STARK COUNTY
County Offices
110 Central Plaza South
Canton 330-451-7371
www.starkcountyohio.gov
Chamber of Commerce
222 Market Avenue North
Canton 330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
Services
Stark County is anchored by the county seat of Canton, probably best known as the home President McKinley and the location of the McKinley tomb. Primarily a steel and industrial city, Canton is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and one of the most progressive, modern school systems in the nation. Stark County also offers one of the campus locations for Kent State University and easy access to Malone College, Mount Union College, Stark State College of Technology, and the University of Phoenix.
State-of-the-art healthcare services and facilities are available at the regional facility of Mercy Medical Center, Doctors Hospital of Stark County, and the Aultman Hospital. The latter is part of a system that combines a 682-bed teaching hospital and a staff of 650 physicians with community-based centers for outpatient surgery, immediate care, diagnostic services, and therapy programs. The system also features one of the largest hospital-based managed care organizations in Northeast Ohio. Distinguished as the only Catholic hospital in Stark County, Mercy Medical Center employs more than 2,600 and maintains a staff of 570 physicians.
Lifestyle
Dubbed as “America’s Playing Field,” Stark County and the county seat of Canton offer everything from football to buffalo and chocolates. Also known as Ohio’s Golf Capital, this area offers more than 40 beautiful golf courses. Those who enjoy shopping will find regional malls filled with specialty shops and popular department stores or unique districts featuring one-of-a kind treasures. Fine restaurants dot the area, offering cuisine ranging from vegetarian to Middle Eastern, home style, and Amish cooking.
New residents will discover one of Northeast Ohio’s most cherished family fun parks at Clay’s Park Resort in North Lawrence, featuring a 10-acre sandy bottom lake, miniature golf, basketball courts, sand volleyball, a children’s play area, and supervised activities. The Canal Fulton Canoe Livery in the small, historic village of the same name provides family-oriented canoeing, primitive camping, and group picnicking. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a beautiful day on the Tuscarawas River, and vast acreage of open space and developed parkland dots the area for a kaleidoscope of outdoor adventures.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton draws even more visitors in close proximity to Cleveland’s Rock Hall and Akron’s Inventors Hall to create the “Great American Hall of Fame” connection. Other highlights include the National First Ladies’ Library, the McKinley National Memorial & Museum, the Canton Museum of Art, the Canton Classic Car Museum, MAPS Air Museum, and several permanent companies for the performing arts. Shopping is available at Westfield Shoppingtown Belden Village, a regional retail destination. With its attractive, affordable selection of housing, growing townships and cities, and exceptional amenities, Stark County will be on the list of fast-growing areas for decades to come.
Alliance
Municipal Offices
330-821-3110
www.cityofalliance.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-823-6260
www.allianceohiochamber.org
True to its name, Alliance is a community strengthened by partnerships between individuals and organizations. Residents enjoy shopping in the refurbished downtown district, greeting friendly faces, strolling in peaceful Silver Park, or visiting sites like the Glamorgan Castle. Families, friends, and neighborhoods often gather at local sports events, around picnic tables, or at colorful annual festivals. The Carnation Days in the Park each August are especially well attended. Modernized school districts and a local hospital are complemented by the presence of Mount Union College, where a strong international program emphasizes diversity. Even the local library offers progressive high-tech services. Recreational amenities are plentiful in and around the community.
Brewster
Municipal Offices
330-767-4214
www.brewsterohio.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
The small railroad village of Brewster is only eight miles from Massillon and 15 miles southwest of Canton. One of the focal points of the community is the family owned and operated Brewster Parke residential village, covering more than 10 acres of a 47-acre site. This exceptional retirement and assisted-living development also includes a nursing facility. The various facets of the community are linked by walkways and meticulously manicured lawns and gardens. The rest of the neighborhoods in the village line three-shaded streets with primarily older, well-kept homes dotted with some newer development. Recreational activities and amenities include tennis, baseball, and softball. Active clubs and organizations strengthen the hometown spirit.
