Questions about Medina (Cleveland, Akron, Strongsville: rent, how much, homes)

[PalmettoGuy]

Hi, our family will move to Medina this August, and I have a few questions:

1. How are Medina public schools? Our children will be in kindergarten and 2nd grade. We currently homeschool but would consider public schools if they have an excellent reputation. If we continue homeschooling, is there an active homeschool network in the area?

2. We are lifelong southerners, and snow will be a new phenomenon for the most part. We drive a Honda Odyssey minivan. Will that be adequate? Should we plan to buy snow tires?

3. Are there good outdoor opportunities in the area? What is Cuyahoga National Park like?

Thanks for any input!

[CityGrrl77]

Hi there!
I lived in Brunswick for 22 years of my life (which is the city just north of Medina) - I don't have any children but from what I know in conversations with others, I believe that Medina Schools are fine. It's not some big, crazy city so I don't believe that there would be too many horrible issues to have to deal with.
As far as the snow....all I can say is that you will get used to it. Just don't speed and keep your distance. I've seen SUVs and 4WD trucks in ditches and embankments because they were going to fast. Not smart. Snow tires? Eh. I think as long as you have all-weathers, you'll be alright.
The closest you'll get to a safe, nice place to bike, etc. is the Cleveland Metroparks (Cleveland Metroparks) which go as far south as Hinckley. There are bike/walking paths, large open areas for picnics/sports. At Hinckley Lake you can actually rent those little boats to peddle around in - I believe it's by the hour. There is also a mini waterfall on one side of the Lake. Across the street is a mini-golf place. I guess it all depends on what you are looking to do.
As far as Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Day in the Valley) - thats a little further away towards Akron & north of that.
I don't know how much you have been up to visit, but Medina is pretty nice. It has blossomed into quite the shopping mecca, complete with all the regular big-box retailers (Target, WalMart, Kmart). There is also a JoAnn Fabrics, several restaurants and other retailers. The square is also a nice area - thats the main 'downtown' of Medina with cute shops and cafes.

I hope I was able to help a bit - sorry for the novel. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with the move!

[skinautique94]

i lived in medina for 20 years, graduated medina sr high and my sister is a senior currently..they have very good academics and sports..its a very large high school, actually hallways are marked with real decorative street lamps and signs..its the 4 largest high school in the state if i remember correctly..i know quite a few people people and familys and never heard of anyone being home schooled.. all honestly they wont have many friends if they are home schooled..thats the way medina is, kinda getting yuppy these days..taxes are very high thats why i bought my home in chippewa lake, ohio's hidden secret..snow tyres, uhh no your not livin' in the mts..i drive a honda civic to cleveland for work and never missed a beat.. outdoors- thats why i live in chippewa lake (yes its private) and own a motorcyle.

[TheCLE]

Originally Posted by PalmettoGuy

Hi, our family will move to Medina this August, and I have a few questions:

1. How are Medina public schools? Our children will be in kindergarten and 2nd grade. We currently homeschool but would consider public schools if they have an excellent reputation. If we continue homeschooling, is there an active homeschool network in the area?

2. We are lifelong southerners, and snow will be a new phenomenon for the most part. We drive a Honda Odyssey minivan. Will that be adequate? Should we plan to buy snow tires?

3. Are there good outdoor opportunities in the area? What is Cuyahoga National Park like?

Thanks for any input!

1. Medina Public Schools are among the best in the state. Though they are taxed like crazy. The voters, smartly, voted down the last levy. The school is properly funded, but they seem to always ask for more.

2. Snow tires won't be necessary. It's south of the primary snow belt and it isn't a very hilly area. Snow will be an adjustment though, but I think an Oddyssey can handle it.

3. There are a lot of outdoor opportunities within a half hour. The Cleveland Metro Parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park are both 10-15 miles away. In the city, Reagan Park is the biggest. I've actually never been there, but when I drive buy, there are always people walking or on their bikes. I moved here during fall, so now that the weather is getting better, I'll have to check it out more.

[HopeToComeHome]

There is a huge network of homeschoolers in the Cleveland area. We will be homeschooling our kids starting next year (medical issues) and these networks will allow a significant amount of "socialization." We live in Strongsville -- right down the road from Medina -- and our city actually offers recreation classes during the school day specifically for homeschoolers.

As for networks, try searching the web for the
Ohio Home Educators Network
North Coast Home Schoolers
North East Ohio Home School Connection
"Take Off Field Trips!" (field trips for homeschoolers)

I wish I could give you more information but right now I am barely a lurker in those forums since this whole homeschooling this is so new to us!

Best of luck to you!

[PalmettoGuy]

Thanks for the replies! I've visited Medina only once -- last summer during a job interview. I didn't get to see much of the area, but generally I was very impressed.

We plan to start off by renting a house. Can anyone offer suggestions about good neighborhoods? I will be working in an office very close to the town square, and someplace within walking or biking distance would be great. I'd like to spend less than $1200 per month, although we might be willing to go above that if that's what it takes to be in a nice area. Ideally, we're looking for a 2-story, 3+ bedroom with garage and a decent-sized backyard, on a safe street. Thoughts?

[Tammy Bulko]

Looking for kid's my daughter's age,she is 17 and is homed schooled in medina,We belonged to a group long time ago and it has dispersed , are there any kid's in our area that are homed schooled for a study buddie .Tammy

[mykala]

I live in medina county. winters here are colder all the time and snow can either be lite or you get buried.
In case this yr it gets cold with tons of snow, better safe then sorry..if you ned it , you have it. Get a 4 wheel drive suv.
small but one that works.
Schools are good , but then I was a home schooler for many reasons.
Hope it helps and welcme to the neighborhood!