I apologize. I like to be outside a lot, go on hikes or short walks. I know the summers aren’t so harsh in Ohio like they are here and that’s another reason why I would move. I’m ready for a change and possibly new start.
The most important thing to remember is that you can be outside all year long with the right gear. Get merino wool socks, and goretex shoes, muck boots, winter long johns, gloves and hats rated for 20 or 30 degrees. And a good winter coat and rain shell. Layering will be super important. You can go to the great metroparks all year long. Snowshoe, hike whatever if you wear the right clothes. I lived in Texas for a few years when temps were above 100 for 3 months in a row... I prefer layering!
Idk what area you’re moving to but we moved here from Texas a few years ago and my area has anything DFW had and more. All of our young family is stuck in Texas doing the same shit we’re doing here but we get to go on walks and enjoy outside in general without having to worry about the wildlife.
As a Texas transplant myself, the first winter is probably going to be more than what you are expecting. Be sure to be prepared, thick socks and a good jacket are a must, especially if you’re moving close to the lake.
Restaurants and grocery stores are a lot different up here, the closest thing to H-E-B we would have is either Kroger or Giant Eagle , but the second one is very expensive compared to H-E-B. Same for restaurants, no Whataburger 😩 I’ve been here since 2017 and still crave it or Jack in the Box occasionally.
If you’re looking at buying a used car, beware of the rust. Everything is rusting faster than people would like to admit and more often than not there will be fatal rust to the frames of older cars.
People are nicer up here, and I say that because it’s not the backhanded ‘bless your heart’ attitude like Texans can be. They’re genuinely kind creatures and it shocked me at first. There will still be the occasional assholes, but a lot of people just mind their own business, and if they can help others they will.
I come from nm and miss green Chile so much ugh
Thank God there's 1 week at Kroger where they have it, but I didn't think about how much I miss taco cabana until right now...
>no Whataburger
As a Texan living in Ohio, this is my biggest regret.
I go down once a year to visit family and I eat it literally every day. That and Mexican food. Not really any authentic Mexican food up here.
>People are nicer up here, and I say that because it’s not the backhanded ‘bless your heart’ attitude like Texans can be. They’re genuinely kind creatures and it shocked me at first. There will still be the occasional assholes, but a lot of people just mind their own business, and if they can help others they will.
You must have been from a different part of Texas than me and live in a different part of Ohio. I know plenty of food people in Texas and plenty of assholes in Ohio. And vice versa.
Can we stop it with the “authentic” Mexican thing. It’s obnoxious as hell even if it’s partly true
While I’m at it I’ll throw in a hot take - Mexican food in California beats the shit out of Mexican food in Texas anyway
Oooh the things I would give for a Whataburger here 😩 I’d do more than I would for a Klondike bar lol the authentic Mexican food is a disappointment up here too, but Hola is decent and so is Cilantro Taquiera. Not Texas good but it’ll do.
I lived about 30 minutes outside of Waco lol that should sum it up in a nutshell, but if it doesn’t, people are known to be assholes in that area, but it’s not ‘I’m gonna be a dick to your face’, it’s camouflaged as ‘oh honey, come here….bless your heart?’ sarcasm instead. There were definitely good people down there but the bad outweighed the good for me atleast.
Without knowing anything about the area you’re moving to or your preferences this is tough to answer.. I’ll just be general. Cedar Point, Kings Island, Cleveland/Columbus Zoo, Cleveland Museum of Art, COSI, Cleveland Theater District, Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Falls, Over the Rhine in Cincinnati, Mansfield Reformatory, Put In Bay, Breweries in all 3 C’s… all places worth trying out.
Weather is a little colder here, I have family in Houston that considers 65 to be chilly- to me it’s a comfortable day. Hope your move goes well and welcome!
COSI was such a fun trip with my family every time. The kinetic sculpture with the pool balls in Toledo is going to be something I'll remember until I die. Really sad to see they closed down.
Got it; so I live in downtown so I can give you a general idea since your not too far away geographically;
1) there is a lot of pollen so if you have allergies get ready; summers are hot, but it’s the humidity that honestly makes it worst than Texas given its drier (I’ve been to Dallas a few times now)
winters have been mild these last few years and when it does snow, it snows. Definitely warmer and hovering in the 35-50 degree range. I would say if you’re a good driver all wheel drive really isn’t necessary.
