Are you looking for the perfect suburb to settle down and raise your family? Then you should consider moving to Ravenna, Ohio. Ravenna is a city in the Akron metro area that offers affordable living and a strong sense of community.
The town was originally founded by future Ohio Senator Benjamin Tappan, who first arrived in the area in 1799. His wife Nancy, was the one who suggested the name Ravenna, after a city in Italy. The city was formally incorporated in 1853.
Ravenna is known for its glassworks and being the home of the Quaker Oats Company, founded in 1877. Today, Ravenna is a good place to live for residents from all walks of life who want an abundance of activities and a high quality of life. It offers a welcoming suburban lifestyle in Portage County.
Residents enjoy a mix of green spaces and parks, creating a family-friendly environment that is ideal for those looking for a peaceful yet engaging place to live. To help you decide if it’s the right place for you, here is a complete guide to living in Ravenna, OH.
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Where Is Ravenna, OH?
Situated in Northern OH, Ravenna is in Portage County, within the Akron metro area. Several major highways pass through the city including Ohio State Route 59, 88, 44 and 14, offering transportation to other parts of the state.
It’s surrounded by parks and nature preserves, including Sandy Lake, Lake Hodgson, and the Triangle Lake Bog State Nature Preserve. Nearby communities include Kent, Brimfield, Streetsboro, Newton Falls, and Campbellsport.
Ravenna is about 22 miles or a 30-minute drive from Akron and 40 miles or a 48-minute drive from Cleveland.
Ravenna Population & Demographics
According to the 2020 census, the Ravenna, Ohio, population is 11,329. The population has actually decreased slightly, dropping by about 3.5% since 2010. However, it still maintains a suburban atmosphere with a population density of 2010 residents per square mile.
Ravenna is popular among families, young professionals, and retirees. About 21% of residents are under 18, while 17% are in their 20’s and 19% are over 65. The median age is 41 years old, which is slightly higher than the rest of Ohio.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 80% White (77.8% White, non-Hispanic), 10.6% Black or African American, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Asian, and 6.4% two or more races. Many famous residents have lived in the city, including automobile designer Chris Bangle and actor Al Hodge.
Other Ravenna Demographics
- The median household income is $48,221, which is about 25% lower than the amount in the rest of Ohio.
- The Ravenna population is 51% female and 49% male.
- 87.9% of residents have a high school diploma, while 19.6% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 2.5%
Living in Ravenna, OH, is safe. However, it does suffer from some minor property crime. The total crime rate in Ravenna is 2,478 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 7% higher than the national average and 17% higher than the rest of the state.
However, the violent crime rate is 52% lower than the rest of the US and 50% lower than the Ohio crime rate. Property crime is 18% higher than the rest of the country. Most Ravenna reviews state that crime is not much of an issue.
The Ravenna City Police Department handles crime and public safety with the assistance of 27 Ravenna police officers and 11 communications officers.
Cost of Living in Ravenna
Another major advantage of living in Ravenna, OH is the affordability. One way to determine the affordability of an area is to consider the cost of living index, which compares the costs of standard consumer goods to the rest of the US (represented by 100).
The COLI for Ravenna, Ohio is 98.4, indicating it’s about 1.6% less expensive than the US average. According to the Family Budget Calculator developed by the Economic Policy Institute, the average family of four with two adults and two kids needs to earn $97,673 per month to afford to live comfortably in the Akron area.
Typical Ravenna living expenses
- A gallon of milk: $2.56
- Hamburger: $5.40
- Carton of eggs: $2.37
- Bunch of bananas: $3.54
- A gallon of gas: $3.44
- Average Ravenna monthly energy bill: $144.29
Source: Payscale
Ravenna real estate is very affordable, which is what contributes to the low cost of living. Redfin shows that the median listing price of homes for sale in Ravenna is $164,750. That makes the median home price of Ravenna, OH, real estate 85% less expensive than the rest of the country.
Tenants will likewise find a range of options as well. About 53% of residents living in Ravenna, OH are renters while 47% own a home. Rentcafe shows that the average rent in Ravenna is $815 per month. Rent prices range from $770 for a one bedroom to $2200 for a three bedroom.
Ravenna Neighborhoods | Where To Live in Ravenna
Ravenna, Ohio, is a small, residential city with a tight-knit community and doesn’t have many distinct neighborhoods. However, no matter where you look, you will find friendly neighbors, tree-lined streets, and low crime if you plan on moving to Ravenna, Ohio. In general, the most desirable homes tend to be in central Ravenna, while the most affordable are in the northern part of the community.
Ravenna Weather & Climate
According to the Koppen classification system, the Ravenna climate is humid continental, indicating warm, mild summers and cold, snowy winters. Average temperatures in Ravenna typically range from 20°F to 82°F, although in the winter, it can get as cold as 3°F and summers can get as hot as 89°F.
