Moving stateside in 1 year, Columbus or Cleveland to live/Invest?

Question

Hello Folks,

I am currently living overseas with my wife, she is active duty and i work for the Navy doing IT.  We are headed back stateside in a little over a year.  We have a rare opportunity where we are not tied down to any location.  Our family and friends are from Buffalo so we are trying to stay in the north east.

If you were to choose a location to live and invest in the future 1-2 years, which one would you choose?

Robert Matelski · Answer

I would say Cleveland is more cultured, and is much more similar to Buffalo, but that the ease of living in Columbus is generally higher. Columbus is VERY midwest in its vibe, whereas Cleveland is sort of the convergence of east coast and midwest... that rust belt kind of vibe, like you would find in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, etc.

Also, despite the fact that Columbus is technically bigger, it does not have the bigger city feeling that Cleveland has. Cleveland is older (and grittier) and has pro baseketball/baseball/football, decent light rail, highly esteemed very established (100+ years) cultural institutions, etc. that Columbus is lacking. Columbus has the feeling of a small to medium sized city that got big in just the past few decades primarily because of a huge public university and the state government stuff.

So if you like a smaller city kind of vibe and don't care as much about cultural elements, Columbus is for you... and if you like more of a big gritty city kind of vibe, Cleveland is for you.

Robert Ellis · Answer

Columbus is the best city in the world

Michael Norris · Answer

I'm a west side Clevelander but I like Columbus too - I invest in Cleveland but have insurance clients in both cities.

You'll do fine in either one I think it really comes down to what's important to you and the budget you're working with.

I think you'll get more bang for the buck in Cleveland  on your primary house and for REI properties maybe a little better in Cleveland but it will depend on your strategy.

Make sure to maximize your wife's VA programs when you do buy something.

If you plan to drive to Buffalo often Cleveland is a better choice.

If you like warmer / more consistent weather Columbus would be better although as compared to Buffalo both places have better weather and milder winters.

Both cities have a lot of newer restaurants and hipster gentrified artsy areas on the rebound.

Cleveland Clinic just got voted #2 hospital in the world by whomever rates stuff like that.

Since you have time on your side do your research, be ready to buy, and wait for a dip in the RE market which I think is coming (just a dip not a full on crash).

Gordon Starr · Answer

I've lived in both Cleveland and Columbus. Columbus has rapid growth for quite a few years now. Its classier - and pricier. Cleveland has a bigger supply of vacant/distressed properties. Also, the people are nicer - sorry col just my view. Now I am in dayton ohio. Also an excellent place to invest in distressed property. Honestly, I liked cleveland most of all.

Joe Miller · Answer

Columbus for sure!

Aaron Hale · Answer

Hi, Daniel. Thanks to your wife for her service. I was stationed in Italy for a few years while in the Navy. Terrific experience!

I’m originally from Akron and am partial to NE Ohio, but you’ll do well in either market. Cleveland is a bit closer to Buffalo.

Try @James Wiseof Holton-Wise for the best start in the Cleveland market.

Best of luck with the PCS!

Matthew Irish-Jones · Answer

@Daniel Graham Wright I can't comment on the IT jobs.  As for the investing side there is quite a bit of action, especially the last couple years.  Good luck!

Daniel Graham Wright · Answer

You know, i've thought about this many many times.  All my family and friends are from buffalo and i love buffalo for what it is.  That being said, there seems to be much less opportunity in Buffalo for investing and jobs for myself.  I do IT and am in the process of trying to get into cyber security.

This is a list of the top 50 cities with cyber security positions and unfortunately Buffalo doesn't make the list while cleveland and columbus are middle of the list.

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Highest-Paying-Cyber-Security-Salary-by-City

I feel like my wife and I will get better bang for our buck in cleveland for our personal house and for investing.  If we do come back to buffalo the plan is West Seneca!

Matthew Irish-Jones · Answer

@Daniel Graham Wright thanks to you and your wife for your service.

There is an active investment community in Buffalo as well, including a bigger pockets group that meets monthly.

Being from Buffalo and knowing the area would be an advantage compared to those other cities.  Any reason you would want to go to those other cities over Buffalo?  Besides NYS is not the most business friendly state.

Jared Lichtin · Answer

I'm from Cleveland and flip there still. It's definitely more of a blue collar vibe there, it's got some hipster pockets just like anywhere else, but I love it. I travel back from California every few weeks, and if it weren't for the weather I'd probably be there full time.

Things are about to be CRAZY this year since the Browns will be better. There's nothing like a Cleveland Sunday when the Browns are good.  Whole city is on fire.

Moving stateside in 1 year, Columbus or Cleveland to live/Invest?

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