We are looking at purchasing a home within the borders of Mayfield and Cedar, Lee and South Taylor. We are wondering about the:

-safety of the neighborhood

-quality of the schools

-what elementary school services this neighborhood

-why are the taxes so high, and, any plan in the works for taxes to come down?

 

We have found a house we love. However, our concerns are that the taxes seem exorbitantly high compared to other Cleveland suburbs, but the quality of schools lower (at least according to ratings by greatschools.net). I did send an email to the mayor with similar questions several months ago, but he never responded - which leads one to wonder if this is what can be expected of city government?

 

It seems that when you are paying $600 a month in property taxes either the schools should be superb or the streets paved in gold.

 

Any help/advice/answers would be hugely appreciated!

 

 

I am a resident of CH within the area you outlined.

 

Taxes are high (just like Shaker and University Hts), have always been high and will always be high (no they will not being going down to answer you questions).  CH has very little commercial or industry so the residents basically foot the bills.  City services are very good....safety has never been an issue for me....one of the best police forces around (yes you will get a traffic ticket sometime in the next two years).

 

Really cannot comment on schools other than the stats don't say much for them.  Many residents send kids to private school.  My thought is that you will get out the system what you want.  I understand it has many strong programs but you have to have to take advantage of them and WANT IT.  In other words you kid can get a strong education in the system if it is desired.  I would imagin Boulevard Elemetary School serves this area.  I leave right next door and for what it is worth from simple observation have been impressed with the kids.

 

CH is one of the few suburbs in Cleveland I would live in.

We are looking at purchasing a home within the borders of Mayfield and Cedar, Lee and South Taylor. We are wondering about the:

-safety of the neighborhood

-quality of the schools

-what elementary school services this neighborhood

-why are the taxes so high, and, any plan in the works for taxes to come down?

 

We have found a house we love. However, our concerns are that the taxes seem exorbitantly high compared to other Cleveland suburbs, but the quality of schools lower (at least according to ratings by greatschools.net). I did send an email to the mayor with similar questions several months ago, but he never responded - which leads one to wonder if this is what can be expected of city government?

 

It seems that when you are paying $600 a month in property taxes either the schools should be superb or the streets paved in gold.

 

Any help/advice/answers would be hugely appreciated!

I think Cleveland Hts., is a great place to raise a family. There are several people here on the board that live in CH. The taxes are high but the city services are great.

 

I wouldn't think the mayor would answer that/this type of email with a city of around 50k people.  It probably should have been directed elsewhere and possibly got caught in a spam filter or a general email box which isn't being properly maintained.  But you've come here to UO for a real answer.

• I think the neighborhood is safe
  
• The area mentioned covers at least three elementary school boundaries.  Boulevard, Fairfax and Noble IIRC.
  
• I have lots of family in CH and with any districts the kids get out what they and their parents put in
  
• Taxes are high due to excellent city services and parks.
  

Have you looked at the CH web page?

Thanks MyTwoSense & Htsguy for the speedy replies! We have looked at the city Web page, and also have spent time in the city - but visiting a city and living in one are much different things, so it's great to hear from residents.  And the parks are beautiful.

 

 

Schools are average (at best), taxes are high (and probably never coming down), safety is questionable in large chunks of the city, and the local government is extremely liberal, somewhat incompetent and full of career politicians who are too comfortable in their positions to see the real problems the city is facing. 

 

Cleveland Heights was once a great city, and a lot of the things that made it great--including access to Cleveland, its beautiful archictecture, and great parks--still exist.  However the people living in the city, the people moving in, and the people running it, have made a big mess of things.

 

I'm curious as to what attracted you to the city in the first place?  Different things appeal to different people, but from my point of view, I wouldn't consider buying in CH, but that's just me.  A lot of people like the city and are fine with things the way they are, and I respect that, so maybe you might feel that way, too. 

It's a fun city to live in if you're south of Mayfield, but I would strongly consider private education for your kids if you want them to eventually attend Heights High.  I can't speak about middle and elementary schools in the area.

 

Maybe you could take a tour of the schools, get a feel for what they're like.  I've had some friends who've graduated the high school in the 2000s and have heard some alarming stuff regarding safety and and gang violence.  Then again, I've also heard that there are some kids who go to really good colleges and do very well on various standardized testings.  Maybe things are different for the better now, I can't say. 

 

 

Clevelander17 is just wrong about a lot including safety.  There is not one area of the city I would not walk alone at three in the morning.  One of only three suburbs on the east side I would live in (Shaker and University Hts being the others).

