Bolivar-Wilkshire Hills is a quiet community along Interstate 77
The Bolivar-Wilkshire Hills area is mostly residential, although there are just enough shops, parks and restaurants where locals can find all the essentials. “It’s like you’re living in the country, but you’re not,” says Realtor Pat Russell with Re/Max Crossroads Properties. The Historic Village of Zoar is part of the region. This German settlement was founded in 1817 and is a time capsule of how life was for its original residents. Modern life is not too far removed, with Interstate 77 connecting the area to New Philadelphia and Canton, both about 15 miles away.
Homes range from Victorian-era houses to New Traditionals
A mix of gridded streets, cul-de-sacs and subdivisions make up the Bolivar-Wilkshire Hills area. Homes range from Victorian-era and early 20th-century Craftsman houses to midcentury modern properties. There are also Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals built between the late 1970s and 2020s. “We have an array of prices,” Russell says. A single-family home generally falls between $160,000 and $490,000, depending on size and condition. Investment properties have sold for as little as $50,000. Bolivar-Wilkshire Hills receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Tuscarawas Valley schools encourage community involvement
Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools serves the community. Tuscarawas Valley Elementary School, unrated by Niche, covers kindergarten through sixth grade. Tuscarawas Valley Middle-High School earns a B and teaches seventh through 12th grade. High schoolers are required to complete 16 hours of community service between freshman and senior year.
Recreation includes the Towpath Trail and historic Zoar
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail goes through Bolivar, passing by the Fort Laurens State Memorial, the only fort in Ohio from the Revolutionary War. While it is already over 90 miles long, the Towpath Trail will be 101 miles when finished. Many people stroll the historic gardens in Zoar, which emulate the original designs from 1835. There is a playground near the Bolivar Dam. The Commons Pool has lap swim, a shallow end and a deep end with a diving board. It can be rented out for private parties. “Instead of going to the beach, you can just take your kids to the pool to swim,” Russell says. Athletes train at the Massarelli Baseball Sports Complex, which has six softball and baseball diamonds. Wilkshire Golf Course is an 18-hole course open to the public.
Local eateries include Canal Street Diner and Simply Cinnamon
While many of the restaurants in the Bolivar-Wilkshire Hills area are chains, there are some local options. Canal Street Diner is along the Tuscarawas River and serves homestyle meals and rotating specials. Coffee lovers can enjoy a drink at Simply Cinnamon, which makes fresh cookies daily. Massa Mia Italiano Ristorante, located in the Massarelli Baseball Sports Complex, has live music every Friday and Saturday from May through September. Residents get groceries from Giant Eagle. Walmart is about 15 miles away, while Lowe’s is about a 17-mile drive.
Bolivar Main Street and the Historic Village of Zoar put on events
Bolivar Main Street hosts several celebrations throughout the year. The annual Strawberry Festival is a three-day event every June with live music, a strawberry eating contest and several vendors. Classic cars and bikes also flock to the village for the Canal Street Cruise-In every July.
Events in Zoar include ghost tours and longstanding celebrations. The original settlers made pretzels on Good Friday, and that tradition continues today. During the holidays, the village transforms into a winter wonderland that hosts tours of decorated historic homes and showcases German Christmas traditions.
Bolivar-Wilkshire Hills is a car-dependent community
State Route 212 runs through the area, connecting Bolivar-Wilkshire Hills to Zoar. The closest emergency room is at Union Hospital, about 14 miles away. Akron-Canton Airport is about a 22-mile drive and offers 24 nonstop flights.
