Appalachian Ohio boundaries...and lifestyle (Columbus, Cleveland: for rent, crime, high school)

[ajf131]

Just thought I'd put this out there since I figured people living in the state could answer it better than me. Though my mother's entire family lives in Columbus and Cleveland, I've never really seen the Southeastern part of the state or Eastern halves of the state. I know that Cleveland is very near to the Allegheny foothills (it seemed hilly in some parts, like Cuyahoga Valley Natl. Park)...I have heard that Appalachian Ohio covers East Central, and much of Southeastern Ohio along the Ohio River and somewhat inland. Is there poverty in this area, since I would imagine the soil is insufficient for crop growth? I guess how hilly is it? Is any of it mountainous? Thanks. I've heard the culture of Appalachian Ohio mirrors West Virginia, but would like more answers I guess from the folks that live here.

[seekinghome]

There is some poverty in the southeastern portion of the state but it is geographically the most beautiful part of the state in my opinion. I lived in northern and southern Ohio for large chunks of time and give me the south anytime. The only thing they don't have in the south is Lake Erie. There are lakes and rivers but it's not quite the same. There are wonderful small towns in all parts of Ohio-some particularly beautiful areas in the south are the town of Lancaster and the Hocking Hills area, Logan, Chillicothe, and a little farther east, the Zanesville area is beautiful too. It's been a couple of years since I went through some of those areas so I can't speak to how they are today. It is very hilly, with winding country roads, and nice places to hike and camp. The industry of some of those towns has changed in the last 10 years and there is definitely a depressed economy in many parts of Ohio as well as the rest of the country. The culture and economic status varies greatly also, some very wealthy people live there as well as some true Appalachian poor folks back up in the hills and every economic level in between.

[MGbuckeye]

There are farms in that part of the state. The soil not the best in Ohio still has people that make a living on their farms.

[gvmesun]

I live in SE Ohio, and used to live in Cleveland. The hills are absolutely beautiful to me. Hocking County has farming, but that includes cattle as well as crops. Over 60% of the county is forested. Logan is only 55 minutes from Columbus. It has been a great small town to raise our family in.

Athens has Ohio University but less of a small-town unity. It's still very beautiful.

The Hocking Hills are now quite a busy tourist spot. There are cabins for rent throughout the hills. People bring their canoes and kayaks, hiking boots, campers, etc. and relax in the hills.

Yes, there's some poverty here. But you won't find much crime or violence. Logan boasts brand new beautiful schools that are as nice as any in the state. The new high school isn't quite finished yet, but should be open by Christmas break.

Come for a relaxing weekend in the hills and see for yourself.

[Traveler87]

Originally Posted by gvmesun

I live in SE Ohio, and used to live in Cleveland. The hills are absolutely beautiful to me. Hocking County has farming, but that includes cattle as well as crops. Over 60% of the county is forested. Logan is only 55 minutes from Columbus. It has been a great small town to raise our family in.

Athens has Ohio University but less of a small-town unity. It's still very beautiful.

The Hocking Hills are now quite a busy tourist spot. There are cabins for rent throughout the hills. People bring their canoes and kayaks, hiking boots, campers, etc. and relax in the hills.

Yes, there's some poverty here. But you won't find much crime or violence. Logan boasts brand new beautiful schools that are as nice as any in the state. The new high school isn't quite finished yet, but should be open by Christmas break.

Come for a relaxing weekend in the hills and see for yourself.

Do you live in Logan?

[gvmesun]

Yes, for the last 23 years. Prior to that, Athens (7 years).

I see you are from Rocky River. I was born in Berea, spent part of my childhood in North Olmsted. High school in Willoughby.