Why Smart Businesses Are Flocking to Fairlawn Ohio

The 18 Corridor
Aug 20
5 min read

Updated: Sep 11

The future of business growth might be hiding in a small Ohio suburb. While countless communities claim to be "business-friendly," Fairlawn, Ohio demonstrates this commitment through strategic investments that deliver measurable results for companies of all sizes.

What happens when a city with fewer than 8,000 residents decides to punch above its weight? In Fairlawn's case, it transforms into a commercial powerhouse that sees its daytime population swell to around 40,000 as workers and shoppers flood into this Akron suburb.

This remarkable transformation didn't happen by accident.

The Digital Foundation That Changed Everything

In 2016, Fairlawn made a decision that would reshape its economic landscape: investing in municipal broadband. This wasn't just another infrastructure project.

It was a declaration of priorities.

The city created FairlawnGig, bringing gigabit fiber connections to every home and business in the area. While other communities talked about digital access, Fairlawn built it.

The results speak for themselves. Since implementing this high-speed network:

257 new jobs have been created within the FairlawnGig footprint
15 new businesses have chosen to locate in the community
Commercial subscribers can access blazing-fast 10 gigabit per second connectivity

This digital infrastructure has attracted businesses that might otherwise have overlooked a small Ohio suburb. A digital security firm relocated to Fairlawn. A leading orthopedic clinic chose to build a new hospital specifically because of the strength of the city's digital resources.

When you're considering where to establish or expand your business, internet reliability isn't just a convenience. It's the backbone of modern commerce.

Location Advantages That Multiply Your Reach

Digital infrastructure is just the beginning of Fairlawn's business appeal. The city's physical location offers strategic advantages that smart business owners immediately recognize.

Situated in Summit County, Fairlawn benefits from what economic developers call the "prime location advantage." The city sits at a crossroads of major transportation routes, providing easy access to markets throughout the Midwest and beyond.

For retail businesses, the numbers tell a compelling story. The Fairlawn/Montrose area has emerged as Summit County's hottest retail market, with high visibility traffic counts including:

21,870 cars daily on West Market Street
9,230 cars daily on Ghent Road

This visibility translates directly to customer exposure. When your business is where the people already are, you've won half the battle of customer acquisition.

But location advantages extend beyond retail. For service businesses, manufacturers, and professional firms, Fairlawn offers proximity to a diverse talent pool, major universities, and the innovation ecosystem of Northeast Ohio.

A Workforce That Powers Growth

Behind every successful business stands a capable workforce. Fairlawn's position within Summit County provides access to a deep reservoir of talent across multiple industries.

The area boasts a unique combination of experienced professionals and fresh university graduates. With multiple higher education institutions in the region, businesses can tap into a steady stream of qualified candidates.

What makes Fairlawn particularly attractive for workforce development is the balance it offers:

Accessibility for commuters from throughout Northeast Ohio
Quality of life that helps attract and retain top talent
Housing options at various price points that accommodate diverse workforce needs

When employees can live comfortably near where they work, businesses benefit from reduced turnover, higher productivity, and stronger community connections.

Infrastructure That Supports Expansion

Beyond digital connectivity, Fairlawn has invested in physical infrastructure that makes doing business easier and more efficient.

The city understands that aesthetics matter. Investments in beautification and building upgrades create an environment where businesses are proud to locate and customers want to visit.

This commitment to quality extends to future-focused projects. Fairlawn is developing a new $35 million data center as part of the Summit Connects initiative. This 20,000 square foot facility will support a fiber ring public safety network connecting 31 communities.

For businesses that depend on reliable infrastructure, these investments signal a city that understands what companies need to thrive.

A Commercial Ecosystem That Nurtures Success

No business exists in isolation. Success depends on being part of a vibrant commercial ecosystem where various enterprises support and strengthen each other.

Fairlawn has cultivated exactly this kind of environment.

The West Market Plaza exemplifies this approach, bringing together fashion retailers, home goods stores, personal services, and dining options in one convenient location. This concentration creates natural customer flow between businesses.

For B2B companies, the density of commercial activity in Fairlawn means potential clients and partners are often just down the street. The Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce further strengthens these connections through networking events and community initiatives.

When you establish your business in Fairlawn, you're not just opening a location. You're joining a community of enterprises that collectively create a destination for customers and clients.

City Leadership That Prioritizes Business Success

Perhaps the most important factor in Fairlawn's business appeal is something less tangible but equally powerful: a city government that genuinely values business growth.

This isn't just talk. Fairlawn demonstrates its commitment through action:

Forward-thinking investments in infrastructure that serves business needs

Economic development strategies that recognize business success and community prosperity go hand-in-hand

Responsive governance that addresses business concerns efficiently

When city leaders established FairlawnGig, they explicitly framed it as an "economic development strategy founded on the belief that business growth, innovation, and community transformation will follow with every connection."

This philosophy permeates Fairlawn's approach to governance. The city understands that when businesses thrive, the entire community benefits through job creation, expanded tax base, and enhanced quality of life.

The Fairlawn Advantage in Action

What does all this mean for your business? Consider how Fairlawn's unique advantages translate to practical benefits:

Reduced operating costs through affordable, reliable internet and efficient infrastructure
Enhanced customer reach due to strategic location and high visibility
Talent acquisition advantages from access to a diverse workforce
Growth potential within a supportive business ecosystem
Partnership opportunities with city leadership invested in your success

These advantages compound over time. The businesses that recognized Fairlawn's potential early have already begun reaping the rewards of their decision.

Is Fairlawn Right for Your Business?

While Fairlawn offers compelling advantages, every business has unique needs. The ideal location depends on your specific industry, growth stage, and strategic objectives.

Ask yourself:

Would your operations benefit from guaranteed high-speed internet access?
Would your customers or clients find a location in Summit County's retail hub convenient?
Could your business leverage the synergy of Fairlawn's commercial ecosystem?
Would your growth trajectory benefit from a city government that actively supports business development?

For an increasing number of companies, the answers to these questions point toward Fairlawn as an ideal business location.

The Future of Business in Fairlawn

Fairlawn's business-friendly approach continues to evolve. The city isn't resting on past achievements but actively planning for future growth.

The expansion of FairlawnGig into neighboring communities will further strengthen the region's digital infrastructure. The development of the Summit Connects data center signals ongoing commitment to technological advancement.

For businesses considering relocation or expansion, these forward-looking investments provide confidence that Fairlawn will remain competitive as a business destination for years to come.

The most successful businesses don't just choose a location based on current conditions. They look for communities with momentum, where today's advantages are likely to multiply tomorrow.

By this standard, Fairlawn stands out as a community on the rise.

Taking the Next Step

If Fairlawn's combination of digital infrastructure, strategic location, workforce access, and business-friendly governance aligns with your company's needs, the next step is straightforward.

The City of Fairlawn and the Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce provides resources for businesses considering the area. City economic development officials can offer insights into specific opportunities and incentives.

What distinguishes Fairlawn from many other communities is the tangible evidence of its commitment to business success. This isn't a city making empty promises about being "open for business."

It's a community that has invested in creating the conditions where businesses can thrive.

For companies seeking competitive advantage through location, that makes Fairlawn worth serious consideration.