PORTAGE COUNTY
County Offices
449 South Meridian Street
Ravenna 330-297-3600
www.co.portage.oh.us
Chamber of Commerce
176 East Main Street
Kent 330-673-9855
www.kentbiz.com
Services
From its gently rolling pastures, to its industrial parks and city centers, Portage County has something to offer everyone. Most of the county has managed to preserve its rural atmosphere, and even communities like Kent excel in creating a small-town feeling. This area also provides quick and easy access to the Greater Cleveland region including the Akron/Canton area and the easternmost Warren/Youngstown metropolitan areas. Portage Area Transit Authority provides bus service to selected routes and door-to-door shuttle service by reservation.
The county is home to Kent State University. For more than 90 years, Kent State has been a real-world resource dedicated to educational excellence, opportunity, and innovation in nearly every way imaginable. The regional campus system is the oldest and most extensive in Ohio and one of the largest in the nation. Kent State is a world leader in liquid crystal and polymer-related research, with growing strengths in information technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Nationally and internationally respected academic centers and institutes include the Glenn H. Brown Liquid Crystal Institute and the Institute for Cyber Information.
Hiram College provides a private-college atmosphere that excels in hands-on opportunities like the 263-acre biology field station. The Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine or NEOUCOM graduates qualified physicians, many of whom remain to practice medicine in the area. Another distinguished private college is Bohecker’s Business College in Ravenna, and Maplewood Career Center is preparing Portage County residents for the workforce of tomorrow. The Northcoast Medical Training Academy prepares students to acquire their certifications and licensures in diverse health sciences fields from phlebotomy technician to massage therapist.
The county’s second largest employer is also one of the major healthcare resources. From an 18-bed hospital opened in 1894 by a young surgeon to the 280-bed acute-care facility of Robinson Memorial Hospital, this outstanding institution has matured into a regional leader. As the primary healthcare resource, Robinson Memorial Hospital reaches into the community with outreach facilities to deliver care that is more accessible. Important locations include the Robinson Surgery Center and the Kent Medical Arts Building, housing the Kent Outpatient Services Center and Kent Mammography Center as well as physician’s offices. The Robinson Medical Arts Building in Ravenna houses the county’s only radiation oncology center, physician’s offices, and the Rehab Center and Sport Clinic. The hospital boasts many Centers of Excellence, including a recently renovated birth center, cardiovascular center, and emergency department.
Lifestyle
Location is a significant attraction to Portage County, nestled conveniently in the middle of Northeast Ohio’s urban centers. In addition to excellent healthcare services and exceptional educational opportunities, the county combines well-developed cultural attractions with breathtaking natural beauty. Rolling hills, beautiful park systems, and picturesque farmland cover some areas of the county, creating a kaleidoscope of pleasing images around the four seasons. Newcomers to Portage County will discover abundant housing in varied styles, sizes, and price ranges. While many grand older homes in proud neighborhoods remain in high value, new-home construction has been brisk.
World-class cultural attractions, high-fashion shopping, Aurora Premium Outlets, or a quiet drive in the country are never far from home. Other sights and adventures that are easily accessible include Blossom Music Center, Cleveland professional sports, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Inventure Place in Akron, and the Professional Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Locally, the Kent State University Museum holds a large collection of fashion and decorative arts at locations where special events can be held. The Portage County Historical Society offers tours, displays, lectures, and a research library.
The popular Portage County Randolph Fair draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, and colorful celebrations dot the calendar throughout the area. Nearly a dozen public golf courses, three state parks, lush community parks, and private campgrounds provide abundant recreational opportunities. Aurora’s regional family attraction of Geauga Lake Amusement Park has been a favorite of residents and visitors for decades, The added attraction of Aurora Premium Outlets draws visitors to the area, making tourism an important part of the economy. Each city and town ship in the county supports a variety of lifestyles and offers unique attractions like Ravenna’s captivating hot air balloon fair. Crowning this exceptional quality of life is a rural atmosphere with the charm of small-town living and a relaxed pace.
Aurora
Municipal Offices
330-562-6131
www.auroraoh.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-562-3355
http://allaboutaurora.com
Aurora has grown and matured from a sleepy farming community into thriving city that has preserved much of its old-world appeal. One of the regional attractions located in Aurora is Geauga Lake Amusement Park. The Aurora Mills draws throngs of shoppers from across the region. Private communities with superior recreational amenities and golf clubs make Aurora a respected and desirable place to call home. The Barrington Golf Club community features a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Well-educated, active residents are taking steps to preserve Aurora’s heritage. Century homes, new construction, suburban neighborhoods, and farm property are all available. Even with all these advantages, the well-educated and community-oriented residents who call Aurora home are its greatest asset.
Brimfield
Municipal Offices
330-678-0739
http://brimfieldohio.gov
Chamber of Commerce
330-673-2170
www.brimfieldchamber.com
The township of Brimfield is a rapidly growing community that is dedicated to preserving its rural flavor, rich heritage, and open space. Balanced growth that protects the quality of life is of primary concern. Brimfield offers the advantage of close proximity to Kent, with its state university, commercial development, and convenient services. Rootstown Township lies to the east, Suffield Township to the south, and the “circle” city of Tallmadge in Summit County is to the west. Interstate 76 access combines with State Route 43 traversing north and south or State Route 261 just north of the township for quick and easy trips. The township’s ideal location is less than an hour’s drive from several major metropolitan areas including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and Warren. The Beechcrest development is the center of population density, located off State Route 43 just south of Tallmadge Road. The southeast corner of the township is home to Mogadore Reservoir and preserves yesterday’s rural charm.
