Possibly moving to Ohio..not sure where yet (Columbus, Cleveland: home, unemployment)

[Mike Schmidt]

I am an appraiser that lives in California at the moment. My wife and I want to move due to the high cost of housing (I would like to buy a home). I was told by my son, who is in the navy, that areas of Ohio are very pretty. I am looking to get away from the track home, concrete jungle look. Something a little more green would be nice. I do however have to live fairly close to one of the big cities to make it easier to get apraisal work. Our kides have moved out so schools are not a priority. I would like home prices to be $300,000 or less (at leat 3-4 bedrooms and 2500 sqft).

Does anyone have any suggestions as to areas we miht want to look at in Ohio. Thank you for any help you can give.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by Mike Schmidt

Our kides have moved out so schools are not a priority. I would like home prices to be $300,000 or less (at leat 3-4 bedrooms and 2500 sqft).

Does anyone have any suggestions as to areas we miht want to look at in Ohio. Thank you for any help you can give.

You can pretty much choose anywhere in the state for that, should have no problem anywhere finding a $300k home that is 2500 square feet w/4 bedrooms.

Ohio has some variety, you can choose to live near Lake Erie in Cleveland or Toledo, near the Ohio River in Cincinnati; on flat land near Toledo, Findlay and all of NW Ohio. Rolling hills/foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in SW Ohio as just a few examples.

It all depends on what you like the best, the milder climates are obviously farther to the south (Cincinnati, Dayton, Marietta); on the other hand, you will get significantly more snow and colder weather near Cleveland or Akron than you will in the Nati' or Dayton. If we ever decide to move back, we've talked about most likely looking at Cincinnati or Columbus; I'm from the Canton area, it's really kind of stagnant now and has been for a couple of decades really.

[Daytonnatian]

Are you looking for country or city living?

I'm guessing from your title post that the suburbs aren't for you (thank goodness).

[jkratze1]

I would highly recommend Warren County which is a county in the Cincinnati Metro area. Warren County is one of the fastest growing counties in Ohio. In Warren County you can live in the country and still not be far from the booming Cincinnati-Dayton megalopolis. Also since you will be in Southwest Ohio, the winters won't be too bad compared to other parts of Ohio. Warren County also has tons of recreational opportunities.

http://www.ohioslargestplayground.com/

[1watertiger]

imo. metro cleveland and metro cincy would be my suggestions. those two cities by far have the most to offer a family.

[rrtechno]

Northwest Ohio is pretty flat, so if you are looking for rolling hills, it isn't here. But we are located about an hour from Toledo and Fort Wayne, so those aren't too far away. The lakes of NorthEast Indiana are nearby and there is always property on the market and selling there. If you want access to more activities from larger cities, many people here make a weekend trip to Chicago for shows, shopping, and sports. Chicago is a three hour trip, but you can get to Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati all in just a little longer than that. And I happen to know of a nice, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3000 sq. ft. home on a nearly half acre lot in a quiet neighborhood in a small town that can be had for less than 200K. While unemployment is higher here than in some other areas, I don't know that the overall economy is really worse than elsewhere. Good luck in your hunting.

[NicePolishBoy]

I'm not from Ohio but I've worked and lived in different parts. Cinci has the best visually.