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Willoughby

Willoughby

Located in Lake County

$295,149 Average Value
$161 Average Price per Sq Ft
59 Homes For Sale

A city that stood the test of time

While the origins of the name Willoughby are unknown, the city's impact on its residents is undeniable. Surrounded by several amenities, locals have no trouble finding things to do in Willoughby. "My husband and I both grew up in this charming little town. It’s the center of our universe," says Pat Lewis, a member of the Willoughby Historical Society. "There’s just something magical about this town. I fell in love with the historic buildings still serving the younger generation."

Residents of Willoughby work in various fields, including education, health care, and real estate. K&D Group, a major real estate company, is the leading seller of homes and apartments in the area. The city also boasts several parks, including Chagrin River Park, home to the Chagrin River. Over the past 12,000 years, the river has carved deep ravines and connected them to wetlands.

The Chagrin River winds through Downtown Willoughby, eventually meeting Lake Erie's shore.
The Chagrin River winds through Downtown Willoughby, eventually meeting Lake Erie's shore.
The community celebrates a rich railroad history,with this arch outside of Downtown Willoughby.
The community celebrates a rich railroad history,with this arch outside of Downtown Willoughby.
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Parks galore in this outdoorsy city

Chagrin River Park, a 227-acre site, has become a popular gathering spot for Willoughby residents, who visit to watch great blue herons and kingfishers near the river, hike, picnic, and kayak. Three miles north, Osborne Park offers locals access to cornhole boards, a 9-hole disc golf course, a skateboard park, and a lawn area with views of Lake Erie. The park also hosts a flea market annually, from June through July.

Classic Park, in Eastlake, is home to the Lake County Captains, a high-A minor league baseball team affiliated with the Cleveland Guardians. The park draws an average of 194,000 fans annually. "It’s a smaller, family-friendly park with plenty of games in the summertime. They even have quirky, random toilet seats, and people stayed overnight during the total eclipse," says Jackie Allen, children's associate at the Willoughby Public Library.

Gully Brook Park, a 177-acre site, serves as a sanctuary for local plant and wildlife species, with more than a mile of land protected by its watershed. "Gully Brook Park is also home to some unique wildlife," says Sharon Metzung, chief of marketing for Lake Metroparks. "Water starwort, a specialized cold-water plant, is found in small numbers. A small grove of pumpkin ash, an uncommon swamp forest tree, can also be seen in the valley."

Willoughby’s Chagrin River Park offers many trails for short or long walks by the river.
Willoughby’s Chagrin River Park offers many trails for short or long walks by the river.
Attend a Lake County Captains Professional Baseball game in Eastlake-Willowick.
Attend a Lake County Captains Professional Baseball game in Eastlake-Willowick.
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Median home price is two times below national average

With a population of about 24,000, Willoughby includes neighborhoods such as downtown Willoughby and Eastlake, featuring bungalows and Cape Cod-style homes with spacious front lawns and numerous American flagpoles. The median home price in Willoughby is about half the national average, around $235,000.

Most homes in nearby communities like Eastlake are affordable, typically priced in the $200,000 range. Colonials and ranch-style homes in the heart of the city range from $400,000 to $500,000, while estates in the eastern part of the city can reach prices as high as $1.5 million.

Unique and well-maintained homes line the residential streets in Downtown Willoughby.
Unique and well-maintained homes line the residential streets in Downtown Willoughby.
The architectural styles in Downtown Willoughby range from traditional to truly unique.
The architectural styles in Downtown Willoughby range from traditional to truly unique.
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Shop retail at open-air Willoughby Commons, restaurants nearby

Willoughby Commons, the largest open-air shopping center in Lake County, Ohio, features big-box retailers such as BJ’s Wholesale, Target, and Giant Eagle Supermarket. National food chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Firehouse Subs, and Red Robin are also available to residents at the center.

Downtown Willoughby is home to a variety of local mom-and-pop stores and eateries. Shops like Enchanted Grove, W Brown Custom Jewelry & Design, and Finestra Gallery offer unique gifts to residents. The area also boasts 14 restaurants and bars, including Ballantine, a gastropub with live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. Frank & Tony’s Place, dubbed the "Original Five Star Dive Bar," is another local favorite.

