Dayton vs other cities in OH, IL, IN to live in (Columbus: homes, store)

[journeyfarms]

I am thinking of relocating to OH, IL, or IN. I would like to know which mid size cities (say 100,000 to 300,00 or so) that are considered nice to live in. I have looked at the free homes in Detroit and just do not want to be in a war zone no matter how attractive/cheap the housing is. Dayton looks interesting, somewhat progressive and I am curious what other decent cities are worth looking at. Not interested in the dying towns, the absolutely corrupt towns, etc. Thanks for the help. ( I am thinking of places like Canton OH, Ft. Wayne IN, Kalamazoo MI, Flint MI, Youngstown OH, etc.)

[Daytonnatian]

Yeah, Dayton's definitely the best of that mix (although Kalamazoo's cool, too).

We really have a lot to offer, like a great arts scene, Two world-class museums and an awesome national heritage park for the Wright Bros. sites, neat in-town districts like the Oregon District and Brown Street, an absolutely amazing parks system, great job opportunities in STEM fields, almost any store imaginable, history way beyond any other city our size, and being located in a metro triangle that includes Cincy, Columbus, and Indy, along with the 10 million people that come with it, doesn't hurt, either.

So, come check Dayton out! I think you'll be pleasently suprised.

[malachai23]

Hi journeyfarms, I moved to Dayton from Oregon recently. Believe me, it's a different world here. In every single possible way imaginable. It may or may not be for you. But I would advise you to spend some time here before making the leap, if at all possible.