On the surface, Lorain, Ohio, embodies the challenges facing cities across the nation’s Rust Belt. Once home to large companies like the American Ship Building Company and Ford Motor Company, today, the largest employers of city workers are Mercy Health, the Lorain City School District and Lorain Tubular. After unresolved labor disputes forced the shutdown of American Ship Building Company’s Lorain plant in the 1980s, the city’s population fell into decline, from a peak of 78,000 in 1970 to 65,138 in 2022. Yet, as the birthplace of the great American writer Toni Morrison and homeplace of a thriving arts and culture scene, the city is working to outshine its industrial past with an eye towards the future.
A neighborhood in Sheffield Lake overlooks the Sheffield Ford Assembly plant.
Houses wind along sleepy streets in Sheffield Village.
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From suburban homes to lakeside manors
Lorain sits on the banks of Lake Erie, so homes can be found on the lake or along suburban streets with tall oaks and neatly trimmed lawns. Colonial revival homes are popular throughout the city, but Lorain’s housing selection includes ranch-style homes, split-levels, modern craftsman homes and lakeside townhomes. Small single-family homes can sell for as little as $50,000, and large lakeside homes can sell for more than $1 million. Condos and townhomes typically sell between $75,000 and $310,000. When asked why people choose Lorain over surrounding areas, Russell Real Estate Services real estate agent Steve Lawson says affordability plays a big part. “It could be the lake,” Lawson says. “But taxes are cheaper and property values are cheaper.”
Cape Cod inspired new construction homes are popular in the new developments in Columbia Station
Ranch style home with a tidy lawn in Oberlin.
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Lorain City School District
The Lorain City School District earns an overall grade of C-minus on Niche and hosts 10 elementary schools – including Toni Morrison Elementary School – three middle schools and one high school. The district has nearly 6,000 students, earning a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, and has a graduation rate of 71%. Private options include St. Anthony of Padua, which feeds to nearby Elyria Catholic High School, and Lorain Preparatory Academy and High School. Post-secondary educational options include nearby Lorain County Community College and Oberlin College, a private college known for its music programs.
Kids can participate in a variety of competitive athletic programs at Oberlin Elementary.
Kids are challenged to excel at Oberlin High School.
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Lakeview Beach, Foxcreek Golf Course and other green spaces
The Parks and Recreation department manages 56 parks, offering over 800 acres of green space. The park system provides 22 playgrounds, 19 baseball fields and 16 basketball courts. Other amenities include tennis courts, picnic facilities and wooded bike trails. Residents can enjoy the lake at Lakeview Beach, and the city is home to numerous marinas where boaters can dock or launch. The city’s championship golf course, Foxcreek Golf and Racquet Club, offers an 18-hole course along a tributary of Lake Erie.
Indoor recreation is often centered around the Lorain Public Library, home to the Toni Morrison Reading Room. Dedicated in 1995, this room honors the Nobel laureate who worked at the library early in her life. It includes original literary works and artwork donated by the author as well as artifacts from across her life. The library also hosts an annual Toni Morrison Day with poetry and essay contests.
Play a round of golf at Echo Valley Golf Course in Wellington.
Wellington Community Park has baseball fields and open green spaces.
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Shopping and dining in downtown Lorain
Located just off the banks of Lake Eerie and the Black River, downtown Lorain runs along Broadway, offering locally owned antique shops, tattoo studios, jewelry stores and The Lorain Palace Theatre, which hosts live music, movies and theater performances. “It’s not the biggest shopping area in the city, but downtown Lorain has a lot of history to it,” says Jamal, the assistant administrator at The Lorain Palace Theater. “The theater’s restoration happened in 1928, and the business has been explosive ever since.” Local eateries options range from rustic coffee shops and artisan bakeries to Mexican, American and Italian restaurants. There are also a few large shopping centers around the city, holding national chains like Walmart, Home Depot and Meijer.
Locals are served up tasty food at Nancy’s Main Street Diner.
Locals in Grafton are always welcome to stop in for a delicious meal at Check Please Restaurant
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Woollybear and fish festivals
Festivities abound year-round in Lorain, and its events celebrate its varied historical and cultural roots. In the summer, the FireFish Art Festival and the Vermilion Festival of the Fish celebrate the city’s freshwater connections with art, dance, theater, music, local food vendors and the Queen and Princess pageant. Started in 1973, the fall Woollybear Festival pays homage to folklore that says Isabella tiger moth larva—known as banded woolly bears—forecast the severity of the upcoming winter with the amount of black fur they are born with. Other festivals include Rockin' on the River and the Lorain International Festival.
