Grads from nearby universities settle down in Bluffton
As some villages in northwestern Ohio struggle to retain residents and small businesses, Bluffton continues to enjoy a growing population and a thriving downtown. Straddling Allen and Hancock counties, the small town of about 4,000 people also has a college-town feel thanks to schools like Bluffton University, a private institution associated with the Mennonite church. “We are surrounded by quite a few colleges in the area,” says Rhonda Crouse, a Realtor with Realistar who has 10 years of experience in the area. Rhodes State College, Lima’s branch of Ohio State University, the University of Findlay and the University of Northwestern Ohio are all within a 30-minute drive. “I feel like Bluffton attracts those graduates because of its downtown area,” Crouse says, pointing to the number of walkable restaurants, shops and bars in town. Regional employers also offer plenty of job opportunities. “You might land a job at the hospital in Bluffton or, if you’re going for engineering, you might end up at P&G in Lima.”
Bluffton Exempted Village Schools and Bluffton University
Young students can attend Bluffton Exempted Village Schools, which receive an overall A-minus grade from Niche. The district is also ranked one of the top 100 districts in Ohio out of more than 600 school systems. High schoolers can earn college credits for institutions like the University of Findlay or Rhodes State College. Bluffton University enrolls around 1,000 students and offers nearly 90 undergraduate programs.
Historic downtown district packed with local shops and restaurants
Downtown Bluffton is lined with historic brick buildings that house locally owned restaurants, shops and services. “I’d say Bluffton has more diverse and established businesses compared to Ada. There’s more building ownership in Bluffton, so there’s less turnover with small businesses there,” Crouse says. “They have a lot of cool businesses and shops, and it’s pretty walkable.” Bluffton is home to the flagship store of Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn, a beloved spot for sweet, savory and even spicy varieties of the traditional movie theater snack. Residents grab groceries at Community Markets, but Bluffton also has several specialty grocers like Dough Hook Meat Market, which features fresh deli cuts, from-scratch baked goods and Amish meats and cheeses. Shoppers can also pick up locally grown and made products at The Food Store. The Bluffton Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from May through October. Lima has more retail and restaurant options about 20 miles away.
Home prices mostly fall between $200,000 and $400,000
Many homes were built in the early to mid-1900s with styles representative of the times. Bungalows, Nationals and farmhouses pair with Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes, plus midcentury builds and new construction. Prices mostly range from $200,000 to $400,000, though newer, larger homes can sell for $500,000 to $700,000. Overall, the village has a median sale price of about $250,000, on par with Ada but higher than the median of $175,000 in nearby Lima. “For first-time homeowners, it can be a little challenging to find something under $200,000,” Crouse says.
Parks, trails and a public golf course offer outdoor fun
The multisport Bluffton Village Park features a soccer complex and baseball diamonds. Buckeye Park has a playground, hiking and biking trails, basketball courts and shuffleboard. Bike and pedestrian pathways run throughout town, connecting key parts of the village for recreation and transportation. Golfers can hit the links at the 18-hole Bluffton Golf Club, which is open to the public, and the village has about 10 miles of paved and unpaved trails. The Shannon Theatre has shown first-run flicks for decades and is particularly well known for its hot buttered popcorn. In fact, Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn, a regional favorite, got its start at the theater. Demand for the movie theater-style popcorn was so high that the owners decided to start their own business, which they named after a beloved theater employee.
Minutes away from Interstate 75
Most locals drive, but there are a handful of Allen County Regional Transit Authority bus stops in town. The Bluffton Route runs five days a week and connects to Lima, about 20 miles away. Residents have easy access to Interstate 75, the main line to Dayton, about 90 miles away, and Cincinnati, about 150 miles away. Columbus and John Glenn Columbus International Airport are about 100 miles via U.S. Route 33. Medical care is available in town at Bluffton Hospital.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
