Ohio: Economically depressed? (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati: high school, living in, to move)

[JR_C]

You don't know the difference?

Nope. You're going to have to tell me.

The only advantage I can think of, is that there would be fewer empty buildings. But, leaving isn't going to help get them used again.

[Traveler87]

I am really glad to see people are finally realizing that Ohio is making a turnaround, and are willing to post their POSITIVE THOUGHTS on here. Thank you to those who did so.

Ohio is really making a comeback. And there are so many reasons to look at that. I will divide each region of the state, and make a brief comment on why they are changing for the BETTER. LOL sorry, I do plan on writing some, just for those of you reading this in advance....

Northeast Ohio:

Northeast Ohio is seeing a transformation in our economy as far as diversification. We are changing into a high tech and medical based economy. Look at the Cleveland Clinic, it is renowed around the world as a top hospital for surgery. And in fact, my grandmother was very sick, we did not know if she would make it, but luckily she did, and that is thanks to Cleveland's awesome univesity hospitals. And has anyone seen University Circle lately? It is a booming area with construction cranes rising all over the place. Downtown Cleveland has had over 5 billion dollars in development in the last few years! Now, they are a few steps closer to the new convention center, and the site has already been chosen. Cleveland is also seeing another part of its lakefront explode with growth again, and that is Flats East Bank, a mixed use development that will include, restaurants, shops, hotels, and one of Cleveland's fortune 500 companies building a new highrise there. Also, a new highrise on public square is proposed just a few weeks ago. BTW, Cleveland has one of the nation's fastest growing downtown populations!

NE Ohio is home to many fortune 500 companies as well. This helps the area out a lot. And wind energy is going to help move NE Ohio even farther. The U.S. is investing large amounts of money into new energy sources so we can not be so dependant on foreign energy. And NE Ohio is a forefront for the wind energy source. Akron is home to an awesome university that not only went under hundreds of millions in renovations with a very nice new modern highrise, but they are now building a brand new football stadium. Downtown Akron is exploding with new shops and storefronts, new businesses and clubs are moving in. As well as new downtown living boosting the downtown population. NE Ohio has a lot more to offer than you think. Just the other week there were plenty of major events going on in this part of the state. Some of those were the Bridgestone Invitational in Portage Lakes outside of Akron, and The Football Hall of Fame fesitivals going on in Canton.

LOL new posts for the other regions.....

[Traveler87]

Nortwest Ohio:

Toledo is the largest city in this region. So much is happening here as well. Toledo is one of the largest in-land ports in the nation, as well as a major road transportation thread. The Toledo Express Airport is becoming one of the nations busiest cargo airports, with development dollars there alone reaching into the millions.

Also, the city just completed the amazing Veterans Sky Bridge which is very modern, and is a nice backdrop to Toledo's Skyline. The city is currently building a new downtown arena, and it also has plans for a new major mixed use development called the Marina District across the river from downtown. The plans look great. And some work has already begun.

And Toledo has also been voted, not just my opinion lol, but it has one of the best Art Musuems and Zoos in the country.

Not to mention Toledo is home to a very diverse population.

Findlay and Bowling Green are both to very nice growing small college cities, that are very progressive. Sandusky is a tourists mecca, with the worlds best amuesment park 12 years in a row now, Cedar Point. With some of the fastest and largest roller coasters in the world.

The Kelly Islands are a very nice escape from the "mainland lol". Great boating, fishing and nice beaches. Great ferries take you and your car to the island of your choice. The are also big party spots!

Northwest Ohio is one of the least recongnized parts of the state, but there is a lot there.

[Traveler87]

Southwest Ohio:

Cincinnati is one of America's true urban cities. The city is seeing so much development, just like all of Ohio's major cities. The Banks project was just approved, and their new tallest skyscrapper is under construction. Home to Great American Insurance. Cincinnati is home to many large fortune 500 companies that power the economy. Like Macy's Inc, Procter and Gamble, all your househould soaps, and many other important daily things we use in life. Western and Southern Finacial Group just to name a few. And Cincinnati ranks 6th per fortune 500 company in the U.S.

Over The Rhine is a neighborhood in transition. This area is seeing new life in all forms. It is a huge success story that other cities across the country will soon follow after is many success stories.