I think Clevelander17 has a point about safety, CH has some problems. For example, my friend lives in Coventry and his car was stolen twice last year.  CH is by no means a dangerous area but it has some issues.

 

Clevelander17 is just wrong about a lot including safety.  There is not one area of the city I would not walk alone at three in the morning.  One of only three suburbs on the east side I would live in (Shaker and University Hts being the others).

 

Couldn't agree more.  I wonder what "people living in the city, the people moving in, and the people running  it," he is referring to?

 

It's a fun city to live in if you're south of Mayfield, but I would strongly consider private education for your kids if you want them to eventually attend Heights High.  I can't speak about middle and elementary schools in the area.

 

Maybe you could take a tour of the schools, get a feel for what they're like.  I've had some friends who've graduated the high school in the 2000s and have heard some alarming stuff regarding safety and and gang violence.  Then again, I've also heard that there are some kids who go to really good colleges and do very well on various standardized testings.  Maybe things are different for the better now, [glow=red,2,300]I can't say[/glow]. 

 

How can you make a statement like that when you, yourself, state you know nothing about the schools??  I have cousins, on both sides of my family that graduate from CHUH school district and now their children attend CHUH schools.  Several are in an income bracket where they can comfortably afford to send their children to private school but chose not to.

 

Gang violence?  Humm.  Violence at the High School level can happen around any school.  Especially when (male) sports are involved.  Hell we had robberies left, right and center at Shaker! I'm not saying their hasn't been any violence, but name a school that hasn't had any.

 

As I stated, earlier, in another thread, the students and parents get as much out of the schools as they put in.

I think Clevelander17 has a point about safety, CH has some problems. For example, my friend lives in Coventry and his car was stolen twice last year.  CH is by no means a dangerous area but it has some issues.

 

Coventry has a long history of stuff like that.  It's goes along with the territory of being a destination neighborhood. 

Clevelander17 is just wrong about a lot including safety.  There is not one area of the city I would not walk alone at three in the morning.  One of only three suburbs on the east side I would live in (Shaker and University Hts being the others).

 

Couldn't agree more.  I wonder what "people living in the city, the people moving in, and the people running  it," he is referring to?

 

It's a fun city to live in if you're south of Mayfield, but I would strongly consider private education for your kids if you want them to eventually attend Heights High.  I can't speak about middle and elementary schools in the area.

 

Maybe you could take a tour of the schools, get a feel for what they're like.  I've had some friends who've graduated the high school in the 2000s and have heard some alarming stuff regarding safety and and gang violence.  Then again, I've also heard that there are some kids who go to really good colleges and do very well on various standardized testings.  Maybe things are different for the better now, [glow=red,2,300]I can't say[/glow]. 

 

How can you make a statement like that when you, yourself, state you know nothing about the schools??  I have cousins, on both sides of my family that graduate from CHUH school district and now their children attend CHUH schools.  Several are in an income bracket where they can comfortably afford to send their children to private school but chose not to.

 

Gang violence?  Humm.  Violence at the High School level can happen around any school.  Especially when (male) sports are involved.  Hell we had robberies left, right and center at Shaker! I'm not saying their hasn't been any violence, but name a school that hasn't had any.

 

As I stated, earlier, in another thread, the students and parents get as much out of the schools as they put in.

 

I'm talking about the ghetto/prison culture that has been moving into Cleveland Heights for a few decades now and has taken over many city neighborhoods.  As for Shaker Heights, I'm not shocked about your comments, because it's happening there, too, though at a slower pace.  :laugh:

Clevelander17 is just wrong about a lot including safety.  There is not one area of the city I would not walk alone at three in the morning.  One of only three suburbs on the east side I would live in (Shaker and University Hts being the others).

 

Couldn't agree more.  I wonder what "people living in the city, the people moving in, and the people running  it," he is referring to?

 

It's a fun city to live in if you're south of Mayfield, but I would strongly consider private education for your kids if you want them to eventually attend Heights High.  I can't speak about middle and elementary schools in the area.

 

Maybe you could take a tour of the schools, get a feel for what they're like.  I've had some friends who've graduated the high school in the 2000s and have heard some alarming stuff regarding safety and and gang violence.  Then again, I've also heard that there are some kids who go to really good colleges and do very well on various standardized testings.  Maybe things are different for the better now, [glow=red,2,300]I can't say[/glow]. 

