Acreage within 30 mins of Akron? (Columbus, Cleveland: property taxes, mcmansions, health)

[cashlessfund]

Does anyone have recommendations of where to find a nicer home with 3+ acres (5-7 acres preferred) that is commutable to downtown Akron? (<30 mins)? Upper limit would be 250k on 3 bed, 2bath type home. Currently renting in Stow, and like the proximity to the towpath, bike trails, and Cuyahoga Natl Park, but can't find anything but McMansions or small city lots in the general Stow/Cuyahoga Falls area. Some homes in Hudson meet the criteria, but are too exp and/or property taxes too high. I don't care about schools (except for resale), and merely am looking for a home that offers privacy and acreage with some woods and perhaps a pond. I bike alot, so biking trails is fairly important as well. Mogadore, Kent, Ravenna (to some extent) seem to fit this bill. As would Copley/Fairlawn/Bath it seems. Since I would like to stay to the North/West of Akron in order to be closer to I-77 and a possible future Cleveland suburb commute, what recommendations to you have? I've read a bit about Wadsworth on this board, but wonder if it's really close enough to commute? And how's traffic? I see Eight South backed up regularly these days - 76 W get to be the same way at 5? Thanks!

[hokiejane]

You'll have to get info from others on what the commute, but the outskirts of Wadsworth could probably give you what you're looking for. You can get easy access to Rt. 21/77 from the area north of Wadsworth towards Sharon Center. It's still pretty rural out that way. I have friends who live in that area, and I'll call and ask them about their commute into downtown Akron if you don't hear from someone else.

[cashlessfund]

Thanks - I'll take a look and see what's up @ Sharon Center. I wonder what a morning/evening commute would look like - seems like @ 20 mins in light traffic.

[Road Map]

Think twice about buying property in Copley. If you buy a house with well water, it would be a good idea to have the water tested. Radon as well...

Fumes Seeping Into Homes Could Pose Health Risk

Nov 5, 2007

Toxic vapors may be seeping into people's homes in a Summit County community, and some residents are worried about how it may affect their health.

Moderator cut: copyrighted article

[gentlearts]

I have exactly what you are looking for in Southern Medina Co., but a bit higher than your price range. I suggest you look around here, though, since there are some beautiful properties with acreage in your price range. Look in Westfield Center, Westfield Twp., Lodi, Seville. We are right off Rte 76/224 which is very convenient to Akron,
Cleveland and Columbus.
As others have suggested, Wadsworth is fine, but there are mostly residential sized lots. Someone mentioned Sharon Center, but it is one of the priciest places in Medina Co.