40-something y/o leaving Los Angeles for Columbus--good idea?

[FarewellLA]

I came across a thread on Kenyon College and Gambier (Knox County). Does anyone know about this community? As I mentioned, I'm looking for a small, liberal arts college community...Granville is perfect (but expensive), not sure what other college communities there are but I'm on quite a mission to find them! Living in a rural area is not what I'm looking for exactly, but a small town, vibrant community would be perfect for the next phase of my life. The only thing is I would need to commute to Columbus for employment, so a drive of 45 minutes is about the most I would be willing to do. Ideally, I would like to narrow my list to three possibilities and spend time in each area when I visit Columbus for the holidays. Thanks everyone!

[NewToCA]

Gambier is really small, almost more like an area than a town. However, just about 5 miles to the west is Mt Vernon, which might suit your interest.

City of Mount Vernon Ohio

Mount Vernon, Ohio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://www.city-data.com/city/Mount-Vernon-Ohio.html

[chicagoerin]

I have a friend who moved here after 7 years in LA, she is 36 and single and would never go back! She is originally from Boston so she has lived a few different places. I think you will find it a much more enjoyable place to live!

[Aggie01]

After spending most of my life in Texas, I cannot wait to get out of this state. I'm interviewing for a job in the Columbus area and I am on my hands and knees that I will get it.I find Ohio simply delightful and well worth the change of pace from Texas life.

Texas is not worth the heat, the brown "greenery", the low cost of living, etc. Ohio is charming, it has seasons, and a culture that simply does not exist in Texas. Texas's only culture is "Texan," "Mexican" and watered-down "Czech/German."

[RustbeltRocks]

Columbus is really growing, and I think you'll find the pace decidedly Midwestern, but it's becoming more cosmopolitan by the day. As far as neighborhoods go, you can get lovely new build homes in Dublin or Hilliard, but I think it would lack the sense of community you desire. Depending on your budget, you can find a nice property in German Village, Victorian Village, Harrison or Italian Village. Italian Village and Harrison West are very transitional and would probably give you the best value. Clintonville, Grandview or Upper Arlington, and Bexley also offer great value for the properties available and were historically the "suburbs" of Columbus before Hilliard and Dublin. The inner ring of communities (German, Victorian) are short on yard space, but Harrison West and Italian Village have properties with decent lots. These communities would offer the best sense of "community." Out of the other areas I mentioned, I would say they're all pretty equal, with older homes from the 40's, 50's and 60's, tree-lined streets and nice communities. I particularly like Grandview. Bexley is probably the most expensive out of those four, but has a nice Main St. with a college right in the middle (Capital). Clintonville is a large area, but within it there a lots of very quaint streets that are particularly lovely.

[Torn2pieces]

Originally Posted by Aggie01

After spending most of my life in Texas, I cannot wait to get out of this state. I'm interviewing for a job in the Columbus area and I am on my hands and knees that I will get it.I find Ohio simply delightful and well worth the change of pace from Texas life.

Texas is not worth the heat, the brown "greenery", the low cost of living, etc. Ohio is charming, it has seasons, and a culture that simply does not exist in Texas. Texas's only culture is "Texan," "Mexican" and watered-down "Czech/German."

Oh, I hear you!! I came over to the Columbus area from SW Kansas. Nothing like seeing tons of tree's and color.

Good Luck!!!

[cakebaker]

Believe me you don't want to live in Houston. The traffic is unreal. The hot summers you can't believe until you live here. I have lived in Indiana, California, Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Alaska. Texas is by far the worst. We pay over $15,000 a year for property taxes, homeowners' insurance, and auto insurance. Sure there is no state taxes but that doesn't even compare to the homeowner's insurance you have to pay due to hurricanes. We are moving to Ohio, north of Columbus and I can't wait!

[jajosh07]

Maybe you might want to check into Urbana, Ohio... It is a 10,000+ sized town with a about an 1,500+ college