Mansfield is town of about 50,000 located right in between Columbus and Akron on Conneaut-Cincinnati Highway. The high elevation and charming historic downtown make Mansfield slightly more attractive than neighboring Rust Belt cities, or at least a little more green looking with its parks and outdoor activities for families and children.
Though Mansfield is known by the city council as a “fun center” it’s also known by the less flattering superlative of “Danger City.” There are no two ways around this: Mansfield is a Rust Belt city that’s seen some tough times. Historically home to the Ohio State Reformatory and the Highway Safety Foundation that manufactured some of those gruesome driver’s education films, the city was not prepared for the mid-century displacement of industry and manufacturing or the subsequent suburban flight of its middle class. The result is a slightly vacant city with higher than average instances of petty and property crime.
However, there’s a bright side to this: The population drain in Mansfield proper means that there are more cheap apartments than you can shake a stick at. When determining which Mansfield neighborhood is right for you, keep crime statistics in the back of your mind and focus on newer, suburban developments to guarantee your safety and comfort. Just keep an extra vigilant eye when touring your prospective neighborhoods and use common sense when living here and you should be A-Okay.
The two most desirable neighborhoods in town are to the far west and south of the city center. Here, suburban development in neighboring Ontario and the suburban sprawl of Columbus has created new neighborhoods—including the desirable Hanley Village—with great rental properties in the form of apartment complexes, townhomes, and condominiums. Many of these newer developments will have amenities including gyms and pools. A lot of shopping, dining and entertainment can also be found in the large box stores and shopping malls in these areas. Expect to pay between $500-800 for a one or two bedroom apartment.
Avoid the city center and the urban areas surrounding it on all sides. If you’re looking for a rental home, there will be some available in the south and west portions of town, but the far eastern regions of Mansfield will also have a wide variety of detached, single family rentals available. You can expect to pay $500-800 in those areas, as well.
Because there are so many rentals available in the Mansfield area, you should be able to take advantage of a few or more perks. Pet-friendly apartments are a dime a dozen, and many landlords will offer flexible leases to qualified renters. Don’t be afraid to negotiate to get the Mansfield deal you deserve!
So, welcome to Mansfield! It might have some dodgy bits here and there, but let us remind you of that “Fun center” moniker. Take a gander at the listings and lets get this apartment-finding show on the road. Happy hunting!