Relocating to New Philadelphia, OH (Columbus, Lancaster: sales, for rent, homes)

[NewPhilaOH_Bound]

Hello all,

I will be relocating to New Philadelphia, OH in August.
I have only visited the area once, but found it to be
perfect for my needs. Smaller than Chicago and
seems to be very laid back and friendly.

I have an interest in outdoors activities, hiking, biking,
horseback riding (hope to get a horse if/when we
find a place in the country), canoeing, winter sports.

I've checked out a few of the Nat'l Park and State Park
sites, but was wondering if anyone had info on parks
not far from this area.

Also very interested in exploring Amish Country as I did
not have a chance while I was there last week. Any
"must see" places?

I have been reading the threads with interest, and I can
say a few things I've discovered about Ohio. NO Sales
tax on food? That is awesome!!!

State sales tax seems to be much lower than IL/Chicago.
Chicago is 10.25% presently. Anything below that will be
a godsend.

Thanks much, and I look forward to my new quieter life
in Ohio.

NewPhilaOH_Bound

[Cherron]

Welcome to Ohio! I hope you'll be very happy here. Cost of living here is lower than Chicago, I'm sure, but then wages are lower too. I can't speak for the parks or hiking and biking in eastern Ohio, but I am quite familiar with the Amish Country. I've made many trips there and have yet to see everything. It's quite the tourist trap. You really need to get off the main highway to enjoy the pretty scenery, but watch out for the slow-moving buggies and also for the surprises the horses leave behind (sorry). Many of the businesses are run by Mennonites, so they aren't air-conditioned and don't have elevators. If you like decorating country-style, you'll find everything you need to decorate your home in Amish Country. Quilts, lace, wood furniture, beautiful prints and hand-crafted items abound. And have I mentioned the food yet? Oh my, good stuff! Lots of cheese places (look for containers with free samples) and bakeries and restaurants. Der Dutchman Restaurant in Walnut Creek has an awesome view, so be sure to ask for a window seat with a view. A favorite of mine is Grandma's Homestead Restaurant in Charm. Grandma's Alpine Restaurant (same owners) on Route 62 north of Berlin has live bluegrass bands performing on Saturday evenings I believe, though I've not yet experienced them myself. They were restoring and moving the huge cuckoo clock when I was there last year. Not sure if it's done yet or not. They have a beautiful mural on the wall in the dining room. Buffet on Saturdays.

Almost every business has free leaflets and brochures advertising attractions and shops in the area, so be sure to pick some up to help you pick out the ones most interesting to you. I personally recommend Wendell August Forge on Route 62 north of Berlin and also Lehman's Hardware just south of Kidron and Tis the Season in Berlin for Christmas items year round. The big Amish Flea Market in Walnut Creek is open Thurs, Fri and Sat. most of the year (closed in winter). Awesome scenery behind the flea market. If you like arts and craftsy items, Sol's in Berlin is hard to beat. Berlin is great for just parking your car and walking the main street to visit all the shops.

Not sure I'm allowed to post links here (they often complain about them being competitors sites), so just google "visit amish country" and "traveler's friend" for two of the best sites for learning more about Amish Country here in Ohio.

If you get the chance, be sure to check out the Hocking Hills region around Logan OH (south of Columbus) for some really great hiking. Our family returns there year after year to hike the many trails around Clear Creek Park south of Lancaster OH (it's a Columbus Metro Park, so google that for more info) and also Old Man's Cave on Route 664 south of Logan OH. There's a very nice visitor's center on Route 664 just southeast of US33 at Logan. Also on Route 664 but southwest of US33 is Rempel's Grove near the Amerihost Inn that has a canoe livery for canoeing the Hocking River, an antique mall, glass shop, craft shop, restaurant and ice cream parlor. There are several riding stables in the Hocking Hills region. This area has many cabins for rent. Check out Hocking Hills dot com for more information.

Hopefully someone will come along with more information about eastern Ohio. I'm sure you'll enjoy exploring the area.

Again, welcome to Ohio!

[NewPhilaOH_Bound]

Thanks for the warm welcome Cherron, as well as the
GREAT info!!! I will definitely copy this info to a Word
doc to save and print out once I relocate.

I am very much looking forward to a much quieter life
and welcome additional comments, suggestions and
hints on places to go, things to do in East Central OH.
Thanks all!!!

[NewPhilaOH_Bound]

I would also like to have input on the job situation in the area.
I initially have a lot of things to sell either through yard sales
or eBay, but I do need to find a steady job immediately to help
pay my share of the rent. I am moving in with a friend native
to the area, who has offered to help me get back on my feet.

I do not have a college degree, and have spent the past 19 years
in inside international sales. However, I am burnt out with sales, so
am anticipating I will need to look for waitressing or factory work, or
office work (administrative assistant type).

Any input on the job situation in those areas would be greatly
appreciated. Thank you!

[NewPhilaOH_Bound]

.

[Nothing to offer here]

Good luck finding a job around here. I am 25 and just got laid off from a traveling construction crew. There are no jobs here. I am in the process of possibly moving to wyoming. A lot of jobs in oil and construction out there.

[NewPhilaOH_Bound]

Perhaps that's jobs in your field, but what about
servers/waitresses in restaurants, or factory work,
or office work? I can do any of those things, and
I would hope I could at least get a job waitressing
somewhere in the New Phila/Dover area.

Any problems with finding jobs in those fields? Or
am I expecting too much to be able to find a job
quickly in a restaurant/factory/office ?

Thanks!

[JR_C]

Manufacturing in the US in general is going away. And, with a slow economy in Ohio, it might be hard to get office work. But I doubt you'd have a problem finding something in the areas you mentioned. But, I don't really know for sure.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by NewPhilaOH_Bound

Perhaps that's jobs in your field, but what about
servers/waitresses in restaurants, or factory work,
or office work? I can do any of those things, and
I would hope I could at least get a job waitressing
somewhere in the New Phila/Dover area.

Any problems with finding jobs in those fields? Or
am I expecting too much to be able to find a job
quickly in a restaurant/factory/office ?

Thanks!

I have a good friend who lives near New Philly. Her daughter is 22 and does waitress/server work while going to college part time. From what I understand the wages are very low, just barely minimum wage. Now there are farms/chicken processors in that area, however, it's dirty work and pays minimum wage. Her daughter worked at it for a short time. Good luck. If you really want to move to that area, don't give up. Make sure you have enough cash reserve until you do find work.

[NewPhilaOH_Bound]

Thanks JR_C and Alaskapat

I know factory would likely be iffy - but figured the waitress or office may pan out
well. I have a lot of experience with office, but know it could take longer to find
a job in that area. I haven't waitressed in over 20 years, but I was dang good at
it back when, and I'm sure I could do it again if need be.

Just the opportunity to get out of Chicago will be a Godsend for me. The chance
to go back to a smaller town will be a breath of fresh air. I am not someone who
needs a lot of material things - in fact, I am going to do my best to find a really
rural place, with a chance to have a garden, get some chickens for meat and eggs,
rabbits for meat, a dairy goat for milk, cheese and butter and live as self sufficiently
as possible.

With my income and my friend's income, we should be able to make this work. I'm
praying so, anyway. Thank you all for your input. I do look forward to starting a
new life in Ohio.