10 Benefits of Living in the City of Bellefontaine Ohio

The City of Bellefontaine in Ohio is the seat of Logan County. For centuries before settlers founded the town, it had been the home of many Native Americans tribes including the Miami and the Shawnee. Bellefontaine was officially laid out on March 20th 1820 and has been the quintessential Midwestern small town ever since. Some of the numerous benefits of living in the city of Bellefontaine are:

Rich History

In the 1890s the city of Bellefontaine became a major railroad town, when the big four cities of Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and St. Louis made it one of their main terminals. Bellefontaine hosted the largest roundhouse between New York and St. Louis during those days. Presently, it is the center of Honda's operations in the US and home to many Honda suppliers.

Small Communities

All over America small towns are prospering. Bellefontaine is no exception. There are charms to living in a small town, like knowing your neighbors and attending community events where a large portion of the town is present. It's got plenty of cute historical curiosities as well. For example, the city of Bellefontaine has the oldest concrete street in America, and the shortest street in the world at only 15 feet long. Living in a small town is like nothing else, and Bellefontaine personifies the experience.

Lower Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Bellefontaine is 4.10% as compared to the national average of 5.20. Job growth is positive and jobs have increased by 2.56%.

Lower Cost Of Living

Compared to the rest of the country, Bellefontaine's cost of living is 18.50% lower than the national average. This makes buying a home in Bellefontaine and raising a family more affordable. You can enjoy more of life's extras when the cost of everything is lower.

Low Crime Rates

According to recent statistics, Bellefontaine is safer than 11% of the cities in the country. The violent crime numbers are very low, and fatal attacks are at 0%.

Real Estate

Speaking of homes, the median home cost in the city of Bellefontaine is $90,000, while to rent a house averages out to $700, both lower than the national average.

Public Schools

Bellefontaine public schools spend $18,316 per student. Compare this to the average school expenditure in the U.S., which is $12,383. The students per teacher ratio is 16.3.

Education Levels

Approximately 47% of the residents of the city of Bellefontaine have a high school diploma, while 22% have an associates degree. College graduates with Bachelors degrees are at 12% and some 6% have Masters degrees.

Places To Visit

The city has numerous places to visit nearby like Piatt Castles, which has been a popular destination for over 100 years. There's also the Mad River Mountain Ski Resort, and the Ohio Caverns, which are some of the country's most visited destinations. Whether you live down the street or across the country, you will find something special nestled in the beautiful countryside around the city of Bellefontaine.

Proximity

The city of Bellefontaine is only about an hour away from Columbus and less than 3 hours away from Cleveland. So you have all the charms of small town living, with all the amenities of the big cities within reach.

...and if that isn't enough we also have some great restaurants in bellefontaine Ohio. You can read about some of them in this article.

If you're curious to explore the beautiful properties for sale in the City of Bellefontaine and beyond,

Consult with one of our award-winning real estate agents and let's get you and your family in a new home!

As time marches on we tend to collect, some might even say hoard, so many "things." They might be personal mementos such as letters or various and sundry memorabilia from our school years, they might be "fangirl" collections from a book series, shot glasses from every state in the country, or baseball cards. Regardless of what is collected, humans like to gather.  It's in our nature.

Effects of a Cluttered Living Space

The problem with this is that eventually all this gathering leads to clutter, and clutter can lead to mental unease or distress. We're all very sensitive to our surroundings and the state of our living space often has a dramatic impact on our own emotional and mental state.  Cluttered closets and messy houses make for a lot of pent up anxiety and emotional baggage.  It might not seem obvious but the subtle effects of your surroundings have been studied and observed in cultures around the world for centuries, from Asian Feng Shui to modern Western Architectural Design principles. However, it's not always easy to part with our treasured collections of stuff.

Some of the most common reasons people refuse to get rid of these "things" are:

1. This is a family heirloom, so it would be wrong to let it go.

2. But it was a gift.

3. What if I need it someday?

4. I paid a lot of money for it.

Chances are, if you find yourself having to make excuses to yourself to keep the item(s), then you probably don't need them in your life or home. It's perfectly okay to have special mementos, but you don't need to hold onto every last thing you encounter in your life. Nor do you have to just throw away those relics.

Choose a few key pieces and create a shadowbox or a scrapbook. Consider donating your great-grandparents clothes to a local theatre organization where they can be used and appreciated by helping to bring the past to life . . . on stage. Perhaps you have some valuable china or crystal, or even art pieces, but they don't fit the style of your home and you never really liked the piece anyway . . . check with museum curators. You might have something that would be perfect for one of their displays (and this way you can go visit the stuff anytime you feel the urge to lay eyes on it again). Schools are always happy to take donations of gently loved books, toys, and clothes.