The Univesity of Cincinnati is one of the most modern urban campuses in the country. It is constantly seeing new development, and is home to some of the best schools as far as planning, dentistry, and architecture goes.

Cincinnati is a gem, that is being discovered on a daily basis.

Columbus is a booming city in Midwest and Northeast terms. Columbus grows at a rate compared to many SE and SW cities. It is growing by leaps and bounds, and finding its own way, even though new, to gets its own character. The Arena District is always under construction with something new, and new highrise condos are going up one after the other in Columbus. A new riverfront park is planned for Columbus. And streetcar systems are approved for both Cincinnati and Columbus.

Columbus as well, just like the other 2 big "C" cities, is home to many large companies. Nationwide rings a bell. In fact, just like Cincinnati, Columbus ranks in the top 10 cities for a diverse economy. Cardinal Health is located in Columbus, as well as 5 other insurance companies. Columbus is also pushing strong to become another Research Triangle just like Raleigh, due to the fact that Microsoft has major areas located in Columbus.

Clothing Stores like, Hollister, Abercrombie, Victoria Secrets are located in Columbus, and Bath and Body Works as well.

It is a huge area for college students from around the world. North America's largest university, Ohio State.

Columbus is a city turning corners, and proving itself as an emerging world economy, and moving up in the ranks of population. Currently America's 15th most poplulated city. Also, Delaware County is the nations 12th fastest growing county, and ranked amoung Money Magazines as the best spot for jobs.

Best for job growth - Delaware County, OH (13) - Money Magazine

[Traveler87]

Southwest Continued LOL:

Dayton is a city that is transforming. It is home to the Wright Brothers museum, a huge tourist draw, and is home to many large military technology centers.

The city is seeing a rebirth downtown, with a new convention center, a new highrise performing arts center, and a new riverfront park, that is getting more and more plans on the drawing board. Not to mention Caresources new office building under construction in downtown.

SW Finished lol

[Traveler87]

I just would like to thank the people reading these long essays, lol, but there is so much people do not see, or in many ways refuse to see.

My last region, not much to talk about, just besides its awesome scenery.

SE Ohio offers not a lot in big cities, but that is a good thing. We need a diverse landscape, and Ohio offers plenty of that.

Hocking Hills State Park, Wayne National Forest and the many large lakes SE Ohio has to offer, is a great spot for people who enjoy the outdoors. SE Ohio has some of the best and largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Some small towns on the river have great preserved central mainstreets, and are home to some very nice little colleges. Ohio has a diverse landscape, and SE Ohio happens to be my favorite spot in Ohio for the outdoors.

[Traveler87]

My last posts, I promise.

Ohio has so much to offer, and I honestly wish more people could see this. People come back to our cities and are amazed by how much they have changed. I know people from around the country and the world that are moving to our state for the many large companies that I just mentioned. We have one of the best state park systems in the nation. We are in the top 15 in the nation as far as tourism dollars getting spent goes. We are 7th in population with over 11.4 million. We have 3 cities with over 2 million in their metro areas. We have home to two of the nation's top 100 fastest growing counties. Ohio just got its first Ikea! LOL, it was built in West Chester.

Ohio is changing, in more ways than one. Do we have our problems? Yes we do. Lots of them in fact. But what major state doesn't? We have a government in place that is changing things. They are making Ohio the place for new companies to move to, with a new tax incentive that will bring in big companies. We will be a major player in the up and coming wind energy.

Ohio is a unique state, that has plenty to offer. Lets hope many more in the future will see this. And the next decade, 2010-2020 looks very good for Ohio.

Thanks for reading my book! LOL

We have a diverse landscape, from the gently rolling hills of the NE, the forest green hills of the SW, that give Cincinnati that hilliest city in the Midwest category, and SE Ohio which has awesome park that reach for miles.

Cleveland is home to one of the largest banking assests in the nation. We have one of the only national parks in a metro of over 3 million. Cuyahoga Nat'l Park reaching from northern Canton to Lake Erie. An awesome public transportation system in Cleveland, many other cities its size do not even have one, let alone how extensive Cleveland's is. We have one of the best emerging downtowns according to Brookings Institute. We were voted most livable in 2005.

Columbus is one of the "new" cities of the north.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by Traveler87

My last posts, I promise.