Interstate 90 and the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Running along Lake Erie's shores, the Grand Army of the Republic Highway puts downtown Cleveland just about 26 miles east of Lorain. Drivers can connect to the nation’s network of interstates by way of Interstate 90, roughly 6 miles south. The interstate also puts the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport 24 miles away. Lorain County Transit operates two bus routes through the city, both of which connect downtown Lorain to Elyria.
Higher risk of violent crime
Data from the FBI indicates Lorain’s property crime rates mostly follow national averages, but the city’s violent crime rates consistently trend higher than Ohio state and U.S. national averages. Environmental data indicates that some properties close to the Black River may experience some impact from flooding over the next 30 years, but the risk is mainly limited to roads. While the city does experience a full four seasons, its winters can be harsh due to the lake effect. On average, the city sees about 40 inches of snow per year.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Video By
David Fritzson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kit Custer,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Lorain, OH sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lorain, OH over the last 12 months is $160,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautiful, nearly new colonial in the highly desirable Amherst school district. Skip the wait for new construction—this move in ready home was built only 2 years ago. This spacious 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers plenty of room for everyone to live, grow, and make memories. Inside, the bright open-concept main level is filled with tons of light and offers flexible spaces to fit
Welcome home to this adorable 3 bedroom home that gives the cozy cottage vibes! The home features a spacious front living room, eat-in kitchen (appliances included) with dining area that has views of the backyard. There are 2 bedrooms and the full bathOn the first floor and upstairs is the large 3rd bedroom. The laundry/utility room is open from the kitchen and will include both the washer &
Welcome to 2737 N Jefferson Blvd! This charming cape cod features newer siding (2022), an adorable walkway to the front door, and picturesque curb appeal. Step inside and you will immediately notice the beautiful hardwood floors, arched doorway and a cozy decorative fireplace. The main level features two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The kitchen was tastefully updated in 2018. All kitchen
Don’t miss this 1,374 sq ft ranch-style home offering 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths with the ease and comfort of true one-floor living. This home offers a spacious living room and a functional layout making everyday living simple and efficient.Outside, enjoy a large backyard with endless possibilities for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or future enhancements. The attached garage adds convenience
Welcome to 1931 Mark Drive, a spacious and well-cared-for ranch-style home located in the highly desirable Sunny Acres subdivision of Lorain. This property offers the perfect balance of comfort, functionality, and convenience, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking a home with room to grow. With 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and more than 2,000 square feet of total finished living space,
Welcome to an exceptional commercial opportunity in Lorain, Ohio! Unveiling a prime corner lot boasting 0.40 acres of potential and an attractive list price of $59,000. Positioned at the bustling intersection of North Ridge Road and Louis Avenue in Sheffield Township, this parcel is strategically located for diverse commercial ventures. Zoned for commercial use and forming part of the Clearview
This beautifully remodeled two-bedroom residence is ready for you to move in and make it your own. As you step onto the main floor, you'll be greeted by a spacious living room and dining area, complemented by a versatile bonus room that can easily serve as a third bedroom. Upstairs, you'll discover a full bathroom and two cozy bedrooms perfect for relaxation. Recent updates bring a fresh, modern
Welcome to 3934 Gary Avenue, a spacious duplex located in the Homewood subdivision of Lorain. This property offers an excellent opportunity for investors looking for steady rental income with strong long-term potential. Featuring two large units, each side offers approximately 1,344 square feet of comfortable living space with a practical layout. Every unit includes 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, a
Opportunity Awaits! This offering includes two parcels totaling 0.17 acres, giving you the perfect canvas for your next project. The lots are cleared and ready to build, with all utilities available at the street—just bring your builder or place a manufactured home. Nestled in a convenient location close to shopping, dining, and local amenities, this is a great area for your next home or
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in a prime location near Lake Erie! This property, currently being used as a rental, is less than 3 miles from the lake and offers easy access to Lakeside Landing, Oasis Marina, and the popular Lakeview Beach. During the Summer enjoy the annual 'Rockin' on the River' summer concerts at Black River Landing, just