Minimizing, and thereby decluttering, your home will make you feel better. Don't keep things out of guilt or feelings of obligation. This is YOUR home, YOUR life, so make it a sanctuary. A happy place to be. You'll thank yourself for it.

Get more advice on ways to declutter your home and life.

Contact one of our agents today.

Fall is in the air and the days are getting cooler. Time to pack up summer, then pull out the winter gear. This is also the perfect time to give your closets a good tidying. Here are some suggestions from professional organizers for organizing your closet space.

Sort 

The chief design officer for California Closets, Ginny Snook Scott, suggests the first step you need to take on is pulling everything out of your closets and then sorting the stuff into four distinct piles.

• Now Pile—often used and worn

• Someday Pile—special occasion clothes that still fit

• Never Pile—face it, you're never going to put these items on again (Geralin Thomas, who is the president of Metropolitan Organizing in Raleigh, North Carolina, recommends that any "trophy garments," those that do not fit or you're keeping only because you paid a small fortune for it but are honestly never going to wear again, need to go. The money isn't coming back and all these items are doing are cluttering your space.)

• Seasonal Pile—self-explanatory

Ms. Scott recommends going through your Someday Pile once again, see how much you can move to the Never Pile.

Sort Again

The first step is always the easiest, but now comes the hard part. Eliminating. For real.

Most people find that their Never Pile is often much larger than they anticipated it would be—up to 40% or more of the closet content. With this discovery usually comes motivation to keep going, to do more. Use this mindset to revisit the Now Pile; see just how much of it you can shift to the Someday and Never Piles.

Keep Up Your Resolve

Get that Never Pile boxed and bagged, ready for repurposing by either donating them to a goodwill store, passing them on to friends or family who can and will use them, or setting aside for a garage sale. DO NOT STORE these bags where you will be tempted to sift through or have 'one last peek'.

Organize the Seasonal Pile

• Wash (or have dry cleaned) anything that is getting packed up. You don't want any lingering toiletry products on the clothes as this will draw insects. **Make sure all items are completely dry before they get stored. Unpacking your clothes to discover them threaded with mildew is nobody's idea of fun.

• Use air tight, clear plastic containers which have been clearly labeled with what is inside.

• Store the bins out of sight, but in an easily accessible place.

"Never store clothes in plastic bags like those from dry cleaners. Store them in cotton zip-up bags. No mothballs. No exceptions."  ~ Geralin Thomas

You're Almost Done!

Take advantage of the fact that the closets are empty by getting in there with the vacuum. You want to suck up all those lingering dust mites which destroy fabric and play havoc with people's allergies.

This is also a good time to evaluate your hangers. Wire hangers should go back to the dry cleaners or get recycled; these are meant for temporary use, using them long-term will stretch and ruin the shape of your clothes.

As you return the Now Pile items to your freshly cleaned closet, professional organizers suggest you "group" like items, i.e. shirts, dresses, pants, et cetera. If you want to go all out, you can do each group by color or style.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor. It's okay to go treat yourself to one or two new items, just don't go too crazy.

Get more advice on organization in any space.

Contact one of our agents today.

A flash of yellow darts around the garden, feeding on flowering seed heads or stopping at bird feeders. What could it be? Meet the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), one of the only vegetarian songbirds. Because they don't feed their young insects, they're able to hold off their nesting habits until later in the year, June or July, when seeds are abundant.

Here are some tips for making your garden inviting to these yellow birds:

Some common plant favorites of the American Goldfinch to feed on are thistle, sunflowers, asters, and milkweed. Looking to the trees will find these birds enjoying alder, birch, and western red cedar. They will work bits and pieces of these plants into their tightly-woven nests for both warmth and as a food source.

Goldfinches want and need an ideal habitat for seed-hunting, like shrubby fields or forest edges.

These birds prefer to build their nests in shrubs or young trees, but several feet off the ground. To maximize your chances of attracting mating pairs, be sure to incorporate larger shrub species.

Keep any feeders you have full, and clean. American goldfinches are at risk of getting mycoplasmal conjunctivitis—house finch eye disease—from birdfeeders. If you do notice that your winged guests have crusty eyes, take down the feeders and disinfect them with a 10 percent bleach solution then leave them down for about a week so the birds can heal rather than continue to spread the disease.

American goldfinches are one of the U.S.'s national treasures. Thanks to their assorted adaptations, they are often the object of fascination and admiration for everyday backyard gardeners and ornithologists alike.  If you attract the American Goldfinch to your backyard, let us know and snap a picture if you can!

