Geneva Ohio: Gateway to Ohio's Lake Erie wine district
Geneva, located midway between Cleveland and Erie, Pennsylvania, is the gateway to the region's more than 20 wineries and vineyards. The city of around 6,000 residents, named by early settlers after Geneva, New York, was the boyhood home of Ransom E. Olds, the founder of the Oldsmobile car company, as well as Platt R. Spencer, the creator of modern cursive writing. Today, Geneva combines the quiet friendliness of small town living with easy access to quality healthcare, higher education, major league sports and cultural opportunities in the nearby big cities.
Moving to Geneva
Geneva has a lot going for it. The cost of living is low. Lake Erie beaches, fishing and boating are just a five-minute drive away. The vineyards that surround the city are picturesque, and SPIRE Institute, an Olympic training center is major draw for visitors and residents alike .
Types of Housing
Housing in Geneva runs the gamut from 19th century homes that have been converted into apartments for rent, to single family homes, to apartments located on the upper floors of commercial buildings. There's something for every taste and budget.
Utilities
The majority of properties in Geneva are heated by natural gas, although a few of the older buildings are still heated using radiators. Few rentals in Geneva are offered on an all utilities paid basis. Natural gas heat and electricity are generally the tenants' responsibility. Radiator heat, water, sewer and trash removal are usually paid by the landlord.
Neighborhoods of Geneva
Although the city is relatively small, Geneva offers some distinct neighborhoods, most with rental homes or apartments for rent. Be sure to check out these areas when looking for places to rent.
Nearing Circle: Located on the eastern side of the city, the Nearing Circle neighborhood is noted for its quiet, tree-lined streets and variety of Tudor-style and mid-century modern, single-family homes. This area is mostly residential with just a few houses for rent.
Downtown / City Center: The commercial district in Geneva features a large number of rental properties. Some are located on the upper floors of the historic buildings that make up the city's downtown shopping district. Others are located along the side streets that branch out from the city's main arteries. The City Center area also includes several large century homes north of downtown that have been converted into rental properties.
Middle Ridge Road: Located south of downtown, the Middle Ridge Road area offers most single family homes with large lots and sweeping views of the Grand River Valley.
Living in Geneva
Living in Geneva combines the best of small town and big city life. There are several city parks, with facilities that include a bandstand with free summer concerts, a free winter skating rink, a skateboard park, playgrounds and picnic tables. The nearly 700-acre Geneva State Park is located just five miles away and offers miles of hiking and biking trails, a beach, a Lake Erie marina and a fishing pier. The fun, 1950s style Geneva-on-the-Lake resort, with its arcades, hot dog shops and antique stores, is also just a short drive away.
Of course, Geneva is less than an hour away from the many attractions in downtown Cleveland, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Horseshoe Casino Cleveland and the Cleveland Aquarium, and from the beaches at Erie's Presque Isle Park.
Geneva and Ashtabula County's more than 20 wineries are scenic and relaxing places to spend a weekend afternoon. In addition to offering tastings, many serve food using the region's abundant produce and game. A couple of the wineries, the Lake House Inn and the Old Firehouse Winery, also feature sweeping views of Lake Erie.
Getting around Geneva is easy. The city is compact and many services and attractions are within walking distance of one another. For trips out of town, Geneva is located right on I-90 and US 20, both of which connect the city to Cleveland to the west and Erie to the east. During the summer season, there are also shuttle buses that travel between the region's wineries.
Geneva hosts a number of festivals each year. Chief among these is the Geneva Grape Jamboree, held each September, and February's WinterFest.
