Marion, IN? (Indianapolis, Columbus, Greensburg: for sale, foreclosures, rent)

[Kakashi's Girl]

Hi all! Newbie here considering a move to Marion. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[sweetana3]

it is a significantly economically depressed area. I last heard all the manufacturing had moved out and people were following.

Do you have a reason to consider Marion? Do you need a job or already have one?

[Rusty Shackleford]

I previously lived near Marion, and my parents still do. The town has had more than its share of economic setbacks in recent decades. It's traditionally been a manufacturing center, but many of the larger plants have either shut down or done major downsizing. There have been a few bright spots economically in recent years--Wal-Mart and Dollar General have built distribution centers nearby, and the local Christian college has been in a major growth mode -- but it's still not the sort of place I'd recommend moving to unless you have a specific job lined up.

[Kakashi's Girl]

Thank you both for the replies.

I have been struggling for the last couple of years to find work where I currently am, with no luck at all. I have also been struggling to find affordable housing, also with no luck at all.

I realize that there is usually a good reason for inexpensive housing. With the cash I have on hand I could afford to purchase outright and live quite comfortably for several years. Where I am now the cash I have might make a downpayment on a less than desirable house in an even less desirable area, leaving me with a mortgage that I can't earn enough to pay and a house that I would not feel safe living in.

I long for the serenity of a more rural area. I realize that there is no Utopia, but there has to be someplace better than where I am now.

[domergurl]

Come on down to the Columbus area! Lots of rural and jobs are coming as a result of the big Honda plant in Greensburg and Cummins growth!

[sweetana3]

I have a neighbor who lived on her inheritance for several years but when it ran out, she almost became homeless while trying to get a job after no work for several years.

I would vote for getting the best job you can whereever you can and work up to finding a rural location in the future. You need to provide first and be selective second.

Indianapolis has a good amount of a variety of jobs and a lot of affordable housing. In fact, the newspaper advertised an afforable housing open house today for page after page of houses. There are places for way less than $100,000 that a single person would find attractive and in good areas.

[Kakashi's Girl]

Originally Posted by sweetana3

I have a neighbor who lived on her inheritance for several years but when it ran out, she almost became homeless while trying to get a job after no work for several years.

I would vote for getting the best job you can whereever you can and work up to finding a rural location in the future. You need to provide first and be selective second.

Thank you for the insight. The part of the country where I am now was zinging along during the construction boom. Now there are many, many people out of work and struggling badly. Personally I know more people who have lost their job in the last 12 months than I know who have managed to keep their job. They were not fired, their jobs no longer exist. Jobs are going away at an alarming rate.

I do have fall back "if all else fails" part time job available in Marion.

I am wondering if the homes I see on the market for under $20,000 are priced the way they are because they are so rural or if they are in serious need of major repairs. Where I am now you can't touch a home that needs to be demolished in a bad neighborhood for under $100,000.

[sweetana3]

You would have to look at each house but $20,000 is bare.

But even in Indy, you can sometimes buy a fully renovated Victorian cottage for less than $100,000 and these are in up and coming neighborhoods with lots of work going on and if you fall into the income level for "affordable housing help" from the many neighborhood revitalization organizations, you can get down payment help and find many renovated discounted houses. These programs are great for the first time buyer but you have to investigate.

If you are interested in a condo, there are very very nice ones fully renovated for $60,000 and up. In fact a lawyer friend of mine sold one and bought a bigger one in her condo for less than $100,000.

[Jaxson]

I would suggest you first rent if moving to Marion then you will get to know what areas you prefer over others. There are a lot of home for sale that appear cheap for a reason.............................. factories have closed, bankruptcy, foreclosures. Marion's school system is going through a tough time right now because of past spending, they are reducing teachers and the teachers and board haven't ratified a contract since 2005. They have 2 schools on academic probation right now as well through the state.

Having said that there are other county schools in the area close by that are doing fine and a couple are even high according to state standards for ISTEP scores. I would look at homes in the outer county areas before buying in Marion.

[Southside Shrek]

Marion, Indiana? Man, that place gives me the shivers. I think I would move anywhere except to Marion.