Plant late summer to be ready for your guests to arrive in the fall!

Get more advice on attracting the animals you want visiting your home.

Contact one of our agents today.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Central Ohio, you'll need to know your market, i.e. your 'comps'. Comps are the homes in the area where you are transacting business that are comparable, meaning they are in the same neighborhood, are similar in size, layout, and condition, and have similar features or extras (like pools, fireplaces, or even neighborhood playgrounds).

These comps are used when determining pricing. From the buyer's standpoint, knowing the market gives them a place to start with a fair offer, while from the seller's viewpoint, comps help them to figure the best price point for the property. A good real estate agent stays on top of their local market, making sure to understand the ins and outs of what makes a property comparable.

Location, location, location . . .

When pricing or valuing a home, the first thing you want to do is look at what's nearby. Stay within the neighborhood to ensure things like the age of the homes and the community features are similar. School zones make good measures of parameters.

No time like the present . . .

Keep your eye on the pending sales. The initial bargaining has taken place between the buyer and seller, so these are, in effect, a plethora of current data for the market—including the latest 'dollar per square foot' average. A good rule of thumb is to look at sales within the last three months, but not more than six months old, as trends could've changed drastically in that time.

Show me the extras . . .

With the where and when pinned down, now you can look at the fun stuff, the property features. The main thing to compare here are the number of bedrooms/bathrooms and the lot size. Narrow those down, and then you can get into the smaller extras. Views, updated appliances, flooring materials, pools, garages, fireplaces . . . the list can get rather long, but these are the creature comforts that are going to help you turn your purchase into an Indian Lake Home (or sell your property to the highest bidder).

Don't overanalyze or stress . . .

While it is a good idea to have some knowledge of how the market works, there are professionals available to help you navigate the world of home buying and selling. Choice Properties has trustworthy agents to assist with the petty details of each comparable Logan County home. We make it our job to know the market so that you can make Indian Lake, Bellefontaine, or the surrounding areas your home.

It's a well-known fact that with homeownership comes home repairs. It doesn't matter if the house is new or if it's a property that has been in the family for generations, Life happens and things break. Professionals can always be called in to do the repairs, at a cost to your monthly budget, so it's best to save them for the really big break downs, like busted water heaters, roof replacements, or new HVAC systems. The common things that crop up can be handled on your own with a standard toolbox and maybe a run . . . or two, to your nearest home improvement store.

1. Leaky faucets, running toilets

Per the EPA, ten percent of US homes have leaks which are wasting more than 10,000 gallons of water annually due to worn out gaskets, flappers, drippy faucets, and leaky valves. Here are some ways to confirm whether you have a leak:

• Take a reading on your water meter before and after a two-hour water period of no water use on the property. If you get any differences in your findings, a leak is likely.

• Test toilet tanks by by placing a drop of food coloring in the tank and waiting about fifteen minutes. If water in the bowl takes on any coloring, then you have a leak. Flush to avoid staining the tank.

• If a visual inspection of pipes, faucet gaskets, and pipe fittings reveals any water on their exteriors, then you probably have a leak.

Once a leak is confirmed, if you're unsure how to proceed you can start by talking to the experts at your local home-improvement hangout, or you can always Google for tips. Remember, if the project gets too big for you to handle, go ahead and call in the professionals rather than risk a house flood!

2. Cracked paint or siding

Besides looking nice, it's important to maintain the exterior of your home in order to protect it from the elements and critters. Cracked, peeling, or dusty paint (or caulk, vinyl, stucco, brick, etc.) is a sure sign that the structural integrity of your abode could be at jeopardy. If you catch it in the early stages, you should be able to handle the task yourself. Bringing in hired painters will land you a bill for a few thousand dollars at least, depending on the size of the house.

3. Garbage disposal jam

WARNING: Always make sure the disposal switch is OFF before you stick your hand or any other object down the drain.

Garbage disposals have an average life of about ten years. If you use it a lot, or abuse what you put down it, it's going to die much sooner. With the aid of the owner's manual, and that wonderful "RESET" button, disposals can be an easy fix. Should full replacement become necessary, you can spend a couple hundred and probably a handful of cuss words as you work or you can spend twice as much to pay a plumber to do it.

4. Nail pops

Most foundations will have some degree of shifting over their lifetime. Heat and cold, wet and dry weather, and even wind strengths tax the structure. Oftentimes nail pops are the result of this. Minor ones from initial settling can be fixed by driving the nails deeper, refinishing, and touching up with paint. However, if they are excessive or are suddenly appearing after years, you probably need to bring in contractors to look at the bigger picture. Home warranties and insurance will help you incur the cost of foundation repairs.