 

How can you make a statement like that when you, yourself, state you know nothing about the schools??  I have cousins, on both sides of my family that graduate from CHUH school district and now their children attend CHUH schools.  Several are in an income bracket where they can comfortably afford to send their children to private school but chose not to.

 

Gang violence?  Humm.  Violence at the High School level can happen around any school.  Especially when (male) sports are involved.  Hell we had robberies left, right and center at Shaker! I'm not saying their hasn't been any violence, but name a school that hasn't had any.

 

As I stated, earlier, in another thread, the students and parents get as much out of the schools as they put in.

 

I'm talking about the ghetto/prison culture that has been moving into Cleveland Heights for a few decades now and has taken over many city neighborhoods.  As for Shaker Heights, I'm not shocked about your comments, because it's happening there, too, though at a slower pace.  :laugh:

 

Translation:  people of color.  ::)

 

Thugs have not taken over many neighborhoods.  Do you live or work in CH?  SH?  Where do you live?

Clevelander17 is just wrong about a lot including safety. There is not one area of the city I would not walk alone at three in the morning.

 

Really?  You'd walk around North Noble at three at night?  Any area bordering East Cleveland south through Mayfield Rd. is sketchy.  I would never risk it, but you and I clearly see things differently.

 

One of only three suburbs on the east side I would live in (Shaker and University Hts being the others).

 

Like I said, different strokes for different folks.  I used to feel that way, but now I'm looking to move eastward.

Thanks for the opinion - the proximity to downtown is a huge attraction, since it's where both my husband and I work. We also do like the city's parks, and much of the architectural styles of the residences.

 

Unfortunately, it does seem that the city is facing problems, but that seems to be the case with most area suburbs right now.

Clevelander17 is just wrong about a lot including safety. There is not one area of the city I would not walk alone at three in the morning. One of only three suburbs on the east side I would live in (Shaker and University Hts being the others).

 

Couldn't agree more. I wonder what "people living in the city, the people moving in, and the people running it," he is referring to?

 

It's a fun city to live in if you're south of Mayfield, but I would strongly consider private education for your kids if you want them to eventually attend Heights High. I can't speak about middle and elementary schools in the area.

 

Maybe you could take a tour of the schools, get a feel for what they're like. I've had some friends who've graduated the high school in the 2000s and have heard some alarming stuff regarding safety and and gang violence. Then again, I've also heard that there are some kids who go to really good colleges and do very well on various standardized testings. Maybe things are different for the better now, [glow=red,2,300]I can't say[/glow].

 

How can you make a statement like that when you, yourself, state you know nothing about the schools?? I have cousins, on both sides of my family that graduate from CHUH school district and now their children attend CHUH schools. Several are in an income bracket where they can comfortably afford to send their children to private school but chose not to.

 

Gang violence? Humm. Violence at the High School level can happen around any school. Especially when (male) sports are involved. Hell we had robberies left, right and center at Shaker! I'm not saying their hasn't been any violence, but name a school that hasn't had any.

 

As I stated, earlier, in another thread, the students and parents get as much out of the schools as they put in.

 

I'm talking about the ghetto/prison culture that has been moving into Cleveland Heights for a few decades now and has taken over many city neighborhoods. As for Shaker Heights, I'm not shocked about your comments, because it's happening there, too, though at a slower pace. :laugh:

 

Translation: people of color.   ::)

 

Thugs have not taken over many neighborhoods. Do you live or work in CH? SH? Where do you live?

 

Most of them are black, yes, but that's not the issue.

 

I live in University Heights and spend ample time in all three cities.

Thanks for the opinion - the proximity to downtown is a huge attraction, since it's where both my husband and I work. We also do like the city's parks, and much of the architectural styles of the residences.

 

Unfortunately, it does seem that the city is facing problems, but that seems to be the case with most area suburbs right now.

 

Cleveland Heights is a very nice or people wouldn't live there.  They don't move there to pay high taxes for no reason.  Its a nice place to start a family, and enjoy the 'burbs with areas that offer an urban experience like Coventry, Cedar-Lee and Cedar-Fairmont.

As you can see, clevelandjem, some widely varying opinions on Cleveland Heights!  Regarding safety- you might be able to get some info from the local police precinct or at least by reviewing police blotters.  I don't think I'd worry about safety so much in that area, but I'm not as familiar with it as others are.

