"Here in northeast Ohio, back in 1803 / James and Dean Heaton found the ore that was linin' Yellow Creek / They built a blast furnace here along the shore / and they made cannonballs that helped the Union win the war." (-- Bruce Springsteen, "Youngstown" )
The busy, retail-dotted streets of Boardman were literally paved by the steel boom of nearby Youngstown. Wartime prosperity led to a big demand for easy access to modern shopping, dining, and urban conveniences, and enterprising developers like Edward DeBartolo, Sr. picked up the call. He opened one of the first strip malls in America, created a vast real estate empire, and brought the aptly named "Little Chicago" into national prominence. Today, Boardman is bustling and busy and seems, rather uncannily, to be much more populated than it actually is. See more
Scoring an apartment with hardwood floors can be a big win for Boardman renters. They`re typically a beautiful addition to your space. They’re also easier to clean and sweep, particularly if you have pets.
However, there are some downsides. Hardwood floors carry sounds. They can also make your apartment noisy for your roommates and downstairs neighbors.
Ask the landlord or property manager about the hardwood floors before signing a lease. Are they actually hardwood or a popular composite alternative? The latter is probably easier to clean and care for than the real thing.
It’s also important to ask about who’s responsible for any damage to the floors and what that entails. Your security deposit could take a hit from scratches, dents, and other damage.
Consider the type of climate you live in. Hardwood floors typically don’t fare well in damp climates full of moisture. Stains and buckling are common in hardwood floors after rain flooding or excessive moisture.
However, hardwood floors can be ideal for dry climates or sunny areas for renters who love the way they look.