Firstly why Lima, Ohio?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Lima
- State: Ohio
- Population: 37,310 people
- Lima’s quick summary would be If you’re from Lima, you know the Kewpee burger, the tank plant, and the Husky refinery are staples of local talk.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 3,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 3,000 annually
- Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 200
- Number of Homeless people: 200
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers affordability and community spirit attracting families
Perk #1: Lima Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 64%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $42,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lima is $48,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Lima’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,455
- Property Tax %: 1.91%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
- Rent for an average house: $1,400
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lima
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Lima, Lima-Allen, Elida, Delphos, and probably could include Spencerville
- Avg. Age of Homes in Lima: 86 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.7%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Lima’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Lima are Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
- Lima Job Scene: limited job market primarily in manufacturing and agriculture
- The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement centered around local businesses and services , ,
- Lima Resident’s pay $700 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Lima: 7%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 6
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lima
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-75 runs through Lima providing access in the region
- Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Cable Road
- Transportation Score: 29 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Lima: 23,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.6
- No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Lima: bmv.ohio.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 57 of 100
- Local Airport: Lima Allen County
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Lima’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
- General Weather in Lima is best described as has cold winters and hot summers with varied precipitation throughout the year
- Winter Weather in Lima i’d describe as cold with snow
- Spring Weather in Lima can be described as mild and rainy
- Summer’s in Lima are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Lima is usually cool and dry
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 6 days in summer
- Days in a row in Lima below Freezing: 22
- Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with minimal pollution sources
- Lima Winter Air generally good air quality with few local issues
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Lima Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Lima 2
- While the number of trade schools inside Limas’s city limits are 2
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lima Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Lima Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Lima only Doctors is about 60
- Local Hospitals here is 2
- Full-time Lima only Police Officers is about 80
- Crime Rate Index: 40/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Lima’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
- Lima’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
- Lima’s Water Quality Score: 66
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lima
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: small city with a focus on community and local events
- You might enjoy performances at the Lima Civic Center
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lima features local pubs dining options and occasional community events creating a casual nightlife
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lima
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes casual dining and family-friendly options
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 10 scattered around Lima
- The Popular Sports Team is Lima Locos
- Top Level Political Climate in Lima can be described as conservative community with focus on local industry
- Lima’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lima Faith Community Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Lima Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Lima has 10 Parks?
- The Lima Mall Park is Lima’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Lima Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor activities
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Lima Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Lima can be described as relaxed pace with a focus on community and family-oriented activities
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lima hiking trails visiting parks attending community events
- The Cities people commute to from Lima are Rocky-River 8 miles away Parma 8 miles away Lakewood 7 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Lima or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: slowdowns on Cable Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Lima’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Lima is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lima are Rocky-River 8 miles away Parma 8 miles away Lakewood 7 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Lima has 22 days in a row below freezing and 6 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Lima people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
200 homeless people living in Lima. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general conservative community with focus on local industry could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lima.
Retiree & Senior Life in Lima
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive property tax relief aimed at improving financial security
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Springs
- Lima Senior Center offers diverse programs including health workshops and social activities for older adults
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Lima, Ohio?
If Lima, Ohio ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lima, Ohio, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!