 

The schools are a tricky issue.  I agree with others that if you have motivated kids and prioritize education at home, the schools would probably be adequate.  I believe Heights High still sends kids to top colleges every year.  However, for various reasons (private schooling; childless households, etc) the public school student population reflects a disproportionately downmarket segment of the city's demographics, so your child(ren) would almost certainly have lots of peers who may not be the most wholesome influences or who would at least be distractions.  That's true in most districts, but it's likely a larger share of students at Heights than in many of the neighboring districts.  Good luck with your decisions!

Thanks for the opinion - the proximity to downtown is a huge attraction, since it's where both my husband and I work. We also do like the city's parks, and much of the architectural styles of the residences.

 

Unfortunately, it does seem that the city is facing problems, but that seems to be the case with most area suburbs right now.

 

Cleveland Heights is a very nice or people wouldn't live there. They don't move there to pay high taxes for no reason. Its a nice place to start a family, and enjoy the 'burbs with areas that offer an urban experience like Coventry, Cedar-Lee and Cedar-Fairmont.

 

Ignoring the fact that the city is hemorrhaging people.  The last Census numbers hurt, and the next one is going to be brutal.  Low 40s with clear evidence that middle class families are leaving in droves.

Clevelandjem, I can give you a little piece of advice on the schools in the area. 

 

I am a high school teacher in Cleveland Heights.  The school system isn't terrible, but it isn't the greatest.  That being said, I would say from dealing with these students and their families that this has much more to do with the involvement of the parents than it does with the quality of the school system.  There is only one school I would definitely say you should NOT consider if you are looking at elementary schools.  Apex academy is a charter school on the east side of Cleveland that many parents in the area send their children to.  I've seen many students that come out of this school and are years behind where they should be. 

 

As for safety, I have little qualms about Cleveland Heights.

 

Clevelandjem, I can give you a little piece of advice on the schools in the area.

 

I am a high school teacher in Cleveland Heights. The school system isn't terrible, but it isn't the greatest. That being said, I would say from dealing with these students and their families that this has much more to do with the involvement of the parents than it does with the quality of the school system. There is only one school I would definitely say you should NOT consider if you are looking at elementary schools. Apex academy is a charter school on the east side of Cleveland that many parents in the area send their children to. I've seen many students that come out of this school and are years behind where they should be.

 

Great incite, I agree!

 

As for safety, I have little qualms about Cleveland Heights.

 

Do you live in CH?

As for safety, I have little qualms about Cleveland Heights.

 

Do you live in CH?

 

Currently, no.  That is only because I have a friend that is letting me stay in a house without paying rent in another suburb.  I actually am planning on moving to Cleveland and buying a house there, but that is not because I do not feel safe in Cleveland Heights.  I would just rather live in Cleveland.  My wife and I have talked about it a lot, and we would move to Cleveland Heights if we could not find somewhere we liked enough in Cleveland. 

 

I spend plenty of time in Cleveland Heights, and I would not call it a utopia without crime.  However, I have never felt like I am in danger in the city. 

Currently, no. That is only because I have a friend that is letting me stay in a house without paying rent in another suburb. I actually am planning on moving to Cleveland and buying a house there, but that is not because I do not feel safe in Cleveland Heights. I would just rather live in Cleveland. My wife and I have talked about it a lot, and we would move to Cleveland Heights if we could not find somewhere we liked enough in Cleveland.

 

I spend plenty of time in Cleveland Heights, and I would not call it a utopia without crime. However, I have never felt like I am in danger in the city.

 

Fair enough!  When I was attending the CH-UH schools, it seemed like many of my teachers were living way out in the exurbs. 

Currently, no.  That is only because I have a friend that is letting me stay in a house without paying rent in another suburb.  I actually am planning on moving to Cleveland and buying a house there, but that is not because I do not feel safe in Cleveland Heights.  I would just rather live in Cleveland.  My wife and I have talked about it a lot, and we would move to Cleveland Heights if we could not find somewhere we liked enough in Cleveland. 

 

I spend plenty of time in Cleveland Heights, and I would not call it a utopia without crime.  However, I have never felt like I am in danger in the city.

 

Fair enough!  When I was attending the CH-UH schools, it seemed like many of my teachers were living way out in the exurbs. 

When was this?

^That's true of most of the older teachers I work with.  However, there is a real trend among many of the younger teachers to move back towards the city core.  There are more transportation options, the commute is shorter, and I think that there is a growing sense that old stereotypes about Cleveland and its inner ring suburbs being unsafe are unfounded if you move into the right neighborhood.  I'd say Cleveland Heights is a good choice because of this.

