Relocating from Louisiana, please help! (Columbus, Westerville: rentals, condo, houses)

[nurseblaze]

I am considering a move from Shreveport Louisiana to Columbus for numerous reasons. Just a few to include: Education, activities, opportunities and safety for 2 teenage boys 16 and 13. Better weather, especially in summer-it's very humid and HOT here. I'm a single mom, nurse (preferably work in an office setting) but, hospitals are ok. I want to rent at first up to 900.00 -would prefer a small home but, apt./condo. ok-. I would really like a nice neighborhood with young families and good schools. Please help me and thank you for any and all imput. How is the cost of living there? ie. taxes etc? Blessings.

[Daytonnatian]

Cost of living is cheap (just one of the awesome reasons to live up here )

Also, I'd look in Hilliard for your requirements if you want a traditional 'burb, or you may be able to swing something in Upper Arlington or near OSU for that range and have a wide selection, too. I'm assuning you would be working at one of the major hospitals in the area, which are located in the northern sections of town.

[nurseblaze]

Greetings,
Thank you so much for your imput. I have never been to Ohio and have lived in Louisiana for all my 40 years. This is out of my comfort zone. I've heard and read great things about Ohio. I so look forward to coming there. A sincere thank you for your insight. Very helpful. Blessings my friend.

[wrightflyer]

I would add Grandview Heights to the list as well. The place sits right next to Upper Arlington's south side. It has decent schools, and a more streetcar suburban (inner suburb) feel. It is close to major hospitals such as OSU (5mins), Riverside (10mins).

Most of the rentals there are duplexes or multi-family units. There are some small houses, but they may be over 900 a month. I love the downtown/central part of Grandview Heights for its stores and streetside charm, but that's me. Most residents are graduate students at OSU and young professionals, so young families are abundant.

Cost of living here is amazing! Maybe not the lowest in terms of a major metro area in the nation, but its down there. Taxes are one thing that most people find hard to digest. It's not east coast NY/NJ style, tax everything, but they are high, especially property taxes. There's probably a larger selection of shopping here than in Shreveport, but I've never been down there, so that's a guess. The weather can be somewhat humid in summer and freezing in January, but spring and fall make up for it.

I congradulate you for stepping out of your comfort zone. Hopefully, if you do move, everything will go smoothly.

[Beavercreek33]

I am personally a big fan of Westerville. Great community. Its not far from the huge shopping centers like Easton and Polaris. Its also close to the city, and you are right on the 270 belt so you can get to where you need to in the metro area very easily.

Also, Columbus will get humid in the summer, but not anything like you will get down south. Its also nice because you have the change of seasons, so you get spring, summer, fall and winter. The leaves are starting to change now, and tommorow I will be headed over to the Hocking Hills region with my wife to get some photographs.

Seriously, you cannot go wrong with Columbus. Its a young vibrant and growing city and has something for everyone. Not to mention the largest university in North America.

Westerville:
City of Westerville, Ohio

Check out the awesome Arena District in Downtown Columbus:
Columbus Ohio Arts + Entertainment | Arena District | Downtown Columbus Ohio

Not far from Columbus, the Hocking Hills Region: (The waterfalls and fall colors are some of the best anywhere!)
Hocking Hills Region of Ohio - hockinghills.com - "HOCKING HILLS INTERNET GUIDE"

Best of luck in the move.

[Seafood Guy]

Westerville is where it's at, home prices have remained stable all through this recession.

As far as humid, she'll love it here if she's used to living in Louisiana. I wouldn't even say it gets humid here. It didn't even get very hot here this year. Just make sure your car is able to handle the snow.

Do you already have a job lined up? If not, I can list out some companies in the fields you are interested in.

[Andrea-ColumbusChamber]

If you are considering moving to Columbus, Ohio, I can offer you some resources to help you get connected. First, check out liveworkplayColumbus.com. It provides information and links to resources to help people get to know Columbus, from neighborhoods to arts & culture to information about the economy/industries/employers.

Speaking of employers, check out OhioMeansJobs.com, a free resource that is powered by Monster.com, to post your resume and find employers who are hiring. (The Columbus zipcode is 43215.)

There are many, many people who live in Columbus who are just like you: they are from someplace else. And they love living here! Columbus is a community of great diversity so, no matter your background, you will likely find your place here. Welcome home!