I've been in Oregon for nearly 17 years now after 12 years in Columbus and 18 years in Cleveland and its burbs. Back in September I left my job at Nike for another opportunity at a Bay Area company, but work from home (outside of a monthly trip down there and misc trips). I love my apdopted city, all the state has to offer, and have several great friends. It is starting to get pretty expensive though...for example, 2 years ago I bought in the burbs - it was rare to find a house on the east side (about 1600 square block area) under $375-400k. Now that number is $450-475k (900-1200 sq ft livable space).

Regardless, my real estate agent texted me today saying she has a client "desperate" to move into my neighborhood. She knows my house since she was my agent when I bought it, and has been over a couple times since. I told her wait until June, as I hit my 2 year mark the 2nd of July and won't have to pay capital gains. She said she will figure the capital gains and she'll work with the buyer to cover that, and said the buyer wants to move fast. I don't have any details beyond that yet.

This got me thinking that (a) I don't need to be in Portland, as much as I like it here and (b) I know at some point I'd have to consider moving back to Ohio at some point, as my mom is 72. Still young, but I'd rather move back at an opportunity to me rather than be "forced" into moving back.

So, if this thing happens, I'm going to consider moving back to either the Columbus or Cleveland areas. I get back 2x/year, but really just visit family, so I don't really know what's up in either city anymore. Fill me in on what's going on in both cities (good and bad), and what its like to live there nowadays. I follow all of the sports teams in both, so no need to cover them. Also, what are some nice, up and coming neighborhoods that aren't over-gentrified?

ummm...cost of living is cheap.

cleveland housing market is still trash, so you can buy a house in some uppity wealthy suburb for around 150-250k.

cavs tickets are still somewhat affordable. can get browns tickets for 10 bucks. Flats is looking even better.

oh, and swimming in the lake won't make you grow a 3rd arm. but depending on what you're into, that could be a good or bad thing.

I live in Powell, 20 minutes north of Columbus. Down here you've got the all sorts of neat neighborhoods to choose from, if you want to spent the money that is.

Victorian village, German Village, Italian Village. Don't know what the arts scene is like up there but you've got the Ohio theater, the Palace theater, the Franklin Conservatory, Columbus Museum of Art.

Some cool malls, movie theaters, and if you're into golf there are PLENTY of golf courses around here.

You could move a little far out into the sticks and get even more house and land if you want it too.

Can't imagine the weather is that much different.

Don't know how often the people in Cleveland repair the roads, but down here the orange barrels pop up so often that traffic is just a JOY!

Cost of living would def. be lower I would guess.

Employment would be the big thing, if I were you.

Thanks guys. If Cleveland, I'd want to live as close to downtown as possible I think. Ohio City, Tremont, maybe Lakewood if they're not overly gentrified.

Not sure on Columbus. My brother lives in Powell, but that might be farther out than I want to be.

Employment isn't an issue, I have a job that will move with me. My monthly commute to the Bay Area for a week will be more difficult, but no problems overall.

Cleveland and Columbus aren't all that close. Where does your mom live? Knowing that will help us narrow it down for you.

This is an excellent point. It's over (not by much) two hours from Powell to Cleveland. So if you wanna live closer to downtown Columbus that will tack on a half hour.

My mom lives in Brunswick (sister and her family too), my father and stepmom live in Brecksville. I have an uncle in Aurora and a cousin in Stow.

From a Columbus perspective, only my brother in Powell, but friends scattered throughout the city.

Actual location doesn't matter as much yet, just looking for non-familial reasons to consider moving back (or staying away ). I know the drive between Columbus and Cleveland well - 12 years in Columbus, I drove that probably 60 or more times.

Something I didn't mention is that I'll need to get it cleared through my work, as they'd need to "open an office" in either city for me, mainly for tax purposes. Columbus would likely be their vote, as we are a player in the smart city market, and Columbus won the smart city challenge last summer.

And update...this is moving really, really fast. My agent said her other client unofficially offered me between 10 and 25 grand higher than her inital thought, to make sure capital gains are covered. They want to come over and see the house on Friday and have talked about an early May close date.

Congrats on the new job. I can't add much to this conversation, other than you will make out financially. Good luck in whatever you decide!

May I suggest Austintown Ohio. Cost of living is cheap and only a bit more than an hour from Cleveland. Just think of the Money you could put back into savings just by selling your home and buying this one.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Austintown-OH/fsba,fsbo,new_lt/mmm_pt/house,townhouse_type/34834654_zpid/10223_rid/2-_beds/2-_baths/1200-1900_size/priced_sort/41.136843,-80.694666,41.058191,-80.810023_rect/12_zm/

Just search Austintown Ohio with zip codes 44515 and 44511

I was born and raised in Greater Cleveland. Mostly Lakewood (1960-1971).

