I have a friend who is may be moving to Youngstown* for a potential job at Youngstown State.  Looking through the archives, I was shockingly unable to find a guide to help potential new Youngstowners find their happy new home.  So, now's your opportunity to pimp your town.

 

Specifics regarding my friend: She and her husband are professionals in their early thirties, with one 7-year-old.  They're midwesterners who have lived mostly in mid-sized college towns.  They don't need all of the benefits of the big city, but like living in older homes within walkable, historic neighborhoods.

 

Any help with their specific situation would be more than welcome, but general impressions of the City, including favorite neighborhoods/suburbs, interesting districts, etc. would be just ducky.

 

 

*(No, it's not me: I'm happy in Cleveland.  I really do have a friend who is considering the move to Y-town.)

If the idea of living in an area where they can walk/bike to work, my suggestion is the area surrounding Wick Park just north of YSU. There are some troubled homes but most are tremendous houses built by mid- and upper-level executives for the steel companies that were once headquartered in Youngstown. There are some real diamonds in the rough here:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,16790.0.html

 

Another decent area is just west and southwest of downtown near Mill Creek Park, certainly Youngstown's best park and IMHO one of the best parks in Ohio. A suggestion is to focus your search south of Mahoning Avenue and west of the Mill Creek Park. A great photo thread of this area can be found here:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,16763.0.html

 

Or, I suggest areas south of the city, south of Midlothian Boulevard, near I-680. The older homes are closer to the valley. Most were built by real estate companies owned by the mills. I would not suggest getting too far north of Midlothian or you start to get into questionable areas. And, if they can afford it, consider Poland on US224 east of I-680. It's like nothing else in Youngstown, which to me is a bad thing. I love the grittyness of Youngstown. Poland is too spic-and-span suburbia for me. But it is a very pretty area.

 

Please let your friends know that Youngstown is not a mid-sized college town. It is unlike any city they've ever been to before. It is a city where steel dominated it for 100 years. It still hasn't found its identity 25 years after nearly all of the steel mills shut down and were demolished. It is a city where mobsters ran everything until very recently, yet the "mob culture" still is present. But you will never find people who are more friendly or "real." They do not mince words and once they come to trust you they will vehemently defend you.

 

Some photo threads worth sharing.....

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17282.0.html

 

For historical reference:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17134.0.html

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17136.0.html

I pretty much agree with everything KJP has said, but would like to add a little.

 

A lot of the younger professionals are moving to the north side, though many are choosing the upper north side, right now.  These neighborhoods still have great older houses, but I don't think it's quite as walkable.

 

The second link KJP provided is my neighborhood.  I really like this neighborhood for the closeness to the park and amenities. (It's no Ohio City, but we do have several restaurants and a grocery store near by.)  I don't drive, and living in this neighborhood works for me.  The stability of the neighborhood has slipped a little over the last several years.  But we've recently started working to bring it back. (I'm the treasurer of our neighborhood association) 

Having said all that, it's not as "trendy" as the north side.  Most of the residents are middle-aged, blue-collar or retired.

 

Schools might be a concern.  But some of the surrounding suburban districts have open enrollment.  One of the more well-known bloggers in Youngstown has children, and here are two entries about what he has to say about education in Youngstown..  The first explains why he tried, but didn't like, the Youngstown City School District for his kids.  The second is the alternative he has found without going to the suburbs.

http://blog.tylersclark.com/2009/01/expectations-in-our-city-schools.html

http://blog.tylersclark.com/2009/04/secret-no-more-montessori-school-of.html

Thank you both for your thoughtful responses; this is going to be really helpful when I have that conversation with my friend in recruiting her to Northeast Ohio.  Fortunately, she and her husband have experience with "fixer-uppers" in homes and in cities.

 

I hope to see more recruiting take place for Youngstown, even while the population contracts.  It isn't as if there is only out-migration from northern cities; sometimes, we get folks coming in as well.  :-)

 

(Edit: I'm not familiar with Youngstown neighborhoods: is the upper North Side defined as being north of Gypsy Lane?)

(Edit: I'm not familiar with Youngstown neighborhoods: is the upper North Side defined as being north of Gypsy Lane?)

 

Sorry about that.  I even thought about being more clear, but was too lazy.

 

No, north of Gypsy is the suburb of Liberty (for some reason, it transitions to 50's and 60's ranch and split levels pretty quickly, north of Gypsy Lane.).  I'm talking about the area between Crandall Park and Gypsy.

