Community defined by history and natural attributes
Lakes and waterways define the landscape of Struthers, a city just southeast of Youngstown. The scenic Mahoning River runs across the northeast corner of Struthers, and its tributary, Yellow Creek, flows south, through the community, into Lake Hamilton. Struthers is well known for its history, revitalized downtown and commitment to the arts and culture scene. "Improvements have been going on for the last five to eight years," says real estate agent Jenna Koontz with Howard Hanna, who grew up in this area. "Currently our mayor (Catherine Cercone Miller) has been working hard to grow our downtown by requesting grants and inviting in small businesses. More recently, she added sidewalks to the residential areas because walkability is very important to her."
First Ohio furnace
Struthers was once known for metal production at the now historic Hopewell Furnace, thought to be the first furnace built in Ohio. Starting in the early 1900s, the industry attracted many European immigrants, and the village officially became known as the City of Struthers in 1920. The steel industry continued to thrive through the 1970's until many plants began closing their doors.
Highway close for convenient commute
Struthers has easy access to Interstate 681, making commuting convenient for residents. The Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is a 22-mile drive via Ohio State Route 11. Additionally, the area is served by several Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) bus stops.
Budget-friendly and quaint
"First-time homebuyers and investors come to Struthers," Koontz says. "The houses here are quaint and have stories to tell." Many of the houses were built at the turn of the 20th century, and construction continued through the 1960s. Architectural styles comprise bungalows, ranch-style, Colonial-revival, Cape Cods and shotgun, and prices range from $35,000 to $374,000. Grassy lots are around 1/8 acre, suitable for a small garden or sitting area, and most homes have either attached or detached garages. Struthers' tree-lined streets, laid out in a grid pattern, are wide and don't have sidewalks.
Lots of iconic dining experiences
Residents can get their groceries at Nemenz IGA, a 1.7-mile drive on back roads. Struthers has a few dining options, like Selah, a restaurant that's located in what was once a bank. "They have a party room that's inside an old vault," Koontz says. "It's pretty cool." Donavito's Restaurant is another popular dining destination. "They serve the best Italian barbecue," Koontz says. The iconic The Elmton, a family-owned restaurant, is best known for its pizza and roasted chicken. "People drive back here over the summer just for their pizza and roasted chicken." On Wednesdays and Sundays, residents can drive 4 miles on local roads to the Four Seasons Flea and Farm Market, where local farmers, crafters and artisans set up to display their wares. Once the site of an airport, the Lincoln Knolls market has space for up to 600 vendors, and people filter in and out all year long, looking for fresh produce, vintage finds and unique crafts. For more retail and dining options, Struthers locals can head downtown, where they'll find trendy bars and restaurants, as well as renowned museums such as The Butler Institute of American Art.
Park in a gorge area
For outdoor recreation, residents can head over to Yellow Creek Park, a 76-acre gorge area, where visitors can enjoy a playground, basketball and tennis courts and picnic facilities. A woodsy hiking trail leads south to the historic Hopewell Furnace, the first blast furnace built in Ohio and an homage to the booming industry city that Struthers once was. The 12-mile Stavich Bike Trail originates in Struthers and runs parallel to the Mahoning River.
Community gatherings
Struthers holds several community events throughout the year. Struthers Day, which takes place in April at Mauthe Park, features a variety of food and retail vendors. Also in April, the Struthers Rotary Club puts on Taste of Struthers, where local restaurants and food vendors show off their favorite dishes.
All schools received B-minus Niche grades
Struthers City School District serves the area. The elementary, middle, and high schools each have a B-minus grade from Niche and received the bronze award for their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports programs. Students can start their education at Struthers Elementary School and move on to Struthers Middle School. Struthers High School offers seven college credits plus five Advanced Placement courses.
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Nelson
