Medina Apartments and Rentals

Visiting downtown Medina's historic square is like taking a charming step back in time. However, living there is even more exciting because it is one of the fastest growing areas in northeastern Ohio. Medina is a tight-knit community with a population of less than 27,000, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. With its close proximity to many interstates and urban centers, Ohioans are drawn to Medina apartments for rent as an ideal place to live.

One need only glance at one of the can see in the many Victorian buildings throughout the downtown square that this city has a storied history. Founded in 1816 and incorporated in 1835, the city saw its rise because of its close proximity to the Erie Canal, a major public works project that connected the Midwest to the metropolitan areas of the Northeast states.

The city has a history of being a safe haven on the Underground Railroad during the days leading up to the Civil War. It is estimated that nearly 1,000 slaves passed through Medina on their way to freedom in the North. The city continued to grow in the 1900s due to its industrial prowess. Well into the 20th century, the city became known for carriage production and mill farming.

Once the railroad came into the area and the neighborhoods around the Great Lakes began to sprawl, Medina began a shift into the future. During World War II, the city was responsible for building warships and artillery. After the war, many veterans came into the area and built homes with aid from the GI Bill. In the 1990s, Medina experienced the bulk of its residential growth, transforming the area from an industrial park into a thriving and prosperous community.

Medina is home to many universities and trade schools, including an extension office of Ohio State University, one of the largest and well-respected public institutions in the country. However, the city is home to several smaller schools as well. One of the most popular is Walsh University, a private college on a 136-acre campus that offers undergraduate degrees in a variety of fields. The Medina County Career Center offers convenient adult learning classes for those looking to revamp their career. Students seeking Medina apartments for the fall or spring semesters should get a jumpstart on finding their perfect pad early, since rentals near campus tend to get rented out quickly.

The bulk of the workforce in Medina is in car production which explains why the top employer in the city is Friction Products, a brake, fuel cell and clutch manufacturer. However, there are several other industries in the area, including plastics, food production and roofing manufacturing.

Medina enjoys a cost of living that is 4 points below the national average, according to city-data.com. Based on statistics from 2009, the median gross rent in the area was $724 per month. Since the median household income in the area is around $15,000 more than the rest of Ohio, Medina could be considered one of the most affordable places in the state to live.

Residents of Medina don't have to travel down to Texas for a true rodeo experience. Buckin' Ohio is a ranch that features professional bull riding from cowboys all over the country ready to show off their skills. With fun for all ages, this is a great way to be a part of the agricultural community of Medina County.

The Midwest is a beautiful sight in the fall and it also one of the best times to experience some of Medina's most popular festivals. Every autumn, the city hosts the Medina Beer Fest, featuring craft beers from around the country for you to taste. Another popular event is the Halloween Harvest Festival. Complete with a corn maze, trick or treating and costume contests. These events offer residents a great opportunity to get involved in the community.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Medina, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.