$127,896Average Value$95Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Barberton neighborhood balancing quiet atmosphere and downtown access
Columbia Lake is a laid-back neighborhood offering a tranquil slice of life near downtown Barberton. As the first side of the city to develop, this area is attracting buyers and investors willing to renovate the late-19th and early-20th-century homes. "There are a lot of people buying cheap houses and fixing and flipping them," says Priscilla Ranostay, who lived in the neighborhood while renovating her own investment property. While some rent, most people own their homes in this neighborhood, enjoying a peaceful atmosphere about a mile from Barberton's unique shops, restaurants and events. "Our street seemed very quiet," Ranostay says. "People would go to work and come back. If you walk north toward Norton, you get to the primary school, so you see a lot of kids walking to and from school." Originally home to chemical plant workers, the neighborhood still maintains a piece of Barberton's early industry. It's home to the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company (PPG), which opened here in 1900 on the neighborhood's south side. Today the site employs nearly 200 people and produces specialty chemicals used for eyewear, paints and other products, and may impact air quality in the area.
Worker's cottages and bungalows in need of updates
Here, homes are mostly located in quiet residential spaces arranged in a grid pattern. Most houses date between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a variety of styles such as shotgun-style homes, worker's cottages and bungalows. These are typically located close together on compact lots. Front yards are also small but well maintained with short grass and flower beds. Prices vary along with the condition of these homes, ranging from $50,000 to $175,000. They may need anything from major renovations to cosmetic updates. "We redid everything from the foundation to flooring to painting," Ranostay says. "Most of the houses are old so they need work to make them look new and fresh." Sidewalks connect these homes to schools and parks.
Youth soccer leagues at The Barberton Community Foundation Sports Complex
Homes surround spacious, grassy parks in the neighborhood. The Barberton Community Foundation Sports Complex spans 35 acres along the neighborhood's east side with soccer, baseball and softball facilities. Here, the Barberton Youth Soccer Association teaches kids how to play the game for both fun and competition. Different leagues are available for kids aged 3 to 15. Toward the center of the neighborhood, Edgewood Park is one of the city's most popular green spaces. Here, a splash pad, a basketball court, a playground and a rentable shelter fill the wide-open grassy fields. There's plenty of open space to lay out a picnic blanket on the grass.
Musicians earn top marks at Barberton High
Barberton kids can attend the city's singular school pipeline, earning an overall B from Niche. That pipeline shifted in 2023 as the district closed some schools and opened new ones. Now, kids attend Barberton Primary for kindergarten through second grade, Barberton Intermediate for third through fifth, Barberton Middle for sixth through eighth, and Barberton High for ninth through twelfth. The Primary and Intermediate schools are not yet rated by Niche, while the Middle and High schools both earn a B-minus. The Barberton High Instrumental Music Department has a track record for producing Superior and Excellent ratings at Solo and Ensemble and Large Group Contest competitions.
Hometown fried chicken at Hopocan Gardens
Columbia Lake is right in the midst of Barberton's well-known chicken scene. The town is known for a unique recipe that uses fresh meat fried in lard and seasoned with salt. Hopocan Gardens has been operating in the neighborhood for 80 years, serving the chicken alongside a tomato and rice mixture called "hot sauce." More shopping and dining options are nearby in downtown Barberton. This is a hub for unique shops such as Magic City Comics, with a variety of collectible figurines, and restaurants such as El Tule Mexican Bar and Grill, serving margarita pitchers and pineapple-topped fajitas. Acme Fresh Market is a nearby stop for the essentials.
Thousands of flowers at the Mum Festival
With Lake Anna at its center, downtown Barberton is a focal point for unique festivals. In late September, the Mum Festival celebrates fall blooms with over 17,000 chrysanthemums arranged into intricate garden designs. There is more to see besides the flowers, such as a water ski show and a canoe race. Live tunes and savory bites are the focus of the BBQ and Music Fest on Labor Day weekend, culminating in a fireworks show.
Metro buses go to Akron
Barberton's small size and walkability help with getting around. Downtown Barberton is just over a mile east. Cutting through the neighborhood's center, Wooster Road leads to the town center by foot or car. Public transportation is available here via Akron's Metro bus system. The number 8 bus connects Columbia Lake with downtown Barberton and Akron, located 7 miles northeast. Akron Commuters may also take Wooster Road North and East Avenue.
Flooding and air quality risks
Parts of this neighborhood are susceptible to flooding, particularly on the east side closer to downtown. Air quality may also be consideration due to nearby industry. PPG was the highest emitter of air pollutants, including a carcinogen, for Summit County in 2022.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Judy Johnston,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Barberton Dog Park
Dog Park
Edgewood Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Columbia Woods Park
Football
Picnic Area
Soccer
Lake Anna Park
Boating
Decker Park
Dog Park
Playground
Waterpark
McCafferty Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trailhead
Barberton Community Sports Complex
Transit
Airport
Akron-Canton Regional
26 min drive
Bus
Wooster Rd & 24th St NW
Bus
Wooster Rd & Hudson Run Rd
Bus
Wooster Rd & 16th St SW
Bus
Wooster Rd & 19th St NW
Bus
Wooster Rd & 22nd St NW
Bus
Wooster Rd & 23rd St NW
Bus
Wooster Rd & 15th St NW
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Columbia Lake
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Columbia Lake, Barberton sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Columbia Lake, Barberton over the last 12 months is $120,943, down 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 68 24th St NW—an updated and spacious 5-bedroom home in the heart of Barberton, perfect for a growing family! This move-in ready gem features a modern kitchen with new cabinets and counters, fresh paint throughout, and a layout designed for comfortable living.Enjoy year-round comfort with central air, and appreciate the charm of new siding, entry doors, and stylish lighting fixtures.
Visit our Beautifully Remodeled 2 Bedroom Townhomes feature huge open 1300 Sq Ft floor plans with Walk In closets, Huge Bedrooms, 1 1/2 Baths, Wood Flooring, All Appliances including GE Range, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Microwave and washer/dryer in each unit. Small dogs and cats welcome. Professionally Landscaped property with fish stream, picnic pavilions and barbecue grills.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Judy Johnston,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,593
Median Age
40
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$45,211
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,101
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.4%
College Graduates
15.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
45/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
51/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
