Before the town was renamed Willard in 1917, it was called Chicago Junction, and was home to the Chicago Junction Opera House, which later became Hoffman's Hall, then the Maple Opera House. Whatever its name at the time, this venue was renowned for having some big-ticket vaudeville for a small town.
The small town of just over 6,200 people is deep in Ohio's farm country, with miles and miles of fields stretching out in every direction
Before the town was renamed Willard in 1917, it was called Chicago Junction, and was home to the Chicago Junction Opera House, which later became Hoffman's Hall, then the Maple Opera House. Whatever its name at the time, this venue was renowned for having some big-ticket vaudeville for a small town.
The small town of just over 6,200 people is deep in Ohio's farm country, with miles and miles of fields stretching out in every direction. Needless to say, agriculture plays a big part in the local economy. The other big cog in the local wheel is the railroad yard that lies to the north and east of town. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad came through here and actually was the reason for the town being originally named Chicago Junction. The route was seen as a connector between the manufacturing centers to the east and the grain, corn, and agricultural commodities to the south and west. The railroad is also responsible for the renaming of the town -- the president of the company at the time was Daniel Willard.
The area is highly dependent on agriculture and as such is subject to some of the downturns that occasionally happen to farm towns. That hasn't been too severe over the past few years, but it has been enough of an influence to keep vacancies hovering slightly above the national average. What does that mean for you when you search for rental housing in Willard? It's a small town, so the number of properties is naturally limited, but the pickings should be reasonably generous. When talking to prospective landlords, you'll want to have a decent credit check and some (positive!) references on hand.
Research, research
Putting in a little research can yield great results, so put down the remote and get to making a list! Once you have that, go through it fairly methodically, matching the amenities and locations with what you want to have when you find an apartment. Don't be afraid to ask questions or take a tour if you're in town. You need to find out everything you can before you sign the dotted line. Be prepared to pony up first, last, and security deposit when it's time to make the place of your Willard dreams home.
The town took shape along with the railroad. The northeast edge of the city follows an old rail line almost exactly. On the north, there is some newer development on the other side of the tracks but not much. For the most part, Willard is one community, but there are a few distinctions worth noting that can help drive your decision making.
North of the tracks: The part of town to the north of the B & O tracks is mostly single family homes with a couple of apartment complexes in the mix that could be good places to search for an apt. for rent. Waterfront homes and great fishing are just a bit more north at Holiday Lake. If you're into fishing, this may be the neighborhood for you: you can reel in the big one close to home.
Downtown: There are just a few blocks of commercial and retail space that make up the small downtown area. As for housing, the mix of apartment buildings and single family homes offers options for renters moving here. When down here, try the very well regarded Mexican fare at La Campesina, located on South Myrtle Avenue.
South Willard: This section of the community is where the majority of people live. Here is where you'll find Willard High School and the city recreation area with a community pool, good for cooling off on those hot summer days in the farmland of Ohio. There are likely to be homes for rent available here. Highway 224 and Willard Municipal Airport mark the southern boundary of the town.
"Classic small town Americana Midwest style" aptly describes what awaits once you make the decision to call this village home. Don't worry, if you get to hankering for city life, Cleveland is less than an hour and a half to the north. When it comes to outdoor recreation, Holiday Lake has boat launches a beach for catching the sun. It's also regarded as a great bass fishing lake. Willard Marsh Wilderness Area is a few minutes to the south. When it's time to grab a bite to eat, try a local favorite like Uncle Dudley's Restaurant on Maple Street or Willard Country Kitchen on Walton Street East on the south edge of town. The weather is continental so you can expect cold winters and warm, humid summers. Sure, they roll up the sidewalks at night - but hey, you get a nice, peaceful town on the trade, with a long-standing sense of community.
