Neighborhood Series: Summit Hill, Saint Paul

True, Summit Hill is full of history and grand mansions - but don’t let that fool you. This historic neighborhood offers a myriad of housing options for many different lifestyles. Condos start in the mid-$100’s, single family homes and row houses from the $300’s - all the way to large Victorians and small “castles” in the $1M+ range. Life on the hill is open to all.

Summit Hill is full of history and grand mansions. The street starts just west of downtown Saint Paul and continues four and a half miles west to the Mississippi River where Saint Paul meets Minneapolis. Summit Hill offers an urban feel, and most residents are young professionals who own their homes. Nearby, Grand Avenue is lined with upscale boutiques selling everything from home decor, fashion and jewelry to musical instruments, toys and books. This area is also lined with high-end restaurants, European-style bakeries, wood-fired pizza spots and sidewalk cafes. It's hard not to love this historic hood for all that it has to offer. Click here to check out listings in Summit Hill, Saint Paul. 

Photo Courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society - (The James J. Hill Mansion - read more below)

Grand Mansions on Summit Avenue

Summit Hill is known for having a long line of well-preserved victorian mansions located on Summit Avenue, including the stately Minnesota Governor’s Residence. This prestigious street of homes was built by railroad and lumber barons dated all the way back to the 1860s, and each one seems to be more impressive than the last. Stroll down Summit Avenue for home inspiration, and follow @summitavenuehouses on instagram!

Photo Courtesy of Grand Avenue

Grand Avenue Shops & Restaurants  

Grand Avenue is located in Summit Hill and boasts a wide range of unique and diverse shops that makes this spot a true shopping destination. From locally owned boutiques to national retailers - there's something here for everyone. Alongside the shopping, Grand Avenue is also home to some of the best dining spots in the Twin Cities. Check out the shops here, and the restaurants here, and check out our list of recommended spots at the end of this blog post.

Photo Courtesy of @cathedralhill

James J. Hill Mansion

There's nothing like a visit to the 36,000 square-foot mansion to explore the epitome of Minnesota's Downton Abbey. The James J. Hill Mansion was completed in 1891 built for railroad titan James Hill and is currently listed as a US National Historic Landmark. With 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 chandeliers, and a reception hall nearly 100 feet long, this place is a true insight into old high society. Click here to learn more or book a tour.

Notable Schools In Summit Hill

Macalester College: various buildings between Snelling Avenue and Cambridge Avenue
University of St. Thomas: various buildings between Cleveland Avenue and Cretin Avenue
Mitchell Hamline School of Law: 875 Summit Avenue

Recommended Spots

The Commodore Bar & Restaurant for a lovely jazz-age inspired setting and great cocktails, Red Rabbit for your Italian fix, The Lexington for an upscale American steakhouse, Spyhouse Coffee for one of the most notable cups of coffee in the Twin Cities (this is the only location in Saint Paul!) The French Meadow for local, organic, and gluten-free pastries and bites, Crisp & Green for signature salads and bowls, J. Selby's for an incredible selection of vegan and plant-based meals, Punch Pizza for wood-burning brick oven baked slices, Brasa for Creole-style comfort food, Sencha Tea Bar for high quality and hand selected teas.

Anything we left out? Comment below!