Monday, June 1, 2009

Rust Belt Myths: Youngstown

Perhaps some of you might help this woman out with her question:

Is Youngstown really as bad as it is said to be?

My husband and I are thinking of moving to Ohio because my parents just moved up there due to my dads job which is near Toledo. My husbands grandmother owns a home closer to Youngstown on a lake and has said that we could live there if we wanted/needed to. I have done research and was shocked by the things I have read about Youngstown. Is a place like 20 miles away from the actual city of Youngstown much safer than being in Youngstown? I currently live in SC so even though Youngstown is 2.5 to 3 hours away from Toledo it is better than 14 hours.

I'd suggest that the safest part of the region is downtown, about as close to the actual city as you can get. But a house on a lake sounds rather nice.

6 comments:

  1. What's wrong with the North Side, or the South Side? Or Boardman, or Poland, or and the list goes on and on.

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  2. Where is the best neighborhood in Youngstown that no one knows about?

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  3. Your probably going to be near Lake Milton. A job in Ohio. Take it. Youngstown is no different than any other city.

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  4. 20 miles from Youngstown could be on Mosquito Lake near Cortland. Nothing at all like Youngstown, really.

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  5. It's all just a matter of being smart. Keep to yourself and don't cause trouble with people you don't know and you'll be absolutely fine. The area's reputation really comes from two small areas, but for the most part, I'm 23 and live alone, and I've never been scared. If it's a house on Mosquito Lake, or Lake Milton, I'd absolutely take it. (Seriously, that's not advice. I would take it.) I kayak both those lakes frequently because they are so peaceful and the people you do see are very friendly.

    Just remember to use common sense: Lock your car doors when you're driving. Like your house doors. Don't pick fights with strangers. You'd be surprised how nice people here are.

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  6. I grew up in Poland (OH) and left town after high school to attend college out of state. When I had the opportunity to return to Yngstwn over forty years later b/s of a job offer, I leapt at the chance to be closer to my folks (who still live in Poland). Furthermore, I chose to buy a home on the Northside of Y-town merely blocks from my employer. That was six years ago, and I've never regretted it - I love my neighborhood, the mix of ethnicities and professions of my neighbors, and most of all the spirit of revitalization that permeates the city - despite all the bad press, this is a great place to live and raise a family - everyone I've met who moved here from out of state (from New England to LA)can't get over how friendly are the people they meet. Just be warned, the job market can be tight if you don't already have something lined up.

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