Ohio has so much to offer, and I honestly wish more people could see this. People come back to our cities and are amazed by how much they have changed. I know people from around the country and the world that are moving to our state for the many large companies that I just mentioned. We have one of the best state park systems in the nation. We are in the top 15 in the nation as far as tourism dollars getting spent goes. We are 7th in population with over 11.4 million. We have 3 cities with over 2 million in their metro areas. We have home to two of the nation's top 100 fastest growing counties. Ohio just got its first Ikea! LOL, it was built in West Chester.

Ohio is changing, in more ways than one. Do we have our problems? Yes we do. Lots of them in fact. But what major state doesn't? We have a government in place that is changing things. They are making Ohio the place for new companies to move to, with a new tax incentive that will bring in big companies. We will be a major player in the up and coming wind energy.

Ohio is a unique state, that has plenty to offer. Lets hope many more in the future will see this. And the next decade, 2010-2020 looks very good for Ohio.

Thanks for reading my book! LOL

We have a diverse landscape, from the gently rolling hills of the NE, the forest green hills of the SW, that give Cincinnati that hilliest city in the Midwest category, and SE Ohio which has awesome park that reach for miles.

Cleveland is home to one of the largest banking assests in the nation. We have one of the only national parks in a metro of over 3 million. Cuyahoga Nat'l Park reaching from northern Canton to Lake Erie. An awesome public transportation system in Cleveland, many other cities its size do not even have one, let alone how extensive Cleveland's is. We have one of the best emerging downtowns according to Brookings Institute. We were voted most livable in 2005.

Columbus is one of the "new" cities of the north.

I give you props for discussing most every region of the state and your positive attitude towards Ohio - seeing the glass half-full. Your experiences living in Ohio obviously have led you to love the state, and that's great, b/c Ohio needs ambassadors like you to help turn it around. I would love nothing more for the state to rebound and be a hot destination again. I'm not going to pump any more negativity towards the state on this thread, but just understand, while all those things you mentioned are great assets for the state, there has been trememdous job losses across the state, w/literally millions effected by them. The other thing the state has no control on is it's gloomy weather (w/the exception of the southwest portion i.e. Cincinnati of the state). I never realized how gloomy and cloudy Ohio was until we moved to South Carolina - it really does make a positive impact on your outlook when it is very sunny and mostly mild the entire year. Other than that, Ohio has the resources to rebound strongly in the coming years if it plays to it's strengths i.e. plenty of Fortune 500 companies, strong healthcare like the Cleveland Clinic, etc. - and needs to utilize people like you pumping it up in advertisements!

[Traveler87]

Originally Posted by Buckeye in SC

I give you props for discussing most every region of the state and your positive attitude towards Ohio - seeing the glass half-full. Your experiences living in Ohio obviously have led you to love the state, and that's great, b/c Ohio needs ambassadors like you to help turn it around. I would love nothing more for the state to rebound and be a hot destination again. I'm not going to pump any more negativity towards the state on this thread, but just understand, while all those things you mentioned are great assets for the state, there has been trememdous job losses across the state, w/literally millions effected by them. The other thing the state has no control on is it's gloomy weather (w/the exception of the southwest portion i.e. Cincinnati of the state). I never realized how gloomy and cloudy Ohio was until we moved to South Carolina - it really does make a positive impact on your outlook when it is very sunny and mostly mild the entire year. Other than that, Ohio has the resources to rebound strongly in the coming years if it plays to it's strengths i.e. plenty of Fortune 500 companies, strong healthcare like the Cleveland Clinic, etc. - and needs to utilize people like you pumping it up in advertisements!

Thank you very much! Like I said, I know we have our problems, lots of them in fact, but things are really changing. And unemployment in Ohio is actually right around South Carolina's level. Quite interesting, and back in May Ohio's was lower, but they change monthly. Not saying anything bad about South Carolina though.

I am about to graduate actually with a masters in planning, and I have been offered 3 jobs in firms here in Ohio. One here in Cleveland, and two in Columbus. It just depends where your career takes you, you know?

BTW, rep points for you, just for being a NICE and HONEST person.

[leavingthe513]

Originally Posted by ryanek9freak

Yes, most of Ohio has totally died. I waited 20 years to move to Colorado, and I finally did it.

Things are on fire out here in Denver.

lol on fire huh? good for you, I'm right behind ya..