Currently, no.  That is only because I have a friend that is letting me stay in a house without paying rent in another suburb.  I actually am planning on moving to Cleveland and buying a house there, but that is not because I do not feel safe in Cleveland Heights.  I would just rather live in Cleveland.  My wife and I have talked about it a lot, and we would move to Cleveland Heights if we could not find somewhere we liked enough in Cleveland. 

 

I spend plenty of time in Cleveland Heights, and I would not call it a utopia without crime.  However, I have never felt like I am in danger in the city.

 

Fair enough!  When I was attending the CH-UH schools, it seemed like many of my teachers were living way out in the exurbs. 

When was this?

 

Roughly the late 80s through the late 90s.

I'd say Cleveland Heights is a good choice because of this.

 

It's hit or miss on neighborhoods in CH in my opinion.

Welcome clevelandjem,

 

I know a thing or two about the Heights ;)  I grew up in the Monticello-Noble neighborhood and am a grad of the High School.  I have also lived for short stints in the Coventry neighborhood and Cedar-Fairmount.

 

First, the Mayor isn't really a "Mayor".  The City has a City-Manager form of government.  Mayor Kelley is more like the president of council, than somebody who runs the City on a daily basis.

 

What street specifically are you looking at?  There are pockets of great neighborhoods in the area you identified... and some that are more meh...  North side of Cain Park is probably more desirable.

 

There is one specific area of CH that I would never recommend.  The area north of Mayfield, east of the cemetery, west of superior and bordered by East Cleveland on the north. 

 

Obviously, I don't believe in the "south of Mayfield" rule you will hear from time to time.

 

Safety is just fine.  Trust me when I tell you that the residents are WELL aware of the police presence and act accordingly.  The City has one of the highest police per capita numbers in the State, if not the highest.

 

I'm proud to be from there.  I would challenge anybody to find a more diverse City of its size... and not just racially, but also economically, religously, architecturally... everything.  Well, maybe not politically.

 

Clevelander17 - anytime you want to take a stroll down Noble, you let me know.  It would be a great acheivement, overcoming your fears and all.  I won't let anything happen to you.  We can go see the xmas lights at Nela Park next year!  Just make sure to wipe your lipstick off first and leave the purse at home.

Welcome clevelandjem,

 

I know a thing or two about the Heights ;)  I grew up in the Monticello-Noble neighborhood and am a grad of the High School.  I have also lived for short stints in the Coventry neighborhood and Cedar-Fairmount.

 

First, the Mayor isn't really a "Mayor".  The City has a City-Manager form of government.  Mayor Kelley is more like the president of council, than somebody who runs the City on a daily basis.

 

What street specifically are you looking at?  There are pockets of great neighborhoods in the area you identified... and some that are more meh...  North side of Cain Park is probably more desirable.

 

There is one specific area of CH that I would never recommend.  The area north of Mayfield, east of the cemetery, west of superior and bordered by East Cleveland on the north. 

 

Obviously, I don't believe in the "south of Mayfield" rule you will hear from time to time.

 

Safety is just fine.  Trust me when I tell you that the residents are WELL aware of the police presence and act accordingly.  The City has one of the highest police per capita numbers in the State, if not the highest.

 

I'm proud to be from there.  I would challenge anybody to find a more diverse City of its size... and not just racially, but also economically, religously, architecturally... everything.  Well, maybe not politically.

 

Clevelander17 - anytime you want to take a stroll down Noble, you let me know.  It would be a great acheivement, overcoming your fears and all.  I won't let anything happen to you.  We can go see the xmas lights at Nela Park next year!  Just make sure to wipe your lipstick off first and leave the purse at home.

 

LOL.  LOL  :clap:

Obviously, I don't believe in the "south of Mayfield" rule you will hear from time to time.

 

I agree with this.  There is a quiet neighborhood roughly between Forest Hills Blvd. and Lee Rd. that I've always found to be nice (Burlington/Rumson area).  Additionally the Inglewood district just east of Taylor Rd. is also very attractive.

 

Safety is just fine.  Trust me when I tell you that the residents are WELL aware of the police presence and act accordingly.  The City has one of the highest police per capita numbers in the State, if not the highest.

 

Also one of the few cities in the state its size to have its own "traffic enforcement bureau" (or profit generation bureau).  In reality, a large percentage of the police force has one duty, and that is to write parking and/or speeding tickets.  They're generally not out there fighting crime. 

