LORAIN COUNTY
County Offices
226 Middle Avenue
Elyria 440-329-5111
www.loraincounty.us
Chamber of Commerce
226 Middle Avenue
Elyria 440-328-2550
www.loraincountychamber.com
The rural county of Lorain is ideally situated just a few minutes drive from Cleveland and its suburbs but also provides easy access to the Akron-Canton metropolitan area. In contrast to its appealing country atmosphere, the county features several prestigious private colleges, a community college, excellent public schools, major hospital centers, and friendly communities.
Services
Education has always been a high priority for Lorain County residents, a fact that is reflected in the superior resources that are available on every level. In addition to the advantages of the innovative University Partnership, students can choose from two-year programs at Lorain County Community College or the nationally recognized Oberlin College. Through the consortium formed by the partnering institutions of five major state universities, students can complete four-year and even graduate programs on the Lorain County Community College campus. Other private institutions located in Lorain County are Myers University and Tiffin University.
The network of state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and services is anchored by local and regional hospitals and medical centers. The Specialty Hospital of Lorain focuses on patients with multi-system failure or those with complex acute changes that need to be assessed and treated immediately. Community Health Partners manages Allen Medical Center, a critical-access hospital in Oberlin, as well as the CPH Hospital & Surgical Center in Lorain. The system encompasses a wide range of support facilities and services throughout the county, from family care to rehabilitation. EMH Regional Medical Center serves as a premier healthcare provider for Lorain County as well as western Cuyahoga County, providing an array of clinical services including cardiac specialties and a Level II nursery with neonatal services and a new birthing center. The hospital also collaborates with Cleveland Clinic on specialized research programs and manages the Hospital for Orthopaedic and Specialty Services in Amherst as well as the EMH Center for Health & Fitness in Avon.
Lifestyle
Welcoming Lorain County blends suburban growth with outstanding services, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. Historic preservation is evident throughout the region in grand vintage architecture and the crowning glory of college campuses shaded by ancient trees. Elyria is home to a number of monuments and memorials dating as far back as the Civil War era. Some historic structures serve important roles in the modern community, such as the memorable 1800s town hall in North Ridgeville listed on the National Register that offers an impressive home for the Old Town Hall Museum & Town Hall Theatre.
Artisan’s studios, interesting shops, flea markets, farmers markets, or farmyard flowers are just a few of the images that contribute to the enchantment of Lorain County. Elyria is home to the Stocker Humanities & Fine Arts Center, one of Ohio’s major performing arts venues for music, theatre, and dance. Lorain Palace Civic Center showcases richly restored Gothic architecture that once graced this elaborate 1928 movie palace. One of the region’s crown jewels is the Allen Memorial Art Museum in Oberlin. Distinguished as a world-class museum and one of the finest college collections in the nation, the museum holds more than 11,000 works of classic paintings, prints, and sculptures that encompass 17th-century Dutch and Flemish pieces and a significant gallery of contemporary works.
Charming corners of the county like Vermilion’s Harbour Town 1837 or the French Creek District in Avon invite residents and visitors to enjoy fine restaurants, unique shops, boat tours, and other forms of recreation and entertainment. Artstown Center in Avon Lake features a medley of studios and galleries under a single roof, while Inland Seas Maritime Museum in Vermilion recalls the Great Lakes shipping history. Whether you settle into bustling urban centers like Lorain and Elyria or in the picturesque and serene countryside, Lorain County is one of the best-kept secrets within Northeast Ohio.
Amherst, South Amherst
Amherst Offices
440-988-2420
www.amherstohio.org
South Amherst Offices
440-986-8221
https://villageofsouthamherst.com
Chamber of Commerce
440-328-2550
www.loraincountychamber.com
Known as the “Sandstone Center of the World,” the Amherst area enjoys a topography rich in sandstone ridges. Buildings and homes throughout the nation and the world including the Seattle estate of Bill Gates and the Kremlin showcase the magnificent stone from these quarries. This growing city offers a pleasing alternative to urban and suburban bustle by maintaining its small-town feeling and preserving fine historic structures. The community harmonizes a fine balance of thriving commerce and industry, excellent schools, recreational facilities and parks, and convenient services for an outstanding quality of life. South Amherst primarily offers well-kept older homes shaded by mature greenery. The mix of housing is diverse in this area, and contemporary homes in expansive subdivisions have been on the rise in recent years.
Avon, Avon Lake
Avon Offices
440-937-7800
www.cityofavon.com
Avon Lake Offices
440-930-6141
www.avonlake.org
Chamber of Commerce
440-933-9311
www.cocba.com
Just 20 miles west of Public Square in Cleveland are the communities of Avon and Avon Lake. Avon’s French Creek District is a popular destination for browsing through antique shops or greenhouses, although several regional malls are located within minutes from home. While Avon offers the charm of country living, the area is surrounded by quality suburban development and metropolitan attractions. The housing selection blends many homes that several decades old with a growing number of contemporary developments and new homes. Challenging golf courses, recreational parks, private country clubs, league sports, civic and social organizations, and a close-knit spirit are part of the attraction. Water-sport enthusiasts including those who enjoy boating and sailing will want to explore the many new residential opportunities in neighboring Avon Lake bordering Lake Erie. The community adds a public beach, outdoor ice-skating rink, lush parks, and other quality recreational facilities.
