Rental Property Shortage

The Port Authority contributed to a study, done by a start up company, at the end of 2012 which looked at the rental markets in the Zanesville, Cambridge, St.Clairville and Steubenville areas.

Specifically in zanesville , the study showed that hotels and rental properties were at a 99% occupancy rate. Mike Jacoby, from the port authority, said that this may be due to the recent housing crisis, which caused people who usually bought property to become renters. He also said that this is most definitely not an ideal situation.

"It is a challenge" said Jacoby, "and I have talked with area employers who have had a hard time recruiting young talent because what you find is there isn’t the amount or type of housing that a lot of people want."

With the oil and gas industries booming to our immediate east we are likely to see an even tighter demand for rental properties.

"I think the point is, there is going to be change in the region, and we do need to be planning for it, " said Jacoby.

The data, from the study, showed that the area is truly growing . Jacoby believes this would be a good time for investors to take the leap, for both potential profit and community need.