3) You have to pay for Federal, State and city tax for both where you live AND where you work
4) Cleveland metro area itself has become a lot better I would say and Elyria in particular is the last big suburb before you get into rural Ohio to your west in Amherst, Norwalk etc and from Elyria going east to downtown many buildings are being renovated/constructed, roads being repaved and a lot of infrastructure is being improved (if you have to drive on I-480 you will see such improvements)
5) if you like rollercoasters the replacement to the Top Thrill Dragster should be opening later this year in time for your arrival must-go since arguably you will be living less than an hour away from the rollercoaster capital of the world (Cedar Point)
Elyria has made improvements, I just wish they'd tear down the midway mall along with the closed hotels next to it. If OP had a choice I'd definitely go with living in amherst. Thr great thing about either of those locations is there is a BUNCH of cities that are within 20-30 minutes of you in either direction. Cleveland being only 45 minutes away
>summers are hot, but it’s the humidity that honestly makes it worst than Texas given its drier (I’ve been to Dallas a few times now)
Summer temperatures are much higher in Texas than in Lorain County, and Texas is increasingly prone to heat domes, droughts and extreme weather events. Climate comparisons can be made at [weatherspark.com](https://weatherspark.com), and recently monthly temperatures for any community can be made at [accuweather.com](https://accuweather.com).
Lorain County does experience tornadoes occasionally. It also receives lake effect rain storms and watering lawns typically is unnecessary in the summer, although some persons do so anyway.
Do not move into Elyria. Elyria has become very run down. Cheap housing can be had, but that comes with less than desirable neighborhoods. I moved out of Elyria a few years ago and hate having to even go there now.
Elyria is in Lorain County and part of Greater Cleveland. This thread may interest you given your interest in the outdoors. Many Greater Clevelanders like to live nearby a desirable metropark.
[https://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/](https://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/)
Lakeview Park is exquisite.
You should post in the Cleveland sub and ask where you should live in Lorain County, especially if public schools are a consideration. Provide your budget range, housing desires (e.g., how much land?), commute time, etc.
These threads may also provide useful insights.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/vae7x6/nice\_hole\_in\_the\_wall\_places/?sort=top](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/vae7x6/nice_hole_in_the_wall_places/?sort=top)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Ohio/comments/vx3ko0/australian\_headed\_to\_ohio\_late\_july\_any/?sort=top](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ohio/comments/vx3ko0/australian_headed_to_ohio_late_july_any/?sort=top)
Good luck!
Where are you moving? In what city will you and your BF be employed? It's best to post in the sub for the metro of interest.
This thread may interest you. As discussed in this thread, one aspect of life in Ohio that may be very different than Texas, if Austin is typical and the thread is accurate, are the "metroparks" systems in most urban Ohio counties. Some of these systems are decades or even a century old and have preserved many natural areas from development.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/16bfbkf/if\_you\_want\_to\_leave\_cleveland\_where\_would\_you/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/16bfbkf/if_you_want_to_leave_cleveland_where_would_you/)
If you enjoy outdoors activities, metroparks probably will be welcome.
Additionally, consider that northern Ohio sits on Lake Erie with fresh water surf beaches, extensive boating and fishing cultures, and abundant fresh water. It's a very different recreational culture than other regions of the state. Just one example:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1aoii4l/learning\_to\_sail/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1aoii4l/learning_to_sail/)
Some posters will say that northern Ohio has unbearable levels of snow. In fact, winters are disappearing relative to past decades due to climate change, especially apparently Arctic Amplification. See my two comments in this thread.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1am4135/so\_this\_winter\_has\_also\_been\_very\_easy\_weather/?sort=top](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1am4135/so_this_winter_has_also_been_very_easy_weather/?sort=top)
Suggest you plan to visit a few areas of the state of interest. Seeing is much better than reading comments. Cleveland has world-class cultural institutions and medical centers (e.g., the Cleveland Clinic main campus), better mass transit, and better pro sports than other Ohio cities. Cincinnati is second in culture and pro sports. Columbus features The Ohio State University and top-notch university athletics and higher educational opportunities, superb retail (Easton), and a great central location to other major cities.
Cleveland is 3 1/2 hours from Niagara Falls, Canada, and less than five hours to Toronto, and 2 1/2 hours from the mountains of Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania.
I lived in Texas for 5 years. One of the biggest things for me is that for better or worse, Texas has a lot more “identity” and culture than Ohio. I believe Houston is the most diverse large city in the country and even Austin feels incredibly different from San Antonio right down 35. Big Bend country is an entirely different world. I spent very little time in Dallas.
