great place to live. (St. Cloud, Hibbing: realty, gated)

[traillover]

After reading some negative posts about Duluth, I feel obligated to respond. The Duluth bashing typically comes from people that have lived here for 20 years or more and have limited or no experience living anywhere else. This is an important point. If you have never lived anywhere else, it is difficult to compare one city to another. My wife and I have lived in numerous cities and find Duluth to be among the best places to live, for us. A place to live has to fit your individual lifestyle and interests, what is great for one person may not be for another.

Duluth offers some of the best outdoor recreation of any city in the country. It was (for the 2nd time) voted one of the best cities to live in by Outside Magazine in the current issue (August 2007). It has amazing scenery, tons of wonderful trails (non-motorized and motorized) and parks, and some of the cleanest air in the country. There is no rush hour, great shops, a wonderful food co-op, good restaurants and affordable housing. The job market isn't stellar, but what town of 85,000 has a really strong market? I have definitely seen worse and there are jobs available. There was recently an article in the local newspaper about the lack of qualified people to fill professional positions (architects and engineers in particular). Health care and education are the biggest employers here. If you're an entrepreneur, there are opportunities. Duluth has historically been a union town with a mining background. That is still prevelant, but I think it's declining. Because of that, there is more of an employee mentaility. In other words, I think most people want to work for someone instead of start their own business and work for themselves. Tourism is a big part of the local economy. The people here are great. Not just superficial nice, but a place where you can develop quality relationships. Sure, there are issues - but what city doesn't have them? Crime is maybe a bit worse than average for a town this size but isn't a major issue.

The weather in Duluth....The summer highs are in the 70's and 80's with the occasional 90+. This is typically June through early September. Fall and Spring are short but nice. The winters are long and cold, no doubt. Most people are still active during these times and you will see people running, skiing, and riding bike all winter long. The town does not shut down and most people embrace winter. Snow can be on the ground from December (maybe November) through sometime in April.

I hope these few things help people considering a move, or just a visit, to our great town.

[kuan]

Steam heat.

[1rock4u]

We've been considering moving to MN (Duluth to be exact actually). I posted a question about a good area there, but never got a response. This really helps me, thank you very much. You mentioned the job market, I've mainly been in shipping & rec. and also transportation, do you think I'd have much luck getting a good enough job to afford decent housing? Any help would be amazing, thanks again.

[traillover]

irock4u:

If you can locate a decent job, housing should not be an issue. There are options in the area in the $150,000 range or less depending on what you need or want. Check the local newspapers website for job listings - Duluth News Tribune. I am not sure if that helps.. A good site for a local home search is Kalligher Realty, Inc. - Duluth Area Listings. Check it out.

[Riverdog]

Thanks, traillover. I'm one of those people who is seriously considering Duluth, and while I have a few back-up cities (in case I can't find a job) for me Duluth is the one. I was pretty sure that compared to where I am coming from (NYC) it will seem like paradise, despite some of the problems it is having compared to yesteryear, but your comments have confirmed that. Hopefully, I'll see you soon!

[1rock4u]

Thanks alot traillover!!! I'll check out the website and the paper. It makes me feel better about moving there with what you said about housing. Especially since I'm moving from all the way down here in Arkansas!!!

[santos]

Well put, Traillover.My grandparents lived in Duluth, the WestEnd to be precise. Grandpa was the Section Chief for the DM&IR, they lived at the end of 57th Avenue, in the 4 story railroad house. When Grandpa retired the RR closed that section of the track and tore down the house.

We frequently went to Duluth, I have always loved the city. The jobs available were low paying and I needed to make more money so I moved to a metro area. Now that I'm nearly 60 years old I'm moving back to Minnesota. I'm a vet and need the medical facility in St. Cloud, so that's likely where I will go. If I didn't need the VA I would definitely move to Duluth.

Few years ago I spent a summer in Hibbing and went to Duluth frequently. It was a pleasant surprise to find some of the business that I remember from my youth to still be viable. Shame about that overhead 35 though, who the heck approved that.

[kizzeith]

As a new transplant to Duluth, I recommend that anyone moving here either check out the neighborhoods before buying/renting, or if that can't be done, stay on the East Side (at least 15 blocks east)

[The_Iowan]

I just left Duluth, as my family and I were vacationing there, and Two Harbors. I have to say, I loved it! I want to move there, lol. My hubby wasn't as easily convinced as I was. As soon as I am done with my education, I could see myself moving there. It is such a beautiful area!

[roneb]

Thanks for starting this thread traillover. I've been out to Duluth twice now and I love it there. I'm hoping that the timing will be right to get out there permanently when my oldest has finished high school. Portland, OR - where I live - has a lot to offer but is just getting too "darn" big. Housing is through the roof so I can't afford to upgrade for my family, and the long grey winters are a huge downer. Duluth offers almost all of the outdoor opportunities that we have here, but with a lot more livability, in my opinion. And, having grown up in MT and AK, I really miss the snow and cold! Must be the Scandinavian heritage