 

Here is a map that you and your friend might find helpful:

http://www.youngstown2010.com/neighborhoods/print_maps/youngstown_new_neighborhoods_7-06_categories.gif

I wouldn't rule out any neighborhood based on it's category on this map.  But, it will give them an idea of what to expect.

Another decent area is just west and southwest of downtown near Mill Creek Park, certainly Youngstown's best park and IMHO one of the best parks in Ohio.

I just want to second Mill Creek Park. Absolutely beautiful.

I think you're going to have a real hard time finding anything that meets your description.

 

The Wick Park area qualifies, but I would HIGHLY suggest not moving to the City of Youngstown.  It's simply not that safe of a place to live and you'll be traveling to the suburbs for pretty much all your needs as it is.  Also, as already mentioned, the schools are bad.  If you're not living on the west side, public schools are not even an option.  Even in west side where folks suggested living by Mill Creek Park isn't that nice, though that area is definitely the safest within the city limits. 

 

I would suggest they buy my house (I live in Milton Township).  It's currently for sale by owner :)  4 BR's, two acres, walking distance to public fishing area, baseball fields, driving range and you only have one neighbor (other neighbor is state-owned woods).  and there are probably 6 or 7 golf courses within 5-10 minutes of driving.

 

In all serious though, you can find lots of (relatively) cheap land in townships like North Jackson, Lake Milton, Berlin, and Ellsworth.  You don't really have an "urban" option in Youngstown, so your best bets are to go suburban or rural.  I definitely prefer rural.  There is lots of nature to see in these areas (and on your own property. my backyard always seems to have ducks, geese, deer, etc.) as well as two great recreational lakes to enjoy during the summer.

I've seen/heard deer, geese, and owls (in addition to the usual animals like squirrels, raccoons, etc.) in my neighborhood.  My neighbor has seen wild turkeys.  And, there are plenty of ducks down by Lake Glacier. (a 10 minute walk)  So, we have our share of wildlife, if that's your thing.

 

You're right that there aren't any truly urban options in Youngstown, in that a large portion of the city only has (or had, in many cases) the density of a streetcar suburb.  There are no neighborhoods made up of rowhouses, or anything like that.  But the OP seemed to be asking for neighborhoods with older homes on narrow lots with sidewalks that lead somewhere.  I definitely think the Garden District neighborhood fits the bill.  And, though I'm less familiar with the north side, I am fairly sure there are similar neighborhoods on that side of town.

 

Regarding safety, if you're unwilling to live in Youngstown because of "safety," then you should be just as unwilling to live in any of Ohio's cities.

Just to second or third the thoughts offered on Mill Creek Park and the north side. If you are interested, you can absolutely steal a beautiful home on 5th avenue. I remember driving from Warren to YSU that way every and gawking at the gorgeous cribs. I've only been to MCP like three times but it was worth it every time, a great park. Also, if the movers in question want something a little more suburby with good schools, Poland has come a long way. Don't hate me if you hate Poland, just saying it's nice and should have good schools, but I don't know if it does because it's been like 15 years since I've lived around the area.

Regarding safety, if you're unwilling to live in Youngstown because of "safety," then you should be just as unwilling to live in any of Ohio's cities.

 

I wouldn't choose to live in East Cleveland or many neighborhoods in Cleveland either.  I grew up in Youngstown (south side) and its a completely different place then when I was a child.  I did my undergrad at Youngstown State and am very familiar with the north side as well.  It's definitely not the type of place I'd choose to live.  You're very close to housing projects and are pretty much surrounded by dilapidated homes.  While the homes on 5th Avenue are very beautiful and historic, I don't generally think of the area as someplace I'd want to be around.  In other words, you're not going to be walking around the neighborhood, walking to work, etc.

 

I'm definitely not against city living, but Youngstown is just not the type of city I'd want to live in. 

 

Poland is still a nice area with a good school district but yeah, it's relatively typical suburbia.  Like I said, you're either going to get suburbia or you're going to get rural.  It's the way Youngstown is.  Everyone with the money to do so fled the city.  You don't really see new home construction or anything like that in the city itself.  Now "downtown" has come a LONG way since I graduated from YSU (which was only 2003, so you can see that plans are in place), however, the residential side of things is probably a long ways off.

