Relocation suggestions for NW/Port Clinton area of OH...

[K31]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently in NW PA, and looking to move. Since I really enjoy Lake Erie, some folks have suggested I look into the Port Clinton area/surrounding area, of which I don't know very much. I'm an early retired fella, so schools are of no real concern, it's just me so that makes some things a bit easier as to potential locations. I'm currently in the snow-belt, and like the fact that it seems the area of interest receives less snow.

I also like to shoot, so having a range nearby (w/steel targets) would be great, or even shooting on my own property as I have in the past would be ideal... And this is the problem; I have no idea where to look for a place to live, which would probably be a rental at first, then a home. Most of all I want real peace and quiet, privacy, not blighted, and a place to relax. I'm a friendly, good neighbor, and would like to be in an area that this would fit into. Rural sounds very nice, but I'm concerned about flooding and zoning issues. I guess I could do suburban living in the right place, and buy land to enjoy down the road. I enjoy a very simple life so I'd be interested in modest, small housing, nothing fancy, expensive, or with big tax payments. As for rentals, know of any good ones I might look into/have a friend or connection with a home to rent? I wonder too how is the medical situation in the area... I feel pretty good now, but we all know how that changes.

I know this is a bit jumbled, but with what I have written, can you suggest some areas I might explore around the Port Clinton area? Also, how bad is the summer season around PC? Is the traffic totally crazy with traffic jams, lots of crime brought in, lots of rude, angry people who disrespect residents... I have seen some of this in FL, and hope this area is nothing like that to ruin the quality of life for several months. Thanks for the help and your time giving me areas/towns I might consider for my move.

 

[GoetsTalon]

Yeah Port Clinton is nuts during the summer and with the lake level being high seems to be getting some flooding this year every time we get east north east winds for a couple days. Lot of nice smaller towns in the area making the lake a short drive. Oregon, Oak Harbor, Elmore would be good places to look also.

 

[GoetsTalon]

Oh and welcome aboard! Here's a pic from a couple days ago. This is without a east winds and the water is close to the top of the pier. Five years ago it was four feet to the water from the deck. Yesterday it was completely under water.

 

[OhioWhiteTails]

Plenty of good small towns around PC. All of which are a skip from the lake.

 

[jagermeister]

I'm only about 25 minutes from PC and I know the area very well. You won't have any problem finding a nice place within 20 minutes of the lake shore. Don't let the high water scare you... It's only a concern if you're very close to the lake or Sandusky Bay. A good place to would be Green Cove, which is right next to Wild Wings Marina. There are some condos there that are pretty nice and likely a few that are available for rent. Other than that, Catawba is a great place for a retired guy... Easy fishing access, and a great social scene at local restaurants and pubs. Mon Ami restaurant on Catawba is notorious for middle aged, good looking women on the prowl. Just sayin. Good luck!

 

[Carpn]

Tomorrow night at Mon Ami ......

Winery regular to bartender

"What do you make of all these guys in camo tonight?

Bartender

"I dunno but if one more person asks me for a Busch Light I'm gonna hafta run to the gas station for a 30 pack"

 

[5Cent]

Don't cutout North Central Ohio. I'm talking 1/2 way between Cleveland and Toledo, 1hr each way. I'm born and raised just south of Sandusky and feel it is perfectly located to everything the lake and country has to offer.

Are you looking to be on the water, within a few miles to a ramp, so many minutes from one specific location? Lake Erie Arms is opening a Guntry Club on 250 and lots and lots of conservation clubs in the area.

Where about in NW PA are you from? I spent a lot of time in Warren county. Biggest change for you will be it's completely flat over here.

I recommend looking from East to West - Vermillion to Port Clinton. Between a few of us we have you covered from Cuyahoga county to Wood county.....ask away.

 

[giles]

I grew up in Genoa, not much going on or ever changing. Pretty slow and laid back. My folks live in the next town over now and seem to really like it. Gibsonburg has a pretty nice shooting range and the lake is 25 minutes up the road. Deer are plentiful, but permission is not.

My wife and I joke about a cottage on the lake for retirement...I don’t think I could do it though. I prefer the slower side of life and solitude. Thinking a cottage a lake of our own would be better. Maybe 6-7 acre lake.

 

[Carpn]

Northern Ohio can be pretty flat and will be windier in winter , and cooler in the spring . But all things considered it's a nice area . If I was to relocate up there I'd probably look for a area off the lake a bit between vermilion and Huron somewhere . Not knowing what exactly your hunting and fishing priorities are would help .

 

[Riverdude]

North East Ohio.

 

[K31]

Thanks everyone, please keep up the suggestions.

