$287,763Average Value$160Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Activism is Oberlin’s heart
Although Oberlin might look like any other town surrounded by farmland, the city has been a vocal advocate for civil rights since its founding in 1833. The community was active in the early abolitionist movement and set the tone for educational equality nationwide. “Oberlin has a very thought-provoking and inspirational history as it relates to race relations and gender rights,” says Liz Schultz, executive director at the Oberlin Heritage Center. “Many people visit to learn about our social history, idealism and how people were inspired to make the world a better place.” The city continues to preserve its activist spirit, as college students and community members still gather in Tappan Square to advocate for causes. Everyday living also includes walkable residential streets, sprawling green spaces and annual events that celebrate and inspire.
Walking around Oberlin is easy thanks to its network of sidewalks and bikeways.
Tappan Square, residing in the heart of Oberlin, hosts concerts, events, and political rallies.
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Oberlin College stands for civil rights
Oberlin College has long been the epicenter of the city’s activism. It was the nation’s first coeducational college and the first to accept students regardless of race. “Oberlin was very forward-thinking in terms of educational equality,” Schultz says. The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. visited the city and college throughout the Civil Rights Movement. Current students build from the groundwork laid for them through community-based research and specialized majors like Africana Studies. Students advocate for change through organized protests and rallies, and the college works closely with the city to address its sustainability practices. Prekindergarten through 12th-grade students attend Oberlin City Schools. Niche gives the district a B-minus rating and ranks it the fifth-most diverse school district in Ohio.
Oberlin College was the first to accept both men and women of all races and ethnicities.
Oberlin School District has earned an overall grade of B-minus from Niche.
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Preserving Victorian homes and welcoming retirees
Most college students and faculty live around the college, while other homeowners live farther away in established neighborhoods. Colonial Revivals sit next to Craftsman-style homes, split-level houses and Victorian homes with screened-in side porches and big bay windows. Programs like the Heritage Home Program help owners upkeep historic properties. The city’s median home price is $270,000, less than the national median. Schultz says many older people move to the city for Kendall at Oberlin, a large retirement community offering cottage-style homes and apartments.
Some of Oberlin's Victorian homes have been converted in to multifamily dwellings.
Colonial-revival homes are ideal for larger Oberlin families.
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Honoring MLK Jr. and Oberlin’s heritage
Tappan Square is the city’s central green space, and The Oberlin Wetlands Habitat & Park offers several trails through its lush arboretum. The Oberlin Recreation Complex has acres of sports fields, while Oberlin Reservoir is a hub for fishing and sledding in the snow. Martin Luther King Jr. Park features historic sculptures honoring the late activist and the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue, one of the city’s most famous examples of direct opposition to The Fugitive Slave Act.
The Apollo Theatre is a grand, single-screen cinema that plays everything from modern releases to student films. The Oberlin Conservatory of Music holds the largest collection of Steinway pianos outside the Steinway factory and all of Oberlin College’s concerts. The Oberlin Heritage Center documents local history through guided walking tours. The Oberlin Underground Railroad Center preserves the city’s longstanding connection with the abolitionist movement.
Martin Luther King Jr Park, in Oberlin, features several memorials honoring activism in the city.
Apollo Theater, in downtown Oberlin, shows box office hits to student made documentaries.
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Bringing sustainable transportation to the city
Although State Route 511 is the city’s primary road, many residents choose not to drive. “I’d say 90% of the core of Oberlin is walkable, and biking is still very popular here,” Schultz says. The city is starting an electric car share program, and an EBus service runs a fixed route around Oberlin. While commuters use Highway 20 to reach larger cities, many work for Oberlin College, Allen Memorial Hospital or the Oberlin Industrial Park. The FAA Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center is also based in Oberlin, although Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is 30 miles away.
New businesses in downtown Oberlin
The Oberlin Community Improvement Corporation (OCIC) is a key player in revitalizing Oberlin’s downtown business district. The organization offers incentive programs to new and expanding businesses and special loans for firms willing to renovate their storefront facades. The OCIC also helps attract new companies to the city’s industrial park.
Hanson Records is Oberlin's premier vinyl and music shop.
Downtown Oberlin features a variety of restaurants and boutiques.
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Campus Illumination and the Ecolympics
Tappan Square holds most of the city’s events, from the Halloween parade to a summertime concert series. Family Fun Nights allow neighbors to connect, and Oberlin College celebrates its annual Campus Illumination and Social at the park.
Oberlin was the first city in Ohio to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, and the city has held a Juneteenth celebration annually for over 30 years. The community always participates in Lorain County Pride, and the Ecolympics show Oberlin’s commitment to increasing sustainability. The event is a competition between the City of Oberlin, Oberlin City Schools, Oberlin College and other organizations to conserve water and electricity.
More renewable energy, less crime
Historically, Oberlin has not been impacted by severe weather events or substantial flooding along Plum Creek. Over 80% of the city’s electricity is renewable, and programs like the Residential Composting Program incentivize community participation.
