Quote:
Originally Posted by Orwelleaut
Wooster has a lot lower a crime rate, from what Mansfield area folks have to say, than Mansfield does. Mansfield seems reasonably safe, but it does have some rougher areas.
As far as the economy, the closing of ARMCO AK steel in 1999 or shortly thereafter seems to have hurt Mansfield. This was a big deal when that plant closed, as it was very large. The old plant has recently been completely razed and leveled, though, so maybe the city is looking at building a new plant there??
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Wooster may have a lower crime rate, but Mansfield is more than twice its size (Mansfield's MSA is around 125,000 people). Also, if you stay out of the troubled areas or don't partake in illicit activities, you should be fine.
On to AK Steel, they are not closed. In 1999 workers were locked out and there was a long strike. However, it is still in operation. The factory has also downsized and the portion of the factory that was demolished is only a part of the large complex.
For the OP:
I would also like to add that Mansfield has a very nice downtown. Since you have children, you might want to take them to the Carousel, then for lunch at Coney Island, and then have dessert at Buckeye Bakery. Also, there is the Carousel workshop and the Richland Academy, both of which offers programs for kids. Downtown also offers a selection of restaurants and bars, a bookstore, a coffee shop, a shoe store, and much more. Oh, and you should catch a show at the Renaissance Theater, they offer great plays, musicals, concerts, and pretty much everything related to performing arts.
As far as neighborhoods, Mansfield's Parkwood and Woodland neighborhoods are very nice, safe, and well preserved. Our suburbs of Lexington, Ontario, and Madison are nice as well. Lexington and Ontario public schools are really good, Madison is so-so, and St. Peter's is one of the best private schools in Mansfield. Mansfield also offers different charter schools, but I don't know much about them.
Mansfield also offer's a great park system (North Lake, Middle, and South Park), Kingwood Center, a bike trail (it runs from North Lake Park to Butler), and Mohican State Park (about 30 min. south west of Mansfield).
As for IT jobs, I am sure you could find a job in Mansfield (a new IT firm just opened downtown). If you can't, you are about an hour away from Columbus, Cleveland, and Akron (traveling distance is about the same for Wooster, except they are closer to Akron I believe).
I would like to conclude that Mansfield and Wooster are great places to live and that you should visit both. You should visit the parts in town that you are interested and get the "feel" for that area. I wish you good luck in your search and hope that you enjoy Ohio.
Some sites that I recommend you visit:
Mansfield Convention and Visitor's Bureau
Main Street Mansfield
Renaissance Theater
Carousel Park
Mohican State Park
Kingwood Center
And for pictures of
Parkwood
Pictures of
Mansfield
More pictures of
Mansfield
and even more pictures of
Mansfield
If you want to know more, you can message me or you could visit
UrbanOhio for all of your Ohio information needs!
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