Brady Lake is a residential community with no income tax near Kent
Brady Lake offers a slow pace of life on the water, about 15 miles from Downtown Akron. "People have said that it's the best kept secret," says Realtor Kellie Kapusta with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, who grew up in the area. "Not many people knew about Brady Lake. It's becoming more popular now, but for years it was just locals, generational." While it was once its own village, it joined Franklin Township in 2017. The decision to dissolve the village brought with it improved roads and lower taxes, because Ohio townships are exempt from the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA). Even with all of the changes, Brady Lake has been able to preserve their community spirit. "It really is a unique area of people who really take care of each other," says Kapusta, who serves on the Franklin Township Board of Trustees.
Trees surround older homes like early-20th-century Foursquares
A dense collection of oak and pine trees shades the grassy lawns of Brady Lake, where lots tend to be half an acre or less. Skinny driveways lead to homes built between the early and mid-20th century, with a small selection of newer construction. Bungalows and Foursquares make up some of the oldest properties. Split-levels and ranch-style houses are common, as well. "There have been several new homes built out there," Kapusta says. "Those lots used to go for nothing, but now there is new construction and those lots are going for $100,000 for just an acre." Prices generally range from $100,000 to $270,000, although some larger residences have sold for close to $450,000.
Kent City Schools are part of the Six District Educational Compact
As part of the Kent City School District, students can start at Walls Elementary School, which earns a B-plus from Niche. Stanton Middle School receives a B. Roosevelt High School, which is rated B-plus, offers career and technical education courses through the Six District Educational Compact. Programs include engineering and cosmetology. Kent State University is about 2 miles away and has 375 undergraduate programs.
Cars and buses ride on State Route 59
Brady Lake is a car-dependent community with access to State Route 59. Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority manages a bus route along OH-59. The closest emergency room is at University Hospital Portage Medical Center, about 5 miles away. Akron-Canton Airport is about a 25-mile drive and offers nonstop flights to over 20 destinations.
Brady Lake is at the community’s center and parks surround the area
At the center of the community is Brady Lake, which allows fishing, swimming and boating. "If you went out, you'd see many pontoon boats," Kapusta says. Next to it is Brady Lake Park, where amenities include bocce courts, a playground, a picnic shelter and soccer and baseball fields. The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities (PCDD) hosts practices for the Special Olympics teams at the park. "It's really fantastic," Kapusta says. PCDD also manages the Happy Days Services Building for people with developmental disabilities, which has a gym, pool and sensory room, as well as a place to practice life skills. Towner’s Woods Park is just north of Brady Lake, with several hiking and cross-country skiing trails. A few paths offer views of Lake Pippin, although the park has no water access. Some of the woods’ historic features include the Hopewell Indian Mound and the Brady Interlocking Railroad Tower, which was built in 1913.
Besides Clubhouse Brady Lake, residents travel to shop and eat
Clubhouse Brady Lake is one of the few restaurants in the area. This family-owned bar and grill opened in 1941 and established itself as a community staple, hosting sports watch parties and working with local organizations like The Ravenna Lions Club. "It used to be just locals," Kapusta says. "You'd walk in there and you'd know everybody, but now the secret's out." Coyote’s Mexican Grill & Cantina is a regional chain that has a location less than 1 mile away. Kent has more options, including Mike’s Place, an eatery decorated like a seaside shack that serves American fare. One of the closest grocery stores is Marc’s. Residents can get fresh produce from the Haymaker Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday morning. The outdoor season is from April through November, and the market moves indoors from December through March. Walmart is only about 1 mile away, Target is about a 5-mile drive and Home Depot is about 9 miles away.
Photography Contributed By
Tim Nightengale