 

 

 

 

^I haven't lived in the area for a while (I was born and raised in Salem, but spent most of my time 'escaping' to the "city life" in Y-town), but I was going to suggest the northern portions of either Canfield or Poland if schools are a concern. Both have decent school systems but being located in the northern areas they'd be relatively close to the city amenities. As JRC mentioned, if there's an adjacent school district with open enrollment, that might alleviate that problem and allow them to live in the city itself. 

 

"But you will never find people who are more friendly or "real."

 

100% agreed - especially the latter.

What about Hubbard?  It has a nice little old town section.  It seemed nice and lively when I've driven through.

I wouldn't choose to live in East Cleveland or many neighborhoods in Cleveland either.

But no one is suggesting they move to the east or south side of Youngstown.

 

I grew up in Youngstown (south side) and its a completely different place then when I was a child.

I hear that a lot.  But just because some neighborhoods on the south side have turned into a nightmare, doesn't mean the whole city is a nightmare.  Again, no one is suggesting they move to the south side. (though some of the farthest southern neighborhoods, like Brownlee Woods, might be worth looking into)

 

I did my undergrad at Youngstown State and am very familiar with the north side as well.  It's definitely not the type of place I'd choose to live.  You're very close to housing projects and are pretty much surrounded by dilapidated homes.

You're right, one would need a bit more of a pioneering spirit to live in the neighborhoods surrounding Wick Park.  That's why I mentioned that a lot of the young professionals are currently choosing the upper north side.  Also, aren't there housing projects in Ohio City as well?  Yet, it is a very desirable Cleveland neighborhood.

 

While the homes on 5Th Avenue are very beautiful and historic, I don't generally think of the area as someplace I'd want to be around.  In other words, you're not going to be walking around the neighborhood, walking to work, etc.

In a couple years, I'll probably move to one of the streets directly to the east or south of Wick Park, and I definitely plan on walking to work.  I've already done a little walking around those neighborhoods, and the blocks north of Wick Park, and never felt threatened.  But, this is all subjective, so I'd suggest checking it out in person.

 

Everyone with the money to do so fled the city.

I'm not poor...  In fact, I originally moved to Austintown, but decided to move to the city for a better quality of life.

 

Let me apologize ahead of time, because I feel as though I'm being somewhat harsh.  But, I get frustrated when I read people saying "how sad," "look at all that abandonment/disinvestment," etc.  But then, when there is the possibility that someone might move into the city, doing their small bit to reverse that trend, someone always says "no, don't move to the city!"  I expect that kind of thing on City-Data, but I'm disappointed to see it here.

As JRC mentioned, if there's an adjacent school district with open enrollment, that might alleviate that problem and allow them to live in the city itself. 

McDonald seems to be the most popular open enrollment district in my neighborhood.  But, Austintown just went open-enrollment, too.  There might be other districts that are more convenient for north side residents.

Let me end the night by contributing something useful to this thread. :)

 

Here is a link that shows all Ohio schools and whether or not they have open enrollment:

http://www.education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=704&ContentID=21640&Content=56439

I would say if your friend isn't interested in living in the city they might want to check out Poland Village (not township). They village is quite charming, mostly walkable and has some neat old homes. Canfield also has some nice homes and both areas have great school districts.

 

I live north of the city in Trumbull Co. and we have some decent options as well. I live in NE Warren and there are some great old homes here too. I should mention that it takes me 15 minutes to get to downtown Youngstown from the NE side. If i had the resources i would definitely be looking into the homes near the Trumbull Country Club and most of the areas off of Genesee. I'm pretty sure all of Trumbull Co. has open enrollment if she's scared of the Warren City Schools, which have some problems and a bad rep, but are no where near as bad as the Y-town City Schools. I have several girlfriends that live on the NE side and they all send their kids to Lincoln Elementary (K-8). They are very happy with the school and their kid's teachers. Other than NE Warren i would look into some parts of Liberty and perhaps Niles, McDonald, or Girard.

 

Here are some links that will give you and idea of what's available North of the city:

I love, love, love this historic home in Warren.........Howland Schools (Excellent) http://www.eatongmac.com/listings/detail.php?lid=44642162

 

http://www.eatongmac.com/listings/detail.php?lid=45090390

 

http://www.eatongmac.com/listings/detail.php?lid=42007283

 

Neat old home in Niles http://www.eatongmac.com/listings/detail.php?lid=40603693

 

English Tudor in Warren http://www.eatongmac.com/listings/detail.php?lid=40410830

 

http://www.eatongmac.com/listings/detail.php?lid=45065744

 

http://www.eatongmac.com/listings/detail.php?lid=40417948

 

http://www.eatongmac.com/listings/detail.php?lid=43191957

 

Ok, so i went a little overboard, but these homes are great! hehe!

