Moving to OHIO? (Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo: appointed, school, live)

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by carmonster

Hi all,

I've never posted on a forum before, but I thought I should give it a try. I live near Los Angeles, CA and, as odd as it sounds to people here, am thinking about moving to Ohio. I see real estate I could actually afford and I am seriously tempted. I am a 29 year-old woman with a 7 year-old autistic son and a half Cambodian boyfriend. I'm nervous about Ohio not being liberal enough for me. I wonder if there are good recourses for my son's education and care. The state of California makes things very difficult on autistic children. Will they frown on my "interracial" relationship? No one here bats an eyelash. I wonder if looking a little alternative is a crime. I've heard the job market there is going down the tubes. I work in construction administration (or any kind of office job) and my boyfriend is a machinist. I am probably about two years away from being ready to move, but I am a person who plans way ahead. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Seriously, I have no idea how to answer your question and help you. Most of Ohio is as different from L.A. as night is from day. Forget the culture shock, how about the weather and lack of jobs? Getting past that, there are many liberal areas in Ohio; I think that many people have this idea that Ohio is a predominantly conservative state. I would venture to say that there are just as many conservatives in South Cal. as in parts of Ohio. That would not be my biggest issue if you're worried about that. Don't go near Southeast Ohio though; can't guarantee things there. Gravitate towards bigger cities. Admin jobs can be found; machinist jobs can be found. Cheap housing can be found (cheap compared to what you're experiencing out there in L.A.). Most of the people are nice, salt-of-the earth type people. I think that you can make it work here; but PLEASE remember where you're moving to, and if it's okay with you, then you'll be fine. I don't know what your family support is out there, your friendships, etc. Depending on exactly where you move to in Ohio will make a big difference. Your ability to make friendships will make a big difference to. I've found some towns that can be a bit stand-offish to newcomers; but then I've seen newcomers come and make friends easily. Really, it's too hard to give a pat answer. I wish you the best.

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by sugarbomb

Hmmm. My dad is a tool and die maker, and is really struggling right now. He works for a major car company, and everyone is holding their breath while they wait for the news that their shop is closing down. Its been like that for years; seems like every 5 years or so a place where he works shuts down. Administration work should be no problem, though.

I don't have any experience on the interracial relationship front, but I don't think it would be a big deal at all.

I'm an artsy liberal in Toledo who has also lived in California, and yeah, it's quite a bit different. I'm in a fairly Democratic area for Ohio, and I still encounter annoyances. Examples: I can't get my co-workers to recycle, I see lots of pro-Bush bumper stickers, and I live in a state that shot down rights for non-straight domestic partners (in 2004). There are food co-ops, art galleries, and Democratic headquarters here, but there are also the Ten Commandments on the county courthouse lawn and gigantic pickup trucks with jingoist slogans aplenty. I can't speak for other areas of Ohio (I hear Columbus is supposed to be the most happening place in Ohio), but I think the basic structure is the same. I don't mean to dissuade you, I just thought I'd share my experience.

If a lower cost of living is what you seek primarily, there are other, more liberal areas of the country that might be worth looking into. Minneapolis (if you don't mind the cold), Madison, or Portland, maybe?

Sugarbomb, you sound like a pretty-level headed person; having lived in Toledo and in NE OH for 35+ years; I agree with you. This is what I see too.

[ChucKie D]

This Is What I Say Do What U Feel U Going To Do Anyways, But Columbus Is The Only Progressive, Close To Liberal City In Ohio, I'm A Minority And I'm Going To Move Out Because I Feel Like You....

[ChucKie D]

hey vader and dyt937 no means to bust ur chops, but it easy to say it ok, but i don't no if you are seeing it from a minority or highly liberal point of view, and the liberal in ohio is prob the moderate in cali, i live in columbus by the way which i think will be ok for them, but columbus is not that liberal, if it was it wouldn't be the first time in 20 something year that we have a democratic governor, i say columbus is socially liberal but not as diverse as califone,....

[sweetpea0327]

carmonster,
why ohio? do you have family here? I would do a little research on the unemployment rate of ohio first. we are ranked #47 on the u.s. department of labor statistics web site. Bureau of Labor Statistics Home Page . As far as your son there are good programs out there, you just need to really look. we have a few not only in our school but my cousin is autistic and loves her school which is only 15 mins from us. we are in the canfield, boardman, poland area if you want to look. There is nothing wrong with you wanting to leave CA, but unless you have jobs lined up for yourself and your boyfriend, theres not much to offer here. Columbus has alot more jobs but im not sure how happy you would be with your sons needs. if you have any questions on rentals or areas to stay away from just ask.

[babybear101]

As a parent of a MR child in Columbus I will say this. There are some good places and some bad places. All schools are required to offer some level of services. It will all depend on the teacher and the level of caring and education he/she has. I would suggest the suburbs of Columbus, but be careful some little areas are just like small towns in the Columbus Suburbs. There is also lots of diversity around here and lots to do. My son is involved in Special Olympics and other community events, as is my daughter who is not special needs. HTH

[nicolepsy]

you didnt mention which part of ohio youwere considering. let's just say it would be a HUGE change for you and your family. personally i would choose a different state because the change will be drastic for you. ohio can be a bit boring BUT i am sure that you would be able to get proper help/schooling for your son and i really dont think you would face much discrimination. maybe a bit here and there but not much i dont think. you may be more prone to discrimination in the southern half of the state (as it is practically the same as KY). i lived in calf for 7 years and have lived in ohio for way too long (20+) and have never really felt at home here. it just lacks a certain something and it is generally conservative and pretty darn boring to anyone who has lived anywhere else. that's just my advice. good luck in your decision and planning.

[Dark Knight]

Is there any rejection to hispanics in Ohio? I am interested to know about the perception in NorthWest Ohio( Toledo, Ottawa Hills, Perrysburg, etc.)

[Guelphite]

I am trying to move to Columbus, Ohio and I am having a hell of a time trying to find any jobs. I am originally from Ontario, Canada but I am in Columbus from time to time job searching, etc. Can anyone offer any suggestions? Is there some sort of secret to finding a job in Columbus or is the market just slow?

[vader]

Originally Posted by ChucKie D

hey vader and dyt937 no means to bust ur chops, but it easy to say it ok, but i don't no if you are seeing it from a minority or highly liberal point of view, and the liberal in ohio is prob the moderate in cali, i live in columbus by the way which i think will be ok for them, but columbus is not that liberal, if it was it wouldn't be the first time in 20 something year that we have a democratic governor, i say columbus is socially liberal but not as diverse as califone,....

California and New York obvioulsy are going to be the two most liberal and diverse areas of America. In that sense your right but the metros of Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and parts of Cinncinatti are all liberal in one way or another too. Not as liberal as Cali and NY but liberal nonetheless .Overall Ohio is middle of the road but there are liberal AREAS here. Youd be surprised at how many states cant make that claim.