While Olmsted Falls isn't the rural landscape it used to be, that farmhouse-chic look is still a major element of how the city appears today. A stroll through historic Grand Pacific Junction feels like a walk through time, this historic Victorian shopping village holding treasures of times gone by like carriages and 1920s train cars. "The flavor of Olmsted Falls used to be semi-rural," says Realtor Cindy Kelly with RE/MAX Crossroads, "But that has changed a lot in the last 20-plus years. It's now what people refer to as a bedroom community. There aren't many shops or restaurants. It's mostly homes." That's precisely what lends Olmsted Falls its charm.
Olmsted Falls and Grand Pacific Junction has good shopping in every direction.
Citizens of Olmsted Falls can relax in the Victorian ambiance of Grand Pacific Junction.
1/2
Converted barns and contemporary styles
Some subdivisions in the Olmsted area offer a nod to their once-rural roots with names like Woodgate Farms. The neutral-colored contemporary houses here sit on flat, landscaped lots nestled around fishing ponds. Ranging from 2,500 square feet to 5,500 square feet, these homes come with attached two-car garages and sell between $250,000 and $450,000. But if you prefer something with more of Olmsted Falls' historic aesthetic, there are Colonial-style options, some of which offer a small taste of country living like converted barn space. These established two-story homes typically range from $150,000 to $300,000.
Colonial-style homes give Olmsted Falls its warmth and charm.
Subdivisions in Olmsted Falls, like Woodgate Farms, offer newer homes and plenty of neighbors.
1/2
Learning through the Olmsted Falls City School District
As you're looking for a home in Olmsted Falls, you might notice that the area goes by two different names. "Olmstead Falls and Olmsted Township are technically separate neighborhoods," says Kelly. "But in a lot of people's eyes, they're one and the same. The shared school district is a big part of why this feels like one large community." Olmsted Falls City School District caters to both Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township with the schools crossing the boundaries as though they didn't exist. Olmsted Falls High School, despite its name, is in Olmsted Township. "The schools here have an excellent reputation," says Kelly. "A lot of people are attracted to the community for the schools." Olmsted Falls High prides itself on being "different on purpose," focusing on more than just standardized testing results and placing special emphasis on student engagement through high-quality academic, art and athletic offerings. Students in the district can also expect to attend Olmsted Falls Middle School, which earns a B-plus by Niche, preceded by a stint at the A-minus ranked Falls-Lenox Primary Elementary School.
Olmsted Falls Middle School has a unique front entrance.
Olmsted Falls Intermediate School is home to The Bulldogs.
Olmsted Falls High School has a modest front entrance.
Falls-Lenox Primary School in Olmsted Falls is a top rated school.
1/4
Enjoying the waterfalls at David Fortier River Park
Just north of Grand Pacific Junction lies David Fortier River Park. "It's a really pretty place to hang out," says Kelly. "The waterfalls are beautiful. And there's the covered bridge," she adds, referring to the Charles A. Harding Memorial Covered Bridge that makes for a popular photo spot. Rocky River flows alongside David Fortier and down past the historic downtown area where you can enjoy riverside dining at Moosehead Hoof & Ladder. This restored firehouse has a mountain lodge vibe with wood paneling and exposed brick throughout the dining area. Burgers and baby back ribs bring patrons back time and time again.
Take in the vista view of the waterfalls in Olmsted Falls.
Take a walk through the covered bridge in Olmsted Falls.
1/2
Shopping in the Grand Pacific Junction district
Train tracks cut across downtown — and the full width of Olmsted Falls, for that matter — and on the other side you'll find specialty shops like Grand Pacific Popcorn Company and Second Thyme Around. At the heart of the Grand Pacific Junction Historic Shopping District, a wooden multidirectional sign points the way to each of the district's stores and eateries. Gibbs Butcher and Brews is a popular country-style restaurant serving fresh cuts from its butcher shop, but up the narrow back stairwell, you'll find a 1930s speakeasy called Jimmy's Place Upstairs. Here, the downstairs meat-and-potatoes vibe shifts to live jazz, bourbon and cocktails on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Enjoy a cocktail at Jimmy's Place, a speakeasy in Olmsted Falls.
Second Thyme Around, in Olmsted Falls, is filled with goods from local vendors.
1/2
Entertainment options along Stearns Road
As for those railroad tracks, train enthusiasts might check out Olmsted Falls Depot and Model Railroad Museum. "It's a very old depot, and it's incredible!" says Kelly. "Their model train setup goes through the whole place. It's really impressive." Further west, the tracks intersect with Stearns Road, which is home to Swings-N-Things Fun Park. This amusement park is filled with high-energy entertainment from bumper boats to laser tag to batting cages. Try for a turkey on their mini bowling lanes, go head-to-head in paintball, or sit back with a beer at Inside the Park TapRoom and Wine Bar. The mini-golf course takes you around miniaturized country-style buildings that mimic the hometown feel of Olmsted Falls' once-rural landscape.
Swings-N-Things is a classic Olmsted Falls and Cleveland area play time destination.
Olmsted Falls and Cleveland area locals frequent Swings-N-Things everyday of the week.
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.
