Oberlin is home to the Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center, the third-busiest air route traffic control center in the United States, handling the airspace for six states and portions of Ontario, Canada.
Oberlin is located approximately 35 miles southwest of Cleveland, at the intersection of Ohio Routes 58 and 511. With a population of 8,286 in the 2010 census, Oberlin has experienced a 1.3 percent increase since 2000. Route 20 runs outside the city, and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80 / I-90) is a short drive away. The Oberlin Conservatory of Music, established in 1865, is the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the U.S. Tappan Square, a public park located in the center of the city designed by John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, is a National Historic Landmark. There are two boulders in the south portion of Tappan Square that have been painted by residents throughout the years.
Finding an Apartment in Oberlin
There are a variety of apartments for rent in Oberlin, but how do you find one that fits your needs? Oberlin has many rental apartments, so a little bit of prep work can help you pinpoint the perfect apartment for you.
Think about your needs and budget. Could you see yourself in any of the studio apartments for rent, or are you looking for something larger? For more space, you might want to consider rental houses. Also consider how long you'd like to stay in a place. Are you willing to sign a yearlong lease, or would you prefer the flexibility of a month-to-month lease?
Preparing rental application documents in advance will help you act fast when you see a place you like. Most landlords will want to see photo ID and a letter of employment (and / or bank statements and pay stubs). A credit and / or background check may also be required. Once you've done your homework, you're ready to start searching!
Neighborhoods
Oberlin's cultural opportunities and affordability have attracted a diverse population.
City Center: The Allen Memorial Art Museum on the Oberlin campus (free admission) is one of the top five college art museums in the U.S. The historic Apollo Theatre shows first-run movies in the city center.
E. Hamilton Street / S. Main Street: The eastern span of Oberlin is more suburban, and if your dream is to ride your bike to work, this neighborhood is for you since it has a high percentage of bike commuters.
Living in Oberlin
To get your grub on, head to Magpie Pizza, a local's favorite, or Cowhaus Creamery, which scoops artisanal ice cream and sorbet. Tree Huggers Caf serves organic vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.
The city offers many recreational opportunities. Don J. Pease Memorial Bike Path is a 3.1-mile bike path running through the city. The Oberlin Recreation Complex is home to baseball, softball, and soccer fields. The Oberlin Arboretum and the Bill Long Nature Preserve are great places for getting closer to nature. Plum Creek runs through the city.
Further afield, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is a must for music lovers. In the summer, Lake Erie is a popular destination for boaters and sunbathers alike, and Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky offers 16 roller coasters for thrill seekers. Professional sports fans can root for the Cavaliers, Browns, and Indians. The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton offers a glimpse of the rich history of the sport combined with interactive exhibits that give you a taste of the turf.