I hear that a lot.  But just because some neighborhoods on the south side have turned into a nightmare, doesn't mean the whole city is a nightmare.  Again, no one is suggesting they move to the south side. (though some of the farthest southern neighborhoods, like Brownlee Woods, might be worth looking into)

 

I don't think Brownlee woods is that nice of an area at all.  The houses aren't anything spectacular and you have a lot of lower residents who (sadly) don't keep up on their houses at all.

 

 

Also, aren't there housing projects in Ohio City as well?  Yet, it is a very desirable Cleveland neighborhood.

 

...

 

Let me apologize ahead of time, because I feel as though I'm being somewhat harsh.  But, I get frustrated when I read people saying "how sad," "look at all that abandonment/disinvestment," etc.  But then, when there is the possibility that someone might move into the city, doing their small bit to reverse that trend, someone always says "no, don't move to the city!"  I expect that kind of thing on City-Data, but I'm disappointed to see it here.

 

I think I stumbled into the point I was trying to make.  I'm all for urban renewal and revitalizing cities.  However, areas in Cleveland like Ohio City and Tremont have legitimate gentrification.  Youngstown does not.  It is what it is and you Cleveland to Youngstown isn't an apples to apples comparison.

 

The current goals in Youngstown are to downsize, not grow.  The only real growth that the city wants right now is with the University and business side of things.  And that's understandable since those are the two most realistic options.  Once houses start getting torn down and property is better maintained (especially on the North side), you might start to see some people moving back.  That's not going to happen overnight.  I think Youngstown has probably already hit its bottom and it's not the crime capital it was in the 90's, but it's still not the best place to live.

 

I'm not poor...  In fact, I originally moved to Austintown, but decided to move to the city for a better quality of life.

 

I'm not sure where you live but I'd be interested to hear why moving to Youngstown improved your quality of life.  The west side pretty much feels like Austintown, the far north side feels like Liberty and the far south side feels like Boardman.  There really isn't any residential pockets that are close to downtown or anything...I guess I just don't understand the comment. 

 

As for my comment on "people with money", I pretty much meant the middle-class, including lower-middle class.  I'm sure if you looked at the income brackets of the city, it would support that 100%.  The south-west side of the city maintained itself well during the "downfall" of Youngstown but everything else (mostly) became either a ghost town or ghetto.

Scotts, The person who is moving to Youngstown has made it clear they don't want rural or suburban. They wanted historic homes and walkable neighborhoods, and hopefully not gentrification either which is almost as bad as the Wonder Bread suburbs. You clearly have preferences for suburban and rural areas and that's fine. If someone was asking for information about such areas I would give it to them. But they weren't.

 

If I'm seeking to move to a gritty, historic neighborhood and someone tells me about Deer Run Woods subsidivision full of pre-processed McMansions and narrow-minded suburbanites who do double takes when the token minority moves in, all located next to a golf course in a community without sidewalks or streetlights and you need a get to car to the bathroom, my response is WTF?!?!

 

BTW, your comment "it is what it is" is a disturbing cop-out. Cities are made and destroyed by humans. Their decline isn't some unavoidable outcome of nature that is beyond our control. If you abandon or stay out of a city, you exacerbate its problems. It's a free country and it's your decision to flee a city. But don't innocently claim "it is what it is" as if fleeing, staying out or encouraging others to stay out of cities have no effect on their vitality.

Scotts, The person who is moving to Youngstown has made it clear they don't want rural or suburban. They wanted historic homes and walkable neighborhoods, and hopefully not gentrification either which is almost as bad as the Wonder Bread suburbs. You clearly have preferences for suburban and rural areas and that's fine. If someone was asking for information about such areas I would give it to them. But they weren't.

 

I never said I had preferences for suburban or rural area.  I'd take either one over living in Youngstown but once I sell my rural house, I'm likely moving to downtown Cleveland.  I generally hate suburbs and prefer to either live in a vibrant area with lots to do or someplace secluded where I can own several acres, not live on top of someone, and not deal with the ridiculousness of an HOA.

