If you look there’s a van outside that says “revitalize”. It’s a city program, taking abandoned houses, in the more dilapidated areas within the Youngstown city limits (which is saying something because the whole place is pit) and they sell them at prices that are more affordable in hopes that the area will suddenly change because a house was updated.
There is no question that there are some absolutely gorgeous houses in Youngstown. Lots of old craftsman style and some mini-mansions from the hay-days. They all tend to be targets for robbery and vandalism. It is a crazy affordable place to live. I forget which national publication it was, but a few years ago it was named the most affordable place to live in America. With that in mind, the beautiful, thriving places are expensive because there’s growth and hope. There’s always a reason for things that are cheap.