Garrettsville, Hiram
Garrettsville Offices
330-527-4424
www.garrettsville.org
Hiram Offices
330-569-7677
www.hiramvillage.org
Chamber of Commerce
330-527-5761
https://www.discovergarrettsville.com/
The proud reminder of yesterday’s glory in the small village of Garrettsvile is the Clock Tower, the last remnant of the Opera House that once entertained Garrettsville residents. Today, this close-knit community enjoys an idyllic life in the village that sprang up around a mill. The world’s largest maple syrup center was in operation in Garrettsville in 1809, and the village claims the fame of being the home of Lifesaver candy. Highlights in this area include the scenic boardwalk over Silver Creek Falls and the Historic Main Street shops. Colorful celebrations fill the calendar with community and social events that keep friends and neighbors getting together. Canoeing, golfing, roller skating, nature study, and sports leagues are just a few of the common recreational pastimes. Hiram Village is the home of Hiram College, offering another charming small town that rolls across the countryside of the Western Reserve.
Kent
Municipal Offices
330-676-7500
www.kentohio.org
Chamber of Commerce
330-673-9855
www.kentbiz.com
The quaint and yet progressive city of Kent is the proud home of Kent State University with its architecturally and naturally beautiful campus. Squirrels scamper across the sweeping campus lawn, shaded by the leafy branches of mature trees. The university sets the pace in the city for educational excellence on every academic level. It also creates an intellectually stimulating and culturally rich environment for family living. The community has established a substantial manufacturing sector, mixing with services to diversify and strengthen the economy. The downtown district features many attractive businesses and convenient services. Interstate 76 is three miles south of the city and the Ohio Turnkpike is seven miles north for quick commutes. Kent highlights include abundant city parks, KSU Fashion Museum, the KSU ice arena Kent Riveredge Park & Falls, local theatres, wonderful restaurants, Towner’s Woods, historic sites, and active YMCA and YWCA.
Ravenna
Municipal Offices
330-297-2157
https://www.ravennaoh.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
330-296-3886
https://ravennaareachamber.com
Just across some open countryside from Kent, Ravenna sports the slogan, “We’re on the Rise.” This upbeat attitude has a double meaning, since Ravenna is the proud home of the well-attended Ravenna Balloon A-Fair festival. Crowds have been watching a colorful flock of hot air balloons raise overhead in September for more than 25 years. The festival was actually suggested by some enterprising individuals who wanted to honor one of the city’s earliest industries, the toy balloons manufactured by Oak Rubber Company. Small-town charm prevails in this county seat that also draws residents out to midnight madness shopping crazes. A regional hospital and a bustling Main Street combine with tranquil neighborhoods, quaint shops, stately century homes, and grand downtown Riddle Block buildings to create a picturesque environment surrounded by gently rolling hills. Recreational amenities are well developed, from parks to sports fields.
Rootstown
Municipal Offices
330-325-9341
www.rootstowntwp.com
Chamber of Commerce
Email Contact Only
www.rootstownchamber.org
Rootstown Township was named after Ephraim Root, a wealthy lawyer and businessman. From its genesis, Rootstown grew into an agricultural and residential community. Dairy farms, orchards, a saw mill, grain crops, and supporting businesses enjoyed access to the railroad and canal-shipping network. Many historic treasures have been preserved in this area, adding to the rural charm. Interstate 76 and State Route 44 provide convenient thoroughfares for commuters. Neighborhoods throughout the township tend to blend suburban with semi-rural for a family-oriented atmosphere that fosters consistent growth. The naturally beautiful landscape of gently rolling terrain, sparkling lakes, and rushing creeks complement the mix of farming, commerce, and industry. Homes in Rootstown are primarily single-family in design and most of the lots are neither small nor exceptionally large. The township is adjacent to the West Branch State Park, a major recreation site.
Streetsboro
Municipal Offices
330-626-4942
www.cityofstreetsboro.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-626-4769
www.streetsborochamber.org
Just 16 miles from Akron and 30 miles from Cleveland, the rapidly growing community of Streetsboro offers an attractive selection of affordable housing in varied styles to suit every taste. Executive properties, quaint homes beneath the canopy of ancient trees, townhouses, and historic farmhouses are some of the lifestyle options. Residents enjoy their own community theatre, although magnificent venues in Akron and Cleveland are minutes from home. The community also benefits from close proximity to Kent, adding a state university, popular shopping areas, and cultural attractions. Streetsboro offers an ideally centralized location that offers accessibility to such regional attractions as Geauga Lake Amusement Park, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tinkers Creek State Park, Aurora Premium Outlets, Kent State University Museum, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Suffield
Municipal Offices
330-628-7420
http://suffieldtownshipohio.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-296-3886
https://ravennaareachamber.com
The small rural community of Suffield attracts newcomers to a small-town spirit and the pleasures of country living close to major metropolitan centers. Local shopping plazas and the unique retail opportunities in nearby Hartville add convenience to daily living. Suffield is located seven miles north of Hartville off Route 224 between Routes 44 and 43. Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna provides a regional healthcare facility close to home, although Akron’s fine hospitals are just minutes from home. Residents enjoy playing baseball, football, and soccer at the community park. Active social and civic groups combine with a garden club to give newcomers a chance to become immediately involved in this welcoming residential community.
