New Middletown/Springfield Twp (Cleveland, Akron: condos, houses, landscaping)

[teeter58]

I am a native of Western Pa who is moving back north after 7 years in Raleigh, NC. We have decided to buy a home in the New Middletown area as taxes and lack of housing choices in PA led us to OH. For those familiar with the area, what is the consensus on living there? Good area, any signs of growth, etc? I also have one son and another on the way. How are Springfield Schools? What are some things to do in the area? We like Poland alot but we wanted some land also. Are the locals friendly to "outsiders"? Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks

[chikaranotori]

Hi teeter58! i recently moved to this area (June 2008), and though my address is technically North Lima, i fall into New Springfield. the locals here tend to mind their own business (which is my preference) and the few that i've met are actually pretty nice. i have to say, i am of mixed race, and there is not a whole lot of that out here, so i get the usual stares and whispered comments, but nothing outright rude (as of yet, anyhow).

my daughter is 4 (her 5th b-day is Halloween this year), and goes to a charter school in Y-town for kindergarten because she was not able to go to the elementary in New Middletown. i've heard rumors that the academics are not that great (especially comapred with neighboring South Range), but the Ohio report card for the schools is pretty good. another thing they seem to be having problems with is passing the school levy.

this is my first experience living in the country (raised in the suburbs of Canton/ Jackson Twp.), but less of a culture shock than i thought. whatever decision you make, welcome to the area! as CortlandGirl likes to say, keep us informed about your experience once you move here.

[teeter58]

Thanks chikaranotori. I took a drive over and the schools look to be pretty nice. In NC, the population was growing so quickly about half the kids were in module buildings. The community seems to support the schools as well "Go Tigers". We close in a couple weeks. Looking forward to discovering a new area. Need to find a place to get a christmas tree, we like planting/landscaping, also want to get into canning/gardening. Finally, anyone know where the closest American Legion is? Thanks.

[South Range Family]

American Legion post 290 is in Columbiana on route 14, which is just a few miles down the road. East Palestine Post 31 is really close too, but doesn't seem to be as active. 290 has a new building with lots of land, and a restaurant.

[teeter58]

Nice South Range, thanks for the info.

[teeter58]

One other question regarding garbage. Is there a dump in the area where you can by a permit instead of having a company pick it up at the curb?

[South Range Family]

That's a good question. There is a dump between 165 & 170. I want to say that is 617, but I'm not really sure. It's the road that runs between New Springfield and Petersburg.

You will see heavy truck traffic coming from Pa. going to that dump.

I just called my neighbor about it. They charge by weight, and I think the minimum is $35. He loads up a big dump trailer from trashing out houses. He says that it has never cost more than $50.

[teeter58]

Ok, I have been here a month. A couple observations, you all get raped with the cost of utilities. I could not believe the cost of my water/sewer and the quality of water is terrible. I grew up with a well on an old strip mine in PA and the quality of city water is comparable here. Electric and Gas are the same, not quite sure why these are all so expensive here. Any thoughts on this? People seems pretty friendly when we have seen them out, but we have not seen a single neighbor introduce themselves which is quite strange to us. Many people have that doom and gloom about them which is really making us question our decision. We knew what we were getting ourselves into w/ the weather, so I'll leave that alone. South Range you spoke of an American Legion in Columbiana, I also saw one near the Poland Middle School though it looks like it is never open. Is it? Btw, Poland Woods is an awesome place. I also would like to know about Lake Evans, is it open to recreation anywhere? Or is just for those new condos to look at? All in all, we are happy to be closer to family for now. But not sure how long we will stay, we'll see. Any input on things to do especially for a 3 year old would be great too! Thanks!

[CortlandGirl79]

I've heard utilities in our area are pretty high........can't comment on the water since i'm not sure where it comes from in New Middletown.

As for the neighbors not introducing themselves, i believe that depends on the area. I"m not sure if you are in a development or not, but sometimes that makes a difference. I know where i grew up in Cortland and where my parents live in Bazetta Twp. people always welcome you to the neighborhood and introduce themselves. I've even had strangers wave at me in certain neighborhoods. Where as when i lived in Niles i bought a house on a busy street, but had neighbors that lived literally 10-20 ft from me and i met no one for several months. It may also have to do w/the weather right now, i don't think people like to leave there homes much when it's cold. Maybe in the spring when you do some yardwork some of them will wonder over.

I'm not sure there are many things to do w/a 3 year old this time of year, but there are some great places to visit in the warmer months. I'll post some links

Home Page
Kraynak's in Hermitage, Pa has Santa's Christmasland w/animated characters.......kids love it and my parents used to take us there every year.

Welcome to Pymatuning Deer Park - Jamestown, PA

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/01/us/01carp.html?_r=1

Wagon Trails Animal Park

Children's Museum of the Valley | Welcome! Never been there, but it might be fun

Daffin's Chocolate Candies - The World's Largest Chocolate Candy Store

Oh and if you make a trip to Cleveland Memphis Kiddie Park-Events is the best........i used to always go there growing up.

If i think of any more i'll try to post them.

There are also zoos in Akron, Cleveland and Pittsburgh

[000000]

Originally Posted by teeter58

A couple observations, you all get raped with the cost of utilities.

just wait for the heating bill you will see throughout the winter...
personally, i like the mahoning valley water. i am probably just used to it from when i lived in the area. it is no kent water by any means.

Originally Posted by teeter58

Many people have that doom and gloom about them which is really making us question our decision.

i am certainly not surprised. i am sorry that i have to apologize that mahoning valley people are the way that they are. imagine more people as downtrodden as i probably am coming across. while you will likely get to know them in time most other places in the united states i have ever ventured not as much effort is needed. it is nice to have some validation online to counteract the unfounded positivists.
i would not take your neighbors' apathy personally since most people in the area are real homers.