c.1890 Four Bedroom Affordable Ohio Home Under $55K

664 N Ellsworth Ave, Salem, OH 44460  $54,900

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended. 

Contact Realtor: Marie Houston

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Niche

Pros

1. Very Affordable Living

• Cost of living is about 27% below the U.S. average, and 11% below Ohio’s average. Median home prices ($156K) are 54% below national averages, and average rent ($800 for a 2 BR) is ~44% cheaper

• Ranked “Cost of Living: A+” and “Housing: B-” by AreaVibes

2. Solid School System

• Salem City School District earns a B grade, with high school (B+) performances and good graduation rates

• District benefits from strong community support and a favorable student–teacher ratio (~17:1)

3. Safe & Stable

• AreaVibes rates crime much below national average; violent crime ~136 per 100K (lower than national average)

• Niche gives a “Crime & Safety” grade of B‑minus

4. Outdoor Amenities & Historic Charm

• Several parks and historic districts enhance quality of life; “plenty of parks” and a charming downtown area

• Downtown is listed on the National Register, with Greek Revival and Queen Anne architecture .

5. Community & Regional Education

• Hosts Kent State University satellite campus (~950 students) and Allegheny Wesleyan College

• Strong civic infrastructure with active police/fire services and community events .

❌ Cons

1. Limited Amenities & Entertainment

• Amenities are sparse and spread out; driving is needed for most facilities. Downtown offerings are limited and recent growth stalled after the pandemic .

• Dining and nightlife are limited; cuisine is mostly chains or basic local fare

2. Mixed Employment & Income Outlook

• Median household income is low (~$45K–50K), with modest unemployment (~4.5–6%) and poverty around 17–18% .

• Job prospects are primarily in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail—fewer high-paying roles locally .

3. Crime Concerns in Some Data

• While AreaVibes reports low crime, NeighborhoodScout suggests property crime is somewhat above average (1 in 68 chance), though violent crime remains average

• Niche’s B‑minus suggests some perception of safety issues

4. Unpredictable & Gloomy Weather

• Salem is cloudy and damp, with cool winters and humid summers. It ranks “C” for weather

• Tornado and severe storm risk is higher than many areas

5. Car-Dependency

• Walkability is low; errands require driving and traffic inefficiencies abound .

• Public transit is limited, and commutes can be longer than average