Home owners in Ohio have experienced a roller-coaster ride in the past five years. In the mid-2000's, home sales were fantastic - real estate sold quickly at great prices. The good times didn't last, however, and 2008 and 2009 brought a drastic drop in consumer confidence to Ohioans. Foreclosures were up, prices were down, and both builder and resale inventory sat idle.

That Ohio has bragging rights in being home to the theme park with the most roller-coasters in the world is appropriate. One roller coaster specifically is almost the exact opposite by its enormous success as a small community in southern Ohio is in its gradual demise.

A little more than 45-years ago, the Blue Streak coaster officially opened providing thrill seekers rides at 78 feet above the midway of Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio. Over three million guests take in the park each year, which grew in popularity partly due to the sandy beaches of Lake Erie.

On the other side of the state and ten years after the Blue Streak opened, the Shawnee Main Street Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, because of job losses and a shift in the population away from Shawnee, the little town is fighting to stay alive. What was once a charming town of 6,000 people living in homes that featured balconies and awnings now has only about 600 residents who daily view the signs of decay.

Searching for real estate listings, there were no houses for sale in Shawnee, neither by owner or listed by real estate agents. However, one house was listed as being in foreclosure thereby making the foreclosure rate 100 percent.

Back to the north in Sandusky, the roller coasters are enjoying better success than home sales. Fifty-seven homes are listed for sale in the town that used to be a safe haven for the Underground Railroad. However the foreclosure rate is severe as one in every 615 homes received a foreclosure filing in early 2010.

Residents should not lose heart because now that the bottom of the real estate roller coaster has been reached, the outlook is good for 2010. When there is only one way to go - UP - attractions like Cedar Point Amusement Park will possibly help rebuild so the economy is once again vital and thriving. ezinearticles