 

 

Clevelander17 - anytime you want to take a stroll down Noble, you let me know.  It would be a great acheivement, overcoming your fears and all.  I won't let anything happen to you.  We can go see the xmas lights at Nela Park next year!  Just make sure to wipe your lipstick off first and leave the purse at home.

 

I find it ridiculous that you would imply that the real issues I presented about safety in Cleveland Heights is some sort of a joke.  If someone is interested in buying a home in the area, they deserve to know about the good and the bad.  There are definitely parts of Cleveland Heights that should be avoided, and the north Noble area is one of them.  You'd have to be  :drunk: to even think about walking about there at in the middle of the night.

What is the "north Noble" neighborhood exactly?  Set some parameters and then I can tell you why you are wrong... not to mention the OP was asking about a completely different neighborhood.

 

And you can't go see xmas lights during the day, silly.  Mike's Beverage is right across the street from Nela Park if you decide you need a little courage juice.

What is the "north Noble" neighborhood exactly?  Set some parameters and then I can tell you why you are wrong... not to mention the OP was asking about a completely different neighborhood.

 

Ive been waiting for someone to note that data point.  Obviously, someone wanted to use another thread in the forum (not the NMSF thread) to spread fear, a negative perception with a sprinkle of racism.

What is the "north Noble" neighborhood exactly?  Set some parameters and then I can tell you why you are wrong... not to mention the OP was asking about a completely different neighborhood.

 

And you can't go see xmas lights during the day, silly.  Mike's Beverage is right across the street from Nela Park if you decide you need a little courage juice.

 

Anything north of Mayfield along Noble is pretty dumpy, but go north of Monticello and you may as well be in East Cleveland.

 

In regards to the OP's neighborhood, it's a little better, but I, personally, wouldn't want to live there.  At least that area has some diversity still (read: it hasn't become all African-American yet), but you better be open-minded, patient, and understanding if you buy a home there.

 

The only middle class areas of CH that I'd consider would be the Canterbury neighborhood and St. Ann's neighborhood.

What is the "north Noble" neighborhood exactly?  Set some parameters and then I can tell you why you are wrong... not to mention the OP was asking about a completely different neighborhood.

 

Ive been waiting for someone to note that data point.  Obviously, someone wanted to use another thread in the forum (not the NMSF thread) to spread fear, a negative perception with a sprinkle of racism.

 

Playing the race card is always easier than acknowledging reality.  :mrgreen:

Playing  the race card is always easier than acknowledging reality.  O0

 

Grand Dragon,

 

that....

 

.....considering what you just wrote

 

What is the "north Noble" neighborhood exactly?  Set some parameters and  then I can tell you why you are wrong... not to mention the OP was  asking about a completely different neighborhood.

 

And you can't go see xmas lights during the day, silly.  Mike's Beverage  is right across the street from Nela Park if you decide you need a  little courage juice.

 

Anything north of Mayfield along Noble is pretty dumpy, but go north of  Monticello and you may as well be in East Cleveland.

 

In regards to the OP's neighborhood, it's a little better, but I,  personally, wouldn't want to live there.  At least that area has some  diversity still (read: it hasn't become all African-American yet), but  you better be open-minded, patient, and understanding if you buy a home  there.

 

The only middle class areas of CH that I'd consider would be the  Canterbury neighborhood and St. Ann's neighborhood.

I thought diversity was valued in the Heights?  If a neighborhood is 95% or more black or white, I'd hardly call that "diverse."  Bullsh!t, Mr. Sharpton?

• Taxes are high due to excellent city services and parks.

 

By the way, this must be a joke.  Cleveland Heights has some of the worst roads of any eastern suburb.  Taylor Rd. is one big pothole from start to finish.

I thought diversity was valued in the Heights?  If a neighborhood is 95% or more black or white, I'd hardly call that "diverse."  Bullsh!t, Mr. Sharpton?

 

Oh Honey, spare us the BS!  Your saying to the OP, don't move there because it's black, yet trying to dance around that fact.  I wonder where you got that 95% stat?  Then  you say

 

The only middle class areas of CH that I'd consider would be the Canterbury neighborhood and St. Ann's neighborhood.

 

Isn't Caterbury darn near all white and the "St. Ann's neighborhood" isn't what I would consider middle class.  I would consider anything west of Stratford and south of Cedar, to Fairmount, Upper Middle class and anything west of that Luxury or Elite.  That area of CH is damn near all white.