Welcome to this charming property, with a fascinating history dating back to the 1800s, known as the old Porter House. It has been beautifully restored. With its unique zoning for both business and residential use, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the revitalization happening in Lorain. Whether you envision a cozy steakhouse, a stylish attorney's office, a retail shop, or a family
Seize the opportunity to own an affordable and versatile Rear Land Parcel in Lorain/Sheffield Township, located within the Clearview Local School District. This unimproved lot measures 42 feet of frontage by 18 feet of depth, totaling 0.02 acres, and is ideally situated between Route 57 and North Ridge Road, placing you close to shopping, dining, schools, parks, and essential services. Commuters
Seize the opportunity to own an affordable and versatile Rear Land Parcel in Lorain/Sheffield Township, located within the Clearview Local School District. This unimproved lot measures 42 feet of frontage by 18 feet of depth, totaling 0.02 acres, and is ideally situated between Route 57 and North Ridge Road, placing you close to shopping, dining, schools, parks, and essential services. Commuters
Want a brand-new construction but don't want to wait! Welcome to this exceptional modern home in the highly desirable Amherst School District, offering the perfect blend of style, convenience, and comfort. Thoughtfully upgraded and beautifully designed, this 2023-built home features an open, functional floor plan, abundant natural light, and contemporary finishes throughout. This substantial
Lovely home at 112 West 25th sitting on almost a quarter acre lot! Through the front porch you will find a nice sized living room, oversized dining area and kitchen. Upstairs boasts two bedrooms and a full bath. A full basement and a well built, two car detached garage in the rear of the home complete this sale. Call for more details and for a chance to make this your next home or to use it as
Tower Regency , 1-2 Bedrooms - Loraine, OH - Tower Regency Apartments offers a blend of quality and design. The leasing team is waiting to show you all that this community has to offer. Come by to see the available floorplan options. Contact us or stop by today.Water fee charge $55 depending on amount of bedrooms and occupants
1041 W 10th St | Unit 3, Lorain - Spacious 1-bed 1-bath multi-family home! // $ 750 rent / $ 750 deposit //$55 application fee per adult //1-2 pets OK in this unit. After application pre-approval, a PetScreening is required for any animals to proceed with one of our properties; a PetScreening affidavit is still required if you have no pets. (Some breed restrictions apply per HUD
Welcome to this newly remodeled 2-bedroom duplex. The main floor features beautiful hardwood floors, while the upstairs bedrooms are comfortably carpeted. Each bedroom offers ample closet space, and both bedrooms and the bathroom are conveniently located on the upper level. The kitchen is equipped with brand-new appliances, making it a great space for cooking and entertaining. This property is an
Spacious two-bedroom, one-bath rental featuring a large, fully fenced yard—perfect for outdoor enjoyment. This home offers comfortable living spaces, ample natural light, and a functional layout ideal for everyday living. Conveniently located near local amenities, shopping, and major routes.
55+ Independent Living - All utilities included! When looking for a senior living community for yourself or your loved one, look no further than Lorain Pointe Senior Apartments. Our senior apartments in Lorain, OH, offer comfortable, affordable luxury living for seniors age 55+. We are located in a quiet, residential neighborhood and are close to many opportunities for shopping, dining,
First-level unit available for rent in this duplex. offers a welcoming front porch, spacious living room, large, efficient kitchen with a walk-in pantry, inviting full bathroom, partial basement, freshly painted interior, newer furnace, new gas stove, great curb appeal, expansive lot with plenty of room to roam, on-site parking, walking distance to downtown. Landlord pays for water/sewage; renter
Christopher FrederickColdwell Banker Schmidt Realty
Enjoy living the good life at Evergreen Village! Located in Lorain, our spacious two-bedroom townhomes were designed with your unique lifestyle in mind. With features including attached garages, private patios, and ample storage space, its easy to see why our residents love living here!With professional on-site management and maintenance, Evergreen Village lets you enjoy a convenient
Beautiful second floor unit with 3 bedrooms and rear balcony. Plenty of cabinet space and beautiful countertops , large bathroom with claw foot tub and in suite laundry , neutral paint, luxury vinyl plank flooring, carpeting in bedrooms, vinyl windows, steel entry doors, appealing layout. this unit has a lot of room to it. Formal living room. Refrigerator and gas oven included. Nice sized
Spacious and well-maintained rental offering a large living room and dining room with great natural light. Unit is in great shape throughout and ready for immediate occupancy. Owner covers water, sewer, and trash. Easy to show ready for immediate occupancy!
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