I am totally open to other areas be it NE, or even north central-ish OH, but really don't want to be in the heavy snowbelt as I am currently (Crawford Co PA). I am also not a big fan of really high temp and humid summers, so that IMO would leave out the southern part of OH... Been in these parts in the summer, and found it a bit too much.

Ideally what I really want is a place that is quiet and peaceful, with privacy, even solitude on a slower, low traffic road where the folks are friendly and welcoming... I know, it may be a bit tough to "have it all", but it is what I want, and said to hopefully guide peoples answers. Living on a lake with enough breathing room sounds nice, say in a modest cottage, or having a cottage/cabin somewhere else on some land... Having a huge home on top of others as I did when married (in an HOA no less ), is not going to cut it now that it's just me. Biggest goal/priority above all else, is I want a small place where privacy, peace and quiet are in full effect. Low taxes are in the calculus too. Being close to Lake Erie would be great (I'm about 30 mins away now), but nowhere near a priority, over what I have mentioned.

I don't have a boat (that could definitely change), and like to fish from shore with regular FW gear, and long-range surf casting gear using casting reels. Aside from maybe Dove and other bird hunting, I really don't hunt much anymore, but do love to plink and reload. Would really like to have access to a steel gong/target range close by, or have it on some land I own.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Jackalope]

Is there a reason that you're not looking further West. I'm sure you could find everything that you mentioned in Colorado or northern Utah. Less people, more public land, and a lot or fishing opportunities

 

[jagermeister]

Is there a reason that you're not looking further West. I'm sure you could find everything that you mentioned in Colorado or northern Utah. Less people, more public land, and a lot or fishing opportunities

He's onto something here ^. If I was retired, and single, I'd have a hard time not moving out west.

 

[5Cent]

He's onto something here ^. If I was retired, and single, I'd have a hard time not moving out west.

Poisonous snakes & spiders, mountain lions, wolves, Mormons.....or maybe family is here or just likes the Midwest. Young men don't always need to go West!

Are u two trapped here?

 

[jagermeister]

Poisonous snakes & spiders, mountain lions, wolves, Mormons.....or maybe family is here or just likes the Midwest. Young men don't always need to go West!

Are u two trapped here?

Nope, not trapped at all. I just like being close to family and I know my wife is not the kind of woman that would thrive out west, at least not in the type of country where I'd want to be.

Don't get me wrong, I do really love Ohio and living near Lake Erie is a blessing. But the western US just speaks to my soul when I'm out there. You ever get the feeling like you were born in the wrong era? I do sometimes. And when you stay out west, like Montana for example, it feels like you travelled back in time. I start to feel like I belong there. The people are genuine and thoroughly enjoy life for what it is. It's refreshing.

 

[Jackalope]

Poisonous snakes & spiders, mountain lions, wolves, Mormons.....or maybe family is here or just likes the Midwest. Young men don't always need to go West!

Are u two trapped here?

I was asking because it seems like everything he's looking for cold be found much more easily out west. Sack up bud, some bitch ass snakes and spiders is no reason to avoid an place. As for the Mormans, if the rest of the population had 10% of the personal values they do, this country would be a better place. Thee majority of them are simply good God fearing folk raising honest Christian families.

Here's another good reason to look west.
Utah 75.2% public land.
Ohio 4.2% public land.

As for being trapped. Hide and see said the blind man to his deaf wife. Hide and see.

 

[5Cent]

Lol, I never said I wanted to go out west. I love the midwest and the lack of the 3 things mentioned above. No need to sack up, I'm good right here! But, if I wanted to go then I would.

After living away from the lake for 4 1/2yrs., I realized how much I enjoy being able to see, smell and use it everyday if wanted.

Best of luck in your search K31. I'll reply to your PM this evening.

 

[giles]

Lake Erie has something special about it, some people get it...some don’t.

For a laid back kind of living, I’d stay away from major cities and away from being north or Rt2. I speak for the area west of PC, as that’s my core area.

 

[giles]

I’d suggest maybe something on the portage river...oak harbor, Elmore, woodville, Pemberville are small towns on that river and within about a half hour of the lake. That list works from the closest to the lake and upstream.

 

[Jackalope]

Lol, I never said I wanted to go out west. I love the midwest and the lack of the 3 things mentioned above. No need to sack up, I'm good right here! But, if I wanted to go then I would.

After living away from the lake for 4 1/2yrs., I realized how much I enjoy being able to see, smell and use it everyday if wanted.

Best of luck in your search K31. I'll reply to your PM this evening.

I wasn't implying you did bud. Just stating that they're not some mythical creature that's going to jump out the toilet and bite you on the balls. You're more likely to die from a dog bite or bees than snakes and spiders.