Moving to Ohio from Florida (Cleveland, Akron: for sale, crimes, houses)

[jbc32566]

I was raised in Ohio and now that I'm retiring from the military I'm ready to return. Our sons are in one of the best school systems in the state but it doesn't compare to the quality of education available in Ohio.

We haven't made a final decision on a community but are placing a priority on a quality school system. We're leaning toward Medina Co but remain open to other suggestions.

Here's what we'd like to find:

Excellent high school
Variety of homes available in the $200-250K range
Job for me (retiring Air Force officer) How's the job market in the Akron-Canton, west Cleveland area?

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[EarthBound?]

We live in southern Lorain County. There are lots of house up for sale here, approx. 2,000 are on the market right now, due to the lack of jobs. Medina is one of the good counties as far as I'm concerned, if you choose wisely where you want to move to. Take your time, look around and ask lots of questions about the community and not just the schools. We have been having a big influx of gang related crimes all over, Look up the term MS13 with local PD's. Its a new gang from South America.

[holls2367]

If you like rural areas close to town we love Chesterland township it is about 25min east of Cleveland. It is a beautiful area with tons of trees and houses set back from the roads. The falls are magnificent. Tons of apple orchards and about 5 min from Walmart and strip malls. They have a good small highschool with lots of individual attention. A small close knit community with good old fashion values. Many people drive to downtown Cleveland for work.

[SCBeaches]

Does Chesterland Township have a website? I think I went there once years ago when I lived in Waterville, OH. If there are some pictures of the main street of town area, I might recognize it.
Thanks.

[IDTwinsMom]

What sort of work do you do? Some job markets are booming around Akron, some declining. Have you looked at Wadsworth? It's in Medina County, excellent schools, and you get a lot of house for the money!

[Crew Chief]

If you don't have to return to Medina Co., see what the area around Wright-Patterson AFB offers. (Montgomery, Green & Miami Counties) Despite a decline in the automotive sector, WPAFB is looking to bulk up as an R7D center and is attracting a number of defense contractors to relocate here along with the increasing active duty and civilian personnel under BRAC. There are plenty of nice areas with great schools near the base. AND...no "lake effect" snow!!!

[jbc32566]

Originally Posted by IDTwinsMom

What sort of work do you do? Some job markets are booming around Akron, some declining. Have you looked at Wadsworth? It's in Medina County, excellent schools, and you get a lot of house for the money!

I've been a career aviator and a MAJCOM staff officer. A lot of experience running multi-million dollar weapons development programs. And the usual leadership positions most field graders are exposed to.

I have considered Wadsworth and it's still on my list.

[IDTwinsMom]

I've heard that Lockheed-Martin got some new contracts, so they're probably hiring. It's worth checking their website. They have a location in Akron.

[BuckeyeGal]

Dayton (WPAFB) is a great area. Great commissary and medical facilities. If you decide on the Dayton area, stay away from Mad River, Trotwood, Fairborn and Dayton city schools. Look into Tipp City and Huber Heights. I don't know much about the Springfield and Enon schools. There are areas "South of Town" that would be worth checking into, Bellbrook, Kettering, Centerville.

[jaseamon]

Originally Posted by jbc32566

I was raised in Ohio and now that I'm retiring from the military I'm ready to return. Our sons are in one of the best school systems in the state but it doesn't compare to the quality of education available in Ohio.

We haven't made a final decision on a community but are placing a priority on a quality school system. We're leaning toward Medina Co but remain open to other suggestions.

Here's what we'd like to find:

Excellent high school
Variety of homes available in the $200-250K range
Job for me (retiring Air Force officer) How's the job market in the Akron-Canton, west Cleveland area?

Any suggestions? Thanks!

Mentor has homes and jobs available and east of there the suburbs turn to country. Mentor schools are among the top in academics and sports. (High School football team is going to state finals). Madison schools are top in academics also. Good Hunting.