SperlingViews - Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown can be summed up with a couple words- dead, ugly, dirty, depressing, cold, fat, rusted, pot holed, cesspool[read more...]

Youngstown's economy is horrible. I've lived here all my life and i am having to move out of state because a large number of business's are going bankrupt, or downsizing, there is nothing left here as far as work goes.[read more...]

I had lived in Youngstown my whole life up until I was 24. I guess I hadn't paid attention to the weather much then, but after having moved back after being away for almost 7 years, I wonder what's the deal? The climate change is astounding. One day you have a nasty cold, wet, 30 degree January day(which is normal), but the next day is sunny and 50!! Well, needless to say, I am wondering what was the reason I came back. Just a comment, I am currently looking to move somewhere with more consistent weather.[read more...]

Cost of living here is very low. But don't expect to be able to find a job that pays if you have any kind of education.[read more...]

Undoubtedly, Youngstown, Ohio has many disadvantages. It is economically depressed, has very high crime rates, limited cultural activities, it rains and snows a lot and is hot and humid in the summer. That said, I thought it would be nice to point out some better aspects of Youngstown, since simply trashing it is very unhelpful for anyone who may wish to know more about the City. First of all, Youngstown has some extremely nice, safe and affordable suburbs, including Boardman, Canfield, Poland and North Lima. These places also have exceptional school systems; the Canfield and North Lima public school systems are two of the best public school systems in the state. Crime in these areas is extremely limited. Also, a quick note on violent crime in the City: most of the violent crimes involve drugs in some way and you are highly unlikely to be the target of violent crime in one of the suburbs. The streets of the suburbs are very safe, even after dark. Youngstown, overall, is an extremely affordable place to live. It also has Mill Creek Park, a park which is three times the size of Central Park in New York City and offers many outdoor recreational activities. While Youngstown's overall recreational offerings may be limited, the City is making a concerted effort to improve the downtown area by opening more businesses and generally beautifying the streets. The Chevrolet Centre also opened recently, a facility that hosts year-round events such as hockey games, indoor football, concerts, etc.. So there are things to do, you just might have to look harder than in other cities. As in any place, life here can be as enjoyable or as unpleasant as you make it for yourself. Finally, another plus is you can get to almost anywhere in the City or suburbs within 20 minutes because traffic is generally very light, especially on the freeway.[read more...]

I grew up in a small suburb of Youngstown called Hubbard. I enjoyed a safe upbringing in a very family friendly town. Yes it is small and in a time warp but family and relationships still matter. People here would give you the shirt off their back. It is very diverse also. I miss the ethnicity that Youngstown and Cleveland have. Yes it is struggling economically and yes there is a high crime rate in the city itself but the suburbs are safe! I am so tired of hearing about the mob. I was born in the early 70's and while I know it strongly affected the political system, I don't think I saw it day to day. I would invest in a good business in the area because there are a lot of people looking for something new and will put their money there. Boardman and Canfield area is a perfect example. As for nothing good in this city - get out of your house and go to Mill Creek Park, it is amazing! Go to the Butler art musuem, go to an event at Youngstown State, ride on the bike trail etc. No it isn't an up and coming city but there are GREAT people there. No I don't live here any more, I married someone from out of state and we have had to go where the jobs are but I would work for YSU again in a minute.[read more...]

I have lived in Youngstown for about 20 yrs. It has been good to us, our children are all grown,and have graduated from YSU. However, it is one of the top cities per capita for crime,it is known for its mob ties,(A hit occured just after our family moved here yrs ago) There is nothing attractive,or appealing in or surrounding Youngstown. Mostly empty, decaying old buildings and factorys. Plenty of poverty and a sense of hopelessness amoung the majority. Our children have left or are in the process of leaving and moving on..Boston,Tampa...Hopefully with retirement we will be able to go too...Somewhere beautiful and with plenty of sun(did I mention constant low cloud cover?)[read more...]

i saw some of the comment from past people on this city here and most of what they saying is true. it is a ex mafia but they might be still there keeping a low profile. its a town just ran one of the most dangerous cities in america with a high murder raising which is true people like to live in the past of the old youngstown from the steel mill era since the lost of local gm and dephi packard people are stuck their with low wage jobs its sad to see it go down no good housing most of the city is tearing them down schools are closing every year there too most people i grew up with are gone to other places. no culture there only place is doing good is the college and of course the banks. people don't want to leave because they are afraid of something new others can't afford to go anywhere stuck in a time warp[read more...]

I have met some of the most interesting people in Youngstown. I have lived in Y town for six years, and have been visiting my whole life, since my roots are from there. Youngstown is filled with art, music, and inspiration. If you don't appreciate it, you should move. I enjoy my life in Youngstown. Try Tomasino's Pizzaria downtown, on Federal Plaza across from Geo's Music. Now open late night Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays...12AM til 3:30AM![read more...]

I've read the comments on this site and others and all I hear are bad things about Youngstown. I was looking to invest in some property there, but everyone tells me to save my money. Are there some hidden reasons why homes are so cheap? Funny thing is that all the negative things I here about the town are from the people that live there, and they haven't left they still live there! So it can't be that bad can it?[read more...]

I question whether your facts could be any more distorted or offensive. The lengths to which you've gone could be laughable, that is, if they weren't so distasteful and skewed. Youngstown, admittedly has many negative aspects to its composition. Yet, the diversity in which it is vested, is not one of them. I have lived in Youngstown for 28 years. You have clearly had limited experiences on which you've based faulty generalizations and stereotypical inferences. I too am a white college-educated individual. While, education has broadened my mind and worldly perception, it has discernibly depreciated yours. I am neither Italian nor Roman Catholic, so don't perceive these remarks as retaliation. Be assured that your outlandish accounts of Youngstown as a whole are misguided and defective.[read more...]

Youngstown is totally Mafia territory. Most of the residents suffer from severe depression because of the economics and the lack of enough sun. The school system closes at least 2 schools per year. It's a great place for alternative education (meaning violent and disruptive behaviors). It's a very affordable place to live if you are willing to compromise education and vales. Beware of this place and look elsewhere. It's too drug infested here!!![read more...]

It will be a year in July since we moved to Y-Town. Youngstown is a drug infested and crime ladden city. It looks and smells like a swampland. It is truuly economically depressed...GM is closing soon...Southside hospital is closing in late Spring...the city has had many public schools to close.. If you want your children to have a good education check out their famous low test scores on greatschhols.net.. [read more...]

To Leeza: I can forgive you for the ethnic comments. I must admit that there is a kernel of truth in many of the things you said. Has anyone noticed that there have not been any further comments concerning the abyss called Y-town? That is b/c most of the people between 18 and 35 years of age have fled. There is an abundance of fast food restaurants that continue to cultivate new heart patients for the only industry left: the hospitals. So much for the big 2010 plans.[read more...]