Stow, Ohio

Strength in Diversity

Delivering residents what they need while keeping community spirit alive

Stow, Ohio, may not be the largest city in Summit County, but it consistently delivers beyond its scale. With a population of around 35,000, the city thrives on community spirit, strong infrastructure, and a diverse economic base.

Stow’s leaders emphasize the importance of its unique balance, describing a city that’s both large enough to offer residents everything they need and small enough to maintain a close-knit, supportive atmosphere. Mayor John Pribonic explains, “We’re small enough to get to know people but large enough to run the city with our resources.”

Linda Nahrstedt, the city’s Director of Parks and Recreation and Marketing Coordinator, emphasizes this point further. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of amenities and resources in the community,” she says. “That’s what draws people here, and it’s also what keeps them here.”

Economic stability

Stow’s economic strength lies in its diversity. The city features a healthy mix of industries, which has helped it weather various economic changes over the years. The diversity was particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted industries and economies worldwide. However, Stow remained resilient, thanks to its broad economic base.

Zack Cowan, Director of Planning and Development, highlights the importance: “About 16% of our labor force is in manufacturing, but we also have a significant presence in healthcare, retail, and education. Approximately 1,200 businesses employ around 16,000 people here in Stow”, he explains.

Some of the largest employers in Stow include Summa Health, Akron General, and the Cleveland Clinic, which all have facilities in the area. Additionally, several manufacturing companies operate within the city limits. The diversity allows Stow to maintain economic stability even when individual industries face changes. “We don’t have all our eggs in one basket,” Mayor Pribonic says. “If a company leaves, we don’t have to worry about half of our payroll taxes disappearing. We’re fortunate in that regard.”

Stow’s strategic location between Akron and Cleveland has also made it a prime spot for businesses looking for a central location in Northeast Ohio. Cowan highlights the city’s growing industrial sector in the northwest quadrant, which has attracted significant development. “Fogg Industries has built 1.2 million square feet of spec warehousing, with plans for an additional 600,000 to 800,000 square feet,” Cowan says. “They’ve been a tremendous asset to the city.”

Infrastructure driving growth

Stow is committed to maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure, ensuring the city remains competitive and welcoming to businesses and residents. Infrastructure is critical to Stow’s ability to grow and attract new businesses. The city’s leaders are focused on ensuring that its roads, utilities, and technology remain top-notch.

Recently, the city completed a major repaving project on Route 59, one of its busiest corridors. “Next up is Route 91,” Cowan says. “We’re starting that project in the spring, with plans to tear up the concrete, replace it, and install new streetlights. It will be a big project over the next few years.”

In addition to road improvements, Stow is embracing new technology to serve its residents and businesses better. One particularly exciting project is the county-wide fiber loop installation. “The fiber loop will be running through Stow along Route 91,” Cowan explains. Households and companies can branch off and increase their internet capacity. That’s something we’ve needed.”

Stow is also part of a regional dispatch Center of Governance (COG), a collaborative initiative with neighboring communities like Cuyahoga Falls and Summit County. “This allows us to stay at the cutting edge of communication technology,” Pribonic says. “Each city still maintains its own police and fire departments, but the dispatch system enhances safety for all our residents.”

Diverse housing options

As Stow continues to grow, its housing market has become one of the most sought-after in the region. The city is primarily built out, but new developments emerge, providing housing for diverse residents. Cowan says, “We approved a major subdivision for 45 new single-family homes last year. That’s probably the last big residential development we’ll see, but the market remains strong.”

Stow’s housing market has gained national attention. “According to Zillow, we were ranked as one of the most sought-after housing markets in the country,” Mayor Pribonic says. “Our home values range from $150,000 to over a million dollars, offering a large variety of housing stock.”

The variety of housing options reflects Stow’s overall economic diversity, providing opportunities for people at all stages of life and careers. Whether you’re a young family starting or a seasoned professional looking for a high-end home, Stow offers a range of options. “You might start in a $150,000 house and work your way up to a million-dollar home,” Mayor Pribonic says. “That’s part of what makes this community so appealing.”

