Life in Barberton

Barberton was founded in the late 19th century by pioneer industrialist, entrepreneur and visionary businessman O.C. Barber at a time when Ohio was bustling with growth from the Industrial Revolution. The city, planned around what is now Lake Anna, had a complex array of streets for homes, churches, schools and commercial business districts. Barberton quickly became an important industrial center of Northeast Ohio, growing so rapidly that a newspaper reporter once described the growth as magical. Soon, Barberton became known as the Magic City, a moniker that remains to this day. Learn more about Barberton’s history.

Over the years, our city has evolved into a thriving community that cherishes its heritage while embracing modern opportunities, making it a great place to call home. New jobs have been created in education, health care and technology. Our city has also made multi-million dollar investment in schools, infrastructure, roads and recreational facilities, including parks.