Suburban comforts meet countryside calm in Chesterland
Tucked between Cleveland's densely populated suburbs and sprawling farmlands, Chesterland blends rural and suburban living. The community's expansive landscape is a clear break from packed subdivisions, yet homebuyers can still find similar home styles at lower prices. "As the housing market has gotten tighter in surrounding communities, it has pushed homebuyers into this community," says Annalie Glazen, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty, who started her real estate career in Chesterland. "Maybe they weren't originally considering it, but it's turned out to be a really successful and hot real estate market." Residents enjoy being away from busy city life but still have quick access to major highways, retail centers and highly rated schools.
Roomy lots and lower prices draw homebuyers from nearby suburbs
Over the past decade, Chesterland has seen significant residential growth, shifting the community's identity from rural farmland to a rural suburb. Thick forests and a few farms still separate subdivisions, but this allows homes to keep their acreage as new construction enters. "People just want a little extra elbow room," Glazen says. "We see people coming from Mayfield or Lyndhurst, where they have quarter-acre lots, and all of a sudden, they have these beautiful neighborhoods that they can be a part of with breathing room and extra land." Tranquil two-way country roads stretch for miles and end in cul-de-sacs. Spacious ranch-style homes, Colonial Revivals, split-level houses and Cape Cods have sprawling lawns surrounded by mature trees. The community's median home price is $330,000, less than the national median of around $400,000 and lower than surrounding communities with comparable home styles.
Highly rated West Geauga schools offer technical programs
The West Geauga Local School District serves Chesterland. It has an A-minus Niche score and ranks as the second-best district in Geauga County. The district has two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. High school students can take Excel TECC programs, which are career courses in various technical fields.
Chesterland’s main roads lead to the interstate in minutes
State Route 306 and Highway 322 create the community's main intersection. Highway 322 leads straight to Mayfield, where drivers can access Interstate 271 or continue west toward downtown Cleveland. "I don't think people realize just how convenient it is to the highway system for a rural suburb," Glazen says. "One minute, you're in Chesterland with all its beautiful green pastures and trees, and then 10 minutes down the road, you can catch the highway in every direction." Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is a quick 30- to 40-minute drive away, and the nearest hospital is near the Mayfield highway intersection.
Local parks feature nature trails, athletic courts and sledding hills
The community's central outdoor space is Chester Township Park, also known as Parkside Park. Its gazebo is a popular event venue, and kids play together at the playground. Athletic facilities range from a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits to multiple volleyball and pickleball courts. At Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park, people walk pets, hike and even cross-country ski along wooded trails. Several other natural parks are a few miles outside Chesterland. Orchard Hills Park offers a fishing lake and a sledding hill, while North Chagrin Reservation has wetland trails and a nature center.
Commercial options mainly surround major intersection
Chesterland may be rural, but it has several commercial options. Businesses range from outdoor supply stores and auto repair shops to garden centers, gun shops and contract services. Fast food chains, pizza shops, cafes and clothing boutiques are near the community's major intersection. Victoria's Bakery sells freshly made pastries and coffee, and Chesterland Tavern offers live music from its canopied patio. Giant Eagle Supermarket and Discount Drug Mart provide groceries and pharmacy items. Local farms are also periodically open to the public to sell fruit, eggs and flowers.
Community organizations organize markets, concerts and Winterfest
Several local organizations host the community's events. The Chesterland Historical Foundation holds an annual Christmas in July event and a popular flea market in August. Throughout summer, the Kiwanis Club of West Geauga hosts concerts at the Chester Township Park gazebo on Wednesday evenings. At the end of November, the West Geauga Rotary Club brings Winterfest to the park. Attendees huddle around bonfires to roast marshmallows while kids line up to meet Santa. People also shop for Christmas trees, admire the festive lights and listen to carols.
