We're moving to Lima, OH
We could really use some advice/insight about rental housing in the area.
Hubby will be working at 625 N. Cool Rd, Lima, OH. We'd like to live within a 20-30 min drive of this location, and would like to stay outside of the city-proper. We're in our 50s and looking for a generally quiet area with low crime. We both have cars so we don't need public transportation, and don't really care about proximity to stores, etc.
We're looking to rent an apt, condo or house, 2bdrm, with laundry in-unit for 6 mos to a year. We'll be taking some time to look for a house to buy and don't want to be stuck in a lease for any longer than that.
We are leaving the Ft Worth, TX area, and what I've discovered online so far is that the cost of living is lower in Lima. I would say our budget for rent is approx $700 - $750/mo.
Any help regarding areas to avoid, any specific rental properties you know are crap, etc...would be most helpful.
Does anyone here live in or near Lima?
= new reply since forum marked as read
From US 30 to 318 to 65 to I75 I think (I know the trip by heart and could do it blindfolded).
You ever say something and wish you hadn't or didn't say something and wish you had? Ugh.
When I was visiting my son in Alaska (USAF) on an outing to catch red salmon (they don't call it fishing in Alaska, they call it catching) we ran into a guy that was in the process of transferring to Anchorage from Chicago. He was in management for UPS. He had all new fishing equipment. He told us the move was going to be more of an adjustment for his wife than him. She liked the big city. Especially shopping on the Miracle Mile and such. I asked him if she had been up there yet and he said "not yet". As the conversation ended and we turned to walk away, I looked at my son and he looked at me and we both kind of rolled our eyes and laughed. My son and I also know the Loop pretty well. Anyway, Dallas to Lima is kind of like Chicago to Anchorage IMO.
I have no idea what you like, whether you have any options or how long you plan on living there so maybe I should have chosen option one mentioned above. Grand Lake St. Marys is nearby but it's polluted with blue algae so it's dangerous for kids or pets to swim in it. Maybe Lake Erie beats it out of the being the worst in the state but I'm not sure. The pollution has kept the real estate prices down though. All that being said, I would strongly recommend you visiting first. Who knows, you may fall in love with the place.
Sometimes Google and Google Earth (especially Street View) can be helpful.
Good luck and stay healthy. When you've got your health you've got everything. 
