Rossford

Although the dairy farm that lent Belmont Farms its name has since been developed, the Ohio suburb still retains its quiet, pastoral feel. With homes overlooking spacious, arboreal properties and a sprawling country club, it's hard to believe Downtown Toledo is only a 10-minute drive away, and Downtown Perrysburg is even closer. The neighborhood's serenity is reflected by the friendlessness of its neighbors and a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10. "When a neighbor goes on vacation, they tell us, and we keep an eye on things," says Gary Franks, a local historian, Perrysburg Area Historic Museum trustee and 37-year resident of Belmont Farms. "We look out for each other." Those who might have moved into the area for its A-rated schools or lavish outdoor lifestyle seem to slip seamlessly into the inviting community. Belmont Country Club lies in the heart of Belmont Farms. Members can access the club's 18-hole golf course, pickleball courts, tennis courts and six-lane pool. It's also a hub for community activities, such as Fourth of July fireworks and wine tastings. Nearby, the WW Knight Nature Preserve is just north of the train tracks that cross through Belmont Farms. The 44-acre preserve's amenities include ADA-accessible hiking trails, picnic shelters, a playground and an interactive nature center. However, the real star of the neighborhood is the Maumee River, which stretches across the area's northwestern side. "People mostly go boating and fishing on it," says Realtor Russell Sheerin of Key Realty, who's sold homes in the area before. "Especially because it connects with Lake Erie, which is known as the Walleye Capital of the World." Thousands of walleye run up the Maumee to spawn each spring, attracting anglers nationwide. For the rest of the year, lines can catch an assortment of flathead catfish, smallmouth bass and white bass. Belmont Farms is divided between the Perrysburg and Rossford school districts. Kids in the Perrysburg district may attend Toth Elementary before moving to Perrysburg Junior High and Perrysburg High School. All three receive an A rating from Niche. For 17 years, Perrysburg schools have earned distinction among the Best 100 Musical Education Communities in America, according to the National Association of Music Merchants. Students zoned for Rossford attend the C-plus-rated Rossford Elementary, formerly Eagle Point Elementary School. From there, students attend C-rated Rossford Junior High, followed by Rossford High School, which earns a B-minus. Belmont Farms is home to the Penta Career Center, a multi-county vocational center. "They're very good," Franks says. "They have programs where kids participate with contractors to build a house. The kids learn carpentry, plumbing or electrical work, and when they graduate, they go right into a trade." Belmont Farms is a mosaic of diverse architectural styles, with homes displaying Tudor, Georgian, Colonial Revival, ranch and New Traditional designs. Most homes date back to the 1970s and 1980s and sell between $200,000 and $450,000. Condos with two or three bedrooms are also offered within the same price range. A few homes are in the $500,000 to $680,000 range, bringing the average home value to $230,000 more than in the Toledo Metro Area. Many subdivisions consist of dead-end roads and cul-de-sacs, limiting most traffic to a few thoroughfares. However, some properties can get spacious, with up to 2 acres of land attached to specific homes. Ponds and creeks dot the subdivisions, offering residents spots to fish and kayak in the warmer months. Neighbors without backyard ponds need not fret; the Maumee River is just next door, and several boat launches can be found in neighboring Perrysburg, including the Perrysburg Boat Club. With little commercial development in Belmont Farms, locals have an excuse to visit Downtown Perrysburg, which is only 4 miles away. Sheerin says that Perrysburg has a little bit of everything: "There are so many options to choose from. I don't think I've ever been disappointed any time I've eaten downtown." Louisiana Avenue is a hotspot for dining. Extra Virgin-Lamplight Cafe & Bakery is a cozy dive for a warm cup of coffee and globally inspired eggs benedict platters. At 5th Street Pub, diners can expect oven-fresh pizza and savory meatballs. Swig Restaurant is a town favorite and famous for its homemade sausages and extensive, ever-changing selection of craft beers. Kazmaier's Market has been Perrysburg's grocer since 1898, but there are also brand names like Meijer and Kroger 1 mile down the road. North of Belmont Farms is the neighboring area of Rossford. Cinco de Mayo Mexican Bar & Grill is a go-to casual spot, and on most weekends, it doubles as a live music venue. The Interstate Lanes bowling alley offers friendly fun Wednesday through Saturday night. Locals prefer to get around by car in this predominantly residential neighborhood. Ohio State Route 65 and Interstate 75 allow a quick commute into Perrysburg or Toledo, keeping travel under 7 miles. Belmont Farms also touches Interstate 90, extending passage over the Maumee River. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad runs along the western side of the neighborhood. While these tracks usually see less than 10 trains per 24 hours, residents have grown accustomed to the sound of rolling wheels and the occasional whistle, day or night. For long-distance travel, Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport is 14 miles west.