Would like to rent or buy a home in Vermilion (Cleveland: foreclosures, rentals)

[michigander lady]

My husband has recently taken a job in Elyria. We would like to relocate somewhere on or near the lake. I have been looking at Vermilion and think that is where we might want to be. We have a 13 year old son, so good schools are a top priority, and so is a safe neighborhood that he can ride his bike and play in.
If anyone has any input that they could share on Vermilion it would be greatly appreciated.
Also, we would like to start by renting a home. Are there many rentals available in Vermilion?
If there are any other towns near the water that you could recommend that would be great.
Thanks

[BelieveInCleve]

I replied to your other thread as well so check that.

In the western Cleveland area, the communities right on the Lake are: Vermilion, Lorain, Sheffield Lake, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Rocky River, and Lakewood.

Based on your concerns I would cross off Lorain (all around bad - schools, services, roads, crime, poverty, etc all bad), maybe Sheffield Lake (nice little community but the schools aren't the best and it's more depressed due to high job losses), and just maybe Lakewood (I like Lakewood a lot, but the crime is higher than the others mentioned and the schools aren't as good, it sounds more urban than what you're looking for).

So I would recommend Vermilion, Avon Lake, Bay Village, and Rocky River. Rocky River, Avon Lake, and Bay Village have some of the highest rated school districts in Ohio, Vermilion schools are decent but they're 2 steps down (5/5 stars for the others vs 3/5 stars for Vermilion). Crime should not be a problem in any of those, however Bay Village was rated as the safest. If population loss/gain is a concern, Avon Lake is growing very fast while Vermilion is stagnant, Rocky River and Bay Village are both losing at quite a high rate (because they're in Cuyahoga County).

Vermilion is a very nice small lakeside community, and it's the cheapest out of those 4. I'm sure there are rentals available in Vermilion. Median rent in Vermilion is $700-$800. I would check into/drive around the different neighborhoods/streets in Vermilion and also the other suburbs mentioned to see which you like more and if there's any rental signs in those. Also, in Vermilion there's a high chance you could be right next to train tracks (which you might not like) so check that first as well.

[michigander lady]

Thank You for the info. I hope to come and look around the area soon. If it would ever quit snowing here in Michigan and there in Ohio!

[Peregrine]

Vermillion > Elyria is not a long commute.

I work in Westlake with 2 Vermillionites. That's 25 minutes.
I just showed my friend this thread. 15-20 minutes from Vermillion > Elyria. Tops.
She also said there are a lot of rentals in Vermillion as well as quite a few foreclosures.

Good luck!

[michigander lady]

Thank You very much for the information.

[tom11011]

I don't know a whole lot about vermillion, but you would probably really like Avon Lake. Bay Village is excellent as well, but one city over to the east of Avon Lake which will add a few minutes on to your commute.