Huron is full of history and culture. The Huron Playhouse, founded in 1949, is the oldest summer theater in Ohio that's still hosting plays and performances.
Welcome to Huron! Situated at Lake Erie's most southern tip and right smack dab between Toledo and Cleveland, this city boasts 7,149 residents
Huron is full of history and culture. The Huron Playhouse, founded in 1949, is the oldest summer theater in Ohio that's still hosting plays and performances.
Welcome to Huron! Situated at Lake Erie's most southern tip and right smack dab between Toledo and Cleveland, this city boasts 7,149 residents. Truly a lake town, this Lake Erie County city has a maritime presence that's evident by its shipbuilding and fishing history. Today, Huron maintains its lakeside lifestyle, and the city has developed into a close-knit community with ample recreation (a lot of water sports, of course!), nature spots and dining. As soon as you dock at Huron's port, you'll feel that playful atmosphere. Dive in!
In addition to that cool stuff about Huron above, the city also has a low crime rate and a vibrant downtown district. All this makes it a nifty place to reside. It's just too bad you aren't allowed to rent in one of Huron's lighthouses. That would be cool. You have other options, but you have to understand the Huron rental market before you go fishing for a home.
Housing Awaits
You are not going to feel like you're at the spa, but you should feel relaxed knowing that there are nearly 3,600 housing units in town. That's a good deal for the size. A rental occupancy rate of 24.0% may be below Ohio's average, but that won't create any problems. New and experienced renters should have no issue locating house and apartment rentals in Huron.
The Salad Bowl
Maybe that's a terrible metaphor. Anyway, you can get a variety of housing here, from large houses to studio apartments for rent. Detached houses, which account for 72.5% of units, are the most prevalent, but there are also many apartments, mobile homes, duplexes, and condos for rent. It's like a salad bowl! Detached houses are the lettuce, apartments are the croutons, condos are the carrots, etc. Okay, that is a terrible metaphor.
Timing It Correctly
Winters can be snowy and also windy with Lake Erie right there. That makes December through February not an ideal moving time. Summer is a choice moving time because school is on vacation and lots of residents choose to relocate then if necessary. Sometimes, though, personal obligations pull the strings. Hence, it's nice to know that no matter when you arrive in Huron, you should be able to get a place easily if you start looking 20 days beforehand.
Warning!
When you've stumbled upon a place you like, do make sure it's in move-in condition. Huron has a long history, and 21% of homes were built before 1950. Check all potential homes, especially older ones. For apartment complexes, read reviews to see what's good and bad about a place. You don't what to have one thousand unexpected critter roommates, do you?
Getting the Keys
Applications will ask for personal info and residence history. A credit score, proof of income and references help make the process go as smooth as a Miles Davis jazz song. Upfront expenses, include a deposit so you can do wacky science experiments, one or two months' rent, and application and realtor fees (if applicable), are the norm. During your house or apartment search, you may find that all utilities paid homes aren't too common. Be clear on what's not combined with rent.
At 7.73 square miles, Huron is a small city, but does still possess distinct portions of town. Do you want to watch Bonaparte's Gulls fly over the shoreline? Do you want something removed from the shore to avoid those brutal winds? Living near Main Street is great if you are a social butterfly. Now, you know what goes into choosing a 'hood here.
Major 'Hoods
Sawmill Creek: A lot of housing is available here. Notable places include Woodlands Elementary School, Fabens Park and Sawmill Creek Nature Park. This area is somewhat walkable, but a car is most convenient, especially since State Route 2, Cleveland Road West, and U.S. Route 6 (GAR Highway) are close.
Central Huron: This 'hood is the heart of Huron. While it is the city's most walkable district, a car is still advised. Highlights include the Huron Yacht Club, Cameo Pizza and Lake Park.
Old Woman Creek: This neighborhood obviously has a cool name. The Old Woman Creek Reserve is the most popular spot on the east side. You get more space, but that makes a car necessary. The Commerce Plaza Shopping Center is here.
Top Apartment Communities
Erie Village Apartments: Near Sawmill Creek on Rye Beach Road, this lakeside complex features garden and townhome apartments. Electric and heat are included.
Sandpiper Cove Apartments: This complex is centrally located on Cleveland Road West near Lake Erie. The two-bedroom pads here are spacious and affordable for the location. Enjoy the view!
Lakehouse Apartments: Also near Sawmill Creek, this complex is pet-friendly and features large two and three bedroom apartments. A laundry room is on the grounds.
The vehicle is the go-to mode of transit. However, as long as the weather is fine, cycling works. Walking will take a long time. Having a vehicle is convenient for going to Cleveland to play tourist. A car is also helpful for going to Cedar Point and enjoying some of the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters!
Huron is proud of its history. As a newcomer, it's important to visit historical sites like the Cedar Point Roadway (one of the first concrete roads in the Buckeye state), Old Main Street and the Wright House and Underground Railroad. That way you can show you know your stuff when you go for a drink at the Main Street Tavern or Sand Bar, which is where you'll find locals having a blast. Once you've made some friends, go with them for a bite to eat at the Huron Pizza House or Berardi's Restaurant.
In terms of recreation, nothing surpasses boating and fishing. Become a member of the Huron Yacht Club and you'll find it easy to make friends. If you don't feel like going out on the water, a relaxing day at Nickel Plate Beach satisfies. For nature enthusiasts, the Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve is a dream come true.
Huron may not roar in the same way that Cleveland and Toledo do, but it does roar. And you'll hear it. With history, dining, nightlife and outdoor recreation, you have the pieces to build a real good life in Huron. Dive in and grab the opportunity.
