North Royalton, OH

The 21 square miles that have come to be North Royalton were settled in 1818 by Knight Sprague; this tract of land became a village with farmland in 1927. The population didn’t increase rapidly until the installation of the turnpike in 1955. The accessibility encouraged people to move to North Royalton from Parma and other neighboring cities.

No museums or hobby hang-outs exist, but neighbors do socialize. The community hosts entertaining annual events such as Home Days in the town square. In July, St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church holds a popular festival. Citizens of all ages flock there for four days of music, dancing, Greek food and crafts. Kids enjoy carnival games and prizes.

Restaurants and nightlife in North Royalton remain limited; however, some quality choices exist for locals to enjoy. Find those select establishments centrally located on or around Ridge Road. Local diners enjoy Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Greek and Serbian flavors. Preferred places to catch a game include Cleats Club Seat Grille, Tony Maloney's, The Inn Between Bar and Grill and Mastro's The 3 Spot.

Quick and informal, Niko's Bar & Gyros exhibits taste and value. Thirteen years of restaurant skill brings sandwiches to life. Start your meal with selections such as the house-made hummus or Thai chili chicken wings. Featured choices consist of gyros, the Hot Mess Burger and saganaki, which consists of fried cheese with pita slices. Originals, such as the stuffed cheeseburger gyro and blackened grouper Reuben, keep crowds happy.

Jaipur Junction pleases palates with fresh north Indian dishes. Foods made from recipes that have been passed down through generations come on display proudly during the afternoon buffet. Local's favorites include the chicken tikka masala, the maharaja grill and the tandoori chicken tikka. Patrons appreciate the superiority of ingredients used at this establishment, where you can eat in or order take-out.

For over 50 years, family owned and operated Carrie Cerino's Ristorante and Party Center has maintained a loyal following. Homemade pastas and sauces and wedding soup consistently satisfy. Dine early for lighter portions with cheaper prices. Come for dinner when mountainous piles of pasta come as sides with entrées. Visitors return for the chicken parmigiana and Mama's Homemade Spaghetti. Leave room for dessert; chefs bake daily treats such as cookies, kolachy and cheesecake. Special events may be celebrated in the Grand Ballroom or the Club Ballroom. Regardless of the occasion, Carrie Cerino's cuisine remains a Royalton favorite.

Evenings in North Royalton take on a slow pace. The majority of establishments close by 9 or 10 p.m., so people frequently entertain at home. Patrons eager for a late night should head to the Sip-N-Post, the Town Tavern or the Crystal Keg Bar & Grill. It may appear less than average, but karaoke night at the Crystal Keg usually packs the parking lot. More adventurous types may try the Club 360.

Navigating North Royalton with ease requires a vehicle. Most commuters drive into Cleveland, though it is possible to take public transportation. Unfortunately, RTA routes from North Royalton do require a bus transfer. Amenities scattered throughout the large area make it difficult to rely on bike or foot travel, though streets are safe for cyclists and pedestrians. Expect drive times of 10 to 20 minutes to neighborhood destinations. Use nearby Highway 80 to reach out-of-town destinations.

Businesses provide plentiful free parking, and residential streets permit parking along the curb until 2 a.m. If you're interested in a taxi or a ride from Uber to the downtown area, be sure to call early and prepare for an expensive fare.

For years, families have gathered at North Royalton Memorial Park. Located on State Road, the space contains a scenic pond, tennis courts and a sizable playground. Picnic tables under the pavilion make for relaxing gatherings large and small. Set behind the pond and playground lies a soccer field. Memorial Park also contains a spot for skateboard enthusiasts. A community garden completes the park.

The Cleveland Metropark system also runs through the neighborhood. Limited parking and bike paths line the park road. The park welcomes all visitors, and happy memories cost nothing at these locations.

Located near city hall is another park; this small square holds a gazebo, picnic tables and benches that possess beautiful views of Royalton Road Hill. This site hosts North Royalton’s annual Home Days Festival, when residents line up along Ridge Road to watch the parade. Generations delight in mingling with acquaintances and stuffing their pockets with candy. The heart of North Royalton beats on this small block.

Although the cost of living is slightly higher than that of Cleveland, residents find North Royalton affordable. A domestic draft at a local pub costs around $5. Gas prices trend 10 percent lower than the national average. RTA one-way fares cost $2.25. Including the transfer, a one-way trip into town totals $4.50. Thrifty travelers may opt to purchase an all-day pass for only $5. Homes for lease in pleasant communities can be found along York Road. Single-bedroom apartments cost $630 per month to rent.

Businesses in North Royalton center along Route 82. Drug store chains as well as a Giant Eagle supermarket, dry cleaners and a Radio Shack reside in the main shopping center across from the North Royalton Post Office. Fresh produce selections at Romano's Fresh Market don't disappoint, and there is a farmers market on the weekends near city hall. A selection of boutique shops provides specialty gifts and art. Interesting vintage treasures can be found at the Red Geranium, and the Royal Ten Cigar and Tobacco supports a loyal clientele. Electronic and sound system needs can be satisfied at AV Environments or Hellraizing Sound Systems.