$164,044Average Value$124Average Price per Sq Ft83Homes For Sale
Small-town Ohio city close to Lake Erie
Ashtabula is a small Rust Belt town situated in Northeast Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie and the Ashtabula River. The city has a long industrial history and Ashtabula Harbor was once a major shipping port. Because of the industrial jobs leaving, the city has seen a 17% decrease in population since 1990. "We're definitely a small town,” says Sal Jackson, a resident and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “There are a lot of people who have spent their whole lives here, but others are leaving in search of more jobs.” Despite the exodus, the city offers a historic downtown district on the water, acres of outdoor recreation and the most covered bridges in Ohio. And there are still jobs with the economy backed by industrial jobs at Mohawk Fine Papers and Praxair.
The Port of Ashtabula handles incoming and outgoing loads of coal, iron ore, sand, gravel and limestone.
Ashtabula Harbor, maintained by Ashtabula Port Authority, is the gateway to Lake Erie.
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Lakeside properties and vintage housing in Ashtabula County
A large portion of the city's housing stock was built in the early-to-mid 1900s. Styles range from waterfront properties on Lake Erie, to smaller cottages and Classical Revival builds. Homes on the water in subdivisions like Walnut Hills fetch the highest prices, while new developments like the Harbor and Bridge Street have replaced abandoned buildings. The median home price has risen to $155,000, which is much lower than the national median price. "The median price used to be closer to $70,000 about 10 years ago,” Jackson says. “There isn't always available inventory, but if there's a house to sell, it'll sell."
Lakeside Homes perched above Walnut Beach, in Ashtabula, have incredible views of Lake Erie.
Ranch homes are common throughout Ashtabula, as an affordable housing option on the shores of Lake Erie.
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Ashtabula Area City School District and programs at Kent State
Ashtabula Area City School District earns a C-minus from Niche. The district’s Great Lakes Online Academy is a virtual option. "Our schools aren't the biggest draw, but athletics are big,” Jackson says. “The community supports all the high school’s teams.”
Kent State University of Ashtabula is a satellite campus of Kent State University, which is headquartered 80 miles away in Kent, Ohio. The small public campus offers programs in nursing and physical therapy.
Kent State University of Ashtabula is a satellite campus of Kent State University.
Lakeside High School
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Getting out on the banks of Lake Erie
Ashtabula County Metroparks maintains 10 parks throughout the city and 28 miles of trails for running, walking and birdwatching. In 2014, Metroparks passed a levy to open seven new parks across the county. Fishing and boating are popular on Lake Erie. Walnut Beach and Lake Shore Park offer access points to the lake.
Summers are mild, but winters can be harsh with an average of 68 inches of snow. Proximity to Lake Erie makes it one of the most susceptible places for lake-effect snow and has slight flood risks following heavy rain storms. FEMA may require additional flood insurance for properties close to water. The Ashtabula County Hazard Mitigation Plan details steps to help with flooding, including underground utilities and creating detention and retention structures.
Walnut Beach, in Ashtabula, is where locals can come and experience Lake Erie, year round.
Ice on Ashtabula's Lake Erie shore meets the sand, where summer beach goers soak up the sun.
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The Covered Bridges Trail and other Ashtabula events
The Ashtabula County Ohio Covered Bridges Trail is a self-guided driving tour celebrating the county's 19 covered bridges. Ashtabula Arts Center has numerous theatrical performances and concerts and runs classes yearly. Other major city events include the Downtown Ashtabula Christmas Parade on Park and Main Avenues and the Blessing of the Fleet Celebration, a non-denominational prayer service for a safe and bountiful year on the water, each June.
The Smolen-Gulf covered bridge crosses the Ashtabula River and offers a pedestrian connection to Indian Trails park.
The Historic Somlen-Gulf Bridge connects Plymouth Township and Ashtabula.
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Historic Bridge Street blends shopping and dining on the waterfront
Historic Bridge Street serves as a makeshift downtown on the waterfront of the Ashtabula River. The walkable district offers a mix of boutique shops, locally owned restaurants, pubs and coffeehouses. Ashtabula Towne Square is an enclosed shopping mall surrounded by big-box stores off U.S. Route 20. "The mall really started to fizzle out in the '90s and is mostly empty today," Jackson says. "A lot of businesses and industry left our area around that time."
Ashtabula's surrounding region is also part of Ohio's wine country and is recognized for its ice wines. "Due to the unique temperatures and environment around the lake, we're one of the only locations where ice wine can be made in the U.S.," Jackson says.
Historic Bridge Street, in Ashtabula, is aptly named due to the West Fifth Street Bridge linking downtown to the harbor.
Bridge Street, in the heart of Ashtabula, offers year round shopping, dining and entertainment.
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Getting around Ashtabula County with I-90
Erie, Pennsylvania, is 53 miles east, while Cleveland, Ohio, is 58 miles west, making it nearly the halfway point on Interstate 90 between the two larger cities. The Ashtabula County Transportation System offers scheduled rides for citizens anywhere in the county. Erie Airport is 40 miles east on I-90. Ashtabula Regional Medical Center is on Lake Avenue.
Important to know
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, violent crime rates are lower than the national average and have slightly decreased recently. Property crime rates are nearly double the national average but have decreased since 2015.
