Ohio in general? (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo: low crime, unemployment, buy)

[jam40jeff]

It gets fairly warm and sunny in the summer, but for most of the year he'd be fine (Cleveland does get less sun than many places of the country, which is not an advantage to most people, haha).

As to what areas you would like, it's hard to say without knowing what you like to do, what you're interested in, etc. Especially coming from England, I would say you would like the Cleveland (including Akron, they're close to each other) and Cincinnati areas the best. They offer the widest variety in living options in my opinion. Columbus is probably like nothing you've seen in England, and not really in a good way. Cleveland does have the big advantage of the lake. There are some nice beaches on Lake Erie and a good number of boaters and fishers. Also, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a beautiful national park between Cleveland and Akron. As to specific areas, the best I can suggest is to come and rent a car. Drive around to different towns, to downtown Cleveland and Akron, to some suburbs, etc. See what seems to fit your personality. I know it's difficult to judge an area based on a short drive-through or visit, so if you have further questions on any specific areas (or further criteria or things you look for in a place to live) we can answer your questions either here or at another great resource, UrbanOhio (http://www.urbanohio.com/forums). By the way, now is a greatg time to find a deal on a house with low interest rates and the foreclosure mess still underway (the housing market can pretty much can only get better from a seller's standpoint from here). Good luck!

[JR_C]

I think there is something in Ohio for everyone. The only concern I would have is that it might be hard for teachers to find work in Ohio. (though, I've heard that math and science teachers are still sometimes in demand)

[jam40jeff]

Correct, I know many teachers and none of the math or science teachers I know have had any problem finding a good job. I can't say the same for the History, English, and Health & PE teachers I know.

[unusualfire]

Not to be negative or anything. My cousin could not find a job over there because the economy was not so great. With him being a foreigner that only made his situation worse. Hopefully you will not run into a problem here, but Ohio does have a 10% unemployment rate. Unless you have a job lined up already, it maybe difficult to find a job in your expertise being a foreigner.

[jam40jeff]

The unemployment in the Cleveland area is currently 8.7%, lower than the national average of 9.0%. Furthermore, teaching is far more resistant to the economic cycles since the levies bring in a constant amount of cash flow. Schools don't go out of business like other companies when the economy is bad.

It is true that there is an overabundance of history and phys. ed. teachers especially in Ohio. However, I have known more than a few people who were looking for math and science teaching positions in the past few years and had no problems finding openings at good schools.

[forest1865]

yeah we know it might be difficult but we are trying to look at the positives like being the best time to buy. the plan is to apply for jobs over here so that the visa process is faster.

funnily enough we were looking at houses in Cleveland after the high recommendations from people on the forum. we are looking for somewhere with a great scenery but being from Nottingham we are used to the city living. to be honest, we would be happy anywhere in america, we hate it in england and love it in america. if it is going to be difficult to get a job it might be best to look elsewhere in the country but we do have an affiliation to the place

[forest1865]

i feel a lot better about it after reading jam40jeffs post. i've had a look on the urban ohio website and the area looks amazing we fall in love with the place more and more we see it.

[jam40jeff]

I highly recommend when you find specific properties to inquire there about the location. There are certain neighborhoods which are much nicer/lower crime than others, and people on the forums there will be able to give you very detailed information on specific properties you are looking at. Good luck!

By the way, I got the UrbanOhio forum link wrong. Sorry about that. The correct link is:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2

[jozimek]

Ohio economy is terrible. You actually are moving into Ohio? lol. wow. I moved out two years ago.

Net loss in jobs, businesses and citizens. Taxes are very high, almost rediculous without any return on what is paid. You better re-think what your doing. My condolensces to you.

[1watertiger]

jozimek, where did you find utopia?