Relocating -- job in S. Hudson. Live in Sagamore Hills, Hudson, Brecksville, Independence, etc?? (Cleveland: best school)

[Ceolas]

Hi, Everyone!

I'm from Michigan, but have lived in the Bay Village area, Shaker Square, and Ohio City. I've also been in FL, and now in ATL, but my husband and I may be relocating back to OH this fall. His job would be in the south Hudson area. We have a 20 month old and #2 due in late fall. We are trying to figure out which suburb to move back to and I'd love to get some feedback on the areas we're considering. I honestly prefer the Westlake area as that's what I'm used to, it was very convenient, but it's not what I would consider a reasonable commuting distance, especially in winter (not even after living in ATL where commuting is indescribably bad). I stay at home, but also work from home, and plan on trying to find some in-home help with the kids PT so I can get things done. Our budget goes up to 400K, but I REALLY do not want to go up that far if it can be helped -- property taxes will make a big difference in what our budget ultimately is i.e. in Hudson there is no way we could pay more than $350K.

So here are issues; Hudson is ADORABLE, but it's also, to me, in the middle of nowhere (but right next to my husband's office). I am used to being able to get into the city in 20 minutes or less when I lived back in CLE. The school system is supposedly amazing, but to the point that I think it's almost TOO competitive -- not sure I want my kids in that environment. I also worry that there will be too many kids with "everything" and I just don't want that kind of attitude around my family. Thoughts? Peninsula is also a consideration, but again, the schools seem a bit iffy and there's little on the market to choose from.

Sagamore Hills seems to have awesome value, but not too sure about Nordonia schools. They don't seem to do well on the state tests (especially at the elementary level) compared to some other areas (then again -- I hate standardized testing, so not sure how this will ultimately affect us, anyway). What are the perceptions around this district? And the area in general? Are the taxes reasonable vs. what you get for the money? Bay's were outrageously high, and went up every other minute, and that became a little exhausting after awhile.

We LOVE Independence, but the housing stock is UGH. There's hardly anything on the market at any point, at least not in move-in condition with any size to it. Love the schools, the area (the low taxes). Brecksville is also adorable, but I feel like that location also makes it just far enough away from everything that it might make me crazy. My in-laws live there and it reminds me of Bay Village East. We have the same problem with the housing stock there as well. Everything move-in ready with size is out of our price range, and the taxes are again, UGH. It's like Independence with crazy taxes. Any thoughts on living in these area, value vs. what you're paying?

In general, I need convenience, but lots of things to do with the kiddos, especially nice parks and other activities that are outdoors.

Thanks for the information!

[LoveCleveland#1]

Welcome, welcome, welcome back!!!

I currently live in Twinsburg. I'm right next to Hudson, Streetsboro, Solon, Aurora, Macedonia and Sagamore Hills. Last year, Twinsburg was rated #1 best place to live, raise a family, and best school system in Northeast Ohio... I thought that was quite impressive.

In terms of a quality of life, family orientated environment, awesome schools and amenities, Twinsburg has SO MUCH to offer. Check us out!

[Cleveland_Collector]

Richfield or Brecksville might be places you want to check out. Both are easy commutes to both Hudson and Downtown Cleveland. Both also have good schools. The drawback for you might be the higher property taxes, but both places are worth looking at.