Medina County, Ohio

Medina County, Ohio is one of the top ten fastest growing counties in the state. Medina County’s 425 square miles of gently rolling hillside are located in north central Ohio. A portion of the County is included in the greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area.

According to the Census 2000, Medina County’s population was just over 151,000, scattered throughout quaint, historic towns. Medina’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage shows. Most communities still boast the New England-type town square, with gazebos and refurbished Victorian buildings surrounding it. The gazebos are still used for speeches and music on the warm summer nights, just as they were in the early 1800’s when the county was settled. The area is known for having some of the finest historic architecture in Ohio.

Residential commitment to the quality of life in Medina County also shows in the many festivals held here. The annual Fall Foliage Tour is not to be missed. Local area farms, historical societies, parks and shops combine their efforts to provide an outstanding tour through the county, with such stops being horse or llama farms, a buffalo roast or an apple butter contest. The drive shows off the splendor of Medina County, with its beautiful rolling hills and rich farm and ranch lands.

Valley City holds an annual Frog Jump Contest and is known as the Frog Jumping Capital of Ohio. Hinckley residents hold what must be the most unique festival: Buzzard Days (when the buzzards return for the summer season – somehow, the birds always show up on the same day each year). Brunswick’s Old Fashioned Days, a huge community effort, recaptures the spirit of the past with handmade country crafts and homemade food made in yesterday’s tradition.

The City of Medina serves as the county seat, with a 2000 census population of just over 25,000. This historic town is ideally located at the hub of Medina County, where several state routes meet, as well Interstates 71 and 76. Medina is included in the Cleveland Metro area, but proudly retains its quaint, small town atmosphere. While an 800 acre industrial district draws new industries into Medina, at the same time, the city works at refurbishing the old Victorian architecture of its downtown district. At present, fifteen buildings have been named to the National Historic Register.

Many retailers have discovered Medina, such as Target, Marshall’s and Old Navy. A number of nationally known restaurants have located here, taking advantage of the wonderful shopping found in the historic Downtown District.

Brunswick is the most populated city in Medina County, with over 33,000 residents reported in the 2000 census. The City of Wadsworth had over 18,000 people. Six villages and seventeen townships are also scattered throughout this charming rural area, making Medina County a truly unique and wonderful mixture of old and new.