Quality of Life in Duluth, MN?

Duluth wrote:

I am thinking about moving to Duluth just for a change of location. How is economy in Duluth? What sector has the most jobs? What sections of the city are best for living with regard to low-crime and good running routes. How is the city in general compared to other cities of the same size? I know it is very cold during the winter.

The east Duluth area for scenic runs and low crime. Also the lakefront for runs.

Kara Goucher is a graduate of Duluth East high school.

Duluth is more friendly toward runners than most because of Grandma's Marathon.

When I left 35 years ago the economy wasn't good. Maybe better now?

Man: Does this bus go "to duluth?"

Driver: No, sorry this bus goes "beep beep"

Okay, now *I'm* thinking of moving to Duluth. Any new comments on quality of life/running there?

Also: are there reasonably-plowed places to run, say, an 8 miler in the winter? If not, what do you all do?

Also: how is the running right now (in August)? Been sweating through a hot, humid spell on the East Coast, though not so bad this weekend.

Finally: all my relatives would be far away (Chicago... San Francisco)... how's air travel?

Thx.

You can easily get laid on Tinder after the grandmas marathon

Well, that would be a major upgrade to my life right now. Thanks!

Record low of -41 F, record high of 106 F. Sounds lovely.

New asker, 2015 wrote:

Okay, now *I'm* thinking of moving to Duluth. Any new comments on quality of life/running there?

Also: are there reasonably-plowed places to run, say, an 8 miler in the winter? If not, what do you all do?

Also: how is the running right now (in August)? Been sweating through a hot, humid spell on the East Coast, though not so bad this weekend.

Finally: all my relatives would be far away (Chicago... San Francisco)... how's air travel?

Thx.

I live in Duluth and enjoy it. Quality of life is good, in my opinion. Everyone seems pretty relaxed.

Running is great, especially if you like to be on real trails. I run all winter, with a mix of roads and trails. Once we get enough snow, snowmobile trails can be fantastic for running. Finding an 8-mile route in winter won't be a problem.

We had two pretty warm/humid weeks in late July (for Duluth standards), but this week is much more comfortable. It was sunny at 59F for my run this morning. Low humidity. Gorgeous.

There are four direct flights from Duluth to Chicago every day, I believe. Six to Minneapolis.

I would move to duluth in a heartbeat.

There is a really serious trail running scene in duluth and excellent trails you don't have to drive to.

If you are a 100% road runner and only run on perfectly plowed trails you might not like duluth.

If you're willing to explore winter, put on some snowshoes, ski, bike, etc...Duluth will be your place.

I'm up in Minnesota visiting family right now a few hours from Duluth. Here are a few generalizations of the state:

Lots of Awesome dirt roads to run on.

Everything is green. Until winter. Then it's dead and brown.

Bugs man. Bugs.

Lots and lots of fat white people.

Lakes are beautiful. If you like water sports this is the place for you.

Communities seem to do it right with public parks and recreation.

Cold in winter. Hot humid summers.

During hunting season you hear gun shots everywhere. I don't feel comfortable out the running in the woods. It only takes one idiot.

Fat tire bikers are the greatest thing to ever happen to winter running.

They pack down trails the perfect width for running on.

My only complaint is that now I never get to break in pristine fresh powder as the fat tire bikers always beat me to the trails.

If you are new to a northern climate it could be hard to adjust to winter running. Be smart, mittens, hats, facemasks and layers will leave you comfortable down to subzero temps. Don't try speed work outside in the winter.

You will be fine and have a blast

Thanks, all, for the new answers. I actually prefer cold weather (famous last words), which is why I'm even considering this. Now just need to get there to check it out in person.

2015 asker wrote:

Thanks, all, for the new answers. I actually prefer cold weather (famous last words), which is why I'm even considering this. Now just need to get there to check it out in person.

Where would you be moving from? Come visit us in Late September/early October for the primo trail running.

Are you married?

Don't count on it happening in Duluth.

Do you have kids?

Schools are nothing to write home about.

Looking at this the weather isn't quite as cold as I remembered.

http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/duluth/minnesota/united-states/usmn0208

The Animal Within wrote:

During hunting season you hear gun shots everywhere. I don't feel comfortable out the running in the woods. It only takes one idiot.

Rifle season is 1 week, or 2 weeks in 100-series areas. Muzzle loaders and bows have a long season, but I wouldn't worry about those.