Canfield vs. Columbiana vs. Lisbon (Youngstown, Lima: low crime, hotels, houses)

[JasonJenny]

Alright Ohioans you have been helpful in narrowing things down. How are Canfield, Columbiana, and Lisbon similar and how do they differ?

Schools
Library
Family-Centered
Activities
Economy
Low Crime

Where would you prefer to live of those three?

Thanks for the feedback so far - looking forward to good debates and insights!!!!

[South Range Family]

Lisbon-----Poor hillbillies.

Columbiana-------Average hillbillies.


Canfield---------Rich hillbillies.

[CortlandGirl79]

^Good explanation. lol I don't know too much about Lisbon, but i don't have a great impression of the area. Columbiana seems like a small, cute blue collar town. Canfield is known in the valley for $$$$ and keeping up with the jones' snobbery. Now these descriptions aren't all inclusive, but there is an element of truth in each description.

[strudel42]

Hi! Perhaps I can help -- I grew up in Salem and still visit the area frequently. Columbiana sounds like a good bet for you. Their schools have a good reputation and Firestone Park is great for the kids. I loved going there when I was little. I think they still host annual antique & craft fairs there, which are fun to visit. Lisbon is a little more rough around the edges; lots of historic buildings and, IMO, lots of character but fewer amenities (although you should stop by the Steel Trolley Diner if you visit!). Canfield as CortlandGirl said is thought of as a snobbish area -- more money, sort of ritzy houses, but more shopping and close proximity to Boardman/Youngstown if that's important to you. Not sure about their schools. Canfield, also, hosts an excellent Fair every Labor Day weekend that you definitely want to check out, esp. if you have kids.

It's a beautiful area! Good luck to you on your move.

[JasonJenny]

O.K. you are all too funny! I know I keep going around with this, but each time you give me more of a sense of the area. So.... if we interview in the area, I want to check out Columbiana and Canfield. Where do you recommend that I make sure to go when I visit to get a good impression of the area?

[CortlandGirl79]

I would also check out Poland Village, it's very charming. If i wanted to get an impression of the area i would go to Home | Mill Creek MetroParks maybe the Southern Park Mall (to do some people watching and check out entertainment options), try some restaurants, definitely check out the Poland library. There's a children's museum in Youngstown, a playhouse, theater, convention center, etc. I would walk around Columbiana, drive around neighborhoods, visit local lakes and state parks perhaps........

[JR_C]

Originally Posted by CortlandGirl79

I would also check out Poland Village, it's very charming. If i wanted to get an impression of the area i would go to Home | Mill Creek MetroParks maybe the Southern Park Mall (to do some people watching and check out entertainment options), try some restaurants, definitely check out the Poland library. There's a children's museum in Youngstown, a playhouse, theater, convention center, etc. I would walk around Columbiana, drive around neighborhoods, visit local lakes and state parks perhaps........

The children's museum is closed until later this year while they move to their new location.
The Gloria & Roger Jones OH WOW! Children's Center for Science & Technology Unveils New Location, New Name

[strudel42]

I would check out Beaver Creek State Park -- half an hour or so from Columbiana and beautiful.

[South Range Family]

If you are here on a Friday, check out the Rogers flea market. It's almost within walking distance of the prison.

As Strudel said, Beaver Creek State park is nice. Boardman is where the shopping is. Anything else in between is residential, and farm land. Miles, and miles of farm land..........

This is your best bet for a hotel. Hotel - Canfield-Youngstown, Ohio - OH - Hampton Inn & Suites It's right at the route 11 exit in Canfield. I'm sure you will be coming across Ohio on the Turnpike. Austintown is where the turnpike switches over to route 76, and heads into Pennsylvania. I would follow 80, and catch 11 down to Canfield. Route 11 gets you closer to the prison.

The other choice is to forget all of that, and take the turnpike all the way to Route 7 in North Lima. Route 7 is called Market Street. There are several hotels right at the exit, and shopping in Boardman is only a few miles due North. The other plus about 7 is that it will take you straight down to Rogers. Turn right at the light on 154. The flea market is about a 1/2 mile down the road. Continue on a few miles around the curves, and you are close to the prison.


If you take 7 up to Boardman, the big intersection with the Southern Park mall is 224. You can ride up, and down 224 for all kinds of shopping, and eating. If you cross over 224 at the mall, you really shouldn't go any more than 1 or 2 blocks North.

[PhillytoCincy]

Columbiana has a great school system. I have always been impressed with this little town. Great main street, the circle was completely re-done, and the Main Street Theatre has been completely remolded and is amazing on the inside. Columbiana's main street is full of antique shops, and little businesses, and some great restaurants.

Firestone Park is a place you will have to check out. Great pool, new walking trails, basketball and tennis courts. The Columbiana Public Library is great as well.

Columbiana is a growing little town, but not growing out of control. About 20 minutes north of Columbiana is Millcreek Park. One of the largest urban park systems in the country.