Brunswick, Ohio: Cleveland's Southwest Suburb

Brunswick, Ohio is the largest city in Medina County, with a population of 35,426 as of the 2020 census. It is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Cleveland and is part of the wider Cleveland metropolitan area.

Population and demographics

Brunswick, Ohio is the largest city in Medina County, with a population of 35,426 as of the 2020 census. It is part of the Cleveland metropolitan area and is located around 20 miles southwest of Cleveland. The population density was 2,651.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,023.7/km2) at the 2020 census.

The racial makeup of the city was 95.5% White, 1.2% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3%.

Of the 12,967 households, 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.07.

The median age was 39.1 years. 25.2% of residents were under the age of 18; the median household income was $56,288 and the median family income was $62,080. The per capita income for the city was $21,937. About 3.2% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line.

The population of Brunswick has been steadily increasing over the years, with a 5.4% increase since 2000. As of 2022, the population is 35,196, with a median resident age of 39. The estimated median household income in 2022 was $79,806, a notable increase from 2000. The percentage of residents living in poverty in 2022 was 5.9%.

History

Brunswick, Ohio, was founded on January 1, 1815, and was named after Brunswick, Germany, following a naming contest. The first settlers were the brothers Solomon and Frederick Deming, who arrived on March 4, 1815, followed by other families that summer. The area was first surveyed in 1796 by Abraham and John Freese.

The first election was held in April 1818, with 19 voters. The township began to resemble the hometowns the settlers had left behind in New England. In 1819, Thomas Stearns opened the first store—just one room in his log cabin. The first real store was built by Archibald Mills in 1824, and he did a "grand business".

The United Methodist Church, the oldest in Medina County and the second oldest in the Western Reserve, was founded in 1817. The congregation first met in a log schoolhouse, about a quarter of a mile west of the town centre. In 1830, John and Lucy Stearns donated two acres of land to Brunswick trustees for a burying ground. The ground included a 66x88ft plot given to the Methodist Church for a meeting house.

In 1828, Brunswick boasted a distillery with a capacity of 12 gallons daily, but it closed a few years later due to low demand.

In 1858, the town held its first agricultural fair, with over 200 kinds of exhibits. In the same year, the first couple to be married in Brunswick Township, Melinda and Henry Parker, celebrated their 42nd anniversary.

In 1871, the Methodist Church bought one and a half acres of land on the southeast corner of the circle for $1,000. The original brick structure is made with local bricks from a clay pit at Sherman's Corners.

In 1909, the Aylard Brothers bought bricks from the demolished Congregational church and built a brick building in the town's southwest corner.

In 1911, the old wooden building on the corner that was the IOOF hall was torn down and replaced by a two-story brick building.

In 1915, Farnum Gibbs built a business and apartment building near the substation with feed and implements on the first floor and living quarters upstairs.

In 1924, Corte Carlton bought the Arthur Mellert Garage at 1420 Pearl Road and, with his brother Blake, opened a Ford agency and garage.

In 1931, the Chamber of Commerce was organised.

In 1940, the legislature allowed communities to buy fire equipment, and the Brunswick Volunteer Fire Department was formed.

In 1956, the showroom was built at 1191 Pearl Road, now occupied by Harley-Davidson.

In 1960, Brunswick was incorporated as a village and, later that year, as a city.

In 1965, the community celebrated its 150th anniversary with a gigantic sesquicentennial celebration.

In 1976, the Brunswick Area Historical Society was founded.

Geography and climate

Brunswick, Ohio is located in Medina County, around 20 miles southwest of Cleveland. It is the largest city in the county, with a population of 35,426 as of the 2020 census. The city covers a total area of 12.96 square miles, of which 12.92 square miles is land and 0.04 square miles is water. The elevation of Brunswick is 1,070 feet, and its coordinates are 41.24 N latitude and 81.83 W longitude.

Brunswick has a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm to hot, humid summers. The city experiences all four seasons, with a range of precipitation throughout the year. Spring and autumn are generally mild, with moderate temperatures and occasional rainfall. Winters are typically cold, with frequent snowfall and temperatures often dropping below freezing. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, and the region has experienced tornadoes in the past.

The average climate in Brunswick is characterised by significant variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year. The city has a higher level of air pollution compared to the national average, with higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. The area has also experienced earthquake activity, although the magnitude is generally smaller than the US average.

The landscape of Brunswick is predominantly urban, with a population density of 2,807 people per square mile. The city is surrounded by other urban areas, including Parma, Cleveland, and Akron. The land area of Brunswick consists mostly of developed areas, with residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts, and industrial zones. There are also some natural areas, including parks such as North Park and Rolling Hills Park. The city is situated in the Greater Cleveland region, which is known for its diverse geography, including coastal areas along Lake Erie and inland areas with rolling hills and valleys.

Attractions and notable places

Brunswick, Ohio, is a charming city with plenty of attractions and notable places to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

Scene75 Entertainment Center

Scene75 is a family-friendly indoor entertainment centre spanning 85,000 square feet. It offers a wide range of exciting attractions, including indoor electric go-karts, a two-story laser tag arena, Food Truck Alley, over 130 arcade games, and a bar. It's a perfect destination for all ages and is open year-round.

Mapleside Farms

Mapleside Farms is a 122-acre fruit farm and apple orchard with a rich history dating back to 1927. It has become one of Northeast Ohio's premier entertainment and concert venues. The farm hosts various events throughout the year, including summer and winter concerts, fall festivals, and weddings. It boasts a 50-mile view from its Sunset Stage, creating a breathtaking backdrop for any event.

Hollo's Papercraft

Hollo's Papercraft is a speciality gift shop that caters to all your paper needs. From common to unique card stock and craft paper, you can find it all here. The staff is knowledgeable and always ready to lend a helping hand in finding the perfect product.

Ignite Brewing Company and West Branch Malts

Brunswick is also home to the Ignite Brewing Company and West Branch Malts, offering a unique insight into the world of brewing and malt production.

Brunswick Parks Department

The Brunswick Parks Department manages various parks and open spaces in the city, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. North Park and Neura Park are two notable green spaces in the city, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Sidelines Bar & Grill

Sidelines Bar & Grill is a popular spot for sports fans, with plenty of TVs to catch the big game. It's known for its friendly staff and delicious food, making it a great place to grab a bite and enjoy a drink with friends.

Zen Yoga Studio

For those seeking a more relaxing experience, Zen Yoga Studio offers a variety of yoga and Pilates classes. The knowledgeable and friendly instructors create a relaxing and stress-free environment for practitioners of all levels.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Brunswick is also conveniently located near Cleveland, providing easy access to notable attractions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Transport and infrastructure

Brunswick, Ohio, is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Cleveland. It is the largest city in Medina County and is part of the Cleveland metropolitan area.

Brunswick's transport and infrastructure are managed by the Service and Streets department, which operates from the Service Center building on West 130th Street. The department is responsible for maintaining the city's physical structures and facilities, including roadways, water, water drainage, and yard waste disposal.

The city's public transit is provided by the BTA, and the city is also served by several major roads. The Boston Road interchange has been a point of contention for the Brunswick City Council, which has opposed the proposed interchange.

Road work and closures are common in Brunswick, with ongoing projects including Magnolia Drive and Marks Road. The Service Department provides updates and detours for commuters on its website. The department also handles issues such as pipe replacement, storm sewer maintenance, snow and ice control, and street light malfunctions.

In addition to road infrastructure, the city of Brunswick also has a public library, a branch of the Medina County District Library. The city is served by a daily newspaper, *The Medina County Gazette*, and a free weekly newspaper, *The Brunswick Post*.

Frequently asked questions