Mahoning County and the City of Youngstown serve as the gateway to the historic Western Reserve region of Northeast Ohio.  Located midway between Cleveland and Pittsburg, both cities can be reached in one hour’s driving time. The population of Mahoning County is 257,555 and the Youngstown Metropolitan Area has a population of approximately 600,000.  The region has a rich history in the manufacturing sector and has experienced recent growth in the transportation and health care industries.

Economy:

·         Entrepreneur magazine top 10 place to start a business in 2009

·         General Motors’ Lordstown plant is its largest production facility in the U.S.

·         Economic development linked to Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction

·         Inc. Magazine focus in 2009 on Youngstown’s growth as a high-tech center

Cost of Living:

·         Second most affordable place for housing (NAHB / Wells Fargo 2010 Index)

·         One of the best “bang for your buck” metro areas in the U.S. (Forbes Magazine)

·         Based on the Cost of Living Index, Youngstown – Warren is below the national average of 100 in the following key cost indicators:

Food – 96.9% Health – 86.9%  Housing – 76.2%

Other Goods – 91.0%  Transportation – 95.2%

Housing:

·         Median home price – $89,000

·         Median home value – $100,200

·         Median gross rent – $523

Outdoor Recreation:

·         45 miles of biking and hiking trails

·         2350 acre Mill Creek MetroParks

·         National scenic river and 8 state wildlife / forest preserves

·         Mill Creek Park Championship Golf Course

Culture:

·         Butler Institute for American Art

·         Youngstown Symphony

·         DeYor Center for Peforming Arts

·         Covelli Centre

Education:

·         55 colleges and universities within 75 miles of Youngstown

·         37 of 45 Elementary-High schools in the tri-county area were rated Excellent or Effective