Written By
Bayley Malo
Photography Contributed By
Tiffany Karla
Video By
Charlie Lingner
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sheila Zullo,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Ashtabula, OH sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Ashtabula, OH over the last 12 months is $155,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful, well maintained family home with many updates! The entry level has been transformed into a large living space with a family room and bonus room that walks out to a covered back patio! There is a gorgeous wood ceiling, gas fireplace, pantry closet and workroom too! This section of the home was converted from the breezeway and has a separate electric heating unit. Walking up a couple
You've been waiting for something truly exceptional - and this Lake Erie waterfront property delivers in every way! With over 3,800 sq. ft., this updated colonial is designed to stay connected to the water, where light, space, and scenery define every level. The remodeled kitchen features granite countertops, a custom stone backsplash, modern appliances, and a large center island, flowing
This refreshed 3-bedroom, 1-bath home blends original charm with smart updates. Step inside to find beautifully preserved original hardwood floors throughout the main living areas, complemented by new vinyl flooring in the kitchen. The cozy eat-in breakfast nook is perfect for casual meals, and the first-floor laundry adds everyday convenience. Enjoy the inviting covered front porch?ideal for
Sal Jackson
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
Charming 2-Bedroom Ranch on Spacious Lot! Welcome to this move-in ready 2 bedroom, 1 bath ranch home featuring an attached one-car garage and a partially fenced yard. Sitting on just over a quarter acre, this property offers a large backyard with plenty of possibilities perfect for gardening, entertaining, or future outdoor projects. Inside, you'll find a comfortable layout that's easy to
Sal Jackson
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
Tucked away in the desirable Saybrook-on-the-Lake community, this charming 3-bedroom, 2 full bath cabin offers the perfect blend of relaxation and investment potential. Enjoy beautiful lake views right from your property while being just minutes from all the area’s top attractions. Currently approved for Airbnb/short-term rental, this home is an excellent opportunity for investors or buyers
Calling All Investors! Don’t miss this income-producing opportunity at 3829 Lake Avenue in Ashtabula! This triplex features three units: a 3 bed / 1 bath, 2 bed / 1 bath, and 1 bed / 1 bath — offering strong rental potential right from the start. Tenants in place who would love to stayCurrently Section 8 approvedImmediate cash-flow opportunityJust needs some TLC and updates to
Great investment opportunity with tons of potential! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is ready for your vision and updates. Property includes a detached garage and sits on three parcels, offering added flexibility and value. Two of the parcels are commercially zoned, creating unique possibilities for business use, expansion, or future development. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or buyer
Sal Jackson
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated Cape Cod in Ashtabula Township, located in the highly desired Buckeye Local School District! This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers just over 1,000 sq. ft. of thoughtfully updated living space, perfect for anyone seeking stylish comfort with modern conveniences. Step inside to find top-to-bottom renovations completed within the last few years,
One-bedroom, one-bath ranch offering convenient single-level living. The home features a full unfinished basement with designated washer and dryer area, providing additional storage or future finishing potential. Mechanical updates include gas furnace, updated electrical panel, and upgraded water heater. Located with convenient access to shopping, dining, and other local amenities. Suitable for
Tucked away in the desirable Saybrook-on-the-Lake community, this charming 3-bedroom, 2 full bath cabin offers the perfect blend of relaxation and investment potential. Enjoy beautiful lake views right from your property while being just minutes from all the area’s top attractions. Currently approved for Airbnb/short-term rental, this home is an excellent opportunity for investors or buyers
Looking for a great buildable lot in the Harbor area? This wonderful lot is tucked in away from the hussle and bussel and waitng for you to build your dream home on it. The sign is mounted on the tree by the road, it is roughly the line between the two lots. Buyers to do their own inquiry with zoning.
Looking for a great buildable lot in the Harbor area? This wonderful lot is tucked in away from the hussle and bussel and waitng for you to build your dream home on it. The sign is mounted on the tree by the road, it is roughly the line between the two lots. Buyers to do their own inquiry with zoning. There are two seperate buildable lots here. Seperate and build two houses or combine for a
Check out this beautiful 2 bedroom, 1 bath rental recently updated and ready for occupancy. Private driveway for off-street parking. Large open floor plan among living room, dining room, and kitchen. Stove and refrigerator are included. Roomy laundry closet with wash sink in main hallway. Lots of storage and closets. Central air conditioning and ceiling fans throughout. Tenants pay for all
The advertised rate of $4,499/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 6, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Welcome to this fully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home located in Ashtabula! Thoughtfully renovated from top to bottom, this property blends modern finishes with comfortable living spaces, making it move-in ready for its next tenant. Inside, you?ll find fresh paint throughout, updated bathrooms, and brand-new luxury vinyl flooring that adds durability and style to every room. The spacious kitchen
Steve BairdBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
For Rent -1729 East 26th Street, Ashtabula, Ohio Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath two-story residence tucked away on a quiet dead-end street in Ashtabula. Offering both comfort and functionality, this home provides plenty of living space along with ample storage throughout. Step inside to a welcoming living room that flows seamlessly into a dedicated dining area-perfect
Steve BairdBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
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