Warren

The community of Southeast Warren, also known as Southwest Warren, sits between the city and Leavittsburg. The area has a blend of industry, business and residences. "The city started as a small village with roots in the steel industry and manufacturing. Although Warren has almost 40,000 residents, the area still feels like a small town," says Meghan Reed, Director of the Trumbull County Historical Society and Warren resident. Southeast Warren locals can expect more industrial development near Martin Luther King Boulevard and the railyards in the western section. Home values are lower than the national average, with a price per square foot ranging from $25 to $75. Eastern homes generally list for less than $70,000 while western properties can cost as much as $150,000. These homes typically sit further apart and on bigger tracts of land. Along the streetscape are simple Colonial Revivals with front porches, modest ranches and split levels. Newer homes are reminiscent of the region's history, showing more Colonial Revival influences, but a handful of dwellings display more contemporary styles. Residents can travel the city on the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) bus; local routes are available on Tod Avenue, Palmyra Road and Market Street. The Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is 15 miles away for trips to far-off places. Southeast Warren has a handful of discount retailers and corner stores to shop for groceries or home supplies. Hungry patrons enjoy a meal at one of the neighborhood eateries, such as Caesar's Italian Restaurant or RBG Eatery, for soul food. In the evening, locals can visit one of many casual bars on Market Street, such as The Pour House of Warren and Dority's Pub. Central Social Club is a long-standing restaurant and bar serving the area since the 1940s. Quinby Park is a gathering spot with open spaces and a small pond. The grounds are in view of the long-standing water tower past an established treescape. Locals can use the colorful playground or rent the onsite facility for private events. The charming structure is made of stone and half-timbering, similar to Tudor-style architecture. Those looking for an outdoor adventure along the riverside head out of the community to the popular Perkins Park in the historic district or Canoe City Metroparks in Leavittsburg. Students within the Warren City School District attend Jefferson School from kindergarten to eighth grade. The school has a C grade from Niche, and lower grades can expect to receive additional support in literacy through The Ohio State University Literacy Collaborative. Older students head to Warren G. Harding High School, which has a C-plus on Niche. Those living west of Martin Luther King Boulevard may attend LaBrae School District. Kindergarten to second graders attend Bascom Elementary with a B-minus from Niche. These students move on to LaBrae Intermediate, Middle and High Schools. All three schools received a B grade. The area rests adjacent to the Trumbull Correctional Institute. However, locals maintain a strong sense of pride in the city. "Warren has a group of community members and leaders who work hard to show the city's best side," says Reed. The Trumbull Community Action Program provides social initiatives, such as enrollment in Head Start services. The nonprofit Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership has a mission to rejuvenate the area and offer various programs to locals.

Willard is a neighborhood in the City of Warren that maintains a small-town feel. The area expands from downtown Warren to the City of Niles, and the residential community is set against an industrial backdrop characterized by construction businesses and steel manufacturers. The community shares resources with surrounding municipal areas, including dining and shopping. Narrow, tree-lined streets with sidewalks are set up in a grid pattern. "This community is very walkable," says Kate Pfouts, archivist for the Trumbull County Historical Society. "You always hear kids playing outside and see neighbors taking strolls or walking their dogs." Many homes in Warren County date back to the early 1800s, and Willard comprises several architectural styles. The earliest designs of the day were Victorin and bungalows. "Even though most have been updated, many of the homes' original details have remained intact," says Kate Pfouts, archivist for the Trumbull County Historical Society." They are gorgeous." Buyers will also find Cape Cods and ranch-style. Lots in Willard are less than ¼ acre, suitable for a small garden, and most homes have garages. Most residences enter the market between $16,000 and $103,000. The closest hospital is Trumbull Regional Medical Center, which is less than a mile's drive on local streets. Residents can take the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) to commute within the city. U.S. Highway 422 skims the entire eastern edge of the community, and Interstate 80 is a 10-mile drive via back roads. Residents can drive 10 miles on local streets to get to Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. Willard has a handful of dining locations. Pfouts recommends Nova Coffee Co, which serves everything from coffee to breakfast burritos, and Beautiful Whirl'd, known for its smoothies, sandwiches and tacos. Two mainstays in the community are 100-year-old The Saratoga, known for its comfort food, and Sunrise Inn of Warren, which has been serving casual American cuisine since 1929, "We've weathered a lot of things