Elyria
Municipal Offices
440-326-1400
www.ci.elyria.oh.us
Chamber of Commerce
440-328-2550
www.loraincountychamber.com
Elyria is known as a community of friendly, caring residents who share a close-knit spirit and a strong work ethic. Working together in cooperation with visionary leaders, they have managed to preserve the area’s rich history while developing exceptional amenities. The recreational facilities are some of the finest in Ohio when compared to other communities of a similar size. Newcomers will be able to choose from a diverse selection of housing that ranges from renovated historical properties to contemporary apartment living or lovely condominiums that offer a low-maintenance lifestyle. A strong cultural community combines with active national and local civic organizations to ensure a superb quality of life by sponsoring enriching activities and colorful events. As the retail center for a three-county area, Elyria enjoys a vital local economy.
Grafton
Municipal Offices
440-926-2401
www.villageofgrafton.org
Chamber of Commerce
440-327-3737
www.nrchamber.com
The small rural village of Grafton was settled as early as 1817, chosen as a site for milling because of the nearby Black River. Some of the historic buildings that remain in Grafton were constructed from stone mined from local quarries. Residents enjoy a small-town atmosphere in close proximity to major hospitals, several institutions of higher education, Cleveland cultural venues, and major employment centers. Local parks encourage quality family time and sports play. North Park offers a multi-purpose community room, while Willow Park is the site of the Grafton Volunteer Firemen’s Festival every Memorial Day Weekend. Those who appreciate the simplicity and warmth of a small town near major metropolitan amenities will find a comfortable hometown in Grafton.
Lorain
Municipal Offices
440-204-2050
www.cityoflorain.org
Chamber of Commerce
440-328-2550
www.loraincountychamber.com
Residents of the bustling city of Lorain enjoy the recreational benefits of living near Lake Erie, which provides nature’s beauty, recreational opportunities, industrial advantages, and a fresh water supply. Sunning and relaxing on public beaches combines with wind surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and boating as popular pastimes. Lorain is home to wonderful shoreline restaurants and shops, fishing charters, lush parks, and picturesque marinas as well as friendly neighborhoods of tidy homes. Waterfront festivals and celebrations are common, including the Port Fest and Fourth of July festivities. Lorain is also well known for its International Festival. The city boasts an international port that offers access to world markets via the St. Lawrence Seaway. Historic Lorain Palace Civic Center crowns the city with a full calendar of special events and performing arts.
North Ridgeville
Municipal Offices
440-353-0819
www.nridgeville.org
Chamber of Commerce
440-327-3737
www.nrchamber.com
North Ridgeville has transformed through its long history from a township to a village and finally a city in 1960. Many of the local buildings are rich in history and have been restored and renovated to serve as focal points of community life, including the former town hall. One of the largest of the communities in Lorain in population, North Ridgeville also claims the most land area. The city nestles in the eastern section of the county, with downtown Cleveland just 25 miles away. Because of the area’s rich, sandy soil, the city has emerged as an important horticultural center and the home of many gardeners, landscapers, greenhouses, and nurseries. This primarily residential area has been welcoming new business and commerce. A relatively young community, North Ridgeville could more than triple in size when fully developed. Recreational facilities and services are outstanding.
Oberlin
Municipal Offices
440-775-1531
www.cityofoberlin.com
Chamber of Commerce
440-774-6262
www.oberlin.org
The wonderful college town of Oberlin is approximately 40 miles southwest of Cleveland and boasts a prestigious private college. Oberlin College has always been a pioneering institution, a leader in African-American education and higher education for women. Traces of the area’s unique past are on display at the Heritage Center, although many will be more interested in a visit to the world renowned Allen Memorial Art Museum. The college greatly influences the atmosphere of the city, creating a stimulating yet small-town environment. Recreational amenities include lush parks and the Oberlin College Recreation Center, filled with recreational facilities. Organizations in Oberlin are active, from the literary and book clubs to the Oberlin Historical and Improvement Organization.
Sheffield Lake, Sheffield
Sheffield Lake Offices
440-949-7141
www.sheffieldlake.net
Sheffield Offices
440-934-1453
www.sheffieldvillage.com
Chamber of Commerce
440-933-3129
www.cocba.com
The small village of Sheffield and the adjacent community of Sheffield Lake City offer a naturally beautiful home in close proximity to Lake Erie that includes properties with breathtaking lakefront views. Located approximately 20 miles west of downtown Cleveland, these communities enjoy well-developed retail amenities locally and nearby. Students receive a quality education in the Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools, and a number of lush parks support every imaginable outdoor activity and sport. Newcomers can choose from a pleasing mix of housing that blends older homes and properties on large lots with beautiful new construction. The bright lights of Cleveland’s performing arts venues and world-class museums are easily accessible.
