Liveliness Plus Community
A cross between the best of a city with the charm of a small town.
Those who live in Stark County already know … and those who move here find out quickly. We offer an appealing quality of life that balances the amenities you’d find in a vibrant city with the welcoming, caring attitude you’d expect in a small town. Community means so much to Stark Countians, who identify with their home region and share common aspirations for the common good.
Quality of life is considered an essential, though relatively intangible, factor in making a community desirable and fostering economic growth. It’s important to a region because it affects whether people want to live and work in a locale. Experiencing an area’s quality of life in turn ultimately impacts whether people stay and for how long. Dissatisfaction with a city or county’s quality of life can make all the difference in workforce strength and availability, which then also makes a sizeable difference in business retention or relocation.
Therefore, communities that prioritize enhancing quality of life gain a strategic advantage in economic development. Some of the most significant factors include:
- Amenities
- Education quality and accessibility
- Access to quality healthcare
- Public safety
- A clean and healthy environment
- Housing options and availability
- Transportation options and availability
- Infrastructure quality and accessibility
- Community engagement
Stark County scores high on each of these factors, which has served us well. As a Brookings research report indicated, investments in “quality of life and place” outpace other economic development tools, particularly in the country’s Midwest. A sequence of studies (in 1979, 1982, and 2011) have confirmed and reconfirmed that households are actually willing to pay higher housing prices and even forego higher wages to live in areas with a higher quality of life.
Community amenities such as recreation opportunities, cultural activities, and excellent services (e.g., good schools, transportation options) are sizeable contributors to healthy local economies. Stark County’s community-oriented emphasis has helped characterize our citizens as “good neighbors” who contribute to the overall lifestyle in a recognized positive manner.
There's a lot of Life in Stark County.
Stark County has plenty to offer that contributes to a strong quality of life.
People who visit or move to our area quickly learn that there’s plenty to do here. You can start your Stark County adventure enjoying a look at the football greats at the Pro Football Hall of Fame; dine at the beautiful and nationally recognized Gervasi Vineyard; and play a round of golf at the Glenmoor Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. And that’s just the beginning of all the attractions and activities Stark County has to offer.
Accommodations
Whether you're visiting us for business or for an enjoyable getaway, you'll find what you're looking for in Canton/Stark County. For the business traveler, our hotels are convenient to the airport and have upscale meeting and banquet facilities. Our area also offers quaint and comfortable bed and breakfast inns for the visitor hoping to get away from it all. Let us match your needs!
Attractions
From small town charm and Ohio’s Amish Country to big city culture and national museums, Canton/Stark County will surprise you! Here's just a sample of the many things to see.
Golf
Stark County boasts 20 public and private golf courses. Whether you're looking for a challenging or tame course, you'll find the exhilarating experience you seek.
Restaurants
Canton/Stark County dining ranges from downhome cooking to elegant cuisine, matching any taste and budget. Use this guide to help choose just the right menu for your venue.
Shopping
Fine malls, flea markets, antique shops, and Amish retailers offer everything you want, from tantalizing chocolates and custom furniture to great bargains on clothing, all right here in Canton/Stark County!
