"The New Rating Guide to Life in America's Small Cities" has chosen Sandusky as the sixth best small city in America in a comparison of 193 U.S. "micropolitan" areas (cities with 15,000-50,000 residents).

Housing

The City of Sandusky in Erie County Ohio has the most affordable housing in the U. S. according to the 2009 National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index. Almost 98% of existing homes sold in Sandusky during the first quarter of 2009 were affordable to median-income earners compared to 72.5% in the rest of the country.

Median household income in Erie County is $48,654 while the 2008 cost of living index was 79.5 which is low, the U.S. average is 100. Home prices in Erie County are also low with a median existing home selling price of $128,500 — 23% below the already declining national median home selling price of $167,300. And, the median apartment rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment in Sandusky for 2007 was $461 per month.

The County offers excellent educational opportunities, safe neighborhoods, and a wide range of family-oriented attractions. Public school expenditures per student are $9,859, the student to teacher ratio is 17.6, and the graduation rate 89.4%.

While Erie County communities can truthfully pride themselves on having that small town, neighborhood ambiance and feel, the big city amenities of Cleveland are less than an hour to the east.

Cleveland has the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra; the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; the Cleveland Opera, Ohio Ballet, and the Great Lakes Theater Festival all three located at Playhouse Square Center; world-class shopping; and major league baseball’s Cleveland Indians, the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, and LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, and the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers.

Recreation

Erie County’s Lake Erie Shore and Kelly’s Island and beyond are Ohio’s most exciting, year-round residential and vacation destinations. With exciting amusement and water parks to natural beauty like Lake Erie’s coastline and islands, the area offers fun and relaxation for the whole family.  It is one of America’s favorite vacation spots and was recently named to the top 20 family vacation destinations by Walt Disney’s Family.com.

Erie County is home to the world-renowned Cedar Point Amusement Park, which boasts 17 roller coasters, carousels, and plentiful of children's attractions. The Park received the Golden Ticket Award from Amusement Today for "Best Amusement Park in the World" in 2009, winning for the twelfth consecutive year.

Outside the park, the County entices residents and travelers with its sandy white beaches, stunning coastal trails, mysterious Seneca Caverns, and numerous refreshing water parks like Kalahari, the second largest indoor water park in the world. The downtown waterfront boasts historic architecture, charming boutiques, and unparalleled views of Lake Erie.

With 24 marinas and boat launch ramps, Erie County is a boater’s paradise whether you favor sail or prefer a power boat. Constant lake breezes and small waves provide ideal weather conditions for jet-ski's, sail, and power boaters. As the quality and clarity of the Lake Erie waters steadily improves, shipwrecks from the 1700-1800's provide fun and excitement to both snorkelers and scuba divers.

Fishing from various piers, your boat, or a charter will provide enjoyment in the "Walleye Capital of the World". Local shops sell supplies and licenses, and will aid any angler as to the current "hot" locations and lure selection. Perch, catfish, smallmouth, and white bass are also caught in quantity in their respective peak periods.

Climate

Life Work Balance in Ohio

In Ohio, you can achieve both your professional and personal aspirations without sacrificing one for the other.

It's one of corporate America's oldest held principles: To be successful in business, you must sacrifice your personal life. No time for family. No time for hobbies or recreation. Relax for just a moment, and the competition will take your place. Unfortunately for executives chasing their dreams in the world's crowded, fast-paced mega-metropolises, this is more true today than ever.

But it is not the case in Ohio, a state where the opportunities for professional success and personal fulfillment are equally balanced. Here, you can think big, work big, and play big without being swallowed up by bigness itself. Ohio's business climate provides the resources to encourage and assist you in making your business grow and prosper on a global basis. Yet, on the personal side, Ohio's micro-metropolitan structure and short commutes provide all the cultural, educational, and recreational amenities of the city, along with the time – precious time –  and the personal space to enjoy them with family and friends.

In Ohio, thousands of top executives have discovered professional success without personal sacrifice. John Pepper's story is one example. Click here to view John's and other stories, and see how you can build you business and love your life in Ohio.

Explore this Ohio Business Development Coalition website to learn more about how Ohio provides unmatched personal benefits to its residents and visitors.

• All work and no play? Hardly. Ohio's distinct advantage to the business community is the balance employees will experience both working and living in the state.
• The great outdoors, world-class sporting events and the cultural gamut all meet in Ohio, the state of perfect balance. It's where residents can thrive in all the important areas of their lives.

Visit the Discover Ohio Web site to learn about the great things to do and see in Ohio.

In Ohio you can build your business and love your life at the same time.