A canopy of towering evergreen trees shade Avonia’s winding residential streets, many of which lead directly to the sparkling waters of Lake Erie. The community covers less than 3 square miles along the lake’s southern shore, and it embraces the Gem of the Great Lakes in its rocky beachfront and sprawling lakefront estates. Beyond its waterfront amenities, Avonia offers top-rated schools and proximity to downtown Erie, about 12 miles north. “It’s kind of a suburb of Erie. It’s located very close and easily accessible transportation-wise,” says Tom Jones, associate broker of the Tom Jones Group with Keller Williams Realty and a lifelong resident of Erie County. Avonia is the northernmost community of the Fairview Township, known for its bubbling tributaries of Lake Erie where steelhead trout jump from the waters. “It’s very family-oriented. There are a lot of wonderful communities and subdivisions,” Jones says.
Avonia offers suburban living along the scenic shores of Lake Erie.
Residents launch boats from Avonia for fishing and recreation on the lake.
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Dazzling sunsets and trout fishing at Avonia Beach Park
Avonia Beach Park is one of the smaller beaches in Erie County and is known as a quiet spot to watch the sunset. The beach sits where Trout Run empties into Lake Erie, and while fishing in the creek is prohibited elsewhere, shore fishing at the mouth of Trout Run is allowed. Steelhead trout swim upstream each fall, and from September to October, anglers stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the mouth of the creek in hopes of reeling in the fish. About 3 miles west along the lakefront is YMCA Camp Sherwin, where YMCA membership enables free access to an outdoor pool, playground and splash pad. Alternatively, residents can pay a daily admission fee to enter the camp, which also has rustic cabins available for rental year-round. Those looking to get on the water can head 4 miles north to Walnut Creek Beach, which has six public boat launches. “There’s also a small marina down there, and it’s really a wonderful beach. A lot of lake fishermen will head that way,” Jones says. Next to the beach is the Lake Shore Country Club, where members can access an 18-hole golf course with scenic vistas of Lake Erie.
Fishing is a favorite pastime in Avonia, with daily limits to protect local species.
Residents gather at Wendt Beach Park for evening relaxation and lake vistas.
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Festivities at Pleasant Ridge Park
Avonia is about a 3-mile drive north of Pleasant Ridge Park. The green space features miles of wooded nature trails, a playground and an 18-hole disc golf course where residents can compete in tournaments like the Ice Chains Open and Mid-Summer Classic. “We love it there. Fairview is a sleepy enough town that the park isn’t overwhelmed with a ton of people,” Jones says. Fairview Township Parks and Recreation hosts year-round festivities in the green space, including movies and concerts in the summer. The colder months bring abundant snow to Erie County, and Winter Fun Day takes advantage of the snowfall with horse-drawn wagon rides, Siberian husky demos and a cross-country ski scavenger hunt in the park
French exchange program at Fairview High School
Students may attend the Fairview School District, which Niche ranks as the best school district in the Erie area. “One of the biggest selling points in Fairview is that the schools are exceptional. That’s the reason we ended up here,” Jones says. The district follows a 1:1 technology initiative, and all third- through 12th-grade students are given iPads. Fairview Elementary School and Fairview Middle School both earn an A from Niche, while Fairview High School scores an A-minus. Teens can apply to one of the high school’s academies and enroll in one of the following specialized pathways: Arts & Communication, Business, Finance, & Information Technology, Health & Science, Human Services and STEM. The high school also partners with Fernand Renaudeau High School in Cholet, France, to offer a two-week exchange program that immerses students in French culture.
Fairview Elementary in Avonia serves grades K–4 with a focus on creativity and inclusivity.
Fairview Middle School in Avonia is ranked among the top 30% of Pennsylvania middle schools.
Fairview High School in Avonia offers a comprehensive curriculum for grades 9–12.
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Lakefront estates and tree-lined lots
The most expensive homes in Avonia sit along the shores of Lake Erie. Waterfront properties feature boathouses, private stretches of sandy beach and spacious patios with panoramic views of the water. Prices on the lakefront range from about $575,000 for a three-bedroom ranch-style house to $1.3 million for a five-bedroom estate with multiple acres of land. Farther from the water, residential streets branch off Pennsylvania Route 5 and do not have sidewalks. Homebuyers will find a mix of bi-level, ranch-style and Colonial Revival homes built throughout the second half of the 20th century. Most houses sit on tree-lined lots that average just over half an acre. These single-family homes tend to sell for around $215,000 for a three-bedroom ranch-style to $385,000 for a four-bedroom bi-level.
Many Avonia homes were built in the late 1960s and feature mature, tree-lined lots.
Lakefront estates in Avonia offer private beaches and panoramic Lake Erie views.
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Local eateries and farm-fresh markets along PA 5
While Avonia is primarily residential, there are several restaurants and markets along PA 5. The Avonia Tavern serves up American classics in an industrial-style dining room, and the neighborhood haunt is best known for its signature smash burgers and seafood platters. The tavern also has a full-service bar with plenty of beach-themed cocktails. A bit farther east is Peppino’s Wine Bar and Chophouse, which brings a slice of Italy to Erie with its homemade pasta sauces and outdoor patio. Acres of farmland border Avonia to the west, and mom-and-pop shops like Mason Farms Roadside Market and Godfrey Run Farm Market sell everything from seasonal produce to local wines. Big-box shops such as Walmart and Wegmans line Pennsylvania Route 20, about a 5-mile drive from Avonia.
Avonia Tavern’s menu features local favorites in a welcoming setting.
Convenient shopping options are available along PA Route 20 near Avonia.
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PA Route 5 connects residents to downtown Erie
Avonia lacks public transportation and is largely car-dependent. PA 5 bisects the community and leads about 6 miles north to Erie International Airport and 12 miles north to the cultural hub of downtown Erie. Residents are also less than 10 miles north of Interstate 90, and the Ohio-Pennsylvania border is about an 18-mile drive west of Avonia.
Downtown Erie is just 12 miles from Avonia, offering quick access to city amenities and culture.
Erie International Airport is five miles north of Avonia, making regional travel convenient for residents.
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Photography Contributed By
Stefan Ludwig
Video By
Danica Neddenien
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Danielle Jones-Miglicio,
an experienced agent in this area.
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