Avon is trying as hard as it can to maintain its quaint character and charm as hundreds of new homes are built each year, as well as several new retail and business districts. The community has earned the dubious distinction of being named the "fastest growing community in Lorain County," and arguably the fastest growing in Northeast Ohio.
Many factors contribute to this honor including affordable housing, good schools and Avon's close proximity to downtown Cleveland, approximately 20 miles west via I-90.
Over the past 10 years, the City of Avon has been very proactive in attracting new businesses and industry. A number of national companies call Avon home including Henkel Consumer Adhesives (formerly Manco, makers of duct tape), A.J. Rose, North Coast Bearings, Jenne Distributors, and DM Foods (soup company).
From the commercial perspective, Avon Commons opened its 650,000-sq.-ft. retail center in 2001 off Detroit Road featuring Costco, Heinen's, Home Depot, IHOP, Kohl's, Linen's N Things, Old Navy, Panera Bread, Red Robin, and Target. A second retail area, French Creek Square (corner of Detroit and SR 83) opened in spring 2004 and features a mixture of smaller retail establishments and restaurants including Cold Stone Creamery, Cousin's Cigars, Curves, Game Stop, Malley's, Moe's Southwest Grill and Quiznos.
Avon is also home to a Wal-Mart shopping center at the corner of Chester Road and SR 83 and a new retail complex is under construction across the street featuring even more shops and restaurants.
The historic downtown French Creek District is truly Avon's most unique shopping experience. Residents and visitors can stroll through the "Heart of Avon" and find numerous antique stores, floral growers, gift stores, consignments shops, handcrafters and cabinetmakers. Many of the business owners belong to the French Creek Association that sponsors a variety of festivals throughout the year including the Spring Celebration, Community-wide Yard Sales of the Aunt Teak & Uncle Junque Festival, the Fall Country Living & Antique Festival and the ever-popular Christmas Candlelite Walk.
Speaking of festivals, a must-do on anyone's list of summer activities is a visit to the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival. Many fun-filled events are planned each year during the carnival-like event including a duct tape "animal" petting zoo, booths for creating your own duct tape masterpieces, as well as a parade with floats made out of duct tape. The festival is held each year in June during Father's Day weekend at Veteran's Memorial Park.
More than 13,000 residents live in Avon, many who are young families with school-age children. The Avon Local Schools have earned an "Excellent" on the Ohio Department of Education's State Report Card four years in a row.
In addition, the district has successfully planned for the tremendous growth that has occurred by opening two new elementary schools in the past three years, as well as numerous addition projects to existing buildings.
For recreation lovers, Avon offers its residents three parks with baseball diamonds and soccer fields, as well as a new skatepark. Golfers can enjoy a round or two at one of the five golf courses in the city, including the prestigious Red Tail Golf Community.
Avon has something for everyone, yet still manages to maintain its small town atmosphere. It's a great place to raise a family or live out your senior years, enjoying the quiet comforts away from the big city.
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