Community traditions

Stow’s community spirit is perhaps most evident in its extensive events and recreational offerings. The city has made a name for itself with its well-organized and widely attended community events, which draw residents and visitors from across the region.

“If you come to a program here in Stow, it’s comparable to something you’d see in a Hallmark movie or Disney production,” Nahrstedt says proudly. For instance, the city’s famous Fourth of July parade has been a tradition for over 60 years. “It’s steeped in tradition,” Nahrstedt explains. “Folks want to be in it. It’s very representative of the community we’re in.”

Another signature event in Stow is the annual Labor Day weekend summer blast. “We’re up to 17 years now,” Nahrstedt says. “It’s a huge event with fireworks and great entertainment. It’s a chance for people to reconnect with friends and family.”

The city’s parks are another major draw, with the recent addition of a destination playground that has attracted visitors from across the region. “Our playground has had unbelievable attendance,” Nahrstedt says. “It’s a huge success and fun for families.”

In addition to family-oriented events, Stow is committed to providing activities for its senior citizens. “Our senior programming is very popular,” Nahrstedt says. We do a lot of luncheons, bingo, and other activities to keep our seniors active. We’re also renovating a new senior center accommodating up to 500 people. It’s going to be a game-changer for our community.”

Civic engagement

Stow can offer many services and events because of its strong partnerships with local organizations. These partnerships have been essential to the city’s success, helping it secure the resources and support needed to grow.

“We work closely with the Stow-Munroe Falls School System, the Stow Historical Society, the Rotary, the Kiwanis, and many others,” Mayor Pribonic explains. “These partnerships are essential to making things happen in our community.” These partnerships help the city maintain high civic engagement, crucial for its continued growth and development.

Community-driven developments

As Stow looks to the future, its leaders remain focused on building a solid community that listens to its residents. “Our number one priority is building community,” says Mayor Pribonic. “When you build community and listen to people’s wants, you have a successful city.”

One of the significant future projects on the horizon is the construction of an amphitheater. “We’re looking into building an amphitheater and a splash pad,” Mayor Pribonic says. “These projects aren’t just wishes from the administration—they’re what our residents have told us they want.”

Stow’s parks will also continue to be a priority. “We’ve recently installed a five-court pickleball complex, which has been a big hit,” Nahrstedt says. “We’re constantly upgrading our playgrounds, trails, and general park facilities. The community is very appreciative of these improvements.”

Fostering cultural expression

Stow is placing an increasing emphasis on arts and culture. “We started four years ago with our signal box art program, where local artists create adhesive coverings for the signal boxes at intersections,” Mayor Pribonic explains. “It might sound small, but it’s been very successful. We change the designs every three years, and it’s something that neighboring cities have taken notice of.”

Stow’s commitment to the arts is growing, with plans to develop an arts master plan in the coming year. “We know that arts and culture are important to our residents and businesses,” Mayor Pribonic says. “Our arts commission is doing great work, and we’re excited to see where this will lead.”

The arts are not just a passion project for Stow’s residents; they are seen as a vital economic driver. Mayor Pribonic explains, “Our business community has supported the arts. They understand that the arts help attract new talent and retain employees, which is good for business.”

As Mayor Pribonic reflects on the city’s future, he remains optimistic: “We’ve grown quickly, but we’ve also listened to our residents. They’ve shaped this city and will continue to shape it. Our job is to keep building community and providing the resources and opportunities our residents need to succeed.”

AT A GLANCE

Stow, Ohio

What: A suburban city known for its peaceful neighborhoods and recreational parks, offering a family-friendly environment with a strong community and diverse local businesses.

Where: Located in northeastern Ohio, near Akron, and within the greater Cleveland-Akron metropolitan area.

Website: https://stowohio.org/