Ridgefield

Ridgefield is a well-established active lifestyle community in North Ridgeville, Ohio, planned to include 1,100 custom-built ranch-style single-family homes at full build-out. Local third-generation builder Bob Schmitt Homes broke ground in 1998 and continues adding new construction alongside a steady resale market, giving buyers the rare choice between a brand new custom home and a move-in-ready resale in the same neighborhood. Homes are designed around one-level living and range from roughly 1,685 to 4,196 square feet, with two to four bedrooms, one to four bathrooms, and attached two- or three-car garages. Bob Schmitt is known for a highly collaborative build process — buyers are encouraged to take an active role in designing and customizing their home, which is part of what gives the community its unusually wide range of floor plans and exterior styles. Some sections offer landscaping services, making low-maintenance living easy for buyers who want to lock-and-leave. The community center is the social heart of Ridgefield. Residents enjoy a clubhouse with a well-equipped fitness room, a lending library, an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor patio, and multi-purpose/meeting rooms that can be rented for private gatherings and also host community-wide social and educational events. A full-time activities director coordinates clubs, classes, and special-interest groups, which helps new residents plug into the social scene quickly — a frequent theme in resident reviews, which often describe the community as a "hidden gem" with exceptional pride of ownership and meticulously maintained landscaping throughout. Location is a major draw. Ridgefield sits just south of Lorain Road, west of Bagley, with the North Ridgeville Library directly across the street and South Central Park — trails, tennis, basketball, and a splash pad — just minutes away. Downtown Cleveland is roughly 20 miles east (under 30 minutes), and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is about 15 minutes away, making travel and visits from family easy. Daily errands are handled by Giant Eagle, Aldi, Shaker's Marketplace, and Butternut Corners Market, along with CVS and Discount Drug Mart, while bigger runs to Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, and Midway Mall are close by. Healthcare options are strong, with University Hospitals North Ridgeville Health Center, University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, Southwest General Health Center, and St. John Medical Center-Westlake all within roughly 10 miles. Lake Erie is about 10 miles north, and the area's flat terrain with small lakes and rivers makes for easy walking, biking, and dog-friendly strolling. Ridgefield suits buyers who want a true 55+ lifestyle near a major metro — custom-built one-level homes, an active social calendar run by a dedicated director, and easy access to Cleveland's hospitals, airport, sports, and cultural attractions without paying big-city prices.