Montpelier is an appealing small town in northwest Ohio
Montpelier is a typical northwest Ohio village. A diverse collection of older homes, some that date to the 19th century, anchor the residential settings and provide a foundation for the community’s small-town charm. The closest big cities are more than an hour away, but roughly 3,800 residents have everything they need. Montpelier has its own school district, a popular recreational complex and plenty of stores and restaurants. “It’s close-knit community with a hometown feel that is still self-sustaining,” says Matthew Watson of RE/MAX Preferred Associates, who has sold several homes in Montpelier.
Housing options offer traditional architectural styles, affordability
The Colonial influence is prominent among the housing options. Other notable styles include Tudor, Victorian and farmhouse. The older homes are concentrated in the heart of town, while midcentury ranch-style homes tend to be on the outskirts. Because of this, the ranch-style homes offer more spacious lots. Contemporary homes built in recent years can also be found. Prices typically range from around $50,000 for an older fixer-upper to about $350,000 for an acreage home outside the city limits. The median price is about $140,000. “Affordability, for sure,” says Watson, of one of the community’s major appeals. Residents can expect a typical Midwest climate. Summers are hot, and winters are cold and often snowy. The region typically avoids the heavier lake-effect snow, though, because it is far enough from Lake Erie. On the other hand, tornadoes have been known to sweep through the area.
Two above-average schools make up the village district
The Montpelier Exempted Village School District, which earns a B from Niche, is made up of just two schools. Montpelier Elementary is a PK-6 school rated B-minus. Montpelier High is a B-rated school with a diverse selection of courses. Offerings include everything from financial literacy to robotics.
An array of amenities, activities at Municipal Park
Municipal Park is the center of community activity. Featured amenities spread across the 30-acre complex include a community pool with a water slide, a splash pad, five ballfields, a soccer field and courts for tennis, basketball and sand volleyball. Montpelier also offers pocket parks and trails. Hikers, bikers and nature lovers have community access to the Wabash Cannonball Trail and the Iron Horse River Trail along the St. Joseph River. The nearby St. Joseph River Wildlife Area offers nearly 200 acres of outdoor recreation. Visitors can float and fish the river, and the surrounding woods provide opportunities for hiking and hunting. Bean Days is the community’s signature summer celebration. Its origins date to 1956, when a former local furniture store began giving out beans. Hot air balloons and live music were added in the mid-2010s. Featured events include a bean-tasting contest and a parade. The Williams County Fair, which features a week of festivities each September, is also held in Montpelier.
Downtown is diverse, from cookie stores to speakeasies
Dining and shopping options are concentrated in the community’s charming downtown district. Several restaurants are conveniently located on Main Street alongside a collection of boutique shops and other stops offering a variety of goods and services. “There are a lot of businesses downtown, with some old architecture,” Watson says. “There’s a great cookie place, Cookies on Demand,” Watson says. “And I’ll tell you a little secret – you have to book ahead – they have a speakeasy. It doesn’t advertise much.” 18A is a prohibition-themed bar where patrons are encouraged to dress in the style of the 1920s. The venue also hosts regular events, including musical performances, Euchre tournaments and “Friendly Feud” game nights. More shopping and dining options, including a supermarket, can be found along Main Street heading toward the east side of town.
Easy access to work in health care, manufacturing
The community is fairly bikeable, but mostly car-dependent. Parkview Montpelier Hospital is conveniently located on the community’s north side. Health care is one of the top employment options throughout the region, which is also known for its manufacturing opportunities. Winzeler Manufacturing is an established local company that anchors the area’s industrial base. Residents are just minutes from the Ohio Turnpike, which is two interstates in one. I-80 and I-90 run concurrently east and west of the community, connecting residents to other nearby small towns in Indiana and Ohio. The closest metropolitan area accessible from the interstate is Toledo, about 60 miles away. The Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, however, is only about a 45-mile drive via the turnpike. There’s an Amtrak station in nearby Bryan, about 10 miles away, that connects to Toledo. Fort Wayne is also about 60 miles away.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