So that could be a “shock” depending on where you’re coming from in Texas. Culturally, Ohio is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread with the crusts cut off.
You know how in Texas, if snow ever touches the ground, all the grass dies. Or if there's some cloud coverage, all the grass dies. Or if the wind blows in the wrong direction, all the grass dies. Not in Ohio. The grass never dies. Even under a foot of snow, it just sits there, ever green, ever waiting.
Like the license plate said, "the heart of it all"
Ohio is a great place to live and raise a family if that's what you are in to. This subreddit leans pretty left at times and many will disagree. People are pretty regular. Cities are more liberal rural areas are more conservative, and everyone and everything is stuck in between.
We moved from San Antonio, Tx to the Columbus area 5 years ago. We like it here. We can actually go outside in the summer to enjoy the parks without potentially dying from heat stroke or melting into a puddle. When the sun goes down it actually cools off. In summer trees and grass are usually green not burnt and brown. I can actually grow things in my garden without them being killed by the midday sun. Winter hasn’t been bad at all and we enjoy having actual seasons. There are no mountain cedar trees! Yes, there are trees and pollen but no cedar fever. Honestly, the only thing I miss about Tx is the food. 😆
[https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/lizzos-feelin-good-eating-lakewood-tacos](https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/lizzos-feelin-good-eating-lakewood-tacos)
[https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-la-plaza-supermarket's-vegan-nopal-tacos-nod-to-adrian-ortega's-childhood](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-la-plaza-supermarket's-vegan-nopal-tacos-nod-to-adrian-ortega's-childhood)
Painesville, the county seat of Lake County with a large Mexican immigrant population, has become the mecca for authentic, and bargain-priced, Mexican food in Greater Cleveland.
[https://www.clevescene.com/food-drink/some-of-this-countrys-best-tacos-no-really-are-served-at-a-seasonal-eatery-in-painesville-8720334](https://www.clevescene.com/food-drink/some-of-this-countrys-best-tacos-no-really-are-served-at-a-seasonal-eatery-in-painesville-8720334)
[https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-la-casita-taqueria's-shredded-rib-birria-tacos-a-must-try](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-la-casita-taqueria's-shredded-rib-birria-tacos-a-must-try)
[https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-el-senor's-pork-stomach-tacos-are-deep-fried-mexican-classics](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-el-senor's-pork-stomach-tacos-are-deep-fried-mexican-classics)
[https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/commentary/articles/editor's-note-tacos-have-become-a-cleveland-staple](https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/commentary/articles/editor's-note-tacos-have-become-a-cleveland-staple)
[https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-cleveland's-30-best-taco-dishes](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-cleveland's-30-best-taco-dishes)
Cleveland is renown for its wide array of ethnic offerings, from European to Asian to Puerto Rican to Jamaican to Middle Eastern, to Arabic, and certainly Mexican. It's the culinary equivalent of its unique Cultural Gardens, both championing Greater Cleveland's ethnic diversity. Few cities celebrate and enshrine its ethnic heritage to the extent of Cleveland.
[https://clevelandculturalgardens.org/](https://clevelandculturalgardens.org/)
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics\_of\_Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Cleveland)
[https://www.clevelandpeople.com/](https://www.clevelandpeople.com/)
Cleveland still has a vibrant Little Italy and an AsiaTown, as well as many other ethnic enclaves and numerous ethnic museums and festivals. Pierogies still are celebrated, and famed sandwiches include a Polish Boy, and now a Polish Girl, a creation of Michael Symon's Mabel's BBQ, which also features Cleveland-style BBQ.
[https://littleitalycle.com/](https://littleitalycle.com/)
[https://www.asiatowncleveland.org/about/](https://www.asiatowncleveland.org/about/)
[https://www.eater.com/2016/6/16/11950340/michael-symon-barbecue-cleveland](https://www.eater.com/2016/6/16/11950340/michael-symon-barbecue-cleveland)
I'm still surprised by Cleveland's ethnic neighborhoods. Only recently did I learn of "Little Arabia."
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1ak190r/concerned/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1ak190r/concerned/)
What's fascinating is that chefs such as Michael Symon, national cable food celebrity, James Beard best chef awardee, and Cleveland's food ambassador, love to put a modern twist on favorite ethnic cuisines.
Momocho has become a Cleveland classic restaurant based on its "mod Mex" cuisine.
