if you want an accurate portrait of the Norman Rockwell-ness of the idyllic village, spend a weeknight walking the downtown sidewalks in Chagrin Falls.
OK, chef Tim Bando’s Grove Hill restaurant is more modern than eateries spotted in Rockwell prints, but you’ll probably exchange a friendly smile with 33-year residents Katie Devine and her husband, Brett, as they stroll there for dinner.
“On the weekends, it’s people from outside of Chagrin at the restaurants,” Katie says. “But during the week, you see people from around town.”
Devine and her husband are both retired. As empty nesters — one kid lives in Washington, D.C., the other in Chicago — going out for dinner and drinks and socializing are high on their list of interests.
“We’re part of the same church for 30 years,” Katie says. “I’m busy with volunteer things like the [Chagrin Falls] Historical Society.”
They chose Chagrin Falls in 1984, because of the quality schools and because it reminded Brett of the small New England towns of his youth.
The suburb’s houses — a mix of well-kept century homes, colonials and Cape Cods — have a median home sale price of $320,000. But in return you get a level of charm and community that Katie believes is unique.
The couple recently decided against moving to D.C. to be closer to their 32-year-old daughter, because they’d miss Chagrin Falls’ slower pace. Plus, Katie is really excited about the new Heinen’s Grocery Store.
“It’s been the greatest thing,” she says. “They have this bar with wine and beer and snacks.”
Neighborhood Profile
2016 Total Home Sales: 105
2016 Median Home Sale Price: $320,000
Education Ranking: 9
Safety Ranking: 64