I recently "drove" through Lakewood on Google. Visited my old houses. I expected see the places deteriorated.

Stopped right in front of the house I lived at 1205 Gladys Ave. Just a typical middle income neighborhood.

It was beautiful. Very tidy. Flower boxes in full bloom on the porch.

If I could see an easy away, I wouldn't hesitate to move back. Clevelanders are among the friendliest, sincerest people in the U.S.

I really like Columbus. Been here for about 20 years now.

Lots to do and pretty inexpensive as far as big cities go. I just bought a 4000 square foot house on 6 acres for 435k on the southwest side of the city. Sounds like you want to live closer to the city though - places like German Village would probably be where I'd start for city living but still in a house.

Stark County is in-between Cleveland and Columbus. I know a lot of Cleveland professionals who moved down that way due to how much more house they can get for the money.

North Canton and Jackson Twp are really nice in that county.

I'll give you a link to a real estate site for homes in N. Canton. I think you'll be amazed at much house you'll be able to get for your money.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/North-Canton_OH

1. Cost of living
2. No water shortage
3. Ok, with the exception of this week, our winters have been relatively temperate lately. Hooray global warming!
4. You don't have to worry too much about weather events or natural disasters like hurricanes, major earthquakes, tornadoes, or extreme flooding. For the most part this area is pretty safe.
5. Generally, Midwest people are pretty level headed socially and politically. No extreme this-way or that-way driving all decisions.
6. Austin Carr on Fox Sports for every Cavs game.

I pulled this house from Verstle's link above:



It's beautiful (in my opinion - I'm partial to ranches).

Judging from the other houses in the link, North Canton's a nice place. Very upscale.

Listed at $169,500. Probably will sell for ~$160,000.

Here in Connecticut, this house would sell for more than $250,000.

Of course here you do have New York City ~ 1 1/2 hours away; Boston ~ 2 hours; The ocean ~ 1 hour; Vermont & New Hampshire mountains ~ 2 hours; The Southern New England Browns Backers Headquarters 1/2 hour.

In my neighborhood in Portland it'd list around $325,000.

The Ohio CCW is recognized by more states the the one issued by Oregon

In my neighborhood in San Diego, that would list for around $1,325,000.

North Canton is a very nice community. Hoover--the vacuum people--are located there. In fact, the high school is known as North Canton--Hoover.

There is almost ZERO crime in North Canton. The schools are always at the top of the chart in Ohio. There are tons of good restaurants in the area and quite a bit of shopping. You miss out on things like a big city has to offer in regards to plays, music venues, etc..........but Cleveland is less than an hour away.

You guys are a bunch of rookies. Down here that is a million dollar home. In my area, $350,000 will get you a total gut job. Oh yeah, you better have all cash too. Most sales are cash only due to a lot of un-permitted work being done in the cocaine boom. Needless to say, I rent my one bedroom apartment for $1,350/month.

The air hurts my face.

I know TTI Floorcare bought Hoover a while back but I think the actual factory in North Canton is closed, if I'm not mistaken.

So, the move part won't be happening, it is more than just inconvenient for my company. Now I need to decide if I want to sell my house and either rent or buy a more expensive one...

thx all

What do you have against CLWB?

There is a reason that house will only pull $160,000. In general, the whole Canton area is a crap hole. North Canton and Jackson Twnp are nice areas, but as a whole the area sucks to live in. I was just thinking to myself earlier how depressed I was that I still work in the Canton area so I still have to go back daily.

Maybe I'll move by you...it'd be at least 475k here The tentative offer I got for my 1500 sq ft with .3 acre is 410-425, though to be fair, that is likely going to be 10-25 over comps.

I can't believe I'm looking at half million dollar homes if I sell. Maybe I'll just rent again for a year or two.

I love my hood. We all have tall trees in our yards. Single level ranches leading to lots of privacy. Large lots. Mine's a .41acre lot. Easy access to the 205 and 99e. Down to earth families. Best thing is being in Clackamas County keeps me out of the Mult County tax craziness.

PM me if you are interested in knowing the area better.

Thanks. If this thing happens, I'll likely be in Multnomah county, closer to the airport or close to downtown. Washington County is my backup, since I'm here and have a ton of friends here

I'm 8 miles to the Burnside Bridge. Have the Orange Max Line not too far away too.
20 minutes to the Airport. The Green Line to the Red Line to the airport a short drive away.
Just sayin'.

I hear ya, I'm not sure what I'm going to do if I end up getting an offer. I know my absolute minimum taking into consideration capital gains, but I don't think I'd accept that.