 

The city itself is racial diverse.  I'm so glad you are not in my tax bracket!

 

I smell the AX coming to this thread.

Oh Honey, spare us the BS! Your saying to the OP, don't move there because it's black, yet trying to dance around that fact. I wonder where you got that 95% stat?

 

I'm saying to the OP that parts of that area is crummy, and getting worse.  It's not about black or white, though it's true that in this case most of the people there that show no pride in their neighborhood or schools happen to be black.

 

 

 

Isn't Caterbury darn near all white and the "St. Ann's neighborhood" isn't what I would consider middle class. I would consider anything west of Stratford and south of Cedar, to Fairmount, Upper Middle class and anything west of that Luxury or Elite. That area of CH is damn near all white.

 

Both of those areas are mostly white, but by no means all-white.  There are certainly areas of the St. Ann's neighborhood that are upscale, especially as one gets closer to Fairmount.  But closer to Cedar, it is more middle class.

 

The city itself is racial diverse.

 

Yes, the city itself, as a whole, is racially diverse.  However as you have pointed out, it is also segregated, which can be problematic.

 

I'm so glad you are not in my tax bracket!

 

Hey, someone has to pay for all of the derelicts living within the City of Cleveland proper!

Alright, my attempt to post a link to the Census data failed.  You can see a nice map of the city and demographic information if you know how to find it...  :whip:

 

Clevelander17 and MyTwoSense, get a room.

Anything north of Mayfield along Noble is pretty dumpy, but go north of Monticello and you may as well be in East Cleveland.

 

If you go less than a mile north of Monticello, you ARE in East Cleveland.  Everything from Nela View to Euclid Ave. is East Cleveland. 

 

Even in that little stint north of Monticello, you have 2 police stations.  One is right across Monticello in the old firehouse and there is another satellite station right on the border.  So the notion of the area being "unsafe" is just not accurate.

 

I think we will just disagree on what we would consider "dumpy" though.  Cleveland Height Blvd, Yellowstone and the streets around that neighborhood, flowing into the Inglewood historic district are not dumpy.  Denison Park and the red brick hill streets are not dumpy.  Neither is Bluestone or anything south of there.  There is a library, two elementary schools, and two police stations along Noble in CH.  Very scary.  I don't see how all those sweet old ladies brave it on their trips Charlie's Fabrics.

If you go less than a mile north of Monticello, you ARE in East Cleveland.  Everything from Nela View to Euclid Ave. is East Cleveland. 

 

My point exactly, and EC has spilled over into CH there.

 

Even in that little stint north of Monticello, you have 2 police stations.  One is right across Monticello in the old firehouse and there is another satellite station right on the border.  So the notion of the area being "unsafe" is just not accurate.

 

TWO police stations?  Wow!  CH police are too busy writing speeding tickets to fight any crime.  A group of thugs will have committed a crime and scurried back to EC before the police can put the radar gun and donut down.

 

 

I think we will just disagree on what we would consider "dumpy" though.  Cleveland Height Blvd, Yellowstone and the streets around that neighborhood, flowing into the Inglewood historic district are not dumpy.  Denison Park and the red brick hill streets are not dumpy.  Neither is Bluestone or anything south of there.  There is a library, two elementary schools, and two police stations along Noble in CH.  Very scary.  I don't see how all those sweet old ladies brave it on their trips Charlie's Fabrics.

 

Um, if you read a few posts back, I said that there was a nice area just north of Mayfield around Inglewood Rd.  There are also some decent areas around the stone streets.  That doesn't change the fact that, however, go a few blocks north or west and you're in the middle of a very dumpy, very sketch area.  I know that's your 'hood, and I know that you'll defend it until you're blue in the face, but I think it's very disingenuous to sell that as a great area to an unknowing potential home buyer.  That part of the city is only going downhill in the coming decades, so not only are the streets potholed, taxes high, schools mediocre (especially in that part of the district), and safety a question right now, but also anyone buying a home is going to lose money in the short term and long term.  It's just not worth it.

 

You don't even have easy access to good private schools there!  All the good ones are further south and even the parish schools in northern Cleveland Heights/South Euclid have closed!  :cry:

Folks, let's remember that opinions are just that, and that once we've stated ours it is time to move on and let others state theirs.  This thread is for allowing someone to get information and opinions on Cleveland Heights.  It is not here for people to bicker ceaselessly back and forth.

Then maybe this will be of some assistance to the OP and.... well, you know...

