Bellevue, OH - a place to retire?

[davidafan]

I live in a suburb of Toledo, OH, and I can tell you that economically, NW Ohio is one of the hardest hit parts of the entire country. Toledo has the worst unemployment in Ohio (over 10%), the most new unemployment claims in the state, and people and businesses are leaving in increasing numbers because, simply put, Toledo is on its death bed and there are no jobs at all to be had. There are not enough police or fire workers in Toledo, because the city can't afford to hire more. The winters here are long, hard, and depressing.

I know that Bellevue isn't Toledo, but since Toledo is the nearest "big" city, you would probably find yourself going there if you wanted to visit a mall or take in a ballgame. It's not all that far away. My husband works for a national soft drink company in Toledo and he delivers to Bellevue at least weekly, that's how close it is.

I have lived around here my entire life. I am SO ready to move away to a place that has mild winters and doesn't have the huge (and well-earned, if you ask me) inferiority complex that the Toledo area has. The automotive industry controls this entire area, and as it goes, so goes this part of the country. Bellevue is a pretty name, and it is a relatively small, low crime town with a community feel, but that's about it, IMHO. I grew up in a different small town about the size of Bellevue only west of Toledo and I wouldn't move back there now on a bet, because there isn't much there anymore except for a Super Wal-Mart and one other grocery store, and absolutely nothing whatsoever to do.

[sandwalk]

Originally Posted by sergeisnotmyname

Very close is a relative thing....it may not be 'that far away' but really, it's over a half hour just to get into Sandusky and even longer to get to Port Clinton and the Islands.

It's always been an 'okay' place, but I have no idea why someone would want to retire there if they aren't from the area.

Well honestly, I really wouldn't know why someone would retire to Bellevue unless their family lives there.

But it only takes about 25 minutes to drive to downtown Sandusky or the Sandusky/Perkins shopping areas; and it's about a 15 mile trip up Route 269 to Bay View / Marblehead.

[sergeisnotmyname]

Originally Posted by sandwalk

Well honestly, I really wouldn't know why someone would retire to Bellevue unless their family lives there.

But it only takes about 25 minutes to drive to downtown Sandusky or the Sandusky/Perkins shopping areas; and it's about a 15 mile trip up Route 269 to Bay View / Marblehead.

Ah...Bay View and Marblehead on on on seperate sides of the Sandusky Bay....it's more then 15 miles to Marblehead.

[sandwalk]

Originally Posted by sergeisnotmyname

Ah...Bay View and Marblehead on on on seperate sides of the Sandusky Bay....it's more then 15 miles to Marblehead.

True that!

[Jimcol]

Hell yes if you are a train buff. the Mad river and Nickle Plate Muesum has one of the finest train collections in the state. Plus you are far enough removed from Sandusky to avoid those pesky tourists.
If you have out of town guest coming to visit you, there are lesser known attractions to keep them entertained as well as the ones up by Lake Erie

Lagoon deer Park where you can walk out into the park and feed the deer, alpacas, llamas and peacocks and we are not talking about feeding them through a fence, but there are other animals that are fenced in.

Seneca Caverns (be prepared to do some climbing, this is NOT one of those cutesy caves)

The Sorrowful Mother Shrine which is an outside religious attraction based on the Catholic faith with many beautiful shrines and statuary on the grounds.

[Azure Ray]

Do not go to Bellevue. It is more run down, the trains are horrible, and it is on a trucking route. Places to retire in the area include Milan (Birthplace of Thomas Edison), Huron (directly on the lake), or Port Clinton (also directly on the lake).

Hope this helps!