Willoughby

Downtown Willoughby epitomizes a vibrant community where residents thrive in a community that supports local businesses. The downtown district thrives with diverse regional dining options and mom-and-pop shops. With plenty of natural treasures, including the Chagrin River and the bevy of parks, the neighborhood offers things to do outside. And with a 19-mile drive on the interstate, residents can be enthralled by the big city life Cleveland has to offer. Downtown Willoughby attracts individuals with its diverse housing options and close-knit community, which hosts several events throughout the year. "Down here are mainly local shops and businesses," Paul Ruksenas, a Realtor with Platinum Real Estate, says. "That's what I love about it; you get a lot of character, and then you also can go to a lot of mom-and-pop shops. Every restaurant down here is local or regional." At River Tavern, the atmosphere hums with excitement as locals gather to indulge in their famous fish platters, wings, and chicken sandwiches. Meanwhile, at Nora's Public House, patrons are treated to hearty fare like corned beef, shepherd's pie, and fish and chips, paired perfectly with one of their 19 beers on tap. Nora's Public House is the place to be for live music, too. And for breakfast, Chagrin River Diner offers a variety of options, including the omelet of the day. On Fridays, locals kick off the weekend with the diner's popular all-you-can-eat fish fry special. Consignment shop Elite Repeats sells gently worn designer-label clothing and shoes. W Brown Custom Jewelry & Design is the go-to jewelry. Great Lakes Mall is about three miles away from big box retailers, including American Eagle, Dillard's, and JCPenney. Locals stock up on groceries at Giant Eagle Supermarket or Heinen's Grocery Store. Residents of Downtown Willoughby have convenient access to transportation options, including proximity to major highways. Interstate Highway 90 West makes it easy to get to Cleveland, just 19 miles away. Additionally, two bus routes, SR-20 and SR-91, run through Downtown Willoughby. Since 2012, Downtown Willoughby has hosted the annual Downtown Willoughby 5k. Year after year, participants lace up their sneakers to run or walk in support of Make-A-Wish in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. In Downtown Willoughby, outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled with a wealth of parks and recreational amenities right at their fingertips. Wes Point Park is a popular gathering spot in the district. "This park has a ton of weddings that get held at that gazebo," Ruksenas says. "There's also a free concert series here during the summer. And City Hall is right back over there, and they have a fresh farmers' market every Saturday during the summer." Todd Field offers a perfect spot for a leisurely game of baseball or a fun-filled afternoon at the playground. Meanwhile, Chagrin River Parks has scenic walking trails along the river. Residents looking to play a round of golf or a few sets of tennis can join the prestigious Kirtland Country Club. Willoughby City secured funding to acquire 105 acres of riverfront land, collaborating with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and Chagrin River Watershed Partners. This initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and public accessibility through trail construction, wetland establishment, and environmental education efforts. Downtown Willoughby has a diverse range of housing options. The median home price in this neighborhood is $240,200, although homes can range from $44,000 to more than $1 million. For those seeking an affordable housing option, single-family mobile homes are available for $44,000. Cozy Ranch homes with driveways and front yards start at $110,000. Renovated Cape Cod-style homes with lush front yards featuring grass and trees are priced at $139,900. Colonial Homes boasting three bedrooms, a pool, a garage and a nearby playground are available for $180,000, offering spacious living and recreational amenities for families. Condos with two bedrooms and two bathrooms are priced at $244,900. For those seeking luxury living, Tudor-style homes are available for as much as $1,490,000, featuring manicured front lawns adorned with sycamore trees and planted bushes. These upscale residences offer proximity to Kirtland Country Club, as well as a community pool and outdoor tennis courts. Young students can start their education at Edison Elementary School, which holds a B-minus rating on Niche. Children can then transition to Willoughby Middle School with a C rating. Willoughby South High School, with a B-minus rating, has earned recognition for its academic achievements, winning the Academic Decathlon state competition eight times. Houses of worship in the Downtown Willoughby area include Willoughby Bible Church, Immaculate Conception Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and The Well-Willoughby Area House Of Prayer, providing residents with a diverse range of spiritual communities.