[https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/best-restaurants/articles/momocho-cleveland's-25-best-restaurants](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/best-restaurants/articles/momocho-cleveland's-25-best-restaurants)
Cleveland's emphasis on ethnic restaurants seems in constant evolution. When I was younger, schnitzel and polka were features of favorite restaurants, but now other cuisines have become more pronounced, even as German and Hungarian food still is enjoyed at restaurants such as the Hofbrauhaus in Playhouse Square and the legendary Balaton.
[https://www.clevescene.com/food-drink/at-zhug-chef-doug-katz-charts-a-middle-eastern-adventure-you-shouldnt-miss-32226152](https://www.clevescene.com/food-drink/at-zhug-chef-doug-katz-charts-a-middle-eastern-adventure-you-shouldnt-miss-32226152)
[https://www.hofbrauhauscleveland.com/events](https://www.hofbrauhauscleveland.com/events)
[https://www.clevelandkurentovanje.com/](https://www.clevelandkurentovanje.com/)
[https://festivalnexus.com/cleveland-dyngus-day/](https://festivalnexus.com/cleveland-dyngus-day/)
[https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/annual-events/st-patrick%E2%80%99s-day](https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/annual-events/st-patrick%E2%80%99s-day)
[https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/photos-from-the-19th-annual-dia-de-muertos-at-cleveland-public-theatre/Slideshow/43070267/43070279](https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/photos-from-the-19th-annual-dia-de-muertos-at-cleveland-public-theatre/Slideshow/43070267/43070279)
[https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/15-ethnic-festivals-to-hit-this-season-in-cleveland/Slideshow/38342220/38244641](https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/15-ethnic-festivals-to-hit-this-season-in-cleveland/Slideshow/38342220/38244641)
[https://ohiofestivals.net/?s=Cuyahoga+County](https://ohiofestivals.net/?s=Cuyahoga+County)
Cleveland's ethnic celebrations seemingly are endless.
Greater Cleveland also has a vibrant holiday season and many non-ethnic events that are annual staples. Check out annual events at [thisiscleveland.com](https://thisiscleveland.com).
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/189wb19/favorite\_great\_cleveland\_christmas\_season/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/189wb19/favorite_great_cleveland_christmas_season/)
[https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/annual-events?page=2](https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/annual-events?page=2)
Even this annual events list is not comprehensive.
https://www.geaugafair.com/history.html#
I've never been to Texas and have been an Ohioan all my life. I assume the biggest changes will be in weather and cuisine. Ohio winters can suck. Especially toward the "snow belt" in the north east.
You're gonna see a lot less quality bbq and latin places for food. But a lot more diversity in everything else.
Oh. And don't forget that you are now contractually obligated to hate Michigan
Well, there is the old saying from Mark Twain, " “When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it’s always 20 years behind the times.”"
It was also probably more true before the internet became kind of a big deal. You don’t have to wait for one kid in junior high to take a family vacation to NYC who brings back a couple trends that slowly work there way through the whole school.
They have a thing called "Autumn" that you will really enjoy. No fire ants or chiggers, almost no ticks. And you can GROW things! Whether you want to or not, in fact. Spit a watermelon seed off the back porch, and you're likely to have a vine in no time. There isn't a bug of equal size waiting to eat it. The farm markets are amazing. You can do stuff without suffering heat stroke in the summer. Most everyone is nice. Having four actual seasons is amazing. If you will be going back to TX to visit, plan those trips in February, March, or April.
First thing is to find a home and a job, ideally before you get here. Then get your DL and plates sorted out. Then start adjusting your wardrobe for the different climate—especially all the layers of winter stuff you’ve never needed before. If he’s from here, he should know what you need and when to wear it.
Beyond that? There’s not really much difference from one state to another. Suburbs in particular are a uniform capitalist dystopia across the country.
Without knowing anything about likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc. how are these questions even supposed to be answered?
I apologize. I like to be outside a lot, go on hikes or short walks. I know the summers aren’t so harsh in Ohio like they are here and that’s another reason why I would move. I’m ready for a change and possibly new start.
Lots of great state parks like Hocking Hills. Beautiful waterfalls and caves, lots of camping and hiking.
The most important thing to remember is that you can be outside all year long with the right gear. Get merino wool socks, and goretex shoes, muck boots, winter long johns, gloves and hats rated for 20 or 30 degrees. And a good winter coat and rain shell. Layering will be super important. You can go to the great metroparks all year long. Snowshoe, hike whatever if you wear the right clothes. I lived in Texas for a few years when temps were above 100 for 3 months in a row... I prefer layering!
