Anyone have info on Massillon? (Cleveland, Akron: section 8, rentals, condos)

[jamesdmaniac]

I am considering purchasing property in Massillon, but don't know much about the immediate area....can anyone give me a heads up? Thanks in advance!! James

[glasshouses]

I know the Massillon area. Is this property for investment?

What info are you looking for?

[jamesdmaniac]

I'm looking for a general description of the area, including job outlook, whether or not it is a "growing" area, if there are any "gotchas" I should know about, and any info that would allow me to determine whether or not to purchase rental property there.

Thanks in advance for your input!

[CantonzOwn]

It's not a growing area. The Downtown is like a ghost town because atleast 50% of the business places are shut down and makes the city look more like a slum. Don't get me wrong the city isn't ghetto by far. There are of course areas that are better to stay away from but for the most part Massillon is just normal middle class of people who are holding jobs from the past but there isn't much job opportunity for any age.

[glasshouses]

Summertime brings more crime. Read The Independent for news and other info. Check the town website for general info.

Rental property is widely available: apts, sfhs, not too many condos. The classifieds are full of ads for rentals. There are several apt communities. Several housing developments were built in recent years. A new development of townhomes built to blend in with the historic district, and within a few walkable blocks of downtown will be built in a year or so.

Jobs are hard to find. There is plenty of retail shopping, two hospitals, 12 screen movie house, etc. Lots of eateries. The downtown does have plenty of empty storefronts, however it is not a true ghost town. The empty car lots take up a lot of space on the main road. There is an empty shopping plaza between KFC and Arby's at the main traffic light at Wales Rd.

Downtown: Massillon Museum holds various community activities. Lions Lincoln Theatre, Outdoor Concerts on Thursdays, Cruise-Ins (for car enthusiasts), other concerts and family activities.

The murals on buildings are fascinating and unique. Football is big here.

Anything else?

[jamesdmaniac]

Thanks for all the info! Since I'm looking at investment property (rentals), this would probably NOT be a good situation for me. I appreciate the input!!

[casadepalmer]

The last info posted on Massillon is 6 months old---does anyone have any other opinions about Massillon.

[JR_C]

Originally Posted by casadepalmer

The last info posted on Massillon is 6 months old---does anyone have any other opinions about Massillon.

I moved away from Massillon almost 8 years ago, but I visit on a fairly regular basis.

I think glasshouses summed the city up fairly well. Jobs may be difficult to find in the immediate area, but I don't think the commute to Akron would be that difficult.

I love the downtown. (but I'm biased) In my opinion, Massillon's downtown is not much different from that of many other small cities throughout the state.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by glasshouses

Football is big here.

That is an understatement- it's HUGE! It's what life is centered on. There was a movie on the HS football team called 'Go Tigers'. You should rent it.
Massillon also have a mental health hospital. On its grounds is the National Shrine to St Dymphna. There are masses there, a shrine, you can be blessed with her relics, etc..
I loved it but I have only visited- small town, quiet, BEAUTIFUL murals, little mom-n-pop shops, close to Cleveland for weekend fun. I could live there. It reminds me of small town Kansas, yet not so isolated.

[Massillon MOM]

Hi.....
I am a mother who lives in Massillon. The N.E. side. I have lived here for 8 years now. I really wish I had investigated the area more before I moved here! Much of this area is poverty stuck....crime is high and many of the children are a reflection of this! I would love to sell my home and find another area to raise my children! If you are up to making money off section 8 properties...this it the place! Be prepared to have to gut each property as a new one arrives! Good luck!