Lodi offers nature, community support and a slower pace of life
The small village of Lodi preserves its traditional roots while welcoming slow growth and community support, sitting among Medina County's farmlands and nature preserves. Residents have access to several surrounding green spaces, allowing for varied recreation. Residential development is actively expanding housing options and major highways keep the village connected to larger cities. Additionally, a few commercial options and several involved community organizations help locals get what they need. "A quirk of small towns can be that they're wary of new people, but the community takes care of each other," says Dan Holahan, manager of the Lodi Library. "People in this town want to help each other out. Even grouchy neighbors who don't get along still look out for each other."
Lodi has small businesses and involved support organizations
An old-fashioned downtown along state Route 83 is lined with American flags, vintage lampposts and trees. Brick buildings hold pizza shops, cafes and retail stores. Outside downtown, Discount Drug Mart and Miller's Market cover everyday needs and groceries. Moxie's Grille serves large-portioned American fare and hosts all-you-can-eat fish Fridays. Manufacturers, suppliers and a foundry are located on the southwest side of the village, creating a small industrial district. Community Reinvestment Areas and Ohio Opportunity Zones encourage commercial and industrial growth in the village.
Several organizations support the community's needs. Lodi Library and Cooperative Community Services collaborate to bring resources to the village. Many houses of worship and the Lodi Family Center have food pantries and clothing drives. Community Action Wayne/Medina offers various services, from housing and financial assistance to a diaper fund and family support.
Housing ranges from fixer-uppers to modern developments
Flags, shade trees and bushy shrubs decorate neighborhood lawns. Residential streets primarily have single-family homes, but a few multifamily options are available. Most are move-in ready, but some properties are in fair or poor condition and in need of renovations. Common architectural styles range from ranch-style homes and American Foursquares to farmhouses and manufactured homes. "They're putting in a couple of big housing developments toward the north end of town," Holahan says. Homes built in the past five years typically have contemporary architecture, grayscale color schemes and sometimes luxury interior elements. The village's median price is $225,000, almost less than half the national median of roughly $420,000. Some homes, like manufactured ones, sell for less than $100,000, while newer developments sell in the $300,000 to $400,000 range.
Nature preserves, river access and parks support active lifestyles
Several nature preserves with hiking trails surround the village. Fishing along the Black Fork River is popular, and many residents enjoy hunting. "Most people can fish and hunt from their backyards right off their back porch," says Joshua Leonard, real estate agent with Russell Real Estate Services who's sold in the area. Central Park is the village's downtown green space. Lodi Community Park has a playground and river access, while Richman Field hosts baseball clubs and pickup basketball. Holahan says the county will begin developing a new park with walking trails behind the library at the end of summer 2026. For indoor entertainment, people can play at Strike & Spare Bowling Lanes or visit the Lodi Railroad Museum. Located in the village's original train station, the museum is open once a month from April to October. Residents are also a few miles from the Cloverleaf Community Recreation Center.
The village has a Cleveland Clinic hospital and major highway access
State Routes 421 and 83 create the village's main intersection, while Highways 42 and 224 are the primary throughfares. While Lodi is around 30 minutes from Akron, Leonard says most people commute to Medina or Cleveland for work, if they commute at all. Cleveland is roughly 1 hour away via Interstate 71. Two freight railroads pass through the village, meaning noise levels can be high as trains haul cargo. The village has its own hospital, the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Lodi Hospital. The nearest commercial airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport about 40 minutes away.
A winter wonderland and library events bring neighbors together
While Lodi is very rural and small, the community still has a few events. Winter Wonderland comes to the village on the first Saturday of each December. Locals enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides between the village square and the Lodi Railroad Museum, and kids take pictures with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and live reindeer. The library stays involved with the community throughout the year, hosting special summer activities and coffee shop book clubs.
Cloverleaf schools along Highway 224 have strong music programs
Students attend the Cloverleaf Public Schools district, which earns a B Niche rating. Cloverleaf Elementary, Middle and High schools are clustered together along Highway 224 less than 1 mile outside the village. The parent-led volunteer organization supports the district's music programs by holding fundraisers and aiding instructors.
