Canton, Ohio serves as the seat of picturesque Stark County in the northeast section of Ohio. Canton lies 20 miles south of Akron and just 60 miles south of Cleveland, giving residents easy access to big city amenities.
According to the 2000 Census, Canton reported a population of 80,806, while nearly 380,000 residents live in Stark County. Other townships in Stark County include Green, Nimishillen, Osnaburg, Perry, Plain, Sandy and Tuscarawas.
The quality of life in Canton is excellent. Canton citizens enjoy a reasonable cost of living and a low rate of crime for the region. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with an average annual temperature of nearly 50 degrees. In addition, top-notch health care centers and academic facilities are available.
Canton choices for primary and secondary level education consist of numerous excellent public and private schools. Higher learning facilities include Malone College, Stark State College of Technology, Walsh University and the Stark Campus of Kent State University.
Stark County boasts a highly favorable environment for successful businesses. The local economy relies heavily on the agricultural, industrial, retail and service sectors. Canton’s massive iron and steel production results in locally manufactured products such as automated teller machines, roller bearings and vaults. Alliance Healthcare, Diebold, the Hoover Company, Mercy Medical Center and The Timken Company are among Canton’s major employers.
Canton, known as “America’s Playing Field”, offers fine dining, unique shopping opportunities, nineteen golf courses and numerous tourist attractions. Popular destinations include the Canton Ballet, Canton Classic Car Museum, Canton Museum of Art, The Canton Players Guild, Historic Palace Theater, MAPS Air Museum, McKinley Presidential Library and Museum and The National First Ladies Library.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Amateur Sports Hall of Fame and the National Pro Football Hall of Fame. Canton also hosts amateur baseball, basketball and football events. The Alive Festival, Fox Creek Outdoors and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival annually bring the community together for celebration.
Ohio is home to the world’s largest concentration of Amish people and Canton acts as the gateway to Amish Country. Canton hosts as two-day tour of its local Amish community. The tour consists of authentic Amish cuisine, flea markets, corn mazes, petting pastures and a museum.
Canton, Ohio offers an excellent quality of life complemented by a hospitable community. From its quaint Amish communities to its sophisticated city culture, Canton is a lovely place to call home.