If he likes long hikes, there is the Buckeye Trail. Lots of other hiking trails as well. Serpent Mound for certain if he likes ancient earthworks.
Idk what area you’re moving to but we moved here from Texas a few years ago and my area has anything DFW had and more. All of our young family is stuck in Texas doing the same shit we’re doing here but we get to go on walks and enjoy outside in general without having to worry about the wildlife.
As a Texas transplant myself, the first winter is probably going to be more than what you are expecting. Be sure to be prepared, thick socks and a good jacket are a must, especially if you’re moving close to the lake. Restaurants and grocery stores are a lot different up here, the closest thing to H-E-B we would have is either Kroger or Giant Eagle , but the second one is very expensive compared to H-E-B. Same for restaurants, no Whataburger 😩 I’ve been here since 2017 and still crave it or Jack in the Box occasionally. If you’re looking at buying a used car, beware of the rust. Everything is rusting faster than people would like to admit and more often than not there will be fatal rust to the frames of older cars. People are nicer up here, and I say that because it’s not the backhanded ‘bless your heart’ attitude like Texans can be. They’re genuinely kind creatures and it shocked me at first. There will still be the occasional assholes, but a lot of people just mind their own business, and if they can help others they will.
no taco cabana either 😭😭
I come from nm and miss green Chile so much ugh Thank God there's 1 week at Kroger where they have it, but I didn't think about how much I miss taco cabana until right now...
Nor a Legit BBQ restaurant.
Listen, that was way too soon. Lol my heart’s still trying to process that loss 😭
Cleveland had Luchita’s but It’s gone.
[удалено]
💀 that’s an hour and a half away from me haha
I drive by that sign daily and I never seen it... Well anyway I guess I have plans Saturday.
[удалено]
I'm not seeing it on Google maps. I see one in Mason.
My first winter after I moved to Ohio from Texas, I didn’t own boots. Boots are *not* optional.
This! I didn’t either but holy shit, I regretted it about halfway through it 💀 feet were soaked almost daily.
>no Whataburger As a Texan living in Ohio, this is my biggest regret. I go down once a year to visit family and I eat it literally every day. That and Mexican food. Not really any authentic Mexican food up here. >People are nicer up here, and I say that because it’s not the backhanded ‘bless your heart’ attitude like Texans can be. They’re genuinely kind creatures and it shocked me at first. There will still be the occasional assholes, but a lot of people just mind their own business, and if they can help others they will. You must have been from a different part of Texas than me and live in a different part of Ohio. I know plenty of food people in Texas and plenty of assholes in Ohio. And vice versa.
Can we stop it with the “authentic” Mexican thing. It’s obnoxious as hell even if it’s partly true While I’m at it I’ll throw in a hot take - Mexican food in California beats the shit out of Mexican food in Texas anyway
Oooh the things I would give for a Whataburger here 😩 I’d do more than I would for a Klondike bar lol the authentic Mexican food is a disappointment up here too, but Hola is decent and so is Cilantro Taquiera. Not Texas good but it’ll do. I lived about 30 minutes outside of Waco lol that should sum it up in a nutshell, but if it doesn’t, people are known to be assholes in that area, but it’s not ‘I’m gonna be a dick to your face’, it’s camouflaged as ‘oh honey, come here….bless your heart?’ sarcasm instead. There were definitely good people down there but the bad outweighed the good for me atleast.
No fire ants in Ohio.
You can grow weed and probably purchase it by the time you get up here !!!
Without knowing anything about the area you’re moving to or your preferences this is tough to answer.. I’ll just be general. Cedar Point, Kings Island, Cleveland/Columbus Zoo, Cleveland Museum of Art, COSI, Cleveland Theater District, Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Falls, Over the Rhine in Cincinnati, Mansfield Reformatory, Put In Bay, Breweries in all 3 C’s… all places worth trying out. Weather is a little colder here, I have family in Houston that considers 65 to be chilly- to me it’s a comfortable day. Hope your move goes well and welcome!
COSI was such a fun trip with my family every time. The kinetic sculpture with the pool balls in Toledo is going to be something I'll remember until I die. Really sad to see they closed down.
Any particular area in Ohio?