 

http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/oh/cleveland-heights/crime/

Then maybe this will be of some assistance to the OP and.... well, you know...

 

http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/oh/cleveland-heights/crime/

 

Great, that just shows that the part of CH that the OP is interested in is less safe than almost every other part of the city.  And that's even with the CH's fudged self-reported crime stats.

Actually, it also shows that Cleveland Heights is significantly safer than the Ohio and US averages.

Taxes are high (just like Shaker and University Hts), have always been high and will always be high (no they will not being going down to answer you questions).  CH has very little commercial or industry so the residents basically foot the bills.  City services are very good....safety has never been an issue for me....one of the best police forces around (yes you will get a traffic ticket sometime in the next two years).

 

CH is a great place to live.  As for taxes, yes they are high, but not that high.  One of my coworkers is always touting the benefits of living in Solon, which has a strong industrial base, and its low taxes.  This person cannot understand why anyone would want to pay CH taxes.  But how high are they?

 

 

According to this 2008 data, the median home prices in these communities were very different

Solon - $270,000

CH - $124,750

http://www.cleveland.com/datacentral/index.ssf/2009/01/median_home_sales_prices_fall.html

 

So the median taxes generally will be

Solon ($1,270 per $100k):  $3,429

CH ($1,944 per $100k):  $2,425

 

(source:  Cleveland Plain Dealer link to http://b2.caspio.com/dp.asp)

 

If you bought a similarly-priced home in CH, the taxes for a $270,000 home in CH would be $5,248, about 50% higher than in Solon.

The tradeoffs include older homes in CH, a shorter commute to downtown from CH, smaller lots in CH, more walkable neighborhoods in CH, more racial and economic diversity in CH -- ultimately you have to decide what your priorities are.

 

I have never feared for my safety in the Heights area, have heard lots of good and bad about the schools, and in my experience the politics are decidedly left-leaning but not exclusively so.  I frequently hear that the police presence is too great rather than too little, and I think that is a credit to the city not a detriment that others might see.

^That's a really good point.  To some extent, high (and low) property taxes are capitalized into the price of your house, so the taxes from that higher rate will be at least partially offset by lower mortgage payments than you might make for the same house in a different community.

Actually, it also shows that Cleveland Heights is significantly safer than the Ohio and US averages.

 

Assuming, of course, that one believes CH's self-reported crime stats are accurate.

 

This will probably be my last post on this thread.  It should come as no surprise to anyone that the overwhelming majority of opinion on this website is that Cleveland Heights is a great place to live.  UrbanOhio is an awesome website, but there is a definitely a bit of groupthink that skews towards urban areas (go figure ;)) like CH.  That's fine, but Cleveland Heights is losing population at a rate that rivals the City of Cleveland, and is several times the population loss of the region as a whole.  What's clear is that people are voting with their feet, and the middle class is simply no longer finding CH's great inherent benefits worth its growing costs.

well this is urban ohio and not exurban ohio.  many of the people here prefer to be part of a community and not part of a subdivision.  I personally am obviously part of the former.  I live in the City of Cleveland.  I plan to raise my family in the city of Cleveland, mainly because Cleveland is a better community with me and my family in it and I love being a part of the growing number of people repopulating great neighborhoods and making them better.  Are there "areas" of CH that have gone "downhill"? Sure, that's not unique to this part of the country, and people move for a variety of reasons.  Some people like to move further out, close their eyes and pretend that blighted areas don't exist and it doesn't affect them.  But people are reinvesting in great communities like CH that have a lot to offer.  Far more to offer in my opinion than the souless places that exist further out.  And it sounds to me CH becomes a better place with someone like Clevelandjem and her family in it.

 

 

Clevelandjem I can only offer you this.  One of my best friends and his wife moved back to the area from Chicago about 3 years ago.  They bought a house smack dab in the middle of the area you are looking at.  They love their home.  They love their neighbors. They love their street, and their neighborhood.  They recently welcomed their first child to the world, and they do not ever plan on leaving CH.  They love their proximity to Cain Park.  They love taking their baby to places like wade oval in university circle.  They couldn't be happier.  They talk about how much they love their neighborhood to everyone who asks.  They have never felt "unsafe", and feel a great sense of community.  And they have no idea how anyone would ever want to live in places like Solon or Strongsville.  There are obviously people that feel the opposite.  My friends aren't staunch "urbanites" or overly liberal.  But they do love their community.  Best of luck in your decision.