Summit Hill (Crocus Hill)

Saint Paul, MN

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$552,500 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
Very high (Walk Score 85–90); daily errands possible without a car.
Walkability Score
Above average to excellent; highly sought after for families.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Summit Avenue to the north, Ayd Mill Road to the west, Grand Avenue to the south, and Dale Street to the east.

Zip Codes

55105

Market Data Summary

Price RangeMost homes between $400,000 and $1,100,000; 24% of homes $750k+
Price per Sq Ft$243–$260 (2025)
Inventory LevelsLow inventory; 38 active listings (July 2025); average days on market 89, indicating some luxury properties linger but most homes move quickly.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesCondosDuplexesConverted apartments

Architectural Styles

ItalianateGeorgian RevivalQueen AnneColonial RevivalTudorShingleRow House

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesSmall to medium urban lots, often 0.1–0.25 acres.
Home Age RangeMost built 1860s–1920s; some conversions and updates.
Construction QualityHigh; historic craftsmanship, many homes meticulously maintained or restored.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Urban-suburban mix; 52% owner-occupied, 48% renter; diverse age groups with a strong professional and family presence.

Community Vibe

Historic, established, affluent, engaged; pride in preservation and neighborhood events.

Typical Residents

  • Professionals
  • Families
  • Retirees
  • Students (proximity to colleges)

Family Friendly

Very; walkable, parks, top schools, safe streets.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Summit Avenue walking/biking paths
  • Linwood Park
  • Proximity to Mississippi River trails

Dining Options

  • Upscale restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Bakeries
  • Ethnic eateries

Shopping Centers

  • Grand Avenue retail corridor
  • Local markets

Local Businesses

  • Boutiques on Grand Ave
  • Independent bookstores
  • Coffee shops
  • Art galleries

Education & Schools

Above average to excellent; highly sought after for families.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Linwood Monroe Arts Plus

Middle Schools

  • Linwood Monroe Arts Plus (6–8)

High Schools

  • Central High School

Private Schools

  • St. Paul Academy & Summit School
  • Visitation School (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Metro Transit bus lines on Grand Ave and Summit Ave

Major Roads

  • Summit Ave
  • Grand Ave
  • Ayd Mill Road
  • Dale Street

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–15 minutes to downtown St. Paul; 20–30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis.
WalkabilityExcellent; errands, dining, and recreation accessible on foot.
ParkingStreet parking can be tight, especially near Grand Ave; some homes have garages or off-street parking.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Professionals
  • Affluent families
  • Downsizers seeking walkability
  • Investors (duplexes, condos)

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Top schools
  • Prestigious address

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively for condition and updates; premium for restored homes and Summit Ave frontage.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may require costly maintenance or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports, highlight recent renovations, and connect buyers with local contractors experienced in historic properties.

Objection: Parking is limited, especially near Grand Ave.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, available garages, and proximity to transit; suggest creative parking solutions.

Objection: Higher property taxes compared to other neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Highlight strong appreciation, excellent schools, and unique lifestyle benefits that justify the investment.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong; historic homes in a prime location with limited new supply.

Rental Demand

High; proximity to colleges and hospitals, urban amenities.

Buyer Competition

Intense for well-priced homes; luxury segment slightly slower.

Best For

  • Upscale buyers
  • Families
  • Investors seeking stable appreciation
  • Buyers valuing historic character

Potential Concerns

  • Older home maintenance costs
  • Parking limitations
  • Higher property taxes

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage historic and lifestyle storytelling in marketing materials.

2

Network with local preservation groups and neighborhood associations.

3

Host open houses during Grand Ave events to maximize exposure.

4

Educate buyers on historic home ownership and available tax credits.

5

Stage homes to highlight period features and modern updates.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Cathedral Hill
  • Macalester-Groveland
  • Highland Park

Market Positioning

Premier historic neighborhood with urban amenities and strong schools; appeals to buyers seeking character and walkability.

Competitive Advantages

  • Unmatched historic architecture
  • Proximity to Grand Ave and Summit Ave amenities
  • Prestige and community engagement

Price Comparison

Summit Hill is more expensive than most St. Paul neighborhoods, but offers unique value for its location and housing stock.

Investment Metrics

3.5%–4.5% for well-located duplexes/condos (2025 est.)
Cap Rates
3%–4% gross yield typical for condos/apartments
Rental Yields
~33–35 (reflecting high home values and moderate rents)
Price-to-Rent
Modest; best for appreciation and stable tenancy, not high cash flow.
Cash Flow
2%–5% annual appreciation expected, barring major economic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to price point, but possible with condos or smaller homes; strong community and walkability appeal.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal for those seeking more space, prestige, and historic character.

Downsizers

Attractive for walkability and amenities, though limited single-level options.

Investors

Stable, low-vacancy rental market; best for long-term appreciation.

Relocators

Desirable for professionals/families moving to Twin Cities; strong schools and lifestyle.

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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