Canal Fulton, Lawrence
Canal Fulton Offices
330-854-2225
www.cityofcanalfulton-oh.gov
Lawrence Offices
330-854-3830
https://lawrencetwp-oh.org
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
This historic canal town nestled in western Stark County is the home of St. Helena III, a horse-drawn, authentic reproduction of a freighter that plied the water of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the late 1800s. This well-preserved site complements the Canal Days Museum and the Oberlin House. The Indian Canoe Livery, Sluggers and Putters Family Fun Park, Clay’s Park Resort, and other contemporary attractions draw regional visitors who also enjoy popular restaurants and quaint shops. Dubbed as “A Friendly Village Since 1814,” Canal Fulton is approximately 20 miles from both Canton and Akron. The original village is dominated by vintage architecture, while newer construction dots the area including Lawrence Township — known as “the heart of the canal corridor.” Well-developed recreational amenities include wonderful special events and festivals.
Canton
Municipal Offices
330-489-3283
http://cantonohio.gov
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
The historic city of Canton has preserved many of its fine homes, churches, and other structures from yesterday. Premier attractions located in the city include the President William McKinley Memorial & Museum, the National First Ladies Historic Site, the National Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton Classic Car Museum, and Amateur Sports Hall of Fame. The cultural community is exceptionally strong as well. The city provides shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and recreational facilities to the communities that have sprung up in the rolling countryside that surrounds it. As the birthplace of professional football, Canton is a sports-oriented community that also features fine golf courses and well-managed parks.
Hartville
Municipal Offices
330-877-9222
www.hartvilleoh.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
The country charm of Hartville combines with quaint shops, excellent restaurants, and a friendly atmosphere. Many Amish and Mennonite families live in or near this area, so the clop of horses or the sight of a buggy is common. Wonderful restaurants, well-known flea markets, and one-of-a-kind shops add to the quality of life. Those who are looking for a rural environment with family-oriented amenities will enjoy the blend of older homes with beautiful new construction and well-planned subdivisions. Some of Hartville’s most famous attractions are Quail Hollow State Park, Hartville MarketPlace, Longaberger Baskets, and Hartville Chocolates. Another magnet for visitors is the Hartville Flea Market, known for antiques, collectibles, fresh produce, and acres of merchandise displays.
Jackson
Municipal Offices
330-832-7416
www.jacksontwp.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-833-4400
www.jbcc.org
The rapidly growing area of Jackson Township has assumed a place as one of the largest communities in Stark County. The township has even edged out the city of Massillon in population. Jackson Township is not only home to sprawling subdivisions and lovely residential development, it features the largest commercial complex in Stark County in the stores, restaurants, and offices surrounding Belden Village Mall. It was the advent of Belden Village that transformed the face of the township in the 1960s. From 1970 to 1995, the population grew by more than 50 percent. Lush parks, sports facilities, country clubs, and golf courses dot the area.
Louisville
Municipal Offices
330-875-3321
www.louisvilleohio.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
The community of Louisville features spacious homes in charming neighborhoods that are only minutes away from an array of conveniences and services. A modern regional medical center, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities abound near this quiet haven of friendly neighbors and community pride. Just 10 miles north of Canton, Louisville is close to Belden Village Mall and the Canton Centre. Downtown shopping is available locally. Housing on the eastern side of Louisville tends to be older, well-kept, and larger. Some newer construction is available and multi-family developments dot the area. The local YMCA, tennis courts, parks, a senior center, sports facilities, and numerous clubs and organizations add to the quality of life.
Massillon
Municipal Offices
330-830-1700
www.massillonohio.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-833-3146
www.massillonohchamber.com
Transportation has been one of the major factors in the development of Massillon, first the Ohio-Erie Canal and then the railroad. Highway transportation is equally convenient, with US Route 21 linking residents to major interstates and Cleveland or Akron to the North. In addition to the early industries of steel and large machinery, Massillon is home to diverse manufacturers and metal-working operations. The community spirit is best exemplified by the tremendous support for the Massillon Tigers football team, a perennial Ohio scholastic football power. The percentage of home owners is high in the city, underlining the hometown feeling. More than 280 acres of parkland includes many sports facilities from tennis courts to a softball complex.
