Lifestyle Series: Living in Tuscarawas County, Ohio
Tuscarawas County Offers a Family-Friendly, Small-Town Vibe That Welcomes You Home
Named for the Native American word meaning “open mouth”, you might indeed find your jaw dropping when you visit Tuscarawas County in Ohio. Located in the heart of Appalachia and near Ohio’s Amish Country, this area is full of breathtaking natural beauty. From experiencing the sunrise over the Appalachian Mountains’ foothills to strolling on the trail at Canal Lands Park, Tuscarawas County has so much to offer.
As part of our Lifestyle Series, Wayne Homes is proud to give you an inside look at life in Tuscarawas County. According to Niche.com, Tuscarawas County is ranked highly for schools and for outdoor activities. Residents love that it’s a safe, family-friendly community where people feel very welcomed.
The County Seat: New Philadelphia
The county seat is New Philadelphia, which offers a quiet, affordable, and family-friendly small-town lifestyle to its approximately 17,600 residents. Known for its high safety ratings, low cost of living, and close-knit community, it features convenient retail hubs, a revitalizing downtown district, and easy access to outdoor activities while being 30 minutes south of Canton. From the classic rides and scenic beauty of Tuscora Park to the bustling downtown district filled with locally owned shops and eateries, New Philly has something for everyone.
Sugarcreek: The “Little Switzerland” of Ohio
Home to the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock and the Ohio Swiss Festival, Sugarcreek is known as the “gateway to Amish Country”, and for good reason. Amish families were some of the first to arrive in Sugarcreek, along with Swiss and German families. The Swiss immigrants brought with them their cheese-making heritage, and slowly, small cheese factories began to open in the area. It wasn’t long before Sugarcreek became known as a Swiss cheese-making hub, and the downtown area took on an Alpine-style architectural appearance that has earned the nickname of “Little Switzerland”.
Local History: A Step Back in Time
Tuscarawas County has a rich history defined by craftsmanship, service, and pioneering spirit. Many visitors stop by the Warther Museum & Gardens, where the world-renowned ivory and wood carvings of Ernest Warther celebrate a legacy of incredible precision and artistic dedication. The area’s vital role in American history is further highlighted at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a National Historic Landmark famously known as “Dreamsville, USA” for its hospitable role as a WWII troop train canteen. For a deeper look at the region’s origins, Schoenbrunn Village offers a peaceful retreat into the 1770s, featuring Ohio’s first schoolhouse and church amidst a reconstructed Moravian mission settlement.
A Taste of Tuscarawas
Tuscarawas County offers local flavors that make settling into the area an inviting prospect for any food lover. You can start your mornings at The Daily Grind in New Philadelphia, a local favorite known for its expertly crafted coffee and welcoming community atmosphere. For a relaxed afternoon, Breitenbach Wine Cellars provides a picturesque setting in the rolling hills, where you can enjoy signature fruit wines and wood-fired pizzas. Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate Lockport Brewery, which honors the region’s canal history through its diverse selection of locally brewed ales and lagers. When it comes to dining, The Delaware serves as a sophisticated cornerstone for the community, offering a refined menu of contemporary American cuisine in a beautifully restored historic space. Whether you are looking for a quick caffeine fix or a celebratory dinner, the local flavors here provide a wonderful sense of belonging.
Things to Do
Don’t let small-town life make you think there won’t be enough to do nearby. Tuscarawas County provides an impressive variety of recreation and entertainment that ensures there is always something to do close to home. History buffs can walk the grounds of Fort Laurens State Park, the site of Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, while those seeking modern conveniences will find a wide range of shopping and dining at New Towne Mall. Golf enthusiasts are well-served with the scenic challenges of Oak Shadows Golf Club and the maintained fairways of Wilkshire Golf Club. The Quaker Cinema offers a nostalgic yet updated environment for catching the latest films. If you’re looking for a faster pace, the high-energy atmosphere at Midvale Speedway provides thrilling races that have been a community staple for decades. From quiet afternoons on the green to the roar of the track, the area offers something for everyone.
If you’ve been looking for the ideal place to put down roots in northeastern Ohio, then you should definitely consider Tuscarawas County. This area is served by our Akron/Medina office, but you can also work with our Portage and Belmont locations, if those are more convenient. We can’t wait to help you on your path to home.
Do you have a question or want to learn more about building in Tuscarawas County, Ohio? Contact us!
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Disclaimer: The details of this blog are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change.