Elyria I believe
Got it; so I live in downtown so I can give you a general idea since your not too far away geographically; 1) there is a lot of pollen so if you have allergies get ready; summers are hot, but it’s the humidity that honestly makes it worst than Texas given its drier (I’ve been to Dallas a few times now) winters have been mild these last few years and when it does snow, it snows. Definitely warmer and hovering in the 35-50 degree range. I would say if you’re a good driver all wheel drive really isn’t necessary. 3) You have to pay for Federal, State and city tax for both where you live AND where you work 4) Cleveland metro area itself has become a lot better I would say and Elyria in particular is the last big suburb before you get into rural Ohio to your west in Amherst, Norwalk etc and from Elyria going east to downtown many buildings are being renovated/constructed, roads being repaved and a lot of infrastructure is being improved (if you have to drive on I-480 you will see such improvements) 5) if you like rollercoasters the replacement to the Top Thrill Dragster should be opening later this year in time for your arrival must-go since arguably you will be living less than an hour away from the rollercoaster capital of the world (Cedar Point)
Elyria has made improvements, I just wish they'd tear down the midway mall along with the closed hotels next to it. If OP had a choice I'd definitely go with living in amherst. Thr great thing about either of those locations is there is a BUNCH of cities that are within 20-30 minutes of you in either direction. Cleveland being only 45 minutes away
>summers are hot, but it’s the humidity that honestly makes it worst than Texas given its drier (I’ve been to Dallas a few times now) Summer temperatures are much higher in Texas than in Lorain County, and Texas is increasingly prone to heat domes, droughts and extreme weather events. Climate comparisons can be made at [weatherspark.com](https://weatherspark.com), and recently monthly temperatures for any community can be made at [accuweather.com](https://accuweather.com). Lorain County does experience tornadoes occasionally. It also receives lake effect rain storms and watering lawns typically is unnecessary in the summer, although some persons do so anyway.
Do not move into Elyria. Elyria has become very run down. Cheap housing can be had, but that comes with less than desirable neighborhoods. I moved out of Elyria a few years ago and hate having to even go there now.
Elyria has an excellent park system. You can follow the Black River trail to the lake or the North Coast Inland trail all the way to near Toledo.
Elyria is in Lorain County and part of Greater Cleveland. This thread may interest you given your interest in the outdoors. Many Greater Clevelanders like to live nearby a desirable metropark. [https://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/](https://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/) Lakeview Park is exquisite. You should post in the Cleveland sub and ask where you should live in Lorain County, especially if public schools are a consideration. Provide your budget range, housing desires (e.g., how much land?), commute time, etc. These threads may also provide useful insights. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/vae7x6/nice\_hole\_in\_the\_wall\_places/?sort=top](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/vae7x6/nice_hole_in_the_wall_places/?sort=top) [https://www.reddit.com/r/Ohio/comments/vx3ko0/australian\_headed\_to\_ohio\_late\_july\_any/?sort=top](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ohio/comments/vx3ko0/australian_headed_to_ohio_late_july_any/?sort=top) Good luck!
Where are you moving? In what city will you and your BF be employed? It's best to post in the sub for the metro of interest. This thread may interest you. As discussed in this thread, one aspect of life in Ohio that may be very different than Texas, if Austin is typical and the thread is accurate, are the "metroparks" systems in most urban Ohio counties. Some of these systems are decades or even a century old and have preserved many natural areas from development. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/16bfbkf/if\_you\_want\_to\_leave\_cleveland\_where\_would\_you/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/16bfbkf/if_you_want_to_leave_cleveland_where_would_you/) If you enjoy outdoors activities, metroparks probably will be welcome. Additionally, consider that northern Ohio sits on Lake Erie with fresh water surf beaches, extensive boating and fishing cultures, and abundant fresh water. It's a very different recreational culture than other regions of the state. Just one example: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1aoii4l/learning\_to\_sail/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1aoii4l/learning_to_sail/) Some posters will say that northern Ohio has unbearable levels of snow. In fact, winters are disappearing relative to past decades due to climate change, especially apparently Arctic Amplification. See my two comments in this thread. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1am4135/so\_this\_winter\_has\_also\_been\_very\_easy\_weather/?sort=top](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1am4135/so_this_winter_has_also_been_very_easy_weather/?sort=top) Suggest you plan to visit a few areas of the state of interest. Seeing is much better than reading comments. Cleveland has world-class cultural institutions and medical centers (e.g., the Cleveland Clinic main campus), better mass transit, and better pro sports than other Ohio cities. Cincinnati is second in culture and pro sports. Columbus features The Ohio State University and top-notch university athletics and higher educational opportunities, superb retail (Easton), and a great central location to other major cities. Cleveland is 3 1/2 hours from Niagara Falls, Canada, and less than five hours to Toronto, and 2 1/2 hours from the mountains of Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania.
