While Wooster's population is a modest 27,000 residents, the city's economic strength, culture and employers support much of the surrounding area. It is the seat of Wayne County, encircled by farmlands and rural towns whose residents commute there for shopping, entertainment and jobs. However, Wooster’s economic development coordinator points out that the door swings both ways. “Our neighboring communities are wonderful, historic places to visit,” he says. “So if you need to get out and enjoy the country, there are plenty of great spots nearby.”
Wooster locals have easy access to shopping, dining, and everyday amenities.
Wooster, the dairy capital of Ohio, is home Daisy and Hartzler.
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Employment opportunities in several sectors
Several companies are headquartered in the city, including Seaman Corp, Tricor Industrial, Buehler Food Markets and Certified Angus Beef. The manufacturing industry also has a strong presence in the area, with Frito-Lay, Daisy Brands, and United Titanium plants nearby. The Ohio State University's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center is also here, along with Wooster Community Hospital, a full-service facility that employs over 400 residents.
The median price of single-family homes in Wooster is in the low $200,000s, compared to the national median in the low $400,000s. Developments in the northeastern part of the city along Little Apple Creek contain larger homes that sell from $300,000 to $400,000. Older homes built in the early 1900s line the streets in the neighborhoods south of the College of Wooster. Contemporary 21st-century condos cluster near Oak Hill Park, while midcentury ranch-style homes surround the small lakes in central Wooster.
Key advancements are made at Ohio State University's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster.
Wooster's home stock ranges from Dutch Colonials built in the early 1900's to modern condo communities.
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The state's first wheelchair basketball team
Wooster City School District serves city students and receives a B rating from Niche. The district is notable as the first in Ohio to develop a sports program for students with physical disabilities, launching the Wooster Generals wheelchair basketball team in 2016.
Higher education is available at the College of Wooster. The private institution has an enrollment of roughly 2,000 students studying about 50 different majors.
College of Wooster is known for their undergraduate mentoring programs and international studies.
Wooster High School students can participate in a variety of athletic programs.
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Miles of trails along Rathburn Run
The city boasts hundreds of acres of parks and facilities, including the 325-acre Wooster Memorial Park, known for a 6-mile wooded trail along the Rathburn Run. Other public amenities include the skate park at Schellin Park and the disc golf course at Freedlander Park. The Secrest Arboretum has 110 acres of cultivated foliage, a butterfly garden and the John Streeter Garden Amphitheater.
Oak Hill Oak Hill Park features a 1.7 mile long multipurpose trail and boasts panoramic views of rural Wooster.
Wooster's Freedlander Park has a pool, playground, and the Miles Specht Memorial Disc Golf Course.
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Creativity and the Wayne County Fair
Wooster's Wayne Center for the Arts, the Ohio Light Opera and the Wooster Symphony Orchestra promote the arts. “We’re a quietly creative community,” says Millea. “When you’re farther out from other cities, you’ve got to you’re your own fun.” Other cultural sites include the College of Wooster Art Museum, the Wayne County Historical Society and Museum, and the Buckeye Agriculture Museum and Education Center. Held yearly since 1850, the Wayne County Fair is one of the county's largest events, with agricultural exhibitions, carnival rides, parades and live entertainment.
Buckeye Agricultural Museum and Education Center aims to teach visitors about Wooster's agrarian heritage.
College of Wooster Art Museum showcases student exhibitions and is open to the public.
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A fixed-route bus service
U.S. Route 30 and State Route 3 are two of the main thoroughfares in the area, providing straightforward access to Akron, 40 miles northeast, and Cleveland, 60 miles north. The Akron-Canton Airport is the closest commercial airport, with daily flights to locations like Chicago, Charleston and Washington, D.C. Wooster has a fixed route bus service with hourly stops at 21 locations in the city.
The majority of the county's shopping
Restaurants and big-box retail stores are in the city's busier northern and southern sections. “We have roughly 80% of all retail in the county,” says Millea. “So we’re a pretty common stop for our neighbors.”
Wooster shoppers do not have to venture far to access a multitude of international retailers.
Lowe's, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart are some of the "big box" stores in Wooster.
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Important to know
According to the annual report released by the Wooster Police Department in 2022, violent and property-related crime was lower per capita than the state and national average. Total crime in the area dropped 18% from 2021 to 2022.
The Wooster Community Hospital is developing a new emergency center and patient access expansion. These $34 million facilities should open in late 2025 or early 2026. Other developments in the city include the more creative side of the city. “We’re looking to grow an arts district downtown, which will start with a new non-profit theater,” says Millea. “There’s a willing audience here that’s interested in that creativity.”
Eric believes that opportunity is everywhere. Since 2009, he has acted on that philosophy by serving his clients, whether they are buying, selling, or investing in real estate. As a flipper and buy-and-hold investor, Eric has first-hand knowledge of the ins and outs of evaluating and developing what may not be perfect and helping you see the potential. Whether you are looking to sell a home, purchase your first or next home, or expand your real estate portfolio in a creative way, Eric can serve you through that process with energy, experience, and professionalism.
Outside of real estate, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, indulging in activities like cycling, running, golf, and savoring delicious food with family and friends.
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.
