Cleveland ARTCC (ZOB)

📍 About ZOB & Oberlin

Cleveland ARTCC (ZOB) is located in Oberlin, Ohio—a small, historic college town west of Cleveland. Oberlin is home to Oberlin College, a liberal arts college and music conservatory, and offers a peaceful and cultured lifestyle. It’s a good option for those looking for a quiet setting with walkability, community, and proximity to Lake Erie and Cleveland’s resources.

🏡 Where to Live

For Singles & Young Couples

• Downtown Oberlin – Walkable, historic charm, student-focused amenities
• Elyria – 15 minutes away, more urban, affordable apartments
• Lakewood – Closer to Cleveland, vibrant, trendy area

For Families

• Oberlin – Safe, quiet neighborhoods near schools and parks
• Amherst – Suburban feel, good schools, affordable housing
• Avon Lake – Lake access, great schools, upscale suburb

🚗 Commute Times to ZOB Facility

• 0–15 min: Oberlin, Elyria, Amherst
• 15–30 min: Avon, Avon Lake, North Ridgeville
• 30–45 min: Lakewood, Strongsville, Westlake

🎓 Top School Districts

• Oberlin City Schools
• Avon Lake City Schools
• Amherst Exempted Village Schools

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round

🏞️ Outdoor Activities

• Lake Erie: Beaches, boating, and fishing nearby
• Black River Reservation: Trails, river views, and picnicking
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Hiking, waterfalls, scenic train rides

🎭 Culture & Events

• Oberlin Conservatory Performances: Free classical music and jazz concerts
• Allen Memorial Art Museum: World-class art on a small scale
• Cleveland: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, sports, museums

✈️ Nearby Airports

• Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE): ~30 minutes
• Akron-Canton Airport (CAK): ~1 hour 15 minutes

🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers

• City of Oberlin
• Oberlin College
• Lorain County Services

🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites

• Oberlin: Very safe, small-town policing, walkable
• Amherst: Low crime, good for families
• Elyria: More urban, moderate crime—varies by neighborhood

💰 Cost of Living

• Housing: Median home ~$180K–$250K
• Rent: 1-bedroom ~$900–$1,300/month
• Utilities: ~$150–$250/month
• Taxes: Moderate property tax, no local income tax

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• Oberlin: College-town vibe, walkable, artsy
• Avon Lake: Quiet, lake access, excellent schools
• Elyria: Convenient and affordable, more amenities

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Cold and snowy, 20s–30s°F
• Spring: Warming up, rainy, 40s–60s°F
• Summer: Warm and humid, 70s–80s°F
• Fall: Crisp and colorful, 50s–70s°F

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Car-dependent: Most residents drive
• Traffic: Light in Oberlin, moderate on I-480 & I-90 during rush hour
• Airport access: CLE airport ~30 minutes via OH-10 or I-480

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• Major Providers: University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Mercy Health
• Urgent Care: Mercy Health and CVS MinuteClinics in Elyria and Amherst
• Nearby Hospitals: Mercy Allen Hospital, UH Elyria Medical Center

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Events: Oberlin concerts, downtown festivals, farmers markets
• Nightlife: Limited in Oberlin; more options in Cleveland
• Community: Progressive, welcoming, intellectual

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Local Favorites: The Feve, Lorenzo’s, Aladdin’s Eatery
• Ethnic Cuisine: Small but diverse offerings including Indian and Mediterranean
• Cleveland Eats: Explore world-class dining 40 minutes away

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Facility: ZOB located directly in Oberlin
• Schedule: Variable shifts, likely to include mids
• Facility Culture: Collegial, team-focused

📦 Moving Tips

• Utilities: Columbia Gas, Oberlin Municipal Light & Power
• Winter Prep: Invest in snow tires or AWD
• Storage: Multiple storage options in Elyria and Amherst

❓ FAQs

• Is Oberlin walkable?
  Yes – especially around downtown and campus
• Is Oberlin safe?
  Very safe, especially for families and students
• How’s the social scene?
  Quiet but cultured; Cleveland nearby for big nights out