Hartville is home to lifelong resident and Antique and Thrift Trail
With century-old homes, a historic downtown and a thriving antiquing scene, many residents of Hartville move to the village for the long haul. “A lot of people have lived here their whole life,” says Mayor Cindy Billings. “They’ve never lived anywhere else.” Many find the area appealing because of the Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market, which opened its doors in 1939 and is the largest indoor/outdoor venue of its kind. It’s one stop of dozens along the 2-mile Hartville Antique & Thrift Trail. “We get bus tours that’ll spend days here just to go to thrift stores,” Billings says. Most of the other businesses in the area are locally owned. However, with Downtown Akron less than 20 miles away and North Canton even closer, people can reach big-box stores in under half an hour.
Thrift stores make up part of Hartville’s historic downtown district
While the flea market is technically outside village limits, many other stops along the Antique & Thrift Trail are within Hartville. “I think there are only two or three that aren’t,” Billings says. A Niche in Time is just one example, with a curated selection of Estate items, vintage clothing and antique goods. It is in the downtown district, where other businesses include Maple Street Art Gallery and Hartville Elevator, a feed store selling gardening supplies and petroleum. Local restaurants include A&E’s Pizzeria, which has daily specials like 99-cent wings and discounted pizzas, and the Hartville Pantry. “It’s one of the oldest buildings in Hartville,” Billings says. The rural eatery opened in 1829, and although it’s switched owners several times over the years, it still serves home-style cooking. Front Porch Cafe, located in the Hartville Thrift Shoppe has live music every second Saturday of the month. A Marc’s is in the area, and the flea market sells groceries like fresh produce and baked goods. Walmart, Lowe’s and Target are all about an 11-mile drive.
Century-old homes are near downtown, while newer homes are farther out
The oldest homes are near downtown Hartville, where oak trees shade the sidewalks and grassy lawns. Residences date back to the early 1900s, including Craftsman houses and Foursquares. Properties surrounding the village tend to have more space, with lots that are at least an acre. These tend to be ranch-style houses and split-levels from the mid-to-late 20th century, as well as New Traditional homes built as recently as the 2020s. Single and multifamily homes have a median of $300,000. Smaller properties can cost $150,000 to $400,000, while larger ones range from $400,000 to $850,000. Prices generally increase with size and condition.
Hartville Memorial Park and Quail Hollow Park offer outdoor recreation
Towering trees shade the green space at Hartville Memorial Park, which has a walking path and playground. A few blocks away are the pickleball courts at Brian Park. Quail Hollow Park spans 700 acres of forests, meadows and marshes and includes a historic manor that can be rented out for events like weddings. "It's got nice, wooded trails and there's a bog you can go through," Billings says. During the winter months, the trails allow skiing and snowshoeing. Anglers fish out of the 2-acre Shady Lane Pond. At Congress Lake Country Club, members can access a private 18-hole golf court, a swimming pool, tennis courts and Congress Lake.
Lake Local Schools rated A-minus and higher by Niche
Hartville students are zoned for Lake Local Schools. Kindergarteners and first graders attend Lake Primary School, while Lake Elementary School serves second through sixth grades. Both schools, along with the district, earn an A from Niche. Seventh through 12th grade is at the A-minus-rated Lake Middle High School, which partners with local institutions like Kent State University to offer College Credit Plus courses. One private education option is Lake Center Christian School. It scores a B-minus and offers kindergarten through 12th grade.
Holiday celebrations and artist markets bring the community together
One of the longest traditions in Hartville is An Evening in the Village, a holiday celebration that dates back over 25 years. The night kicks off with a tree lighting in the square before Santa arrives on the back of a fire truck. There is a cookie contest and a silent auction, and most stores are for anyone who wants to get a head start on gift shopping. A newer celebration is Art in the Park, a summer vendor with live music, food trucks and artist demonstrations that started in 2024. The MarketPlace also hosts events throughout the year, including the annual Hartville Jeep Fest, where Jeep owners enter their cars in categories like Best in Show and Most Muddiest.
Walkability is improving with the Connector Trail
Most residents drive cars to get around, although Billings says that the village is working on improving walkability. Stark Park received a grant in January 2025 to help develop the Quail Hollow Connector Trail, which will go from the Lake Township Community Park to Hartville Memorial Park. Construction is expected to start in spring 2026. State routes 619 and 43 intersect in Hartville. Summa Health Green Medical Center is about 10 miles away. Akron-Canton Airport, which offers nonstop flights to more than 20 destinations, is also a 10-mile drive.
