"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.
Unless you have very unusual tastes, you won't have a problem finding a place to call home in Boardman
"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.
Boardman Rentals
Unless you have very unusual tastes, you won't have a problem finding a place to call home in Boardman. Of the city's 4600 apartment and home rentals, well over 400 are vacant at any given time. Average rents are just $599 a month, so you're likely to have plenty of money left over for necessities like new clothes, roast beef sandwiches, miniature golf, and that little train that takes your kids all around the mall.
General Tips
When you set out to rent a home, you should always follow some basic best procedures.Ask what's included. Will you have to pay for heating, electric, water? What about internet or trash removal service? If you do have to pay, make sure to ask about average utility rates for other tenants. Don't sign something you haven't read. This one's pretty basic, but there's a reason everyone brings it up. Set a budget and stick to it. There's a time and place for extravagance but it's not when you're setting up your recurring monthly bills. If you want a place that's out of range, consider sharing space with a roommate. Hey, there's always Powerball. Say no to lease auto-renewals. While they might seem to offer you security, in reality they're more likely to be a boat anchor later. You don't know what the future holds and rental situations are, by their very nature, transient. Negotiate your lease. Particularly when you're dealing with an independent owner. Maybe you'll be able to get a concession on the rent in exchange for yard work or a longer-term lease.
Boardman Neighborhoods
Mill Creek Park:The area around Mill Creek Park is a popular part of Boardman, particularly with wealthy professionals who enjoy the proximity of the park's golf course. Unfortunately, it's pretty pricey too; better start saving!
South Ave / Market St:If you rent an apartment in this central part of the sprawling Boardman suburb, you'll face a short journey to get to the beautiful green space of Mill Creek Park, but you'll be rewarded with lower rents and a slightly shorter commute into Youngstown.
Life in Boardman
Boardman is a classic mid-western suburb. Life is pretty straightforward, focused on employment, community, and enjoying the down times. You can find a chain store or specialty shop selling just about anything, and the restaurants, if not entirely cosmopolitan, are good at heaping out parmigiana, kielbasi, pizza, and fast food. There's a general perception of more innocent times that leads to contentment and masks any less perfect realities. Rather than wallowing in the loss of Youngstown's industry and significance, Boardman celebrates itself and keeps on smiling.
Some of the township's main attractions include the first Arby's restaurant: Yes, the big hat began in Boardman back in 1964. The original store, with its distinctive architecture, is now the home of a local bird seed shop. Don't fear: a shiny newfangled Arby's stands just across the street. Boardman Park, the 227-acre gem located in the heart of Boardman's busy main strip, features large native plant and wildlife preserves, in addition to multiple play areas and ball fields. Youngstown Playhouse, located nearby in downtown Youngstown, is one of the most venerable community theaters in the United States. The Southern Park Mall, established by the DeBartolo family, is the largest shopping center in Mahoning County. If you can't find a pair of cowboy boots in the homogenized national stores, don't fret. Rick's Ranchwear, located in the eastern parking lot, has got those feet of yours covered. Mill Creek MetroPark is located just outside of Boardman, and spans some 2600 acres through Mahoning County. It is the nation's second largest metropolitan park and houses a gorgeous 36-hole golf course, a working mill, and the nationally recognized Ford Nature Center.