 

I can make it clear that I'd rather have $100 million dollars than what I currently have but it doesn't mean that it's magically going to happen.  Youngstown might have "historical" homes but they are not in that nice of areas and Youngstown doesn't really even have "walkable" neighborhoods in the same sense that Cleveland does.  Youngstown isn't Cleveland.  It's not Akron.  It's not Lakewood.  It's not Cleveland Heights.  Even if you live in the historic houses on Wick, you can't walk to the store.  There aren't any stores nearby except the occasional run down convenience store.  You're still driving everywhere.  And living on the west side is basically suburban living. 

 

My parents lived in Youngstown when it was thriving.  I lived there up until the early 90's.  The steel mills closing crushed the city.  The gangs stuck the final nail in the coffin.  Most people "escaped" the city from 1990-2000 and with 100% good reason.  They weren't scared of a minority.  They were scared of the highest murder rate in the United States, the heaviest gang activity in between New York and LA and the destruction of the South and East (which leaked into the North plenty) sides of the city.

 

"it is what it is" isn't a cop out at all.  It's reality.  The city is attempting to recover from the damage done from the steel mills and gangs but it takes time.  The focus isn't on residential right now.  The focus is on cleaning up the garbage and encouraging business growth.  At this point in time, I wouldn't recommend that someone with a family move into the city.  The schools are bad, crime is still present, and you're still driving to the suburbs for most of your needs.

 

I'm sorry if that doesn't fit your romanticized view of urban life but such a life doesn't exist in Youngstown right now.  It might 10 years from now, and I hope it does.  I love Youngstown and would love to see the city make a big comeback.  A lot of people are working very hard to make that happen.  Success doesn't come over night and the type of things that you want out of residential are far down the line.  You need to look at the present situation and make the best decision.

 

Well, that was some polemic.

 

My question was specifically for somebody who had a preference for living in Youngstown, in the city or other urban area.  So, the rural suggestions were Right Out an answer to my query.  However, I did also call for general advice, so I suppose that scotts and kjp are both right.

 

Simmer down, brothers.

I never said I had preferences for suburban or rural area.

 

In all serious though, you can find lots of (relatively) cheap land in townships like North Jackson, Lake Milton, Berlin, and Ellsworth. You don't really have an "urban" option in Youngstown, so your best bets are to go suburban or rural. I definitely prefer rural. There is lots of nature to see in these areas (and on your own property. my backyard always seems to have ducks, geese, deer, etc.) as well as two great recreational lakes to enjoy during the summer.

I think in this case, both scotts and KJP have valid points. It's difficult to grasp if you're not really familiar with the area. Sure, Youngstown is about the same size as other small cities but those other small cities haven't necessarily faced the challenges that Youngstown has (including the suburban sprawl and resulting "doughnut effect" on the central city).

 

For example - if the OP was asking about urban living options in Akron, you could rattle off a few places like Highland Square, etc. Well - simply put, Youngstown doesn't have much that's comparable. It's not a slam on Youngstown at all, just pointing out that you can't say "well, ALL small cities of XYZ size have at least one noted vibrant, walkable area". Youngstown hasn't managed to retain/attract the quantity of residents to have an area like a Highland Square or Tremont - but they've made some enormous strides recently; but they also don't have an extensive transit network. So where does that leave someone wanting a semi-urban living option in Youngstown?

 

As the OP said - the party in question WANTS something along the lines of say Tremont, Ohio City, Lakewood, etc. but because Youngstown is a city with a smaller population (and thus, a smaller population seeking urban living options), there's not really many neighborhoods that experienced measurable gentrification, nor are there many areas resembling dense "streetcar" suburbs. But still - the overall impression is that they want something relatively walkable and at least in easy driving distance to the amenities of the city proper. So I think the recommendations for places like Milton, Ellsworth, etc. are bordering on the absurd. They're beautiful and desirable in their own rural right, but they're not on the menu as far as the OP is concerned. I know Milton, Ellsworth, etc. and they're great for a second home for getting away from "hustle and bustle" but as a main residence for someone who has urban inclinations? No. Not a chance.

 

Now - areas like Poland Village which are a little more tightly clustered (albeit surrounded by suburbia)? That's probably what's going to appeal to them.

KJP - I was clearly talking about WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF YOUNGSTOWN.  MayDay seems to understand what I was getting at.  If Youngstown had the things the OP was looking for, I would have suggested them.  But they don't.

 

You don't have a lot of options in this area, so I think looking beyond your immediate wishes is a good exercise.  You might find something you didn't think you'd like but actaully do.

