Living in Glenwillow means great schools and generous village services
Glenwillow has only about 1,000 residents who live in a village with a rural vibe, while still having access to amenities fit for an area twice its size. It's a small town, with big lots and a top-tier school district. Mayor Mark A. Cegelka takes pride in what the village of Glenwillow offers its residents. "We have free mulch given to the residents each year. It's donated by Republic Services, and the village delivers it directly to the residents," he says. "We also have a $1,000 scholarship for students who graduate from high school. And there's senior snow plowing and free rubbish pickup."
Most homes, from colonials to new builds, sit on at least an acre
When it comes to residential lot sizes, the mayor explains, this is a part of Glenwillow's appeal. "One reason people look to our village is that most of the lot sizes are bigger than in your standard suburb,” Cegelka says. “Ours are at least an acre or larger." The area has a spacious, yet suburban feel. You can enjoy this extra space in house styles ranging from modest ranches and split-levels to expansive recent construction. Colonial-style architecture can be seen on the exterior of the homes here, no matter the size. Prices can range from $250,000 to $600,000.
Students attend top-rated Solon public schools
"We're part of the Solon School District," Cegelka says. "We have about 200 students between kindergarten and high school who attend. It's a very well-run school district that's very well-respected. It regularly ranks in the top five-to-10 in the state." Students can attend Grace L. Roxbury Elementary School through fourth grade before spending the next two years at Orchard Middle and another two years at Solon Middle. They attend Solon High School for ninth-through-12th grade. All four schools receive an A-plus rating on Niche.
Trails follow Tinkers Creek and connect village green spaces
"Glenwillow is a great place for walking," Cegelka says. "We put trails along Tinkers Creek going south, and we'll soon be putting another trail in along Richmond Road." Tinkers Creek snakes its way through the village and provides a beautiful centerpiece to the private campground owned by the International Order of Odd Fellows. The creek also runs alongside Donald Norman Payne Recreation Complex, the village park beside City Hall. "We're redeveloping that park," Cegelka adds. "There's a train depot we've moved there, a pavilion, and we'll soon be adding a veterans' memorial."
Industrial zones support Amazon and Superior Beverage warehouses
Glenwillow's land is split between residential streets and industrial areas. "Glenwillow was a company town, then we redeveloped a lot of the land, which includes a lot of industry that provides us with a good tax base," Cegelka says. Amazon and Superior Beverage Group are among the warehouses there, as is the Glenwillow Substation.
Dolphin Restaurant anchors shopping and dining staples
Dotted amid the warehouses are the village's few shops and restaurants. Iron-Oak Fitness is the neighborhood gym providing encouragement in their zero-judgment workout facility. Pull up a chair near the stone-walled fireplace at Glenwillow Grille as they serve up flatbread pizzas and handhelds. Their happy hour lasts from 3-6 p.m. if you're looking for a pre-dinner nip. Dolphin Restaurant has been a community staple for over 30 years. Here you can order American cuisine, breakfast, lunch or dinner, or choose an on-the-go option from their express menu.