If they just wait 2 more months and close in July instead of May, I don't need to sweat Capital Gains (earlier if Trump & Co gets rid of Capital Gains) and this can be an easy transaction and they'll save some money to boot...

The only reason to move to Ohio is for sentimental reasons. There are other parts of the country that have lower cost of living/higher quality of living.

Hater. LOL

Look............I don't live in Ohio anymore and I just recently sold my home that I kept in Ohio for over a decade. It was one of the saddest days of my life. I raised my children in that house. We had grand parties in that house. My deceased mother helped get that house in order. It wasn't just a house.........it was our home.

I love Ohio and I'm gonna miss going up there each summer.

If you're wanting to live close to your mom in Brunswick

If you want more city/suburban life . Strongsville would be a great choice . If you want more rural /small town , Medina is great . Both have easy access to downtown Cleveland if that is wheee you work

Which places have a "lower cost of living/higher quality of life" are you talking about?

Quality of life is relative.

However, there's definitely Lower cost of living in other parts, specifically in the south.

I'm curious as well. I've traveled all over the country for work and Ohio is really hard to beat on cost of living while still having access to a decent sized city. Quality of living can be pretty arbitrary, but Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati all have a wide range of activities. They are certainly not Chicago, NYC, or San Fran but those cities have a cost of living that is ridiculous. Eve's stomping grounds of Atlanta is great and has a pretty low cost of living for a big city, but the traffic there is insane.

quote above by kingo:

"There is a reason that house will only pull $160,000. In general, the whole Canton area is a crap hole. North Canton and Jackson Twnp are nice areas, but as a whole the area sucks to live in. I was just thinking to myself earlier how depressed I was that I still work in the Canton area so I still have to go back daily."

This saddens me. I never knew Canton was such a sewer.

I'm thinking Columbus may become - or already is - the crown jewel of Ohio.

It's got the giant (and I might had fairly prestigious) Ohio State University, it's got the seat of Ohio government, the State Fair, the NHL Blue Jackets.

Nah. Not enough. Cleveland still rules.

Don't be saddened. North Canton, Jackson Twp, Hartville/Uniontown area, a significant part of Plain Twp, etc are all very, very nice.

The cost of living is a lot lower in Atlanta and it's a much nicer city to live in.

The traffic is bad only if you don't know what you're doing. You have to know what areas to avoid at what time of day/week.

I commuted every day from the west side to the south side and back with no problems.

You can get a newer larger house for a less expensive price than in Cleveland. I was looking at houses in Cleveland and couldn't understand how they wanted so much money for really old houses. There is a lot of new construction in the suburbs here. You can get a good deal on a brand new home.

Canton isn't so bad and it is getting better . Mistakes have been made for years about how to go about making the Canton area better . Promising things are on the horizon with the corridor to the HOF and the HOF Village in the future . My first step would be to bulldoze the Newton Zone with police presence . Make it a very unattractive place to be for the forces that have made what was once a great neighborhood into the rats nest it has become.

Lake Erie perch and walleye any day of the week. Big Chuck and little John Skits on fox8 Saturday night. And most importantly to be home in ohio when the browns win the Superbowl in the next 3-4 years, lol.

I've moved twice from northeast ohio and can never stay away more then a year or so. I get so heartbroken and feel like a lost puppy.. But if i had a great paying job tben it might have helped my broken heart, lol. I use to sing I'm going back to ohio(pretenders) everyday at work in Charlotte nc. It use to tick off the other employees because they thought i was telling them that not singing it. I was doing both.. So come back to ohio because its where your heart is!

Yes they are nce neighborhoods/towns. But the metropolitan Canton area, as a whole, is a crap hole, and yes Perry Township is becoming one too. I know you have sentimental attachment , but the whole area sucks . Hence the low property costs. If it wasnt for the HOF Canton probably wouldnt even exist anymore. The jobs are all gone, even Timkens workforce is way smaller than it ever has been .

Getting better? Where? Even what were the nicer areas of Canton are getting worse and worse and it is spreading up Tusc through Perry Twnp and spreading into Massillon

My parents have lived by the fairgounds for 25 years, that area was nice when they moved in. I rented the house next door to them and the day my one year lease was up, I took me and my kids and ran. My son is finishing his SR year at McK though

Now I considered moving down there a few years back and was told the cost of living was very good, except for in the metro ATL area. and ATL was Chicago like expensive.

If you want to live downtown, or in the gentrified areas, or in the wealthy areas then yes it will be expensive. But most of Atlanta is not that way. In general it is more expensive to live inside the 285 loop. The suburbs are generally cheaper.

Cleveland and Columbus could arguably get you you the same property purchasing power. Buy where your better job is, unless you'd llke to take advantage of the 11th largest freshwater body on planet earth.