Although it was not incorporated as a city until 1975, Hermantown began to rise to prominence during the Great Depression, when the federal government designated the open space west of Duluth as the ideal site for a subsistence homestead project later referred to as the Jackson Project. A number of Hermantown residents still live in Jackson homes, which can be distinguished by their brick structures and attached garages, which double as barns.
Directly to the west of Duluth lies a small city that, at times, feels like a Duluth-Superior suburb. Despite its relatively small population of 9,414 and the frequency with which residents commute to the Duluth area, Hermantown remains a distinctive commercial and cultural center in its own right. Over the years, the rapidly expanding outer reaches of Duluth have spilled over into Hermantown, but instead of simply becoming yet another Duluth neighborhood, Hermantown has retained its unique feel as a slightly rural enclave in which residents can escape the industrialism of Duluth for pristine natural scenery and a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Moving To Hermantown
Living On The Edge Of Duluth
Many residents of Duluth regard Hermantown as an extension of their city rather than a city in its own right. Those currently living in Hermantown know better; life in the self-described "City of Quality Living" is still considerably different than that in the western half of the Twin Ports. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two cities is the greater sense of space available in Hermantown. Over the years Duluth's presence on the edge of Lake Superior has lent it a slightly claustrophobic feel, which, while appealing to those intrigued by the city's burgeoning cosmopolitan sophistication, may be problematic for anyone seeking peace and quiet. Hermantown still retains a slightly agricultural feel, even if it is no longer technically a rural community.
Types Of Housing In Hermantown
Although there is a diverse array of housing opportunities available in Hermantown, single-family homes and duplexes are far more abundant than one or two bedroom apartments. That being said, as the outer edges of Duluth continue to encroach on Hermantown territory, a greater number of apartment complexes have become available. The vast majority of these are located along the eastern edge of Hermantown, although studio apartments can also be found near Stebner Road.
Seasonal Moving Considerations
As in any smaller town or city in Minnesota, it's important to take the time of year into consideration when you're thinking of moving into Hermantown rental properties. Although a move from Duluth to Hermantown is incredibly easy any time of the year, the same cannot be said if you are arriving from the Twin Cities, or, even worse, out of state. Winter weather can often plug up Hermantown's main routes, making moving not only difficult, but potentially dangerous. You're far better off planning to move during the spring, summer or fall, when the roads are in pristine condition.
Hermantown Neighborhoods
Hermantown is home to several distinctive neighborhoods. In order to make sure you like living in Hermantown, you should do research about its neighborhoods before you go. After all, it doesn't make sense to move into an apartment you like if you hate the area that surrounds it! The following are particular worth checking out:
Hermantown: The center of Hermantown, situated on Maple Grove Road, is a quiet place, but it has some commercial offerings. You can find stores like One on One Pools and Spas, as well as the popular Hermantown Community Park. There's a lot of activity in this part of town compared to the rest of Hermantown, so consider here if you like a little hustle and bustle around home.
Airpark: Airpark is also a good mixture of suburban residential real estate and commercial real estate, which means that there's a mix of quiet living and things to do. Shop at places like Ferguson or Dey Distributing, or enjoy the homes on Rice Lake Rd.
Proctor: Proctor is one of the most popular residential neighborhoods in town. It's made up mostly of residential neighborhoods and single family homes. This is a great area for commuters to consider living because it has easy access to big roads. From here you can hop on Highway-2 in a jiffy. This area has its own golf course, the Proctor Golf Course, as well as pretty parks like Klang Park and Bay View School Forest just nearby.
Piedmont: This area is closer to Duluth than many of the others. Because of that and its convenience to the big city, it's one of the most popular and populated neighborhoods in town. In Piedmont, you'll find shops for clothing like Arthur's Mens Formal Wear, as well as the lovely Piedmont Park. Piedmont Park isn't the only spot for outdoor lovers in this area. It's also home to Miller Creek Disc Golf Course and the Piedmont Trailhead.
Living In Hermantown
Living in Hermantown is a bit like living in a suburb of the Twin Cities, with Duluth replacing Minneapolis or St. Paul as the cultural center. Residents generally escape to their Hermantown apartments in hope of enjoying a little peace and quiet, but when they're in the mood for nightclubs or trendy restaurants, they wind up driving or taking the bus into downtown Duluth.
That being said, there are plenty of exciting activities to keep residents entertained without forcing them to travel beyond Hermantown's borders. Outdoor recreation is a definite plus here, with many residents of Duluth actually traveling out to Hermantown in order to make use of the Fichtner Field and the Sunrise Memorial Park War Memorial.
When the weather is too cold for all but the hardiest of Minnesotans, the residents of Hermantown enjoy hunkering down with delicious food. Perhaps this explains why a city with fewer than 10,000 residents is home to so many excellent restaurants. Popular dining locations in Hermantown include Sammy's Pizza, McKenzie's Bar & Grill, Zen House, Farley's Family Restaurant and the Maya Family Mexican Restaurant. As with most of Hermantown's other major attractions, the vast majority of these eateries can be found along the city's western edge.
