u/LavenderLatte29

I’m considering moving to Ohio next year and wanted honest opinions from people who actually live in or around Dayton. What are the pros and cons? How’s the cost of living, safety, jobs, traffic, schools, and overall quality of life? I’d love to hear real experiences before making a decision.

This may sound like a fairytale, lol but where would you go for a fresh start if you wanted somewhere affordable, diverse, safe, slower-paced, and maybe even a little whimsical?
I currently living in a very rural Southern area, and I just feel completely out of place here. It’s not even only about politics, I just crave more openness, creativity, community, diversity, walkability, local events, bookstores, coffee shops, nature… just more life. I realistically need somewhere affordable on around a $28/hr income, so I know places like Connecticut or Massachusetts probably aren’t realistic for me right now. I’d love a smaller city/town outside a bigger metro, diversity, decent schools, safety and a slower pace without feeling isolated.
I’ve considered Ohio firsthand. But every time I hear something about Ohio is negative EVERY SINGLE TIME… time… ☹️ So then I thought about Virginia, and North Carolina, but it seems like EVERYONE is moving to North Carolina, but I’m open to suggestions. I know nowhere is perfect, but I’m looking for somewhere that feels hopeful and like I can finally breathe.

My daughter, who’s 9 1/2, has the opportunity to go to summer camp for 30 days this summer. My INSTANT reaction was Hell no!!!! Because the thought of her being away that long honestly makes me nervous and scared. Especially with me not present. A family friend had offered it, because her children are going, but it’s hours away. They will be spending two weeks at the camp and then two weeks at the family friends home with her children But she’s so upset because she really wants to go, and now I’m torn. If you’ve ever been through this with your child, how did you handle it?

Prefer smaller towns & not big cities or busy/expensive areas. What are some places that you would suggest to someone in their 30s?

I know this isn’t the “typical” way to do things but I’m putting it out there anyway. I’ve always had my own place, so this isn’t something I desperately have to do but with how expensive everything is right now, I’m trying to be smart about how I move. I was fully prepared to do this on my own, but I started thinking about better, more strategic ways to maybe GET AHEAD and this idea made sense.

And before anyone jumps in: yes, I’m aware of safety. I’ll be taking precautions, properly vetting, and not meeting just anybody. My daughter’s safety comes first nd always. So no need for the “this is dangerous” comments.
I’m 29, divorced single mom, and I’m ready for a REAL fresh start. Right now, I’m deciding between living just outside of Columbus, Ohio or just outside of Richmond, Virginia. (so I will post in both)
A quieter, slow pace town or suburb but still close enough to a city to rebuild a social life outside of just being a mom. Because it’s time lol
I would like to room with another single mom (with one child around my daughter’s age 9) who might be open to teaming up for about a year.
The goal is: split a 3 or 4 bedroom, save money, get ahead, and build stability.
If we become great friends, that’s amazing, but if not that’s fine too, but I do value our support for each other. It’s important that we both still have our own lives, routines, and space while creating a peaceful home.
RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY IS MUST! Not looking for anyone who likes to party and have people in and out their home.
Our kids are at a good age where they’re gaining independence, but still young enough where this setup makes sense before the teenage years hit.
If this sounds like something you’ve been thinking about too, message me and let’s see if it could be a good fit 😊😊
Also, if you know any other places that I could post this besides places like Facebook, please share lol

I know this isn’t the “typical” way to do things but I’m putting it out there anyway. I’ve always had my own place, so this isn’t something I desperately have to do but with how expensive everything is right now, I’m trying to be smart about how I move. I was fully prepared to do this on my own, but I started thinking about better, more strategic ways to maybe GET AHEAD and this idea made sense.

And before anyone jumps in: yes, I’m aware of safety. I’ll be taking precautions, properly vetting, and not meeting just anybody. My daughter’s safety comes first nd always. So no need for the “this is dangerous” comments.
I’m 29, divorced single mom, and I’m ready for a REAL fresh start. Right now, I’m deciding between living just outside of Columbus, Ohio or just outside of Richmond, Virginia. (so I will post in both)
A quieter, slow pace town or suburb but still close enough to a city to rebuild a social life outside of just being a mom. Because it’s time lol
I would like to room with another single mom (with one child around my daughter’s age 9) who might be open to teaming up for about a year.
The goal is: split a 3 or 4 bedroom, save money, get ahead, and build stability.
If we become great friends, that’s amazing, but if not that’s fine too, but I do value our support for each other. It’s important that we both still have our own lives, routines, and space while creating a peaceful home.
RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY IS MUST! Not looking for anyone who likes to party and have people in and out their home.
Our kids are at a good age where they’re gaining independence, but still young enough where this setup makes sense before the teenage years hit.
If this sounds like something you’ve been thinking about too, message me and let’s see if it could be a good fit 😊😊
Also, if you know any other places that I could post this besides places like Facebook, please share lol

I was handed down a 2012 Honda Accord with 189,000 miles. I can tell the previous owner didn’t maintain it the best. It’s still running and driving, and I’m hoping to get a couple more years out of it. I’d also like to take it on a small four-hour road trip next month. What maintenance should I focus on the specific car to keep it in good shape and improve reliability?

I was handed down a 2012 Honda Accord with 189,000 miles. I can tell the previous owner didn’t maintain it the best. It’s still running and driving, and I’m hoping to get a couple more years out of it. I’d also like to take it on a small four-hour road trip next month. What maintenance should I focus on now to keep it in good shape and improve reliability?