5. Cracks in the concrete

Your driveway, patio, and sidewalks are constantly exposed to the elements. Extreme weather, improper mixing, shrinkage during curing, pressure from vehicle loads and even old tree roots can contribute to these places beginning to crack and breakdown. Much like the house exterior, water and pests can get into these cracks which will only aggravate the problem the longer it's left untended. If you've had experience with concrete mixing and laying, by all means take on the repairs yourself, but for most homeowners, this IS going to be one for the trained professionals.

Tensions can run high when things start to fall apart around you, so if you share a home with somebody, do you and your partner a favor . . . don't let your relationship get added to the "honey-do" list. It's so much easier to get things done with teamwork.

From mid-century ranchers and ramblers to 21st century Mediterranean villas and works of abstract architecture, in the half a century plus which has elapsed since the '50's, home floor plans have changed. They've grown in size, number and use of rooms, and even lighting has evolved to be more 'natural' . . . skylights and picture windows favored by many for the outside hues they let in.

Let's take a look at the main rooms that have transformed over the years.

The Kitchen

Then: Appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers were a novelty in the 1950s. Not everyone had them, and those that did, wanted them displayed. As a result, over time walls have been removed to open up floorplans, leading into today's open kitchens with islands that are often the central gathering place of a home.

Now: The more decked out, open, and inviting the kitchen space, the more appealing the house is overall to potential buyers.

The Dining Room

Then: Hosting dining parties where everyone gathered in a separate dining room was a way to show status and station in life. A well-liked hostess was one who could ooh and ahh her guests—and making her husband proud, Mrs. Cleaver-style—with each dish she brought out from the kitchen.

Now: Meals are no longer the formal affair they were, gatherings are reserved for holidays and special occasions, and so most designated dining areas tend to be used as offices or play spaces for younger children.

The Living Room

Then: The living room was considered the family room and was often placed toward the back of the house, away from the front entertainment areas, for privacy. In the '70s, designers began incorporating conversation pits or sunken living rooms, and gradually, these rooms were brought more to the forefront of the floor plans.

Now: A shared space, the living room is a space that tends to open into other rooms, making the house inviting and welcoming to guests. Not only are the spaces larger, design trends have gone taller … vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open lofts are all quite common.

The Bathroom

Then: Bathrooms were purely functional—get in, do your business, get out. One to a household sufficed on most occasions, and was often "shared" by household members. While little Johnny brushed his teeth, baby Davey was getting his bath . . . that kind of thing.

Now: Floorplans now account for at least a 2:1 ratio of bedrooms:bathrooms, but it's not uncommon for the ratio to be higher, so that nearly every occupant in the house gets their "own" bathroom.  Master bathrooms can be turned into private retreats, racking up the expense with specialty tubs, showers, vanities, and flooring materials.  

The Master Bedroom Suite

Then: Bedrooms weren't a place to hang out or relax. Closets were small, as were wardrobes, and available floor space was compact.

Now: Following the mindset for the master bathroom, the master bedroom has typically been given more square footage than any other room in the house, next to the living room and kitchen, in today's floor plans. It's not uncommon for master "suites" to have sitting areas, walk in closets, and of course, the attached spa-like bathrooms.

People often ask us what defines the culture of Logan County and why Indian Lake is such a great place to live. The truth is, it's all about the people. 

Living in a place as beautiful as Ohio, nestled next to Indian Lake and surrounded by state parks and farmlands; this is what it means to live in the American Midwest.  But when it comes right down to it, the thing that makes Indian Lake one of the best places to live, is that our people still maintain the same small town charm that has always been a staple of rural life.  There is a kindness and sense of community rarely found in other parts of the country.  It's a remnant of the early settler days when central Ohio was booming with early industry and advanced agriculture. 

We have a lot of fast food restaurants and chain department stores today, just like every other town in the USA.  But we also have a wealth of small businesses and local establishments that cater to locals and visitors alike.  Living in Logan County means being a part of the group that calls this place home. Saying hello to the neighbor you see at the grocery store and knowing the parents of your kids' friends.  These are the real deal purpose of community and the way life is meant to be lived.

The neighborhoods and houses in Bellefontaine or Russells Point are comprised of a nice mix of families, some who have lived in these parts for generations and others who have relocated here to find something fresh and welcoming for their families.  We encourage you to browse the homes of Bellefontaine and greater Logan County to see what we mean by small town charm and a sense of community.

