Lorain Apartments and Rentals

Nestled along the northeastern shore of Lake Erie and just 30 miles away from Cleveland, Lorain is known for its proximity to historically rich landmarks and abundance of carefully preserved beaches and parks. As the 10th largest city in Ohio, Lorain is an integral part of the larger Lorain County and the greater Cleveland area, which is home to a tight-knit support system for local businesses with an emphasis on economic development.

People looking for apartments for rent in Lorain will love the numerous seasonal activities and festivals, proximity to golf courses and wineries, and, of course, easy access to picturesque Lake Erie at the mouth of Ohio's Black River.

French explorers Louis Vagard and Robert de La Salle are thought to have been the first explorers to visit what is now the city of Lorain and Lorain County, Ohio, albeit almost 150 years apart from one another. Popular legend states that Johnny Appleseed planted apple trees in the area in 1813, and then informed people living in the Black River settlement of the results of the Battle of Lake Erie.

Originally called Charleston, the city of Lorain played an important role in the 1850s as a means to help slaves travel north to Canada. Although there are multiple historical landmarks in Greater Cleveland and Lorain County, Charleston is known as "Stop 100" on the Underground Railroad.

With a population of roughly 64,000 people in the city of Lorain and more than 300,000 residents in Lorain County, residents living in apartments in Lorain can still experience hometown-style living by enjoying the thriving small business community and jam-packed city and county activities for those who prefer an adventurous side of life. Seasonal tour, concert and festival schedules keep the people of Lorain busy and happy year round.

Lorain residents have the option to study at numerous nearby educational facilities, including Ashland College, Baldwin-Wallace, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland State College, Wooster, John Carroll, Kent State, Notre Dame, Akron College, Ursuline College and historical Oberlin College - all of which are less than 50 miles away from Lorain, giving people plenty of options for continuing education.

Major employers in the city of Lorain include Mercy Regional Medical Center, the Lorain City School District, the City of Lorain, and various steel manufacturers - a primary reason people move to the area for work. However, many residents choose to commute within Lorain County for work, finding high-quality jobs in local healthcare and school systems, at Oberlin College and at the local Ford Motor assembly plant.

Although the population of Lorain has decreased slightly in recent years, many residents are choosing to stay in the area because the cost of living is more than 13 percent lower than the national average, as is the unemployment rate.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the median gross rent in Lorain in 2009 was $558, which is a less expensive option to the still-accessible Cleveland metro area. One-bedroom apartments, on average, are mostly renting in the $399 to $700 range per month.

Lorain residents keep busy in a variety of ways, whether they trek to the Allen Memorial Art Museum on the Oberlin College campus, spend time learning about the area's history at the Black River Historical Society and iconic Lorain Lighthouse, spending time visiting local wineries on a vineyard tour or eating delicious food at lakefront restaurants and bistros.

The adventurous and festival-loving crowds will love summertime movie nights by the lake, parades across the county that feature cultural and seasonal traditions, and a bevy of water sports, hiking excursions and guided tours through some of Ohio's most beautiful natural wonders.

To find a Lorain apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.