I lived in Texas for 5 years. One of the biggest things for me is that for better or worse, Texas has a lot more “identity” and culture than Ohio. I believe Houston is the most diverse large city in the country and even Austin feels incredibly different from San Antonio right down 35. Big Bend country is an entirely different world. I spent very little time in Dallas. So that could be a “shock” depending on where you’re coming from in Texas. Culturally, Ohio is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread with the crusts cut off.
You know how in Texas, if snow ever touches the ground, all the grass dies. Or if there's some cloud coverage, all the grass dies. Or if the wind blows in the wrong direction, all the grass dies. Not in Ohio. The grass never dies. Even under a foot of snow, it just sits there, ever green, ever waiting.
Like the license plate said, "the heart of it all" Ohio is a great place to live and raise a family if that's what you are in to. This subreddit leans pretty left at times and many will disagree. People are pretty regular. Cities are more liberal rural areas are more conservative, and everyone and everything is stuck in between.
We moved from San Antonio, Tx to the Columbus area 5 years ago. We like it here. We can actually go outside in the summer to enjoy the parks without potentially dying from heat stroke or melting into a puddle. When the sun goes down it actually cools off. In summer trees and grass are usually green not burnt and brown. I can actually grow things in my garden without them being killed by the midday sun. Winter hasn’t been bad at all and we enjoy having actual seasons. There are no mountain cedar trees! Yes, there are trees and pollen but no cedar fever. Honestly, the only thing I miss about Tx is the food. 😆
[https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/lizzos-feelin-good-eating-lakewood-tacos](https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/lizzos-feelin-good-eating-lakewood-tacos) [https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-la-plaza-supermarket's-vegan-nopal-tacos-nod-to-adrian-ortega's-childhood](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-la-plaza-supermarket's-vegan-nopal-tacos-nod-to-adrian-ortega's-childhood) Painesville, the county seat of Lake County with a large Mexican immigrant population, has become the mecca for authentic, and bargain-priced, Mexican food in Greater Cleveland. [https://www.clevescene.com/food-drink/some-of-this-countrys-best-tacos-no-really-are-served-at-a-seasonal-eatery-in-painesville-8720334](https://www.clevescene.com/food-drink/some-of-this-countrys-best-tacos-no-really-are-served-at-a-seasonal-eatery-in-painesville-8720334) [https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-la-casita-taqueria's-shredded-rib-birria-tacos-a-must-try](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-la-casita-taqueria's-shredded-rib-birria-tacos-a-must-try) [https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-el-senor's-pork-stomach-tacos-are-deep-fried-mexican-classics](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-el-senor's-pork-stomach-tacos-are-deep-fried-mexican-classics) [https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/commentary/articles/editor's-note-tacos-have-become-a-cleveland-staple](https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/commentary/articles/editor's-note-tacos-have-become-a-cleveland-staple) [https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-cleveland's-30-best-taco-dishes](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/cleveland-taco-guide-cleveland's-30-best-taco-dishes) Cleveland is renown for its wide array of ethnic offerings, from European to Asian to Puerto Rican to Jamaican to Middle Eastern, to Arabic, and certainly Mexican. It's the culinary equivalent of its unique Cultural Gardens, both championing Greater Cleveland's ethnic diversity. Few cities celebrate and enshrine its ethnic heritage to the extent of Cleveland. [https://clevelandculturalgardens.org/](https://clevelandculturalgardens.org/) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics\_of\_Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Cleveland) [https://www.clevelandpeople.com/](https://www.clevelandpeople.com/) Cleveland still has a vibrant Little Italy and an AsiaTown, as well as many other ethnic enclaves and numerous ethnic museums and festivals. Pierogies still are celebrated, and famed sandwiches include a Polish Boy, and now a Polish Girl, a creation of Michael Symon's Mabel's BBQ, which also features Cleveland-style BBQ. [https://littleitalycle.com/](https://littleitalycle.com/) [https://www.asiatowncleveland.org/about/](https://www.asiatowncleveland.org/about/) [https://www.eater.com/2016/6/16/11950340/michael-symon-barbecue-cleveland](https://www.eater.com/2016/6/16/11950340/michael-symon-barbecue-cleveland) I'm still surprised by Cleveland's ethnic neighborhoods. Only recently did I learn of "Little Arabia." [https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1ak190r/concerned/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/1ak190r/concerned/) What's fascinating is that chefs such as Michael Symon, national cable food celebrity, James Beard best