Residents of Eastlake-Willowick keep their pantries stocked by shopping Giant Eagle.
Residents of Eastlake-Willowick keep their pantries stocked by shopping Giant Eagle.
Superbloom Studios, in Willoughby, offers handmade goods and metaphysical services.
Superbloom Studios, in Willoughby, offers handmade goods and metaphysical services.
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Historic Downtown Willoughby holds monthly events

Historic Downtown Willoughby is a brick-lined arts district popular for its bars, mom-and-pop shops, and restaurants. The Heart of Willoughby Outdoor Market, held from May through October, is a farmers market that offers a variety of vendors selling plants, fresh bakery goods, creative crafts, and more. The Fine Arts Association, located in downtown Willoughby, hosts live performances and professional recitals by local musicians.

Dog owners in Downtown Willoughby will love the services on offer at Barktown.
Dog owners in Downtown Willoughby will love the services on offer at Barktown.
Warm Saturday mornings start with a visit to the farmer's market, in downtown willoughby.
Warm Saturday mornings start with a visit to the farmer's market, in downtown willoughby.
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Free produce market through school district

The Willoughby-Eastlake City School District is the city's central school district, serving nearly 7,200 Pre-K-12 students, earning a B-minus grade on Niche. The district oversees 14 schools, including North and South high schools, which serve as distribution sites for the district's free fresh produce market, open to the community. Four-year institutions such as Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University are located 18 miles south of the city.

South High School is in Downtown Willoughby.
South High School is in Downtown Willoughby.
Many children walk and bike to Willoughby’s Edison Elementary School.
Many children walk and bike to Willoughby’s Edison Elementary School.
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Access to two State Routes, Interstate-90

U.S. Route 20 connects locals to the rural areas west of Toledo and passes through Public Square in Cleveland. State Route 2, also known as Lakeland Freeway, runs parallel to Interstate 90 and links Willoughby to suburban areas in Lake and Cuyahoga counties. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, located 30 miles west of the city, is the largest and busiest airport in the state.

Low crime and environmental concerns

According to the Willoughby Police Department, crime rates in the city have been very low over the past two years. School closures often occur due to subzero wind chills or heavy snowfall.

Elgin Nelson
Written By
Elgin Nelson
Ryan Nelson
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Nelson

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
9,971
Number of Homes for Sale
59
Median Year Built
1970
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,883
On par with the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,201
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,179
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
639
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 29
    Open Sun 11AM - 3PM

    4322 Literary Ln, Willoughby, OH 44094

    $480,374

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,541 Sq Ft
    • 4322 Literary Ln

    This property qualifies for a 5-Year 100% property tax abatement. This spacious 1,541 sq. ft 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom ranch are nestled on a quite private oasis 1 block from downtown Willoughby! This unit will include upgraded features such as Aristokraft cabinets, granite/ quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths. Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring in the foyer, kitchen, dining area, and hallways. A

    William Langa HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum LLC

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  • Sunday, Mar 29
    Open Sun 2:30PM - 4:30PM

    38700 Johnnycake Ridge Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094

    $299,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,118 Sq Ft
    • 38700 Johnnycake Ridge Rd
    • New 15 days ago

    Dramatic Price Reduction! Rare South Willoughby Ranch with full basement on 1 acre lot. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a full basement, an oversized 2 car garage and so much more. Glamorous Great Room was added in the 90's and makes this house very unique. The property is over an acre in size offering privacy and beauty. The house has been well maintained and ready to move into. The

    Philip Mann Century 21 Homestar

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  • Saturday, Mar 28
    Open Sat 1PM - 4PM

    37485 Bethany Ct, Willoughby, OH 44094

    $399,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 3,257 Sq Ft
    • 37485 Bethany Ct
    • New 8 days ago

    Welcome home to this beautifully updated Cape Cod located at 37485 Bethany Circle in Willoughby! Offering 2,390 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this move-in-ready home combines classic charm with modern upgrades throughout.The heart of the home is the stunning, fully renovated kitchen featuring granite countertops, porcelain tile flooring, soft-close cabinetry, and

    Angela O'Neill Howard Hanna

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Willoughby

Property Mix - Square Feet

Willoughby Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
24,087
Median Age
44
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$69,125
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$86,927

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.9%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
32%
Advanced Degrees
9.1%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
70''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®®

60 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

30 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Willoughby