A small community in a web of northern Ohio transportation arteries
Situated just about 20 miles south of Lake Erie, Bellevue is an area that blossomed in the 1800s because of its location on multiple rail lines. Railroads are still a significant player in this northern Ohio community, and U.S. Route 20 helps connect people to cities like Cleveland and Toledo. Still, home to just over 8,000 people, Bellevue hasn’t lost its intimate character. “It’s on a major thoroughfare, there’s a lot of traffic through there, but it still does have a small-town feel,” says Bill Jones, broker and owner at Re/Max Unlimited Results Realty and a native of nearby Tiffin. “There’s stuff for the kids to do, there are fun little parks," he adds. "There are walking trails, bike trails. It’s definitely not a big city, but there are some cute little restaurants and things, and it's conveniently located.”
Established homes offer classic character
Bellevue still has a wide swath of houses built around the turn of the 20th century, and some serve as stately examples of that period’s architecture. "There’s definitely a lot of unique architecture throughout town," Jones says. "There's a lot of the big, old Victorian homes. Everybody likes to look at them [but] they’re a lot to maintain and take care of." Colonial is also a common style among Bellevue’s oldest homes. Midcentury bungalow and ranch styles are prevalent around Bellevue as well. Houses in the area sell for $60,000 to $370,000 regardless of the era but are based largely on condition. Prices trend lower than some of the bigger communities, like Norwalk and Sandusky.
Local restaurants and other businesses line Main Street
What Bellevue may lack in large-scale commercial development it makes up for with its collection of local businesses. Many are along Main Street at the center of the community. Rayz Route 20 specializes in burgers and seafood, while Bone Boy's BBQ & Catering is popular in part for its brisket. Gilbert's Place is a spot to grab a quick coffee or sandwich. Other businesses on Main include Great Lakes Ace Hardware, which neighbors a Bassett’s Market grocery store. Jones says locals commute to cities like Norwalk and Tiffin for more amenities, both located within 25 miles.
BellevUnity Festival brings the community together
The annual BellevUNITY Festival at Central Park is perhaps the largest annual event in this area, Jones says. BellevUNITY takes place around the Fourth of July and features carnival games, bounce houses, live music, food and a fireworks show. Bellevue also has an annual Christmas parade, while the Christmas in Olde Towne Holiday Lights and Music Show is available to walk or drive through from late November to early January.
Bellevue schools have standout athletic programs
The Bellevue City School District has a B-minus grade on Niche. The system includes the B-rated Bellevue Elementary, B-rated Bellevue Middle and B-minus-rated Bellevue High. The middle and high schools offer sports programs from football to cross-country. Bellevue High’s girls basketball team has a recent state title, and its boys track and field team has a recent Sandusky Bay Conference championship.
Recreation options include indoor and outdoor locations
Cherry Road features a cluster of spots for recreation. The Magdalyn Aigler Recreation Complex has a playground, athletic fields and a skate park. It’s popular among locals, Jones says, as is the nearby Jungle Junction, the largest indoor play structure in the state. The Bellevue Community Center across the parking lot offers 24/7 access with a membership and includes fitness equipment and a gymnasium. Bellevue's Seneca Caverns is open from around Memorial Day to Labor Day and is considered one of the largest caverns in the state. The 28-mile paved North Coast Inland Trail runs through Bellevue as well.
Roads and rails connect Bellevue to the wider region
U.S. Route 20 encompasses Bellevue’s Main Street and is a way to reach nearby cities like Norwalk, 13 miles away. Ohio State Route 18, just off Route 20, connects to Tiffin, 22 miles away. Interstate 90 is about 8 miles north of Bellevue and runs east to Cleveland and west to Toledo. Cleveland is about a 70-mile trip, and Toledo is 50 miles away. Bellevue emerged as a key railroad stop in the 19th century. "If you’re into the railroads, [we've] got the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum," Jones says. Rail lines still course through the area, in the Norfolk Southern Railway network, and Bellevue is home to one of the system’s largest hump yards, which sorts freight cars. “You get caught by trains a lot [in Bellevue],” Jones adds.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