If Youngstown had the things the OP was looking for, I would have suggested them.  But they don't.

I still disagree.  But, because I'm probably only as familiar with the north side as you are, I'll stick with the neighborhood I live in as the example. (though I find it hard to believe that my neighborhood is the only nice, non-suburban, neighborhood in the entire city)

 

Here is an aerial view.

 

Sure, there aren't scores of night clubs and restaurants within walking distance; I don't know if I'd go so far as to call my neighborhood "vibrant."  But there is: Casa Ramirez that serves Mexican food, Paprika Cafe that serves Hungarian food, and the Garden Cafe (with strange hours because it's inside the Davis Center) that doesn't have a specialty - but has the best views in Mahoning county.  There are also eating Establishments on Steel street, like the Open Hearth and Dubic's Palm Cafe.  But, I haven't been to either of these places, and wouldn't recommend walking there at night.

 

As I said before, I find the quality of life in my Youngstown neighborhood better than where I lived in Austintown, and here are some reasons why I make this claim:

1. I have access to 3 bus routes that run every half-hour, instead of one that ran every hour.

 

2. I am a 10 minute walk from: a grocery store, a Circle K, (if the grocery store is closed) Fellows Gardens, Lake Glacier, and some of the previously mentioned restaurants.  In Austintown, I had to walk a half-hour, on a busy road without sidewalks, to get anywhere.

 

3. My neighborhood was primarily built in the 1910's and 20's.  Mahoning Ave. was a streetcar corridor at the time.  My neighborhood in Austintown was primarily built in the 1950's and 60's.  While some of the side streets had sidewalks, and the trees were mature, it still lacked the charm and character the older architecture provides.

 

4. It is very nice to be so close to Mill Creek Park.  Many of the properties (including mine) are adjacent to the park, itself.  And, as part of the park's plan and Youngstown's 2010 plan, the park and the neighborhood will be even more integrated in the future.  I'm unaware of anything in Austintown that can be compared to this.

 

On a more general note, here is an interesting map with many places that make Youngstown, Youngstown:

http://www.mapbuilder.net/users/jankoytown/59055

JRC, I certainly do like your area. I also like the area around Midlothian. I'm 41 years old and am no longer interested in the nightclub and bar scene. I do like to get bar food sometimes and watch a ballgame now and then, but I also like old-world ethnic food and old-world ethnic neighborhoods. This is why I like Youngstown. I also like Youngstown because there's so much intense history there that I swear there's blood in the bricks of its buildings.

I think in this case, both scotts and KJP have valid points. It's difficult to grasp if you're not really familiar with the area. Sure, Youngstown is about the same size as other small cities but those other small cities haven't necessarily faced the challenges that Youngstown has (including the suburban sprawl and resulting "doughnut effect" on the central city).

 

For example - if the OP was asking about urban living options in Akron, you could rattle off a few places like Highland Square, etc. Well - simply put, Youngstown doesn't have much that's comparable. It's not a slam on Youngstown at all, just pointing out that you can't say "well, ALL small cities of XYZ size have at least one noted vibrant, walkable area". Youngstown hasn't managed to retain/attract the quantity of residents to have an area like a Highland Square or Tremont - but they've made some enormous strides recently; but they also don't have an extensive transit network. So where does that leave someone wanting a semi-urban living option in Youngstown?

 

As the OP said - the party in question WANTS something along the lines of say Tremont, Ohio City, Lakewood, etc. but because Youngstown is a city with a smaller population (and thus, a smaller population seeking urban living options), there's not really many neighborhoods that experienced measurable gentrification, nor are there many areas resembling dense "streetcar" suburbs. But still - the overall impression is that they want something relatively walkable and at least in easy driving distance to the amenities of the city proper. So I think the recommendations for places like Milton, Ellsworth, etc. are bordering on the absurd. They're beautiful and desirable in their own rural right, but they're not on the menu as far as the OP is concerned. I know Milton, Ellsworth, etc. and they're great for a second home for getting away from "hustle and bustle" but as a main residence for someone who has urban inclinations? No. Not a chance.

 

Now - areas like Poland Village which are a little more tightly clustered (albeit surrounded by suburbia)? That's probably what's going to appeal to them.

 

This is why i also recommended Poland Village and NE Warren. It seems that no one else here has an opinion on the walkable areas of Trumbull County. Niles, Girard and Warren are all very walkable, hell, it may be a bedroom community, but even my hometown of Cortland is walkable.