Dig Deeper on Mansfield
Mansfield is a mid-sized industrial town in north-central Ohio. The dominant rust belt industries, including heavy equipment, steel auto, farm machinery, and metallurgical industries have declined in a pattern consistent with much of the region. New retail, commercial and residential areas have grown out mainly to the west in Ontario. Although there isn’t much to do in the immediate area, the area brings a low cost of living, a notably low cost of housing (especially for the quality), and a low violent crime rate. The city is located between Cleveland and Columbus, about 70 miles from each, giving access to their amenities and services.
Mansfield is surrounded by rolling, open farmland. The terrain slopes gently downward toward Lake Erie, 38 miles to the north, while the Appalachian foothills start close by to the east. The climate is continental with temperatures moderated by the lake. Persistent cold northerly winds produce considerable winter snowfall and cloudy skies. Consistent snow cover occurs from December through March, and spring is short. Lake breezes moderate the hot, humid summers, but temperatures rarely rise above 90 degrees. Most summer precipitation comes as thundershowers. First freeze is mid-October, last is late April.