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Cathedral Hill

Saint Paul, MN

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$525,000 (current active listings); broader St. Paul median: $299,367 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
Very high (80–90); most errands, dining, and entertainment are walkable.
Walkability Score
Above average for public schools; strong private and magnet options nearby.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Summit Ave (south), Selby Ave (north), Western Ave (east), and Dale St (west) within ZIP code 55102.

Zip Codes

55102

Market Data Summary

Price Range$150,000 (1bd condo) to $1,295,000 (historic mansion)
Price per Sq FtEstimated $205–$250 (Cathedral Hill typically above city average)
Inventory LevelsLow; only 10–15 active listings at a time, with high demand for historic properties[2][5].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Historic single-family homesVictorian mansionsBrownstone condosConverted apartmentsTownhomes

Architectural Styles

VictorianQueen AnneRomanesque RevivalColonial RevivalCraftsman

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesSmall to medium (0.1–0.25 acres), urban lots with mature landscaping
Home Age RangeLate 1800s to early 1900s; some modernized units in historic buildings
Construction QualityHigh; many homes feature original woodwork, stained glass, and brick exteriors, though some require restoration.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, established families, and retirees; higher education and income levels than city average.

Community Vibe

Historic, urban, vibrant, and cultured; strong sense of neighborhood pride and preservation.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Empty nesters
  • Artists and creatives
  • Academics
  • Small families

Family Friendly

Moderately family-friendly; more suited to urban professionals and empty nesters, but some families appreciate the walkability and culture.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • • Boyd Park
  • • Summit Avenue walking paths
  • • Nearby Mississippi River trails

Dining Options

  • • W.A. Frost & Co.
  • • Red Cow
  • • Moscow on the Hill
  • • La Grolla

Shopping Centers

  • • Selby Avenue boutiques
  • • Grand Avenue retail corridor (nearby)

Local Businesses

  • • Independent coffee shops
  • • Boutique retailers
  • • Bookstores
  • • Art galleries

Education & Schools

Above average for public schools; strong private and magnet options nearby.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • • JJ Hill Montessori Magnet School

Middle Schools

  • • Ramsey Middle School

High Schools

  • • Central High School

Private Schools

  • • St. Paul Academy & Summit School (nearby)
  • • Cretin-Derham Hall (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • • Metro Transit bus lines on Selby and Summit
  • • Green Line LRT (1 mile south)

Major Roads

  • • Summit Ave
  • • Selby Ave
  • • I-94 (access via Dale St)

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–15 minutes to downtown St. Paul; 20–25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis.
WalkabilityExcellent; daily needs and entertainment accessible on foot.
ParkingMixed; street parking can be limited, especially during events or snow emergencies.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • History enthusiasts
  • Urban professionals
  • Empty nesters
  • Investors

Key Selling Points

  • Architectural character
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Proximity to downtown and universities
  • Vibrant dining and arts scene

Pricing Considerations

Price at or slightly above city median due to unique inventory; premium for restored properties.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports and highlight recent upgrades; connect buyers with local restoration experts.

Objection: Limited parking or yard space.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, proximity to parks, and available off-street parking options.

Objection: Higher price per square foot than other neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Highlight unique historic value, strong appreciation, and lifestyle amenities.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong; historic character and limited inventory drive long-term value.

Rental Demand

High, especially for condos and smaller units; popular with professionals and grad students.

Buyer Competition

Intense for well-maintained historic homes and condos; multiple offers common.

Best For

  • Buyers seeking historic charm
  • Urban professionals
  • Investors in boutique rentals

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require costly updates
  • Limited yard space
  • Parking challenges

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage historic district branding in all marketing.

2

Network with local preservation groups and neighborhood associations.

3

Stage homes to highlight period details and modern updates.

4

Educate buyers on historic tax credits and renovation incentives.

5

Prepare for multiple-offer scenarios and advise buyers on competitive bidding strategies.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Summit Hill
  • Crocus Hill
  • Lowertown

Market Positioning

Premium historic district with urban amenities; appeals to buyers seeking character and culture.

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior historic architecture
  • Higher walkability
  • Stronger neighborhood identity

Price Comparison

Typically 10–30% higher than city median; on par with Summit Hill, above Lowertown.

Investment Metrics

3–4% for condos/townhomes; lower for single-family due to high entry price
Cap Rates
4–5% for well-located units
Rental Yields
18–22 (reflects premium ownership costs)
Price-to-Rent
Moderate; best for long-term appreciation rather than high immediate cash flow
Cash Flow
3–5% annual appreciation expected, barring major economic shifts
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

May be priced out of single-family homes but can access condos; should budget for maintenance.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted by larger historic homes and prestige; may face competition for best properties.

Downsizers

Appealing condo and townhome options with walkable amenities.

Investors

Strong rental demand, especially for updated units; historic cachet attracts premium tenants.

Relocators

Drawn by urban lifestyle, proximity to downtown, and unique neighborhood character.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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