Discovering the Roots of Red Tail
There’s a place in Avon, Ohio, where tree-lined streets wind through beautifully maintained landscapes, where kids ride their bikes with a sense of freedom, and neighbors greet each other in passing. That place is Red Tail — a neighborhood whose story is as rich and inviting as its well-tended golf greens.
Red Tail sits just off Avon’s northeast corridor, primarily nestled around the intersection of Nagel Road and Lear Nagle Road, with its heart beating along the elegant Red Tail Drive. Before the brick colonials and stately manors, this was farmland, stretching beyond the horizon of what was once a quiet rural township. The land itself reflects Avon’s broader evolution: from its roots as part of vineyard country in the early 19th century, to the vibrant residential community it has become today.
The Origins of the Name
Red Tail gets its evocative name from a quintessential part of Ohio’s natural heritage — the majestic red-tailed hawk. These raptors once soared over the open fields and woodland edges found on what is today the golf course and residential streets, their distinctive cries a common sound for early farmers and children alike. The developers of the Red Tail neighborhood honored this legacy, adopting the name to reflect both the natural beauty and the pioneering spirit that marks Avon’s past.
You’ll still spot the occasional hawk circling above the fairways of the Red Tail Golf Club, a subtle reminder of the land’s wilder days.
Key Historical Milestones
Red Tail’s development began in earnest during the mid-1990s, a time when Avon was shifting from its agricultural heritage to a more suburban identity. The construction of the Red Tail Golf Club in 1999 was the catalyst — transforming rolling acreage into one of Lorain County’s premier golf destinations and, soon after, a sought-after residential community.
Some milestones in Red Tail’s history include:
- 1999: The grand opening of Red Tail Golf Club, designed by the renowned architect Arthur Hills.
- Early 2000s: Construction begins on the first group of homes along Red Tail Drive, Vintage Circle, and St. Andrews Drive.
- 2003: The community hosts its first charity golf tournament, a tradition that continues to draw local and regional attention.
- 2010s: Expansion continues, with new home models added along Scotland Way, Gleneagles Drive, and more.
- Present Day: Red Tail is recognized not just for its beautiful homes and golf facilities, but also for its close-knit, welcoming spirit.
Notable Landmarks and Local Institutions
Red Tail is more than manicured lawns. Some of its most cherished spots and buildings include:
- Red Tail Golf Club – The heart of the neighborhood, with stunning fairways, a world-class clubhouse, and a warmly inviting restaurant open to residents and their guests.
- The Clubhouse – Hosting everything from weddings to community mixers, this elegant building is a local landmark in its own right. Its veranda overlooks the greens, making it a favorite spot for summer evening gatherings.
- Community Parks and Paths – Throughout Red Tail, short walking and biking paths link cul-de-sacs and side streets, with benches under big oaks and maples. The park near the intersection of Augusta Drive and Lear Nagle Road is a favorite for young families.
- Nearby Avon Commons and Miller Nature Preserve – While not inside Red Tail itself, these destinations border the neighborhood, anchoring it to Avon’s network of shopping, dining, and natural beauty.
Streets That Tell a Story
Certain streets in Red Tail are namesakes of famous golfing destinations—Scotland Way, St. Andrews Drive, and Gleneagles Drive reminding residents of the sport’s prestigious heritage. Others, like Vintage Circle, are nods to the timeless style and classic architecture that define the area’s homes.
These streets are the stage for cherished neighborhood traditions — from annual Halloween parades down Red Tail Drive to summer block parties on Turnberry Way.
Evolution Over Decades
Red Tail has grown from a novel development on the city’s edge to one of the most prominent neighborhoods in all of Avon. Its homes remain sought-after not just for their craftsmanship, but for the unique lifestyle they offer. Families are drawn here for the award-winning Avon Schools, while retirees appreciate the serenity and amenities.
Over the decades, Red Tail has embraced responsible growth, retaining its green space and natural beauty. Mature trees arch over streets, backyard gardens bloom every spring, and residents take collective pride in maintaining communal spaces.
Yet, perhaps the most remarkable evolution is social: Red Tail’s sense of community. From the informal book clubs and holiday decorating contests to the golf club’s many charitable events, neighbors here truly look out for each other. It’s the kind of place where someone will shovel your driveway after a heavy snowfall, or leave a casserole on the porch when someone falls ill.
Why Red Tail Is Special
What sets Red Tail apart isn’t just its amenities, gorgeous homes, or storied golf course. It’s the people, the traditions, and the sense of stewardship over the neighborhood’s legacy.
So whether you’re walking past the sparkling pond along Augusta Drive on a brisk autumn day, waving to friends on your evening stroll down St. Andrews Drive, or enjoying a summer concert on the clubhouse lawn, you’re participating in a living heritage — one rooted in Avon’s soil, but always looking forward to what’s next.
Red Tail is not only a place to call home, but a living chapter in Avon’s ongoing story.