Longview House in Duluth, MN

Pros

• The facility is fantastic.
• Renovations added extra bench seating and replaced rotting wood this season.
• The facility is great for tennis, and with six full courts there is never a long wait.
• The staff are great and teach players how to play.
• The tennis camps are extremely effective and reasonably priced.
• The staff are friendly and respond quickly to court reservations.
• Longview offers vibrant tennis action.
• An amazing place to hang out with family or friends and to play or learn tennis.

Cons

• Courts are in okay shape but will need to be resurfaced in the next couple years or so.
• Its layout was unique, but it was inconvenient as balls could be hit over the fence since there was only one entrance.
• There are pickleball lines that frustrate players; some wish for more courts without them.
• The tennis club and its friends monopolize the courts, making it hard for others outside their group to get court time.
• A small group with plenty of money can use private facilities more often, which leads to less access for the average player.

Review

Longview House in Duluth is best suited for active older adults and families who want a tennis-forward lifestyle with built-in social energy. The community thrives on a casual, friendly atmosphere and a robust tennis schedule, amplified by a slate of programs that welcome both seasoned players and beginners. With six full courts, a responsive staff, and accessible coaching and summer camps at a reasonable price, it appeals to residents who view tennis as a central part of daily life and who value opportunities to learn, compete, and connect with others in an informal but organized setting.

Those considering alternatives should weigh a few realities. If a quiet, predictable routine with minimal court competition is essential, Longview House may feel less suited to those preferences. Scheduling complexity and perceived priority access by certain clubs or groups can muddy court availability, which can frustrate residents who want guaranteed time for practice or casual play. Additionally, the layout includes some practical inconveniences - such as only a single entrance - that can feel awkward during peak activity. For seniors seeking a broader range of non-tennis amenities or a more private, low-traffic environment, exploring other options could make sense.

The strongest positives here offset the notable drawbacks in meaningful ways. The six courts deliver genuine value: court time is typically available without long waits, and the facility's size supports spontaneous matches and organized play. The renovations - bench seating and replacing rotted wood - signal ongoing care and a commitment to improving the experience. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, helpful, and quick to respond to court reservations, which reduces friction for residents juggling schedules. Coaching and summer camps add tangible, affordable pathways for skill-building and intergenerational activity that many families prize when choosing a community.

Beyond the core tennis program, Longview House cultivates a welcoming, family-friendly vibe. Netting designed for beginners to practice without chasing balls helps newer players feel comfortable, and events such as outdoor movie nights in August foster social cohesion beyond the courts. The atmosphere is described as wonderful and supportive, with staff and "workers" who contribute to a positive sense of community. These elements - along with accessible instruction and a culture of activity - make the place feel less like a generic facility and more like a social hub where fitness, skill development, and companionship intersect.

That said, the tension between open access and club-driven scheduling remains a practical concern. Some reviews highlight a perception that the tennis club and its friends monopolize court time, occasionally eclipsing availability for others. Although the city funds the facility, the reality of priority use by a relatively small, well-connected group can complicate planning, especially for households hoping to book recurring slots. The ongoing maintenance caveat - courts that are decent but likely to need resurfacing in the near future - should also factor into a decision for those who want a long-term, low-effort tennis environment. Prospective residents should verify current scheduling policies and the expected cadence of maintenance before committing.

In the end, Longview House offers a compelling proposition for active seniors who want a tennis-centric living experience with a strong community feel. Its advantages - multiple courts, responsive staff, quality instruction, and family-friendly programming - often outweigh the drawbacks for families and residents who place a premium on ongoing physical activity and social connectivity. However, for those prioritizing a quieter setting, guaranteed court access without club influence, or a broader continuum of care beyond tennis, alternatives deserve serious consideration. A visit should confirm practical access, scheduling clarity, and alignment with personal activity levels and social goals before making a final choice.

This part of Duluth, Minnesota, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. Within a short distance, there are several dining options including Black Woods Grill & Bar and Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, as well as healthcare facilities such as Duluth Surgical Suites and UMD Health Services. Nearby pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens make accessing medications easy. Places of worship like Glen Avon Presbyterian Church and Trinity Lutheran Church cater to spiritual needs, while parks like Morley Heights Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Additionally, there are cafes like Uncle Loui's Cafe for socializing with friends or family members. Overall, this area provides a comfortable and accessible environment for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years in Duluth.

Restaurants

• Black Woods Grill & Bar (0.5 miles)
• Tavern on the Hill (0.5 miles)
• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (0.5 miles)
• At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe (0.7 miles)
• Taco John's (0.8 miles)
• Burrito Union (1.1 miles)
• Subway (1.6 miles)

Physicians

• Maria Becker RN-Cosmetic Injection Specialist (0.5 miles)
• Duluth Surgical Suites (0.6 miles)
• UMD Health Services (1 miles)
• Lakewalk Imaging Center (1 miles)
• Hearing Wellness Center (1.1 miles)
• Pain Clinic of Lake Superior (1.1 miles)
• Chester Creek Dental, Duluth\u2019s Family Dental Practice (1.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare (1.1 miles)
• Lakeshore Lutheran Home (1.4 miles)
• Pavilion Surgery Center (1.4 miles)
• St Lukes ICU (1.4 miles)
• Bio-Medical Applications of Minnesota (1.9 miles)
• Tilderquist Memorial Med Libr (1.9 miles)
• Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center (1.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Glen Avon Presbyterian Church (1.1 miles)
• Duluth Congregational Church (1.2 miles)
• Trinity Lutheran Church (1.3 miles)
• Peace CHURCH (1.5 miles)
• Lakeview Covenant Church (1.8 miles)
• The Vineyard Church (1.9 miles)
• Kenwood Lutheran Church (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Super One Foods (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Northland Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Super One Foods (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Essentia Health-Duluth 3rd Street Pharmacy (1.9 miles)

Parks

• Morley Heights Park (1.5 miles)
• Cascade Park (2.3 miles)
• Duluth Parks & Recreation Department (2.7 miles)
• Canal Park (2.7 miles)
• Lincoln Park (4.5 miles)

Cafes

• Uncle Loui's Cafe (1.8 miles)
• Duluth Coffee Company (2.2 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (2.4 miles)
• Blue Rock Coffee and Wine Cafe (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• Duluth Cinema Duluth, Mn (2.5 miles)