📍 About DLH & Duluth
Duluth Tower (DLH) is located at Duluth International Airport in northern Minnesota. Duluth is a scenic port city on Lake Superior with a strong community feel, affordable living, and four-season recreation. It offers a blend of urban convenience and access to nature — perfect for those who enjoy hiking, winter sports, or lake life.
🏡 Where to Live
Duluth – Popular Neighborhoods
- Congdon Park – Upscale, historic homes, walkable, safe.
- Chester Park – Great for young professionals, near colleges, parks.
- East Hillside – Affordable, diverse, great views of the lake.
- Lakeside–Lester Park – Quiet, suburban feel with lake access.
- Piedmont Heights – Family-friendly, good schools, central location.
Nearby Communities
- Hermantown – Suburban, newer developments, excellent schools.
- Proctor – Small-town charm, affordable homes, tight-knit feel.
- Superior, WI – Lower cost of living, just across the bridge in Wisconsin.
🚗 Commute Times to DLH Tower
- 5–10 min: Piedmont Heights, Duluth Heights
- 10–20 min: Lakeside–Lester Park, Hermantown, East Hillside
- 20–30 min: Proctor, Superior (WI)
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: Hartley Park, Chester Park Trails, Lester River Trail
- Beaches: Park Point Beach, Brighton Beach (summer)
- Skiing: Spirit Mountain (in town), Giant's Ridge (1.5 hrs)
- Camping: Jay Cooke State Park, Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC): Concerts, events, hockey
- Great Lakes Aquarium – Lake Superior-focused exhibits
- Historic Glensheen Mansion – Museum and lakeside grounds
- Breweries: Bent Paddle, Ursa Minor, Canal Park Brewing
- Shopping: Miller Hill Mall, Downtown shops, Canal Park boutiques
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Duluth International Airport (DLH): Serves MSP, ORD, PHX, LAS and more
- Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP): ~2.5 hours – largest hub in MN
- Richard I. Bong Airport (SUW): General aviation in nearby Superior, WI
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Hermantown: Low crime, family-oriented
- Duluth: Eastside safer; downtown has higher incidents
- Proctor: Very safe, small-town feel
- Superior (WI): Mixed; varies by neighborhood
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price in Duluth: $280,000. Rent for 1-bedroom: $1,000–$1,300/month.
- Groceries: Average. Milk ~$3.50, eggs ~$2.75, bread ~$3.00
- Gasoline: ~$3.40–$3.60/gallon
- Utilities: ~$150–$220/month for apartment
- Taxes: MN state income tax applies; no local sales tax in Duluth
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Canal Park: Restaurants, waterfront walking, shops
- Congdon Park: Historic homes, quiet, upscale
- Downtown Duluth: Arts scene, mixed-use development
- Lester Park: Outdoor recreation and residential
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Long, cold, heavy snow — snow tires and AWD useful
- Spring: Cool and rainy; snow melt and rivers swell
- Summer: Mild, upper 60s to 80s, great for hiking and beach
- Fall: Crisp air, vivid colors, ideal for outdoor activities
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Car recommended — city is spread out
- DTA (Duluth Transit Authority): Local bus service available
- Traffic: Minimal congestion; snow can delay winter travel
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Essentia Health–St. Mary’s Medical Center – Large regional hospital
- St. Luke’s Hospital – Full-service, centrally located
- Urgent Care: Multiple walk-in clinics across Duluth and Hermantown
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Adults: Breweries, live music, trivia nights, outdoor meetups
- Families: Public libraries, Lake Superior Zoo, playgrounds, YMCA
- Community Groups: Active volunteering and outdoor clubs
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Local Favorites: Va Bene, New Scenic Café, Duluth Grill
- Breweries: Bent Paddle, Blacklist Brewing, Hoops Brewing
- Casual Eats: Northern Waters Smokehaus, Burrito Union
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Local housing helps during seasonal snow commutes
- Shifts: Winter driving conditions — allow buffer time
- Community: Consider Hermantown or Chester Park to be close and quiet
📦 Moving Tips
- Snow gear: Invest in a snow blower, boots, winter tires
- Best time to move: Late spring or early fall to avoid snow
- Availability: Rent and homes tend to open up May–July
❓ FAQs
- Is Duluth safe?
Yes, especially in east and hillside neighborhoods - Is AWD needed?
Highly recommended due to snowfall - Can I live in WI and work in MN?
Yes — Superior, WI is just across the bridge and cheaper