Northfield

With a population of just over 3,600, Northfield is a small village conveniently located nearly equidistant between Cleveland and Akron in Northeast Ohio. Situated right off Interstate 271, the village is a mostly residential, suburban area that’s appealing to those who prefer the amenities of the suburbs with the convenience of being only a short drive away from a big city.

Northfield is classified as a village, which is defined in Ohio as a municipality with fewer than 5,000 residents. The village is run by a mayor, village council and planning commission, which makes up the local government. With a highly rated public school system, private school options and median home prices that fall below the national average, Northfield is an attractive place for those looking to settle down or start a business.

Though it’s small, Northfield has a few claims to fame. It’s home to the MGM Northfield Park, a 200,000-square-foot racetrack and casino that conducts over 200 harness racing nights each year and features slot machines as well as a 320-seat concert venue.

Although Northfield’s home prices are high compared to the rest of Northeast Ohio, they still fall below the national average. As of June 2022, the village's median home price over the course of the year was about $276,000, which was almost $100,000 less than the national average. However, like the greater housing market in the region, Northfield’s home prices have skyrocketed in the past few years and went up by nearly 6 percent in the last year alone.

Northfield’s bustling commerce district cuts through the village via Old Route 8 (Northfield Road), where shopping plazas, restaurants, government offices and medical facilities line either side of the road. The village is bordered by Macedonia to the south, which is known for its commercial district featuring big box stores, restaurants, movie theaters and more.

MGM Northfield Park racino is the village’s largest attraction, drawing visitors from near and far to enjoy the facility’s slot machines, harness racetrack and performance venue that plays host to big-name music and comedy acts throughout the year. The racino also features two restaurants and a sports bar, which are popular attractions for village residents and visitors alike.

Northfield residents have easy access to a wide range of parks and recreational facilities. The village of Northfield operates three distinct public parklands — Huntington Park, Smith Park and Pitluk Preserve — which feature sports fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. Northfield is also situated near the Northeast end of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Brecksville Reservation and the Bedford Reservation, which offer dozens of hiking trails and distinct green spaces to explore.

Northfield residents seeking public school education can enroll their children in the Nordonia Hills City School District, which serves Northfield, Sagamore Hills, Macedonia and some parts of Boston Heights. Nordonia is ranked among the top 10 districts in the Akron Metropolitan Area, and its high school earned a “B” grade according to the most recently available Ohio State Report Card grading system. Lawrence Upper School, a state-chartered private school in Sagamore Hills, is an alternative option for local students in grades 7-12.

Northfield has long been a desirable place to live for commuters who drive to work in Cleveland, Akron, Kent, Hudson and other areas in Northeast Ohio. Residents have easy access to interstates 271 and 480, which connect many of the major commercial hubs in the region, making it a convenient place to live regardless of where you work. The Summit County METRO Bus system offers routes from nearby Twinsburg to Cleveland and Akron, serving those seeking a public transportation option.

Photography Contributed By

Anna Dukovich

Video By

Kevin Carter