The best time to visit Ravenna is typically from June to mid-September. If you plan on moving to Ravenna, Ohio get ready for precipitation. The city averages 40 inches of rain and 52 inches of snow per year, so don’t forget to bring an umbrella and snow boots!
Things to Do in Ravenna
Despite its relaxed environment, residents will find plenty of fun things to do in Ravenna, Ohio. The Ravenna Balloon Affair is one notable event that takes place during the third weekend of September and features live entertainment, parades, arts and crafts, and hot air balloon rides.
Those who are in the mood for shopping will find a variety of grocery stores, small businesses, and boutiques around Main Street, such as Silver and Scents, Copper Kettle Antiques Mall, and Shoemaker’s Outlet. If you’re looking for more activities, here are a few of the best things to do in Ravenna.
Windmill Lakes Golf Club
Winner of the 2011 Golf Course of the Year Awards, Windmill Lakes is a one-of-a-kind course featuring rolling hills, 50 bunkers, and seven lakes.
6544 OH-14, Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 297-0440
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Portage County Historical Society
The Portage County Historical Society is a local history museum located just outside Ravenna that provides free tours for visitors and schools, a lecture series, research library and hundreds of historic artifacts.
6549 N Chestnut St, Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 296-3523
West Branch State Park
Located east of downtown Ravenna, West Branch State Park is a 5,400 acre public recreation area that makes a popular destination for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and hiking.
5570 Esworthy Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 235-0030
Additional Ravenna Attractions
For those who need even more family-friendly things to do in Ravenna, Ohio, the local Parks and Recreation Department has a list of community events on its website.
Ravenna Restaurants
Looking for food in Ravenna, Ohio? Residents will find a wide range of delicious Ravenna restaurants offering everything from Mexican cuisine to vegan meals. Here are the best restaurants in Ravenna, Ohio.
Dos Coronas
Dos Coronas is one of the top restaurants in Ravenna if you’re in the mood for Mexican food and features a large selection of classic entrees, chef’s specials, combo platters, craft beers, and margaritas.
809 W Main St, Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 296-8848
Suzie K’s Cafe and Tea Room
Suzie K’s Cafe and Tea Room is a family-owned Ravenna OH restaurant serving soups, sandwiches and desserts in an inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to have a cup of coffee and chat with your neighbors.
145 E Main St, Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 296-3779
Beautiful YOU by Denise
Beautiful YOU is a vegan restaurant in Ravenna, Ohio, with an entirely plant-based menu and wellness services such as halotherapy, infrared sauna, and foot detoxification.
107 N Prospect St, Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 235-9814
Jobs in Ravenna
Living in Ravenna, OH also offers easy access to exciting job opportunities and a robust economy. According to a recent report, a surge of new jobs in Ravenna, Ohio, has led to an economic boom in the area not seen since the 1970s. The report cites the development of new production and distribution sites, the opening of a major warehouse, and the relocation of a major international manufacturer to the city as forces driving the growth.
The economy of northern Ohio is primarily centered around the manufacturing of polymers and materials, followed by retail, government, and the service industry. LG Chem, a massive Korean chemical company, recently opened a new factory space on Chestnut Street in Ravenna, just one of many recent economic developments. Other major companies that recently started doing business in the city include Light Speed Hosting, FNS Logistics Co., and Standard Hydrogen.
Other major employers in Ravenna include:
- Parker Hannifin
- University Hospitals
- Rock Ten
- Saint Gobain
- Paris Industries
The Economic Research Institute shows that Ravenna, Ohio, jobs pay an average salary of $62,684 per year, while the average hourly worker earns about $30 per hour. Suppose you’re looking for stable Ravenna jobs. In that case, you’ll find a range of different options, from registered nurse to store associate. City of Ravenna jobs with the local government are also available.
Ravenna Schools
The Ravenna School District is responsible for providing primary and secondary education. It enrolls 2343 students with an average class size of 21. Teachers in the district have 13 years of experience, on average, and 65% have a master’s degree or higher. The district consists of one preschool, one kindergarten, two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one intervention school for exceptional students (serving grades 5-12).
Ravenna City Schools is also home to the Maplewood Career Center, a vocational school serving high school students in Portage and Summit Counties. The city was also formerly home to Fortis College, a small private college that shut down in 2018. The campus is now occupied by the Bio-Med Science Academy, a public STEM school.
Residents can also check out the Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna, Ohio for books and other media.
Ravenna Statistics & Information
- Ravenna County: Portage County
- Ravenna area: 5.68 square miles
- Ravenna zip code: 44266
- Ravenna area code(s): 330, 234
- Ravenna elevation: 1,112 ft
- Ravenna time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- The closest airport to Ravenna: The Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is 30 miles away.
Map of Ravenna, Ohio
Explore more attractions, amenities, and fun things to do with this map of Ravenna, Ohio.
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