Hitchcock Woods - Youngstown, OH

The Hitchcock Woods neighborhood sits within the Youngstown city area, which includes the suburban town of Boardman. Founded by John Young in 1787, the Youngstown area developed around the coal industry. During the late 1800s, the area took a big part in the booming steel industry. The late 1970s saw the decline of the steel industry, forcing the community to get creative with various economic options. Learn more about Youngstown's history by visiting the Canfield Historical Society Museum. Residents catch a classical concert, musical, or ballet through the DeYor Performing Arts Center housed in the Powers Auditorium. Every year, residents crowd into the Summer Festival of the Arts at Youngstown State University to enjoy live jazz, local and regional fine-art displays, and food.

Hitchcock Woods residents drive along Market Street or Boardman-Canfield Road/U.S. Route 224 to find dining options ranging from Mediterranean to Japanese. The nightlife consists of low-key bars found mostly in Boardman and in downtown Youngstown. Whether you want to hang out, work or grab some fresh coffee on the go, the family-run The Daily Grind on Market Street provides a friendly ambiance and homemade treats. Try a hot cinnamon roll or moist carrot cake with the house flavored coffee of the day. Locals spice up their lunch or dinner at Casa De Tacos, also on Market Street. Customers rave about the fresh guacamole, authentic carne asada burrito and the low prices. Expand your palette for ethnic flavor with authentic Chinese dishes at Shang Hai River on Boardman-Canfield Road. Start with the won ton soup and steamed chicken dumplings, then move on to the flavorful crispy duck or chicken lo mein. Customers love the fast, friendly service and warm atmosphere. Locals head to Blue Wolf Tavern for happy hour drinks and traditional American food before starting a lively night. Regulars tout the beer-battered fish and chips, lobster ravioli, and perfectly seasoned ribs. Come Fridays to get $4.50 Long Islands, Saturdays for $3 bottles of beer, and any day from 2-6 p.m. for $3.50 pomegranate martinis. For a slower-paced night, catch the latest flick at Cinemark Tinseltown on Market Street.

Living in Hitchcock Woods requires a car for errands and social activities in the neighborhood. Since most roads lack bike lanes, bikers stick to recreational trails. Locals drive along U.S. Route 224, also called Boardman-Canfield Road, and I-680 to access other parts of the city and state. Western Reserve Transit Authority provides bus routes through the Youngstown area, including stops in Hitchcock Woods. Residents opting for a car-share service use companies such as Zipcar and Uber. Since taxis don't frequent the roads near Hitchcock Woods, locals call ahead to use one of several taxi services. Public parking comes in the form of free lots or street parking right in the neighborhood. Outside of Hitchcock Woods, parking-garage or metered-spot fee applies to some busier areas of Boardman and downtown Youngstown.

People of all ages in Hitchcock Woods gather at the well-kept, beautiful parks and outdoor spaces in the area. Mill Creek Metroparks provides thousands of acres with natural beauty, the creek, a golf course, Fellows Riverside Gardens and an outdoor performing arts pavilion. From cross-country skiing in the winter to hiking, jogging, mountain biking or walking the dog along endless creek-side trails in the warmer weather, locals view these parks as a true gem of the Youngstown area. Mill Creek trails range from short and easy for the kids to long and hilly for more seasoned hikers or runners. You can rent a canoe or kayak in nice weather to paddle across the wider parts of the creek and even into the Mahoning River. The park is open to the public with free entrance, though certain event spaces and facilities require a reservation with a small fee. Whether you want to exercise or sit back for a leisurely Sunday picnic, the Boardman Park on Boardman Poland Road provides free entrance and amenities for everyone. Parents bring their children to one of several playgrounds, and owners take their dogs for a walk along one of the trails. Regulars love the annual Halloween festivities, including hayrides, pumpkin carving and spooky witch walks, each costing a small fee. The Judge Morley Pavilion, in Mill Creek Metroparks, hosts a free summer concert series every year, called LIVE at the Morley. Residents tote their lawn chairs and a cold drink to enjoy local and national bands playing anything from classical to folk to rock music.

The cost of living in Hitchcock Woods sits at roughly six percent above the average for downtown Youngstown. Renters expect to pay an average of $578 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Stopping by the local pub for a beer costs $3 and up for a pint. Take the Western Reserve Transit Authority bus into downtown for $1.25 one-way, or pay $42 for a 31-day pass. Budget to pay about five percent below the national average cost for gasoline.

Shopping in Hitchcock Woods centers around Market Street and Boardman Poland Road with an array of typical chain stores and independent boutiques. Head to The Shops at Boardman Park to find home-decor deals at Target or the latest styles at Kohl's. Southern Park Mall on Market Street provides more of the usual suspects such as Macy's and Hollister. Find a unique gift at the locally-owned Gracy Lane, also at Southern Park Mall. Between collectibles such as miniature figurines or specialized mugs and the super-friendly staff, this boutique stands as a local favorite. If you need special cocktail attire, a pageant dress, or homecoming gown with matching shoes, Cece Couture on Boardman-Canfield Road has it all. The prices might be high, but the quality of design and helpful staff make it worthwhile. Book lovers find their haven in Twice-Loved Books on East Midlothian Boulevard in the downtown area. Customers love to wander through the old house's three stories of well-priced used books. The books are well-organized, and the owner proves friendly and knowledgeable. Residents stock up on weekly groceries at Giant Eagle on Boardman-Canfield Road or Rulli Bros. on South Avenue. Get fresh meats at the local butcher, Catullo Prime Meats on Tiffany Boulevard, and find specialized Italian foods at Tringhese's Italian Specialties on Canfield Road. Browse the vendors at the Amish-run the Valley Marketplace in Boardman for local produce, candies, and handmade crafts. Locals also head to the Northside Farmers Market on Elm Street for local produce and Fair Trade coffee by the bag.