I’m a current Mansfield area resident. Homes have gone up in value, but for the most part are reasonable even in some of the better areas (not the older “old money” areas, houses are ridiculous). We don’t have much to do though. With that said, I work over near the Wooster area, and they have a very nice down town area, local hiking, and a bit more excitement. Once you get away from the larger cities in Ohio, there is less… pizzazz, so to speak. Being from the Mansfield area, I feel as if it is safe, about 1-1.5 hours from Columbus or Cleveland. Wooster is more towards Cleveland than Columbus. Unfortunately the populace does trend more “blue collar” conservative in these areas except for younger folks. Nice people on the whole though. Not fantastic wages if I’m being honest, but cost of living/housing is quite low compared to larger cities. If you want lower cost of living but are willing to commute to larger populated areas, an hour or so outside the cities are good. Plenty of land to be had in the rural regions, but expect an older house that comes along with it. I live in a neighborhood with people twice my age, but was able to get a 1400 sqft house for 110k on a 1/2 acre built in 1960. Prices have increased a bit, but still, not above 150k for a comparable house.

Wherever you move (or not), I wish you the best! Ohio would love to have you. Best of luck!