Living in America's Heartland means a deep appreciation for the people and culture that makes small town life feel like home.

You're always welcome in Logan County!

Summer is in full swing in Central Ohio and our locals can't get enough of the sunshine and great outdoors. When the winter is so long and cold, it's always nice to break the ice with some fun, family-friendly summer activities right here on home turf.  Here are three of our favorites for you to consider.  Whatever you do, get out there and have some fun in the sun!

Get on the Lake

Indian Lake offers a wealth of activity for the whole family. Swimming and enjoying the lakeside park areas are a great way to spend a few hours together without spending too much.  For the more adventurous types, check out Spend a Day Marina for boat andwatercraft rentals.  Nothing beats buzzing around on the lake with a Jet Ski or speed boat.  If you're up for fishing there are some great spots around the lake for catching bluegill, yellow perch, and largemouth bass.  From a boat or the shore, you're sure to get something on the end of your line.

Family Camping

The Welcome Woods Family Campground offers you and yours a chance to get outside and camp under the stars for a few days this summer.  18 acres of open land offers plenty of camping spots from the primitive setups, where it's just you and a tent, to recreational parking with water and electrical hookups.  The campground is on the south side of Indian Lake so you can walk over for a swim or fishing, or just hang out by the fire pit roasting hot dogs and s'mores!  The great outdoors is the iconic summer family experience.

Horseback Riding

Living in the Midwest has its own quaint country charm but nothing says America like a rural horseback tour.  Our friends at Marmon Valley Farm off horseback riding adventures and trail rides, plus camps and lessons for all ages.  Let your kids experience the wonders of a fully functioning farm with animals, pets, crops, and of course… horses! 

Make memories to last a lifetime right here in Logan County.

Our award-winning real estate agents are exceptional for many reasons, not the least of which is their knowledge and awareness of all that the Bellefontaine community has to offer. When you're representing the beautiful homes for sale in Bellefontaine, it pays to know the area's best attractions and that starts with great food. The following 4 local restaurants of Bellefontaine are some of the most popular and highest rated eateries in town.

Six Hundred Downtown

With several awards to their name and a long-standing #1 ranking on TripAdvisor for the best restaurant in Bellefontaine, Six Hundred Downtown leads our list. Pizza Champ Michael Shepherd offers classic handcrafted pizzas in old fashioned brick ovens that are good enough to have been featured on the Food Network and Discovery Channel. Don't miss this local excellence!

Don's Downtown Diner

Another local favorite, Don's place features classic American burgers like your granddad used to make. The chef is highly creative and does some amazing things with ribs, pulled pork, and chili too! As a Main Street original, Don's Downtown Diner is a great example of the homegrown quality of the Bellefontaine community.

Vicario's Pizza

It's all in the sauce, is the famous saying of great Italian pizza around the world and at Vicario's, that's never been more true. Famous for the sweet sauce and creative toppings, this local pizzeria gets consistent 5 star reviews and continues to draw in crowds from far and wide.

Los Cabos Mexico

No town is complete without a great Mexican restaurant and Los Cabos is the local favorite. With a classic Mexican atmosphere and delicious signature dishes, the residents of Bellefontaine can't say enough good things about this place. Try the Chili Relleno next time you're in town!

There are plenty of great places to eat in Bellefontaine Ohio and the surrounding area so don't limit yourself to just these four. When you come to town, try something different each time. It's hard to be disappointed by the local eats.

When you and your family decide to move to a new town or area, one of the first things likely to come to mind is the local school district. Will my kids have a good education? What about extra-curriculars? What kind of friends will they have? These are all valid concerns for parents looking to relocate to Bellefontaine Ohio and have the kids switch schools.

Fortunately for you (and our residents), Bellefontaine has one of the highest rated school systems in the state of Ohio. With exceptional test scores at the high school level and enrichment programs for all our K-12 students, Bellefontaine schools rank in the top 5% of Ohio schools.

Elementary School serves the little ones in Kindergarten up to 2^nd grade and then our Intermediary School takes care of grades 3-5. The Middle School (Grades 6-8) prepares our young adults for High School (grades 9-12).  

Homes for sale in Bellefontaine Ohio are appealling to families relocating to the area because the school system has such a great reputation and track record. You know you're in a good community when everyone loves the schools.

Boasting an open enrollment policy, Bellefontaine schools invite families from neighboring communities to enroll students if they so choose.  We take pride in the next generation in the Bellefontaine community and there's no place where that's more apparent than in the halls of our school system, the fields of our athletic teams, and the minds of our students.

Welcome to Bellefontaine Ohio and enjoy the search for your new home!  Go Chiefs!