Chagrin Falls is hands-down one of the Cleveland area's most desireable locales. Long associated with small-town charm and comfortable living, you'd almost expect to see Aunt Bea bringing Sheriff Andy a cherry pie in this village of about 4,000 people.
With the Chagrin River and scenic waterfalls flowing right through the center of town, this far-East-Side retreat offers a cozy village atmosphere, all the while remaining in close proximity to the eastern suburbs and downtown.
Of course Chagrin Falls-style charm comes with a hefty price. While you can still find a home for under $200,000, some homes sell for $500,000 and higher, situated on wooded lots or in rolling ravines, like something out of the pages of House Beautiful magazine. There is also some new construction going on, offering the rare opportunity to purchase a brand-new home in a mature community.
The downtown area is a varied collection of more than 80 business establishments, boutiques and restaurants. Of note are Gamekeeper's Taverne with its lodge-like motif; Rick's, a bar/restaurant with a college-style atmosphere; Chuck's Falls Beverage for all of your imbibing supplies; and Fireside Books, a great independent bookstore. Just up the road from the downtown area, don’t miss the Greenville Inn, especially when the Jim Miller Band is playing.
As for the outdoors, Riverside Park -- ironically situated right next to the side of the river -- is a great place to plop down on a bench, slip on the headphones, and do nothing except watch the ducks quack on by. The Chagrin Valley Reservation is also right up the road, with amenities such as hiking trails for the summer and cross-country skiing for the winter. And if you're into polo, you can find that sport of genteel origins at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club.
Chagrin Falls' reputation as a center for the arts began early. Henry Church, Jr. a blacksmith in the Village, was a gifted artist, known for his paintings, stone animal statuary, and his carving of Squaw Rock in the Cleveland Metropolitan Park South Chagrin Reservation. His work is now in private collections and museums all over the country. Today you can check out beautiful work at galleries such as the Valley Art Center or Art by the Falls. If you're into a little theatre, the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, celebrating its 75th anniversary, offers plays throughout the year.
One enticement about living in Chagrin Falls is the strict zoning laws that prohibit certain types of businesses and structures. This is one place where you'll never have to worry about Ronald McDonald raising his Golden Arches; or a strip mall running through your back yard. They crave turn-of-the-century appeal here, and are prepared to fight to keep it that way.
Community leaders are planning for a future that does not sacrifice Chagrin Falls’ charm. A redevelopment of West Orange Street is in the works, as well as StreetScape, a multi-phased improvement and revitalization project.
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