c.1917 Three Bedroom Ohio MoveIn Ready Bungalow Under $180K

903 West Ave, Elyria, OH 44035     $179,900

• Contact Realtor: Gary L. Post
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Pros of Elyria, OH

1. Affordability / Cost of Living

   • Cost of living in Elyria is significantly below U.S. average. For example, many reports show the cost of living index ~ 86 (where 100 is national average).

   • Median home values are relatively low (≈ $100‑110K in recent reports), which makes homeownership more accessible.

   • Housing is a big plus: more affordable relative to many parts of Northeast Ohio.

2. Location / Transportation & Regional Access

   • Elyria is well located: it’s about 20‑25 miles west of Cleveland, and close to Lake Erie. That offers access to big‑city amenities without having to live in the metro core.

   • Major highways, rail, and water transportation options contribute to the city’s logistical advantage.

3. Schools & Recent Investments

   • The Elyria City Schools district has invested in new or rebuilt buildings (elementary, middle), updated facilities, preschool, full‑day kindergarten, etc.

   • Elyria High School has modern facilities (rebuilt around 2010) with updated academic wings, performing arts center, etc.

   • There are alternative schooling options: charter (Elyria Community K‑8), private (Elyria Catholic), etc.

4. Diverse Neighborhoods & Cultural / Natural Amenities

   • The city has many (≈ 22) neighborhoods of differing character (density, history, style) so you have options: historic, more suburban, etc.

   • It has parks (and proximity to natural features), access to Lake Erie nearby, a “downtown square” (Ely Square), etc. Some festivals and cultural events.

5. Lower Sales Tax & Some Tax Advantages

   • Reports mention lower sales tax; that along with affordable housing helps with total cost of living.

Cons / Challenges of Elyria, OH

1. Crime / Safety Issues

   • Violent crime in Elyria is notably above many U.S. averages in certain past years, though trending down in some measures lately.

   • Property crime is also relatively high (burglary, theft, car theft) in several reports.

   • Some neighborhoods seem to be safer than others; the experience of safety can vary widely by area. Reddit threads and local feedback reflect concerns in some parts.

2. Income / Poverty & Economic Disparities

   • Median household income is significantly below U.S. average.

   • Poverty rates are relatively high. Nearly 1 in 5 residents live below poverty line in some reports.

   • A large share of households earn less than $50,000/year.

3. Educational Performance Gaps

   • Although schools have good facilities, proficiency in core subjects (math, reading / language arts) is below state average in many reporting; especially in elementary‑ to high‑school levels.

   • Elyria High School has about 10% AP participation; many students are economically disadvantaged.

4. Lower Levels of Higher Education Attainment

   • The share of adults with a bachelor’s degree is relatively low. Many people have some college but no degree.

5. Property Taxes / Housing Quality Concerns

   • While property prices are low, property tax rates and maintenance of older housing in some neighborhoods are noted as drawbacks. Some housing stock is older and may need work.

6. Limited Amenities / Perception Issues

   • Some people feel downtown and certain public spaces are under‑utilized or neglected. Revitalization efforts are underway but parts of the city are perceived as needing improvement.

   • For entertainment, nightlife, or higher end shopping, you may need to travel toward Cleveland.

7. Risk of Severe Weather & Other Environmental Issues

   • Reports point out risk of severe storms in the area.