Minerva
Municipal Offices
330-868-7705
http://minerva.oh.us
Chamber of Commerce
330-868-7979
www.minervachamber.org
Nestled in northeastern Ohio in the rolling foothills of Stark County, the small village of Minerva offers the chance for close bonds between neighbors and friends. The inspiration for community spirit is easy to find in this self-contained village where shoppers can browse through shops for antiques and collectibles or enjoy restaurants along tree-lined brick sidewalks. This quaint, picturesque atmosphere also offers easy access to urban conveniences and attractions. Travel is enhanced by national highway Route 30 and State Route 183. The housing in this area is dominated by single-family home. Larger tracts of land and quaint farms are available in the countryside, complementing the selection of historic two-story homes or contemporary Cape Cods and ranch styles.
Navarre Village
Municipal Offices
330-879-5508
www.navarreohio.net
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
The charming, small village of Navarre is nestled on the banks of the Tuscarawas River, preserving a delightful glimpse of yesterday. Originally, Navarre was made up of three separate villages with separate town squares. The eastern section of Bethlehem was the oldest, while the “center” or Navarre developed last. Tensions and rivalry in the 1800s were wisely mended by incorporating all the villages together under the name of Navarre. The once important Ohio & Erie Canal still offers an historic pathway through the village and township. This attraction has been boosted in popularity by the founding of the Ohio & Erie Canal Heritage Corridor from Cleveland to Zoar. The undeniable charm of the village lies in its quaint homes and broad tree-lined streets.
North Canton, Plain
North Canton Offices
330-499-3986
http://northcantonohio.gov
Plain Offices
330-492-4689
www.plaintownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
Sprawling Pain Township and the community of North Canton offer a prime location near major institutions of higher education and first-rate recreational amenities. Championship golf courses are nearby, complementing the neighborhood parks and sports facilities. Two large streams flow through the township, ensuring adequate water power. Residents enjoy the suburban amenities and attractive selection of homes that have sprung up in the township, which has grown into one of the county’s largest communities. Plain joins several other townships in Stark County that have left behind their rural designation and emerged as leading population centers. Housing in this area ranges from older character homes to an abundance of contemporary development and established subdivisions.
North Industry, Canton Township
Municipal Offices
330-484-2501
http://cantontwp-oh.gov
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
Featuring a train at the Township Community Park, North Industry offers a convenient hometown atmosphere just eight miles south of Canton in Canton Township. Moderately priced homes in a variety of sizes, ages, and architectural styles add to the attraction to this area that also offers close proximity to Canton entertainment, culture, and shopping. Recreational amenities close to home include Faircrest Park, the local YMCA, soccer, and school-related activities. The Canton South YMCA adds swimming, aerobics, gymnastics, and martial arts to the list of possibilities. Organizations and clubs add to the quality of life and give newcomers an opportunity to become immediately involved.
Perry Township
Municipal Offices
330-833-2141
www.perrytwp.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
Wedged between Canton and Massillon, Perry Township has emerged as one of the largest population centers in Stark County. The northern townships like Perry have all rapidly expanded but have yet to incorporate any cities, creating a shift in demographics that contrasts with most large Ohio counties. The result is a new emphasis on townships as self-contained, desirable communities that are characterized as well-developed, modern suburbs as opposed to rural countryside. Housing blends well-kept older homes with new construction. Recreational activities include fishing, playing tennis, basketball, baseball, picnicking, paddle boating, and enjoying the parks and playgrounds.
Uniontown, Lake
Uniontown Offices
330-896-6604
Lake Offices
330-877-9479
www.laketwpstarkco.com
Chamber of Commerce
330-456-7253
www.cantonchamber.org
Ideally located eight miles from downtown Akron and the same distance from downtown Canton, this convenient area is also less than two miles from Interstate 77. The nearby Akron Canton Airport offers another advantage. Along with the small communities of Greentown and Hartville, Uniontown makes up the larger expanse of Lake Township. Excellent local schools serve this area, and residents are justly proud of the cooperative spirit that made possible the Lake Community Center. Located on the high school campus, the center features a new library, new YMCA, swimming pool, and a medical center. This area has developed scattered retail shops and services that include antique stores and popular restaurants. Several regional malls are only minutes away.