over the years, including COVID," says Dave Mahan, manager and co-owner of the restaurant. "I believe our longevity is due to consistency and good pricing." For grocery runs, locals can go to Meijer, a 3.7-mile drive on back roads. Eastwood is an indoor shopping center in Niles that includes anchor stores like Boscov's, Dillard's, JCPenney and Macy's. Perkins Park is north of the community, outside the neighborhood boundary near the Mahoning River. This popular green space features a playground, baseball and soccer fields, a volleyball court, a shelter and walking paths. With six pickleball courts, Bolindale Deforest Park is a popular destination for those who love the sport. The park also has a playground and two covered pavilions. Trumbull Art Gallery is a center for visual arts in the Historic Courthouse Square showcasing exhibits from local artists. Willard is zoned for the Warren City School District, which offers open enrollment. Students can start their education at Willard PK-8 School, which has a C grade from Niche. Warren G. Harding High School, which has a C-plus score, serves grades nine through 12 and offers Advanced Placement classes and the College Credit Plus program. The historical society holds several events throughout the year, including Octoberfest in September and Hometown Holidays in early December. "Our holiday event is a big deal," Pfouts says. "We do it in conjunction with local stores. There are vendors and school bands."

Walking through Historic Perkins in downtown Warren feels like stepping back in time. One of the oldest cities in the state, the community was founded in 1798 and soon became the seat of Trumbull County. Many of the original homes and buildings remain, some having been turned into businesses. "The small village slowly grew into a thriving town due to the booming industry and manufacturing sectors," says Meghan Reed, director of the Trumbull County Historical Society. The Mahoning River and Perkins Park overtake the western side of the community. This area is also home to Millionaires Row, where the "Who's Who" of industry, commerce and politics lived in stately mansions that lined the street during the 1800s. Today, the mansions are museums, stores and private residences. These landmark estates stand a few streets from government buildings, nonprofits and modest homes. "Historic Perkins is a very walkable community," says Jason Altobelli, a Realtor with Altobelli Real Estate who has sold more than 50 homes in the neighborhood. "You'll see kids at play and neighbors walking their dogs outdoors. People can easily get to the park and restaurants within five minutes." Narrow streets lined with trees and sidewalks wind throughout the neighborhood, showcasing homes, many in need of updating. Perkins Park features a playground, baseball and soccer fields, a volleyball court and a new interactive learning trail for kids. Locals gather at the Warren Community Amphitheatre in the park for live music events throughout the year, including River Rock at the Amp. The Warren Ghost Walk is a local tradition showcasing the city's history through performances and tours of locations rumored to be haunted, including the Old Pioneer Cemetery and Hariett Taylor Upton House. The Robins Theatre is a 1,400-seat historic theatre in downtown Warren presenting a wide variety of year-round entertainment. First opened in 1923, the theatre’s exterior is designed in the Italian Renaissance style. Locals can restock their kitchens and shop for home supplies at Giant Eagle or Save a Lot. Cafes and breweries, all within walking distance, around Courthouse Square. Those looking for a sugar rush may pick up a pastry at a local restaurant, The Mocha House. Since 1929, Sunrise Inn of Warren has served brews alongside Italian and American-style fare. "We've weathered a lot of things over the years, including COVID," says Dave Mahan, manager and co-owner of the restaurant. "I believe our longevity is due to consistency and good pricing." Sometimes, locals can hear music across the water from the neighborhood winery, CharBeany's Wine on the River. "Within the last five to seven years, the city has experienced a strong revitalization of businesses, as well as large-scale investments from national and state-wide developers," Reed says. Past the grandeur of Millionaires Row are modest houses and attached homes. Historic Perkins contains several homes dating back to the early 1900s. Victorian-style homes show ornamental brackets and trims. Colonial Revivals and American Foursquares with wide-set porches are easy to find in the neighborhood. There are also bungalow-inspired workers' cottages and minimal traditional homes. Those looking to build their dream home can purchase lots or a fixer-upper. Lots are modest, measuring less than ¼ acre, suitable for small gardens. Not all homes have garages, so residents park in their driveways or on the street. Prices range from $15,000 to $172,000. “Inventory is low,” Altobelli says. “We see things moving quickly.” Historic Perkins is served by the Warren City School District, which offers open enrollment. Students can walk to Willard PK-8 School, an elementary and middle school that houses three Pods and provides a variety of programs. The school received a C grade from Niche. Warren G. Harding High School, which has a C-plus grade, offers Advanced Placement coursework. The closest hospitals are Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Mercy Health - St. Joseph Warren Hospital, both within a 4-mile drive on local streets. The Perkins family, who were prominent civic leaders in Warren, constructed the building that is now City Hall. Residents can take the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) to commute within the city. Those looking to travel outside the area can follow Ohio State Route 8 to Interstate 76 to reach Akron, about 45 miles away. Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is an 11-mile drive via back roads. Historic Perkins received an 8 out of 10 on the CAP Index for overall crime. Within that overall number are even higher scores of 9 for homicide, burglary and assault with a weapon, as well as a 10 for sexual assault. Several non-profit programs and organizations have been established to deter violence. The Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership is a non-profit corporation established to empower residents through programming that improves the quality of life in Warren. The Interrupters, founded by the city, visit schools, libraries and other institutions to prevent crime. "There are a lot of passionate individuals who care about this place," says Andrea Vallejo, circulation supervisor for the Toledo Lucas County Library. "I believe things are improving."

Amvets is a small residential sector of the City of Warren, just west of the city center. Warren was originally an extension of Connecticut after the Revolutionary War, known as the Connecticut Western Reserve. After part of the reserve was purchased and renamed Warren toward the end of the 18th century, the city took some time before it started to bloom in the 1900s. The success of the early 20th-century steel industry facilitated a thriving economy, but it also led to the community's decline when it collapsed in the 1970s. Nowadays, Warren is growing in a positive direction with city-wide and federal efforts. Organizations like the Warren Redevelopment and Planning Organization foster community growth by investing in local businesses and offering community incentive programs. And the Federal Government recently allocated funds to the city under the American Recovery Plan. "There's a lot of development happening in the heart of Warren," says Realtor Dominic Mararri of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Mararri has sold homes in the area for over 8 years and is an active member of local community organizations, like the Warren Family Mission. "There's a lot of great people and businesses. I love it here." "This is a great area to invest in," Mararri says. "You get a lot of bang for your buck, and you can really stretch your dollar." Several houses in Amvets are over 100 years old, with build dates as early as 1915. Development continued throughout the 20th century, so ample homes are from the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Because several houses are older, many need repairs and updates, costing between $30,000 and $100,000. Buyers will find craftsman bungalows with low-pitched roofs and wide front porches among traditional foursquare homes. On average, homes have about 1,200 square feet with three bedrooms. Roads like York Ave maintain their original red-brick structure and have yet to be paved over, lined with sidewalks and deciduous trees. Kids growing up in the area attend schools in the Warren City School District, which earned an overall C on Niche. The school district merges elementary and middle school into single institutions, serving pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Students either attend Willard PK-8 School or Jefferson PK-8 School, both of which got a C on Niche. High schoolers head to Warren G. Harding High School to earn their diplomas. Students can join various extracurriculars, like Key Club, Science Club, Ski Club and Drama Club. The high school earned an overall C-plus on Niche. Community members gather at Perkins Park, a 40-acre outdoor space just over the banks of the Mahoning River. The city initially purchased Perkins as a 1930s estate, and today, it is a stronghold of community athletics, with several baseball fields and sand volleyball courts. Other amenities include a small playground and a five-mile riverwalk for locals to enjoy a stroll or bike ride by the water. The riverwalk leads to Memorial Park, featuring statues that honor veterans of World War II. Locals also walk over to Quinby Park for additional time outdoors. The park features basketball courts, a playground and a small pond. Along West Market Street and Parkman Road are several spots where locals grab a drink or a bite to eat. The giant, rotating hot dog atop The Original Hot Dog Shoppe on Market Street has been a community draw since 1946. Inside, locals grab a booth or bar seat and order a loaded dog topped with ingredients like chili and onions. Other menu items include burgers, fries and Italian sausage. Locals also head to Cockeye BBQ for smoked barbecue and home-down sides like macaroni and cheese and cheesy grits. When locals need to grocery shop, the Sparkle Market in Trumbull Plaza is just under 2 miles up the road. The nearby Red and White Supermarket has a few grocery essentials, snacks and drinks for a quick run. The Western Reserve Transit Authority services Mahoning County, allowing locals to reach areas like Austintown and Youngstown via bus. If headed into Youngstown, drivers use Highway 422 and have a 17-mile trip. Locals have the security of Trumbull Regional Medical Center, only 3 miles away. The Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is 20 miles away for those traveling out of town.