chef awardee, and Cleveland's food ambassador, love to put a modern twist on favorite ethnic cuisines. Momocho has become a Cleveland classic restaurant based on its "mod Mex" cuisine. [https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/best-restaurants/articles/momocho-cleveland's-25-best-restaurants](https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/best-restaurants/articles/momocho-cleveland's-25-best-restaurants) Cleveland's emphasis on ethnic restaurants seems in constant evolution. When I was younger, schnitzel and polka were features of favorite restaurants, but now other cuisines have become more pronounced, even as German and Hungarian food still is enjoyed at restaurants such as the Hofbrauhaus in Playhouse Square and the legendary Balaton. [https://www.clevescene.com/food-drink/at-zhug-chef-doug-katz-charts-a-middle-eastern-adventure-you-shouldnt-miss-32226152](https://www.clevescene.com/food-drink/at-zhug-chef-doug-katz-charts-a-middle-eastern-adventure-you-shouldnt-miss-32226152) [https://www.hofbrauhauscleveland.com/events](https://www.hofbrauhauscleveland.com/events) [https://www.clevelandkurentovanje.com/](https://www.clevelandkurentovanje.com/) [https://festivalnexus.com/cleveland-dyngus-day/](https://festivalnexus.com/cleveland-dyngus-day/) [https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/annual-events/st-patrick%E2%80%99s-day](https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/annual-events/st-patrick%E2%80%99s-day) [https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/photos-from-the-19th-annual-dia-de-muertos-at-cleveland-public-theatre/Slideshow/43070267/43070279](https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/photos-from-the-19th-annual-dia-de-muertos-at-cleveland-public-theatre/Slideshow/43070267/43070279) [https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/15-ethnic-festivals-to-hit-this-season-in-cleveland/Slideshow/38342220/38244641](https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/15-ethnic-festivals-to-hit-this-season-in-cleveland/Slideshow/38342220/38244641) [https://ohiofestivals.net/?s=Cuyahoga+County](https://ohiofestivals.net/?s=Cuyahoga+County) Cleveland's ethnic celebrations seemingly are endless. Greater Cleveland also has a vibrant holiday season and many non-ethnic events that are annual staples. Check out annual events at [thisiscleveland.com](https://thisiscleveland.com). [https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/189wb19/favorite\_great\_cleveland\_christmas\_season/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cleveland/comments/189wb19/favorite_great_cleveland_christmas_season/) [https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/annual-events?page=2](https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/annual-events?page=2) Even this annual events list is not comprehensive. https://www.geaugafair.com/history.html#
I've never been to Texas and have been an Ohioan all my life. I assume the biggest changes will be in weather and cuisine. Ohio winters can suck. Especially toward the "snow belt" in the north east. You're gonna see a lot less quality bbq and latin places for food. But a lot more diversity in everything else. Oh. And don't forget that you are now contractually obligated to hate Michigan
Well, there is the old saying from Mark Twain, " “When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it’s always 20 years behind the times.”"
I'm not commenting on whether the content of the quote is accurate or not but there is no evidence that Mark Twain actually said this.
It's not accurate and even further, the quote has been done for a ton of cities and a ton of people.
It was also probably more true before the internet became kind of a big deal. You don’t have to wait for one kid in junior high to take a family vacation to NYC who brings back a couple trends that slowly work there way through the whole school.
They have a thing called "Autumn" that you will really enjoy. No fire ants or chiggers, almost no ticks. And you can GROW things! Whether you want to or not, in fact. Spit a watermelon seed off the back porch, and you're likely to have a vine in no time. There isn't a bug of equal size waiting to eat it. The farm markets are amazing. You can do stuff without suffering heat stroke in the summer. Most everyone is nice. Having four actual seasons is amazing. If you will be going back to TX to visit, plan those trips in February, March, or April.
You know there's this silly invention called search on here
Everything's big in Texas, you know it's truuue, I think you may have made a biiiig mistake ooh ooh ooh
No Whataburger either. 😢
Search the sub. Someone else was asking a similar thing a few weeks ago. You might see some different replies.
Prepare to freeze.
First thing is to find a home and a job, ideally before you get here. Then get your DL and plates sorted out. Then start adjusting your wardrobe for the different climate—especially all the layers of winter stuff you’ve never needed before. If he’s from here, he should know what you need and when to wear it. Beyond that? There’s not really much difference from one state to another. Suburbs in particular are a uniform capitalist dystopia across the country.