c.1906 Three Bedroom Ohio Victorian Cottage Under $37K

721 Chestnut St, Ironton, OH 45638   $36,750

• Contact Realtor: Suzanne Triplett
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Pros of Living in Ironton, OH

1. Very Affordable Cost of Living

• Overall cost of living is around 17–23% lower than the national average, and about 7–9% below the Ohio state average.

• Housing is especially budget-friendly:

  • Median home value: roughly $91,700–$112,400, significantly lower than the U.S. median.

  • Median rent: around $760–$820/month, making renting a more accessible option.

• Other everyday costs like groceries, utilities, and transportation are also below national averages.

2. Low Crime Rates

• Ironton enjoys crime rates significantly lower than Ohio’s average—about 51% lower overall.

• NeighborhoodScout confirms that, for its size, Ironton is safer than many comparable cities—though it notes a relatively higher violent crime and murder rate.

• CrimeGrade gives an overall D+ rating, suggesting it’s safer than only 29% of U.S. cities—but this is still relatively okay among similarly sized towns.

3. Strong Health & Safety Infrastructure

• Ironton boasts solid health and safety scores, supported by reliable air/water quality and access to emergency services.

4. Historic Character & Community Feel

• The Downtown Ironton Historic District features architecture from the 1870s–1950s, including landmarks like the Marlow Theatre and historic storefronts.

• The community vibe is grounded and close-knit. One Reddit commenter described Ironton as a “very depressed area” economically—but also noted its affordability and historic housing appeal.

• Proximity to larger towns like Ashland, KY (~15 minutes away) gives residents access to additional shopping, dining, and recreational options.

5. Short Commutes & Reasonable Transportation Costs

• The average commute is about 17 to 21 minutes, shorter than many U.S. averages.

• Transportation costs like gas and bus fares are below national norms.

6. Decent Schools & Educational Outcomes

• The local Rock Hill School District boasts a 92.6% high school graduation rate, well above state benchmarks.

• AreaVibes rates schools a B, with a graduation rate of 82% and test scores around 63%, which is above average.

Cons of Living in Ironton, OH

1. Economic Challenges & Poverty

• Median household income (~$35,900) is about 29% lower than Ohio’s average.

• Poverty affects approximately 25.5% of residents, significantly higher than the national average (~12%).

• Income levels remain modest, impacting local spending and investment.

2. Limited Local Amenities

• Many amenities, such as dining, shopping, and entertainment, are not within walking distance, necessitating driving or heading to nearby towns.
  
  

• Public transit usage is virtually nonexistent—most residents drive, with little accessibility in town.

3. Population Stability & Growth

• Ironton’s population (~10,700) has either stagnated or declined over recent years, with economic outflows such as jobs driving the trend.

4. Uneven Crime Risk Depending on Neighborhood

• While overall crime is lower, certain neighborhoods have much higher rates—especially in the west parts of the city, where the risk of becoming a crime victim can be as high as 1 in 19.

• This uneven distribution suggests careful neighborhood selection is important.