Green is quietly transforming from a quaint suburban town into one of Northeast Ohio’s most desirable places to live. Tucked conveniently between Akron and Canton, this growing city is drawing new homeowners, returning residents, and local business owners. They’re coming for the location — and staying for the strong sense of community, high-performing schools, and thoughtful city planning.
A City That Feels Like Home
For Kelsey Burton, Green will always be home. A proud graduate of Green Local Schools, she spent a few years living in nearby Wadsworth before returning to her hometown in early 2025.
“I was homesick, even though we were only 20 minutes away,” she says. “I just missed living in Green.”
Now living in Parkview at Spring Hill luxury apartments, Burton enjoys the walkable neighborhoods and pet-friendly amenities for her senior dog. What keeps her here is Green’s unique personality. “Green is a mix of nostalgic and up-and-coming,” she says. “You’ve got some mom-and-pop shops that have been around for years, but you also have new houses and local restaurants.”
That blend of old and new is exactly what’s drawing many young residents to Green. With walkable communities, expanding retail and a welcoming atmosphere, the city strikes a rare balance between small-town charm and big-city convenience.
Finding the Right Neighborhood
Green’s housing developments have grown in step with demand, offering a variety of living options. Maria Thrasher, a Green native, moved into a townhouse in the Forest Lakes development with her husband after renting at Redwood Apartments on Arlington Road.
“It’s always been a great place to live — both as a child and now as an adult,” Thrasher says. “Green has a really good mix of calm, peaceful suburban living, but you’re still so close to Canton, Akron, and even Cleveland.”
Her neighborhood fosters connection with potlucks, Halloween events and even a resident-installed Little Free Library. “Everyone’s really friendly,” she says. “We were glad to be able to settle in, know that we were staying longer and put roots down.”
Real estate agent Dustin Ivey found his way back to Green after living in Florida for a short time. Now living at VC Station and running his mobile coffee business, Salt & Light Coffee Co., Ivey says, “I’ve met so many amazing people since living here that I would consider friends now. Everybody’s super friendly — which is awesome.”
Green’s appeal, he says, lies in its balance of charm and convenience. “It’s the perfect blend of city and small town. You still have older, well-established neighborhoods with sidewalks and trees, but it’s not too big where you’re stuck in crazy traffic. It’s kind of the perfect hybrid.” For new residents, that flexibility is one of Green’s biggest strengths.
A Business-Friendly Community
Green is also becoming a hub for new and exciting small businesses. Just ask Michelle Whitacre, co-owner of Confessional Coffee and Pastry, which opened in early 2025. In talking with residents, she noticed a gap in the local market. “There were no locally or independently owned coffee shops in the area,” she says. Her vision was to create a “third space” for residents — a place to unwind between home and work.
Since opening, Confessional Coffee and Pastry has become a community gathering spot for everyone from retirees to remote workers. “All the customers are very kind and excited for us to be here,” Whitacre says. “It seems like people are really interested in seeing their community grow.”
Kyle Oberlin, Green resident and co-owner of The Industry restaurant — located in the historic East Liberty Schoolhouse — believes Green’s infrastructure is setting the stage for even more business-friendly development.
Strong Schools and Smart Growth
For many families, Green’s school system is a major draw. Long known for its commitment to education, Green Local Schools offers strong academics, dedicated teachers and a supportive environment for students of all ages.
“The school district is absolutely amazing,” Burton says. “Growing up, I had teachers who were empathetic and really went the extra mile.”
Thrasher, a graduate of Green High School who later worked as a substitute teacher in the district, shares a similar perspective. “We’re excited about the new school buildings,” she says. “I attended Green schools, and they really set me up to be successful in college and beyond.”
Green’s appeal goes beyond education. The city is also recognized for its intentional, well-planned development. “There’s a difference between growth and smart growth,” says Oberlin. “Green is very planned. I just hope they keep that going.”
Thrasher, who also serves on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, agrees. “The city is really trying to make mindful decisions about development while keeping its character intact,” she says.
The combination of strong schools and intentional planning is part of what makes Green unique — and keeps families coming back for generations.
Amenities That Make It All Work
Green’s amenities are a major reason why so many choose to live here. “There’s so much the city offers, from children’s entertainment with zoo animals in the park to ballroom dancing classes. And a lot of it is free or very affordable,” Thrasher says.
Burton is already looking ahead to family life and sees Green as the perfect place for long-term living. “The new park with all the swing sets and splash pad is really great, especially as I start to think about having a family,” she says. The mix of local businesses and national chains — like Target and Starbucks — also makes daily life easy and enjoyable.
“If you’re going to be paying taxes to live in a city, the amenities they provide, like sidewalks, dining, shopping and dog parks, should be really awesome,” Ivey says. “It definitely seems like your tax dollars are going to good use in Green.”
Ideal Location
With easy access to I-77 and just minutes from Akron and Canton, Green offers a location that’s hard to beat.
“Green has basically three on-ramps for I-77, which makes it really easy to get around,” says Oberlin.
Ivey, who travels frequently for work, echoes that sentiment: “I love Green because it’s just the perfect location — right off 77— in between Akron and Canton. I sell real estate as well, so living here definitely helps me get either south or north very quickly.”
A Place to Belong
Green isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place to belong. Whether it’s running into a familiar face at the dog park, stopping by your favorite ice cream shop or watching your kids attend the same schools you did, Green offers a sense of connection that’s hard to find.
“For the longest time, I thought, I’m going to move out of Ohio … But I truly can’t imagine leaving this area now, and I see myself staying here long term,” Burton says. That feeling is echoed again and again by those who move — or return — to Green.
“People want good school districts, a good location and a style of home that fits their needs,” says Oberlin. “Green checks all those boxes.”
Parkview at Spring Hill Brings Luxury Living
A brand-new luxury apartment complex is offering residents a quiet, upscale place to call home. Located just off Arlington Road, Parkview at Spring Hill features 298 spacious apartments across 51 buildings with floor plans ranging from one to three bedrooms. With a location set back from the main road, this community offers a serene and private atmosphere that sets it apart.
Residents enjoy amenities including a resort-style swimming pool and sun deck, fire pits, lawn game space, a fully equipped fitness center, a community clubhouse and even a self-service car wash. The clubhouse offers complimentary Starbucks beverages, and Parkview hosts monthly events, such as food truck nights, pet contests and barbecues, to encourage neighbors to connect and create a “community within a community.”
Parkview was developed in two phases — the north phase opened in June 2024, and the second phase followed in June 2025. One unique feature residents love is the townhome-style entrances. “The four-family buildings lining both sides of Southwood Drive feature our signature townhome units and were designed to capture the feeling of a true neighborhood. They create a streetscape that is both charming and personal, giving residents a real sense of pride in where they live,” says Matthew Vekasy, founder and CEO of Metropolitan Holdings.
Apartments feature upscale finishes, including 9-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, in-unit washer and dryer and a private balcony or patio.
The community is pet friendly, and you’ll often see neighbors out walking their dogs or chatting during events. Resident Kelsey Burton lives in the area with her boyfriend and dog, and they love how easy it is to get around. “I’m able to walk around the neighborhood. Everyone is really friendly and kind, and our property management is wonderful,” she says.
Development at Parkview at Spring Hill is expected to generate $19.2 million in household income and contribute significantly to local food and entertainment spending.