Located in the heart of Warren is the walkable downtown neighborhood of Central City. Planted among business corridors, the community has a growing dining and arts scene that includes breweries, bars and performance venues. Among the extremes of grand historic architecture and modest housing styles are colorful murals inviting locals to explore the area. "There is a key group of doers who have done a lot to ensure that Warren puts its best foot forward," says Meghan Reed, director of the Trumbull County Historical Society. "They've hung flower baskets, strung lights and decorations for Christmas and managed parades. In the past five to seven years, downtown has undergone a transformation through business revitalization and significant community investments." New establishments continue to open and draw in people living within walking distance. Casual spots like The Mocha House and Nova Coffee Co. are favorites for a morning pick-me-up. Modern Methods Brewing Company, Warren's oldest brewery, hosts trivia on Thursday nights and a night market every other month. West & Main has live music and a diverse menu, from ramen to poutine and tacos. Save A Lot is just north of Atlantic Street Northeast, and the Warren Flea and Farmers Market is on the other side of U.S. State Route 422. The indoor and outdoor market runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Saturday year-round. Central City is also right next door to Courthouse Square. "The whole downtown is built around the historic courthouse," says Michael Cline, a Realtor with Kelly Warren Associates who's lived in Trumbull County for 50 years. "It's big, and when I say it's big, I mean it's White House big." The Square hosts many community events, like the Full Spectrum Pride in the Valley Festival. Trumbull Art Gallery looks out onto The Square and features exhibits from local artists. Music lovers see live performances at the Robins Theatre, which frequently sells out. For more practical needs, the neighborhood has several convenience and supply stores, such as Circle K, Handyman Supply, Family Dollar and Firestone. Curated Vintage Goods makes for a relaxing Saturday afternoon sifting through antique finds. Less than 1 mile west is a leafy escape; Perkins Park is a popular spot for leisurely walks along the Mahoning River. Visitors can enjoy views of historic landmarks, use the playground and athletic fields or sit and reflect at the rose garden. The park also houses the Warren Community Amphitheatre, which has hosted the annual River Rock music festival for 15 years. Classic rock bands fill the park air every weekend, rain or shine, throughout the summer. Across from the park, the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library is a major community meeting point for all ages. Residents can access two community gardens closer to home: Central City Unity and The Giving Tree. For extra support and connection, the Salvation Army Warren Corp Community Center is at the base of the neighborhood and welcomes all. "There's been a lot of private investment into downtown," Cline says. "They've turned a lot of the older buildings into higher-end executive condos and apartments." Condos typically cost between $150,000 and $195,000. Cline says these renovations have "drawn young professionals right out of college to move back downtown," which has stimulated growth in the area's economy and industry. Outside Central City's immediate commercial sphere are traditional and Craftsman dwellings, American Foursquares and bungalow-inspired workers' cottages. Yards are typically about 1/8 acre. On average, detached properties range between $38,000 and $95,000 – significantly lower than the average across the Youngstown region. Students attend the Warren City School District. Willard School accepts kindergarten to eighth grade and has a C grade from Niche. Warren G. Harding High School receives a C-plus and lets students get a head start on their higher education through the state's College Credit Plus program. Students may also enroll in the local charter schools, such as the C-plus-rated Steam Academy of Warren for kindergarten to eighth grade or the unrated River Gate High School. Most people get around the neighborhood on foot. Cline says, "Many young professionals live downtown so they can walk to work and stay within walking distance of bars, restaurants and shopping." The city also has a bus system, and U.S. State Route 422 is a major thoroughfare. For longer trips, Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is 11 miles east. The neighborhood has an overall CAP Index crime score of 8, with above-average scores for property and violent crime. However, the downtown area is regularly patrolled by the Warren Police Department, as its main building is within Central City. The Trumbull County Sherriff's Office is also nearby.