Agricultural activity, strong community and rural living in Willard
Willard, founded in 1874, sits on the outer edges of Huron County and is surrounded by active farmland. When the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company decided to lay tracks through Willard, the city leaned heavily into the manufacturing and agricultural industries, which formed its economic backbone. "The Willard area has some of the richest organic soil in Ohio, known as the 'muck,'" says Bryson Hamons, the city manager of Willard. "We're excited to be part of the growth in Huron County and Northern Ohio. We may be a small community of 6,000, but our caring residents and strong work ethic help us make a meaningful impact." According to Hamons, Willard produces nearly 10% of the state's vegetable supply, with many residents working for local farms. Many move to Willard for its rural atmosphere, focus on community and localized job opportunities.
Renovated historic and midcentury homes
The narrow residential streets around downtown Willard are generally quiet, shaded by trees and bracketed by sidewalks. The heart of Willard's residential area displays diverse architectural styles, with construction dates from the late-19th to the mid-20th century. Classic, simple styles such as ranch homes and split-levels are just as common around the community as large National Folk builds and Craftsman properties. Homes needing renovation can sell for as low as $50,000 to $150,000. Generally, most single-family houses in Willard sell between $160,000 and $310,000, depending on square footage and renovation care.
New recreational additions in local parks
Willard Parks and Recreation maintains several green spaces and recreational programs. In 2025, the department opened the new Willard Dog Park and installed a Storybook Walk in partnership with Huron County Community Library. Willard City Park is the community's main recreation area, housing a public pool, four playgrounds, several sports courts and walking trails. Just outside the city proper, the Willard City Reservoir is popular for anglers to cast a line, while joggers hit the paved path around the water.
Seasonal events highlight Willard’s community spirit
The city of Willard organizes several annual events throughout the year. "The park department is really at the forefront of bringing the community together," Hamons says. Each Tuesday in the summer, Concerts in the Park brings live music of all genres to the Willard City Park. Also in the warmth of June is the annual Fishing Derby, which is held at the Willard Reservoir during Ohio Free Fish Week.
Education conveniently in one building
The Willard City School District serves the community, and most local kids will start at Willard Elementary School, which gets a B-minus from Niche. Students then move on to Williard Intermediate, rated a C-plus, before going to B-minus-rated Willard Middle/High School. All grades, from kindergarten through 12th grade, are housed and taught in the same large school building. Willard High operates a large agriscience program, with nearly 100 students enrolled and preparing for careers in agricultural productivity, food science and more.
Independent businesses on Myrtle Avenue and nearby retail areas
Myrtle Avenue runs through the center of downtown Willard, and it's lined with independently owned boutiques, grocery shops and restaurants. Uncle Dudley's opened in 1985 and has served Willard home-cooked traditional American meals ever since. There are small commercial areas on both the north and south side, with national retailers, fast-food chains and major grocers such as Save A Lot.
Navigating northern Ohio and job opportunity at Mercy Health
U.S. Route 224, a major highway that stretches from Indiana to Pennsylvania, runs east-east along the community's south side. The closest major city, Akron, is 70 miles away and accessible via Route 224 and Interstate 76. Mercy Health has a general care hospital campus in Willard. "Mercy has been serving the Willard community since 1988, and it's been ranked as one of the best places in the nation to work in healthcare," Hamons says. "Many of our residents have found employment there."
