3wood

Thanks for the input everyone! You've all been very helpful and now I have a few areas I will go and check out for myself. The background/transport info you have all provided is invaluable! I turned up in Pittsburgh not knowing anything about the area and ended up in the middle of drug-dealing Northside! lol! Course 5 years later I know the layout of the City and Yay/Nay spots to live/drink/walk in and so I was hoping to avoid those issues this time around. Thanks again everyone, if you bump into an Englishman on your travels around Cleveland, ask him to buy you a beer - if it's me I'll get you one!!! :drunk:

ha ha, I wouldn't plan on telling my mates I live in the "OC"! How do the populations of Ohio City, Lakewood and Tremont compare? Are they all mainly young (20-40ish) that are out and about in the evenings/weekends or is the drinking/party crowd mainly suburbanites coming in? Also, I saw in a few threads that people stated that although there were lots of bars in these areas, alot were "short drives" and I am looking for areas that have these bars/clubs etc in walking distance...and staggering home distance. I like cabs/public transportation for getting around and exploring the other areas of the city! So O.C. is the general consensus for ease of commuting to Independence while still having a lively social life? Thank you all very much, you've all been very informative and not at all like the Steeler's fans described you! :wink:

Thank you all for the fast responses, I really appreciate your opinions. I just wanted to clarify - I'd be driving to Independence, but was inquiring about public transportation around the city in case I wanted to head out and explore the pubs, clubs and bars of the city. I had heard about the RTA and figure that it's better to have the option and not use it than want it and not have it. I am looking to stay pretty close to downtown, and certainly want a city vibe. Not that I would ever call the Southside charming but I do like it's vibrant action and I enjoy going out on the weekends. Plus the amenities and location to everything else in the city is unparalleled, in my humble opinion. Ohio City sounds lovely and I have heard about the West Side Market and can't wait to check it out. I have also heard nothing but good things about Lakewood - would you recommend I don't look at Lakewood due to the commute? Or are there other considerations? I would like to get the most that Cleveland has to offer, water views and such but really want to retain the diversity and convenience and excitement that city living has to offer. What sort of areas have quality rented apts/houses etc? I am looking to avoid the slum landlord renting to students. I would assume that there are gems everywhere if you look hard enough but if there are any no-go areas, a heads up would be much obliged! Cheers

Hello All, sorry to start another post about coming to Cleveland but I think I'll be coming to Cleveland! I am English but have been living in Pittsburgh for the last 5 years and have a chance to work in Cleveland. I have checked out many threads on this forum and you are all very helpful so I have a couple of questions I'd like your input on. I have heard a few areas repeatedly mentioned that I think I might like - Lakewood, Ohio City, Downtown, Shaker Heights, Asia Town (?) and Gold Coast (?) - not sure about the last two. I currently live in the Southside, in Pgh, and am looking for a similar location: easy to get to everywhere else, good transportation, lively night life and decent restaurants/bars/entertainment/conveniences. I am not too worried about small time crime (everywhere has that) although would prefer not to end up in the middle of a crack war, if possible. I am not a fan of the suburbs of quiet streets with white picket fences, but somewhere that you can have a bit of fun but without getting shot or something a bit less extreme. Any input from you all would be much appreciated. I will be working in Independence so I expect a commute but something within the 30 minute range would be ideal. Any info on the areas/history/public transportation is definitely appreciated. Thanks all