West Lafayette is a small Ohio town that "feels like home"
West Lafayette is a community-oriented village nestled among the rural landscape of eastern Ohio. Known for its wineries, this area is anchored by agriculture and manufacturing. Housing in this community of about 2,500 is marked by historic architecture, and residents enjoy easy access to above-average schools and popular parks. Christi Ohlinger of Ohlinger & Company Real Estate said she settled down in West Lafayette after years of moving because it feels like home. "It’s small, it’s welcoming, it’s comfortable,” she said.
Affordable living in Coshocton County
The community offers a diverse collection of homes at price points that are generally considered reasonable. Prices range from around $50,000 to nearly $300,000. “All of Coshocton County is affordable living compared to Columbus or Akron or Cleveland,” Ohlinger says. “The entire county is considered rural, so until COVID, you didn’t see a lot of new builds. Since then, there have been some new builds, but it’s mostly older homes with charm and character.”
Cozy cape cods, larger Colonials and multi-level Victorians stand out among the community’s housing stock, some of which dates to the turn of the century. Bungalows and cottage-style homes add to the architectural diversity. Streets are often shaded by mature trees, and many have sidewalks. A variety of midcentury ranch-style homes can also be found. The largest of these occupies spacious lots on the community’s outskirts. Manufactured homes offer the lowest-cost alternative.
Residents can expect hot summers and cold winters with moderate snowfall. Severe weather events include the occasional tornado passing through the region.
Local schools are considered the best in the county
The community is served by the Ridgewood Local School District, rated B by Niche. “It’s a pretty coveted school district,” says Carly Thompson of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “There are three districts in Coshocton County, and Ridgewood schools are considered the best.” The Ridgewood boundaries stretch beyond West Lafayette, but the three schools that make up the district are conveniently located within the community. Ridgewood Elementary School is rated B-minus. Ridgewood Middle and Ridgewood High are B-rated schools. The community is known for its sports teams, especially the Ridgewood High Generals football squad. “It’s small-town moviesque,” Thomson says.
Homecoming is a signature event for this engaged community
Burt Park is the center of community engagement, and Waterworks Park is the center of athletic activity. Burt Park hosts opening day festivities for West Lafeyette Homecoming, a signature event held for the 77th time in 2025. “They have court royalty for all ages, fireworks and a parade,” Thompson says. Waterworks Park has long been anchored by its ballfields, but it recently underwent a renovation that added a playground and picnic shelter. Residents can float and fish the Tuscarawas River, which winds its way just outside the community, and nearby Hickory Flats Golf Course offers an 18-hole layout.
Nearby wineries are popular destinations
Raven’s Glenn Winery and Restaurant is a regional attraction along U.S. Route 36. The family-owned destination is known for its homegrown wines and fine dining. Views of the Tuscarawas River add to the overall experience. Just across the highway is Rainbow Hills Winery Brewery & Pizzeria, which offers a more laidback atmosphere for food and drink. Farm fresh produce and a variety of homegrown items are available at other locally owned businesses on the outskirts of the community. More local shopping and dining options are concentrated near the center of the village. Retail centers, boutiques and a variety of restaurants can be found in Coshocton, about 10 miles away.
Regional highway connects residents to the city of Coshocton
The community is bikeable. In fact, the West Lafayette Police Department recently began a summer Bike Club for children 6 and over. U.S. 36 provides travel to regional points of interest, such as the nearby city of Coshocton, home to Coshocton Regional Medical Center. U.S. 36 also leads to Interstate 77 about 12 miles away in Newcomerstown. I-77 connects residents with larger cities. Canton is about 50 miles away, and Akron, home of the Akron-Canton Airport, is about 75 miles away.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
