Lexington has small-town character and a convenient location
Lexington is tucked in a pocket of northeast Ohio between Columbus and Cleveland, the state’s largest cities. However, this rustic community of 4,800 stands on its own, not overshadowed by its bigger brothers. The area is known for its well-rated school system and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, which attracts thousands for its annual Indy car race. According to local Realtor Peter Haring, Lexington also has some of the best walleye fishing in the state. “It very much has a hometown feel,” says Haring, the president of Haring Realty, who has over 35 years of real estate experience. “There’s a lot of local restaurants and retailers. You walk in, and it’s the kind of place where people will know your name.”
Established homes on neighbor-friendly blocks
While there are exceptions on either side of the spectrum, many of Lexington’s homes were built between 1950 and 1980. Bungalows, colonials and ranch-style options make up the bulk of the options. Most lots are at least one-fifth of an acre, on quiet streets lined with sidewalks. “It’s very walkable,” Haring says. “You’ll see people out, kids riding bikes in the street. People get out, and it’s a way people connect in Lexington.” Properties often sell for $150,000 to $570,000, based on square footage and lot size.
Local schools get support from parent groups
The Lexington Local Schools system maintains a B-plus grade on Niche, and Haring says the district has a great reputation. Three elementary schools, Western, Central and Eastern, combine to cover kindergarten through sixth grade, and all have A-minus ratings from Niche. The Lexington Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization backs each with fundraisers and other programs. The A-minus-rated Lexington Junior High includes grades 7 and 8, and offers a dedicated robotics class. Lexington High carries a B-plus rating, and its Lexington Athletic Boosters and Lexington Music Boosters groups support school plays, concerts and athletic facilities.
Residents have easy access to Interstate 71
Interstate 71 is just about 4 miles from the heart of Lexington. I-71 takes people 85 miles north to Cleveland and 60 miles south to Columbus. “So if you want big-city attractions, either college or professional sports, those are nearby,” Haring says. The John Glenn Columbus International Airport has nonstop flights to over 50 destinations. The Mansfield Hospital is the closest full-service medical center, 7 miles away.
Area restaurants double as community gathering spaces
Coffee shop Nickel & Bean and JB's Drive-In Restaurant, a draw for ice cream, are two of Lexington’s most popular eateries. “Two places where people really connect with each other — community spots,” Haring says. JB’s has been open for over 50 years. Nickel & Bean, which has been open since 2017, fills a building that dates back to 1843. “The owners of that made a really big investment in a historic building,” Haring says. “And they have great success. People come from outside of Lexington just for the coffee there.” The Local at 97 is another draw, for its pizza. Kell Hardware is the oldest business in Lexington. It has been open since 1886 and offers a range of household products. Wayne’s Country Market is a family-owned grocery option. “It has been enormously successful,” Haring says. “It’s not a big-box grocery store, but it has anything you would want. They’re known for their quality.” People head to the nearby cities of Mansfield and Ontario for big-box stores.
Fishing, biking and hiking opportunities are close by
Haring says the nearly 1,000-acre Clearfork Reservoir, which was created in the 1940s as a water source for Mansfield, is one of the state’s best spots to catch walleye. The reservoir is also a boating destination. The land around the lake features the roughly 4-mile Stoller Road Trail, an 18-hole disc golf course and almost three dozen campsites. Bicentennial Park and Lexington Community Park have playgrounds, pavilions and athletic fields. A portion of the 18-hole, paved Richland B&O Trail also runs through Lexington. “It is the most popular bike trail in north-central Ohio,” Haring says.
Races and the Blueberry Festival are big attractions
The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is one of Lexington’s landmarks, whose 13-turn circuit hosts an Indy car race every July. The event brings visitors into Lexington and the wider Richland County area. “It’s a great opportunity for people to experience a little bit of what Lexington has to offer,” Haring says. The Lexington Blueberry Festival is another signature event in the area, spanning four days in August at Lexington Community Park. The festival includes rides, live music, food vendors, fireworks and a pair of parades.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
