Navarre is a close-knit community on the border of Massillon
The Village of Navarre borders Massillon , although residents rarely find themselves making the 3-mile drive into the city. Part of this comes from amenities like local restaurants, parks and events. However, Mayor Justin Cline points out another reason people stay close to home: the supportive community. “It’s the kind of place where, if your neighbor breaks his leg, you mow his lawn until he gets his cast off,” he says. “We definitely take care of each other.” The main reason people leave Navarre is to get groceries.
Homes range from mid-1800s National Folk styles to modern farmhouses
Shaded, grassy lawns line Navarre’s residential streets. Most properties are half an acre or less, although lots on the village’s outskirts can exceed 5 acres. The oldest homes include National Folk styles from the mid-1800s and Foursquares and Tudor-inspired cottages from the early 1900s. There are also ranch-style houses from the mid-to-late 20th century. Newer construction includes modern farmhouses from the early 2000s. Most single-family homes are $140,000 to $340,000. Some larger properties range from $640,000 to $720,000. Manufactured houses cost $20,000 to $70,000.
Fairless Local School District participates in College Credit Plus
Navarre is part of the Fairless Local School District, which has school choice through inter-district open enrollment. Students start at Fairless Elementary, which earns a B from Niche. Fairless Middle and Fairless High School both receive a C. The high school works with Stark State College and Kent State University to offer College Credit Plus courses.
Local businesses include Tripp’s Kremeland and Merchants on Main
Almost all of Navarre’s businesses are locally owned. For homemade ice cream and a retro diner atmosphere, people head to Tripp’s Kremeland. Rise Up Cafe by Main Street Deli serves breakfast and lunch made with local ingredients. It is down the road from ’77 Brew House, the first brewery in Navarre since 1877, which has a back patio and garage doors that open up to let the air in. “In the summertime, it feels like a beach bar until you look up and realize there’s no water there,” Cline says. Artists, craftsmen and candymakers make up some of the vendors at Merchants on Main, a brick-and-mortar market that is open year-round. Most people drive 3 miles into Massillon to get groceries from Walmart or Aldi, but there is a Dollar General in Navarre.
Residents spend time at community parks and the Towpath Trail YMCA
Navarre-Bethlehem Park is a sprawling green space with playgrounds, baseball fields and two shelters that can be rented out for events. “If your brother or sister is playing Little League, you can go over and hop on the swing set or merry-go-round,” Cline says. “It’s perfect for families with multiple children.” The park is next to Craig Pittman Memorial Park, which has a free canoe launch onto the Tuscarawas River. “It’s the easiest place to drop a canoe in because there’s a little creek that runs through.... It’s particularly beautiful,” Cline says. Both parks have a trailhead for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a multiuse trail that spans over 100 miles. At Underwood Park, amenities include a playground and pickleball courts. The Towpath Trail YMCA in Navarre has a swimming pool, group fitness classes and athletic programs for all ages. Members have 24/7 access to the fitness center. It is next to the Barry Askren Memorial Branch Library.
St. Clement Festival draws in crowds with its sausage sandwiches
Holy Family Parish is a Catholic church in the village that hosts one of the area’s most anticipated events: the St. Clement Festival, held every June. The three-day event has live music, carnival rides and games. There are several food vendors, but attendees mostly look forward to eating sausage sandwiches made by the church. “It’s usually pretty well-attended,” Cline says. “People come from all over for these sausage and pepper sandwiches.” The village celebrates the holidays with Navarre’s Christmas in Bethlehem, which gets its name from the village’s location in Bethlehem Township. The weekend kicks off with a parade on Friday night. On Saturday, Twinkle the Trolley stops at local businesses with holiday-themed activities like petting reindeer and pictures with Santa.
Residents rely on cars and State Route 21 to get around
Navarre is a car-dependent community, although the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority has a bus route along State Route 21. Akron-Canton Airport is about 20 miles away and offers nonstop flights to 24 U.S. cities. “It’s a lot easier to get through TSA there than at Cleveland [Hopkins International Airport],” Cline says. “Parking is a lot easier, too.” Aultman Hospital is about a 10-mile drive.
Prospect Industrial Park is home to major employers like Hendrickson Navarre, a manufacturing plant for trailer parts, and a distribution center for Tractor Supply Co.
