By 1812Blockhouse
Is Mansfield miserable or underrated? Which is it?
According to the publication Daily Stuff, four cities in Ohio are among the 100 “most miserable in the country.”
The metrics for the selection were not clearly specified in the article by Gabrille Moses, but it did describe Mansfield this way:
“Mansfield used to be considered quite a prosperous city. But when the GM factory closed its doors, the town took a turn for the worst. Without the ready availability of industrial jobs, many workers were left without an income or an opportunity to earn money. Once a person is unemployed, it is very difficult to climb back up onto the employment ladder, and this is exactly what is happening here.”
Joining Mansfield were Youngstown, Warren, and Cleveland. The article on DailyStuff can be read here.
On the other hand, Mayor Jodie Perry was among those recently promoting the choice of the website World Atlas to place Mansfield among “Ohio’s 10 Most Underrated Towns To Visit In 2024.
According to World Atlas, these communities offer a “fresh experience” with “fun surprises on offer.” This is what it shared about Mansfield:
“Tracing its beginnings to 1808 when it was founded, Mansfield has a rich heritage that has not fully been explored. Tourists can look forward to an immersive historical experience in this Richland County town, starting at the Ohio State Reformatory. This iconic landmark is a 19th-century prison designed for young offenders. The prison is famously known for being the set of the popular movie Shawshank Redemption. For a deep dive into the region’s history, the Mansfield Memorial Museum exhibits a comprehensive collection of artifacts and specimens covering military, natural, and aviation heritage. But there is more to Mansfield than its history; the thriving arts scene provides a charming mix of venues for enthusiasts. Noteworthy mentions include the Mansfield Art Center and Mansfield Playhouse, inviting lovers of visual arts and theater art alike. Also, do not forget to step outside and enjoy the delightful formal green oasis at Kingwood Center Gardens.”
Urbana, Granville, Hillsboro, Hudson, Mount Vernon, and others were among those so designated.
The World Atlas article can be found here.
So which is it? We think we know the answer.
Image by WikimediaImages from Pixabay
