How Many Of You Ohioans Think... (Cleveland, Orrville: transplants, foreclosures, rent)

[Alaskapat528]

How many of you good folks in Ohio think that my husband and I are nuts for considering relocating to Ohio?

We have lived in Alaska over 7-years and I have family in N.E. Ohio and S.E. Ohio that I truly miss. To go visit them once a year is an expensive plane ticket, along with about 9-10 hours of air travel. I have found that going back once a year just doesn't get it anymore.

I know the economy there is bad but then it seems to be bad all over the U.S. right now. I'm looking at smaller type towns such as Orrville. I do not like cities although I was born/raised in one. I know Cleveland gets a real bad rap and Cleveland has changed alot; seems alot more crime, gangs and problems.

Alaska is absolutely beautiful, especially the summers with basically NO humidity. Winters, ugh, that's another story by itself. But being 4,000 miles away from loved ones gets hard, especially if someone gets sick and you need to get back right away. I have a friend up here whose mom in Michigan got real sick and sadly by the time she got there her mom had passed away. So just curious what you fellow Ohioans think. Thanks for any input.

[Ohiogirl81]

Family trumps scenery any day. Go for it.

[JR_C]

Most people seem to complain most about the terrible winters in Ohio. But, coming from Alaska, I doubt that's an issue for you.

If you can find a job, (it's not that hard, depending on your career) I'd say go for it.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by JR_C

Most people seem to complain most about the terrible winters in Ohio. But, coming from Alaska, I doubt that's an issue for you.

If you can find a job, (it's not that hard, depending on your career) I'd say go for it.

Yeah the winters in Ohio would not be bad compared to up here lol. I do office work (office mgr, admin. asst. etc.), hubby is an electrician.

[CortlandGirl79]

I don't think you're nuts at all. Some people love Ohio, some people don't. I happen to love Northeast Ohio, so i don't think you are nuts at all! Just make sure you have a job lined up, otherwise i think it's a great idea! Guess i'm an Ohio cheerleader! If some people don't like it, too bad!

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by CortlandGirl79

I don't think you're nuts at all. Some people love Ohio, some people don't. I happen to love Northeast Ohio, so i don't think you are nuts at all! Just make sure you have a job lined up, otherwise i think it's a great idea! Guess i'm an Ohio cheerleader! If some people don't like it, too bad!

Thanks so much for your input. I know at times up here I have taken a ribbing some about Cleveland and Ohio. However so many transplants up here it's pathetic. Don't worry lol, I put them in their place real quick. Yes we will check job situations and be sure to get one first. Have a great day!

[Mikieo415]

Good luck with your move. Just be careful... What is here today can very easily be gone tomorrow.

[Stephan_K]

Family needs trump all indeed, you are not crazy if that is your reasoning. If you must come to NE OH, welcome. Just make note of a few things...

Office work you will probably be able to find, hubby on the other hand as an electrician, he should make plans on being unemployed unless he has something already secured ! If the two of you can survive on your salary alone you will be fine. Coming from AK I'm sure you are conservative which will get you quite far here.

Yes the economy is bad everywhere in the US but it is even worse here in the rust belt ! Mills and manufacturing are closing/leaving NE Oh faster than you can change your socks and new construction is non existent. There are more skilled trades people unemployed here than you have Moose & Griz in AK . Have a look at our local news, no cheering or jeering, just the the straight facts that you need made aware of.

It is getting to the point where many skilled trades individuals that don't have access to readily available funds are ending up stuck here. Not enough cash on hand and at the same time can't get out from under their homes which are loosing equity faster then ever. Hence why we are 3rd behind CA and FL in foreclosures.

I advise you rent a place if you have to come here. There are so many places available you can pretty much name your price. Ohio should be the poster child for Priceline ! What ever offer you throw out there, no matter how ridiculous, someone in OH will probably take you up on it, even the banks stuck with houses will... if you have cash ! (not a joke either)

Just make sure you have enough cash in the bank and gas in the tank to get out should you ever have to. Depending on your financial situation, if you buy a place here you may end up stuck like many I know sadly enough..provided a bank will even deal with you!

Good luck and welcome to OH should you be coming here.

[Mikieo415]

Stephan, Awesome post. It sums up the Y-town/ NE Ohio legacy in a few short paragraphs. You touched on how people can become trapped in the area and the lack of virtually any type of new construction. I am a very skilled HVAC service tech, and in Colorado I am making NEARLY DOUBLE what I made in Ohio and work at a very top notch company. As far as trades are concerned, there is nothing in NE Ohio that remotely compairs to what there is elsewhere. People need a fair and balanced report about that area, and I applaud you for the great report!!! Many reputation points my friend!

Alaskapat, just be careful whom you take advice from. Some people will give you a great report about the area citing "all the fortune 500 companies, great parks and low cost of housing... A veritable economic and social wonderland!" Or "as long as you have a job before you come out you will be fine!" Don't believe it. More companies are shutting down than are opening up. What is here today can easily be gone tomorrow. Look at both sides of the story. If you read the local newspapers and say "Are these stories for real?", just understand that they are. There is not a large number of disenfranchised Ohioans out there for nothing.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by Mikieo415

Stephan, Awesome post. It sums up the Y-town/ NE Ohio legacy in a few short paragraphs. You touched on how people can become trapped in the area and the lack of virtually any type of new construction. I am a very skilled HVAC service tech, and in Colorado I am making NEARLY DOUBLE what I made in Ohio and work at a very top notch company. As far as trades are concerned, there is nothing in NE Ohio that remotely compairs to what there is elsewhere. People need a fair and balanced report about that area, and I applaud you for the great report!!! Many reputation points my friend!

Alaskapat, just be careful whom you take advice from. Some people will give you a great report about the area citing "all the fortune 500 companies, great parks and low cost of housing... A veritable economic and social wonderland!" Or "as long as you have a job before you come out you will be fine!" Don't believe it. More companies are shutting down than are opening up. What is here today can easily be gone tomorrow. Look at both sides of the story. If you read the local newspapers and say "Are these stories for real?", just understand that they are. There is not a large number of disenfranchised Ohioans out there for nothing.

Yes I will be very careful. I am originally from Cleveland (born/raised there). I read the Plain Dealer just about everyday on-line. I have family living in Cleveland so I know how it has changed work wise, crime wise, everything, which really saddens me. I am hopefully looking for a small town type such as Orrville. Have even thought about Pennsylvania but not sure about that either. It's a tough decision. I just know I'm really missing my family after being up here somewhat over 7-years. The economy up here is not that great either. I know my husband is very leary of working in a factory since as you said, they close down so often and lots of times without notice. We've got our work cut out for us lol. Thanks so much for your input.