Rittman blends farming with convenience
In the early 19th century, Rittman was one of the many cities in Ohio that formed around the railroad system. Today, it’s anchored by miles of farmland and thrives on its crop production and livestock industries. “It’s the last village in Wayne County that hasn’t been built up, and the topography is outstanding,” says Realtor Shannon Bauer with eXp Realty, who has sold in the area since 2017. “I’m from Southern California, and I’d rather live here, if that says anything about how beautiful it is.” Though Rittman offers the slow pace of a farming community, Main Street is stocked with shopping, dining and everyday amenities, bringing accessibility to the rural landscape.
A market full of single-family housing
In Rittman, buyers will find relatively spacious homes in suburban neighborhoods. “We’re a small town, so we mostly have single-family houses, rural farmland and homes with acreages,” Bauer says. New Traditional homes line recently constructed cul-de-sacs, while other parts of town have older ranch-style builds, Colonial Revivals and Capes. Most properties have backyards and lawns, fronted by sidewalks. Away from the city's center, large lots sit far off country roads and often have enough space for horse facilities and farms. The median price is $190,000, a little under half the national figure, but slightly higher than Akron's median price of around $150,000.
Education through Rittman Exempted Village Schools
Rittman Elementary and Rittman Middle score B-minus ratings on Niche, and Rittman High earns a B. “We’ve gotten fresh school buildings within the last 12 to 14 years, which is very new by our standards,” Bauer says. “It’s gotten us all very into the kids’ sports.” Football and basketball are among the largest athletic programs, with other options including wrestling, volleyball and track.
Numerous parks provide recreation facilities
Rittman has a variety of recreation spaces, with everything from baseball diamonds to equestrian facilities to local parks and trails. Baseball fans gather at Martin Fritz Memorial Park, which also has a frisbee golf course and a good sledding hill popular during the winter. Rotary Park has tennis and pickleball courts, and Charlie’s Puddle at Vincent & Rose Tricomi Memorial Park is stocked for catch-and-release fishing. The Rittman Recreation Center has athletic facilities, including an indoor pool and basketball courts. Additionally, the center hosts fitness classes, art workshops and events for all ages. Horseback riders can choose from numerous stables and ranches on the city's outskirts, and the Rawiga Golf Club next door in Seville is open to the public. Finally, the County Line Trail is a 7-mile, paved rail-trail that runs from Rittman to Creston.
The annual sleepwalking event and other community activities
Apart from a few holiday-themed events throughout the year, the city’s largest gathering is the Sleepwalker Festival. “Rittman is known as the Sleepwalker Town because the train used to come through really late, and storekeepers would open their stores in the middle of the night for them in their pajamas,” Bauer says. The celebration includes a car show, vendors and a fishing derby for kids. Racers compete in a 5K while wearing pajamas or embark on the 1-mile “Sleepwalk.”
Shopping and dining without leaving the city
Main Street houses most of Rittman’s commercial development, from fast-food spots and gas stations to convenience stores and banks. The Rittman IGA and DG Market sell groceries in town, and big-box stores, like Walmart and Target, are 5 miles northeast in Wadsworth. Popular restaurants include Bg’s Main Event, a bar and grill known for fresh barbecue. Right off the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the Depot serves homestyle cooking in a classic diner atmosphere.
Transportation by car and proximity to health care
Ohio state Route 57 runs along the city's eastern side and leads to Interstate 76, 5 miles away. Cleveland, 45 miles northeast, and Akron, about 20 miles away, have the nearest airports for commercial travel. The closest hospital is 5 miles from Rittman in Wadsworth.
