Here's some grist for your mill! Graft, Ohio, was once home to The Shadford Grist Mill. Opened in 1858, it was the first of four major mills that operated here, which in part led to the location as the general headquarters of Sunshine Biscuits back in 1929. Want a cracker?
Grafton is a village in Lorain County, OH, positioned on the banks of the Black River
Here's some grist for your mill! Graft, Ohio, was once home to The Shadford Grist Mill. Opened in 1858, it was the first of four major mills that operated here, which in part led to the location as the general headquarters of Sunshine Biscuits back in 1929. Want a cracker?
Grafton is a village in Lorain County, OH, positioned on the banks of the Black River. It's just thirty plus minutes to Cleveland from this pretty community of just over 4.5 square miles. Six different parks offer green space to the residents -- all 6,636 of them as of the 2010 census.
Give yourself about a month to find rental homes in this pleasant community. You can search to find an apartment to rent, such as a 1 bedroom apartment for rent in Lorain County's main newspaper, the "Chronicle Telegram," or search online listings. Checking out the community yourself is also a good idea.
What to Bring to Your Search
With all four seasons in play in Grafton, you'll want a spring sweater and a winter coat. You can search for your new home any time of year, but it will be chillier going in the winter months. Renters make up about a quarter of the population here, so you should find a variety of rental options. For your future landlord, bring your ID, of course, and make sure your credit report is in good shape. You should also have bank statements, tax returns, and W2s handy in case they are required.
Within the village of Grafton, there are three main neighborhoods that you should be aware of if you are considering moving to town.
Brentwood Lake: This suburban neighborhood consists primarily of medium-sized to larger single family homes and town houses. Most homes were built between 1940 and 1999. Low vacancies here mean a tight rental market in this quiet neighborhood.
Village Center: You can find an apartment to rent here in this suburban-by-density community located in the heart of town, near cafes and shopping. Medium-sized single family homes and a variety of smaller apartment complexes are located here, as well as the town's Willow Park.
Eaton Estates: Single family homes and townhouses plus some small apartment complexes are the order of the day in this part of town. Single family homes dominate for a mix of renters and owners on these tree-lined streets.
This is a town with plenty of community spirit. There are lively, active organizations to join such as the Grafton-Midview Kiwanis Club, Grafton-Midview Business Association, Grafton-Midview Woman's Club, the VFW, and the Grafton Village History Association. Some of these groups contribute to the many annual events that make the village lively and fun.
Bring your camera to take photos of the Memorial Day Parade... and don't shout "Fire!" at the Firemen's Festival. But do take advantage of the chance to climb inside a fire truck; your inner child, or perhaps your actual child, will love it.
There's also a village-wide garage sale called Trash to Treasure. Just think what you might discover! A Farmers Market and a Flea Market operate on Saturdays May through October. Come December, there's a holiday festival, too.
Park it Here
Festival fun not your thing? Come and relax at North Park's picnic shelter, and enjoy the tree lined entrance to the park, where the trees themselves mark "Memory Lane," and are dedicated to loved ones.
Right off Main Street, Willow Park has picnic space, a playground, and a baseball diamond. Memorial Day weekend finds the Firemen's Festival here. Just across the street you'll find Reservoir Park, where -- surprise! -- the reservoir is located, as well as four baseball diamonds.
Then there's Water Tower Park with benches and paths. Want to walk further? Check out the Lorain County Metro Parks Trail leading from Grafton Lanes on Main Street, to a trail that's a part of the Metro Park System, leading to Indian Hollow Metro Park.
If you're looking for a little rock n roll, drive the thirty minutes to Cleveland and check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and take a look at your rock heroes? You'll find major musical acts performing at the Quicken Loans Arena or the Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica or the House of Blues, too. If you have little ones in tow, the Children's Theater Series offers great kid-friendly performances.