According to the FBI, violent crime in Oberlin remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023, but property crime decreased.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Nile Vincz
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Oberlin, OH sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Oberlin, OH over the last 12 months is $272,800, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this impressive 4-bedroom, 2 full-bath home offering over 3,600 square feet of beautifully designed living space in the heart of Oberlin, Ohio. Rich hardwood floors flow throughout, while large windows flood the home with morning sunlight and rovide serene views of the backyard, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Outdoor living truly shines with an expansive 1,800-square-foot
Charming Two-Generation Farmstead on 36.99 Acres!! Step back in time while enjoying modern updates on this lovingly maintained, two-generation farm. This 4-bedroom, 1-bath Colonial, built at the turn of the century, sits on nearly 37 acres of mostly farmed land, offering both history and opportunity. The home features original hardwood floors, a remodeled kitchen (2023) with crisp white cabinets,
Modern Colonial Built in 2000 - Prime Location! You can't go wrong with a solid home built in 2000! This spacious, modern colonial offers everything you need, great curb appeal, a quiet street, and a prime location just steps from shopping, dining, and parks. Enjoy a contemporary floor plan with 3-4 generously sized bedrooms, a 2-car garage with a concrete driveway, and a sizable lot that
This charming 3-bedroom century home, built in 1880 and nestled in downtown Oberlin, combines timeless character with modern updates. Recent improvements include a new roof in 2024 and fresh interior and exterior paint from 2019. The remodeled kitchen, completed in 2019, boasts soft-close cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances, while updated bathrooms and central air
A spacious home full of potential located near downtown Oberlin and the college. Offering over 3,000 sq ft of living space, this property features 8 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, hardwood floors, and marble fireplaces that add timeless character. Recent improvements include updated vinyl siding, vinyl windows, and a boiler heating system. While it does not currently have air conditioning, its size,
Fantastic investment opportunity in the heart of Oberlin! This well-maintained duplex features two spacious 3-bedroom units, each with its own private entrance and in-unit laundry. Over the past five years, the property has received numerous updates, including a new roof, encapsulated basement, furnace, central air, and more, offering peace of mind for the next owner. Both units have been
Centrally located on the West side of Oberlin, this colonial home was thoughtfully renovated. The five bedrooms provide individual spaces for large families, while maintaining an open-concept living area for communal living. Multi-generational living is an option here with a main floor bedroom with an en-suite full bath. The custom-designed kitchen with all-new Energy Star appliances features
Spacious Colonial home, one of a kind layout located in historic Oberlin, Ohio. Features include a very unique floor plan which includes a first-floor master suite and bath. Bright and airy living room. Family room with fireplace, and large eat-in kitchen with sliding door to open deck overlooking the panoramic back yard. Three bedrooms on upper level and a full bath! (3 full baths in total).
Welcome to this stunning new build home, designed for effortless one story living with a beautifully crafted open concept floor plan. Set on over half an acre, this 2,180 sq ft residence is bathed in natural light and showcases neutral decor and elegant finishes throughout. The spacious layout includes 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, featuring a luxurious primary suite with a spa-like ensuite bath
Great opportunity to build within the city limits! Land widens in back for one of the last possible cul-de-sac configurations in the city! Per planning & development dept., the mid-point of the parcel frontages is 400 ft. distance to connect to the municipal water line, and 500 ft. to sewer connection. Telephone poles with electric and gas line at street. Can also build a home on each parcel as
MOTIVATED SELLERS JUST LOWERED THE PRICE ALMOST $15,000.00! Welcome to this 131-year-old charmer nestled in a quiet neighborhood, just a short walk from town and Oberlin College. This home offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility, with fine and casual dining options, downtown shops, and grocery stores all within easy reach. Step inside to discover 5 spacious bedrooms, each with
MOTIVATED SELLERS! PRICE REDUCED ALMOST $13,000.00! Discover this stunning 1904 gem in a prime location, just a short walk from town and Oberlin College. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this home offers the perfect blend of charm and convenience, with access to fine and casual dining, downtown shops, and grocery stores nearby. Step inside to be captivated by the magnificent woodwork and hardwood
This cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bath home blends comfort, character, and natural light. Each bedroom features large windows that fill the space with sunshine, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere throughout. The kitchen is a true highlight, showcasing a beautiful bay window with a built-in window seat—perfect for morning coffee, reading, or simply enjoying views of the backyard. Step outside to a
Modern Furnished Studio Near Oberlin College! Welcome to our Imagination Renovation studio, where modern comfort meets small-town charm. This beautifully updated space is fully furnished and thoughtfully stocked with cookware, dishes, and all the essentials you need for an easy stay. The tiled bathroom features Bluetooth surround sound and high-end finishes for a touch of luxury. With flexible
102-1/2 East Hamilton Upstairs Unit. Second floor unit of quiet duplex. NON-SMOKING 2 bedroom/1 bathroom unit located on a privately owned property. Downtown Oberlin is just a short walk from this fresh, boutique style apartment located just on the outskirts of town. Modern flooring, lighting, and paint colors give this unit a fresh, new look. Enjoy the spacious floorplan, newer electric
A contemporary, two-story, accessible, and furnished condominium unit in the heart of downtown Oberlin is available for a 6-month lease! This high-quality, high-performance green building development is conveniently located amidst restaurants, shops, stores, banks, art museum/galleries, cinema/theater, post-office, libraries, and the famous town green. Accessed by an elevator or stairs, it offers
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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