Custom Home Builder | New Franklin, Ohio

Build a custom home in a quiet Summit County community known for lake-area living, outdoor recreation, and convenient access to Akron and surrounding areas.

New Franklin offers a relaxed residential setting in southern Summit County, with access to the Portage Lakes, parks, trails, and nearby Akron-area amenities. At Zollinger Builders, we design and build custom homes in and around New Franklin for homeowners who want thoughtful planning, lasting quality, and a home that fits their land, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Living in New Franklin, Ohio

New Franklin has a quieter Summit County feel, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods, lake-area properties, wooded settings, and rural-edge homesites. Its location gives homeowners access to Akron, Barberton, Green, Norton, Clinton, and the surrounding Portage Lakes area while still maintaining a more relaxed pace.


For custom-home buyers, New Franklin is a strong fit for those who want privacy, outdoor living, and access to water recreation. The city is closely connected to Portage Lakes State Park, which offers boating, water skiing, swimming, camping, fishing, hiking trails, hunting, wetlands, and winter recreation.


Why Build Here?

  • Quiet southern Summit County residential setting
  • Strong fit for lake-area homes, wooded lots, larger homesites, and build-on-your-lot opportunities
  • Convenient access to Akron, Green, Barberton, Norton, Clinton, and Canton-area routes
  • Outdoor lifestyle centered around Portage Lakes, trails, parks, and recreation

Manchester, Coventry & Nearby Education Options

New Franklin families may be served by different school districts depending on the exact property location, so school boundaries should be confirmed when choosing a homesite. In and around New Franklin, many homeowners look closely at Manchester Local Schools, Coventry Local Schools, and nearby education options throughout southern Summit County.


For families considering a custom home in New Franklin, this makes site selection especially important. The right property can help align your home design, commute, school preferences, and lifestyle goals while still keeping you close to the Portage Lakes and Akron-area amenities.


Education Highlights

  • School assignment can vary by exact property address
  • Access to local and nearby Summit County school options
  • Important to confirm district boundaries before purchasing land
  • Strong fit for families who want lake-area living with flexible education access

Things to Do & Local Highlights

New Franklin’s strongest lifestyle advantage is its connection to the Portage Lakes and outdoor recreation. Portage Lakes State Park is located in New Franklin, and the city also highlights access to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Tudor House, city parks, and sports facilities as part of its parks and recreation resources.


The area gives homeowners the ability to enjoy boating, fishing, walking trails, community events, lakefront dining, and quiet residential living while staying close to Akron and surrounding communities. New Franklin is especially appealing for homeowners who want a custom home built around outdoor time, water access, and a more relaxed pace.


Feature Local Spots

  • Portage Lakes State Park – a major outdoor destination in New Franklin offering boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, wetlands, and seasonal recreation
  • Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail – a regional trail that runs along the western edge of New Franklin and connects residents to one of Northeast Ohio’s best-known recreation corridors
  • Tudor House – a historic city-owned property used for community events, private rentals, and gatherings near the Portage Lakes area
  • Portage Lakes Waterfront Area – a defining local lifestyle feature with lakefront restaurants, recreation, and neighborhood appeal