Man i just called again. They are out of 2 bedrooms and there is only 1) 1-bedroom so i think it's the only unit available in the building. I'll talk it over with the misses this evening and hopefully it'll still be available in the morning!

is 668 the one with the awesome gym? Huge selling point. I like the building exterior a lot as well.

 

Stonebridge as mentioned is in the Flats. It is very quiet but close to my favorite areas-Ohio City, Tremont and Detroit Shoreway as well as Downtown. I do consider it an oasis in the city. I sent you an email about the superior viaduct park. It is very serene but right in the city. Will miss it more than anything next to the westside market in Cleveland. Most places include one garage spot, and if you have second car you are fine in free available spaces if you are parked by 8 or  9pm, then things can get tight. We had 2 cars the first year we lived here and found we could get by on one. Nevertheless never had a parking issue prior to that.

 

When we go downtown we tend to walk b/c I hate paying for parking. It takes about 10 minutes, but as docbroc mentioned it aint pretty in the winter. I used to like the center st. bridge route, but it is closed for a year, so we take Superior Bridge. It is safe and well lit and we have walked at day, night, you name it. a cab cost next to nothing. You will share your walk with all kinds of folks, but they are trying to get from point a to b just like us and it is fine.

 

Ohio City is awesome and even closer (.5-.75 mile) mile, but I don't like walking at night as there is a seedy stretch. That said we never ran into issues, but I can't endorse it.  I used to bike and walk a lot in the day when I worked in Ohio City and never had an issue (and I am female). There are minor parking issues sometimes on weekends or market days.

 

Tremont-is bikable, but truthfully we drive scooters unless we are  going to brunch-this is based on laziness not safety. It is 1.5 miles away. no parking issues. Some of the best neighborhood and destination restaurants and pubs in Cleve are here.

 

Detroit Shoreway- bikable, drivable about 3 miles. no parking issues. Indep. live theater, movies.

 

I mention the above areas adjacent to downtown because they are often the places people  end up hanging out once they are here. Downtown has some life and energy (except Sunday-awful), but it more "touristy" and corporate. But that is just me...and I can say I would not hesitate to live downtown.  Still I pick anywhere in central Cleveland over the burbs.

 

 

Peabody, did you send me an email or a private message? I am not sure i got the one about the park.

 

I just did a google street view of the Legacy Shopping Village in Beachwood and it looks really nice. Reminds me a lot of Southlake TX...

Think of Legacy Village as a castle surrounded by a moat of parking. Beyond the parking is typical 1970s/80s suburbia. If that's what you want, that's cool, but Legacy Village isn't connected walking, biking or transit-wise. It's faux urbanism.

 

If you want urbanity with high-quality, modern housing, downtown is your spot, plus some rebuilds and new construction in University Circle, Ohio City, Tremont and maybe Lakewood. It takes less than 10 minutes to get from Lakewood to downtown, even during rush hours.

 

You may also like Asiatown, Little Italy, Shaker Square and maybe even Chagrin Falls, which is a very charming New England-like town that got swallowed up by suburbia.

I sent you an email with 4 pics, and I have not sent one with superior viaduct park.I may need to steal one from this site. Anyone have a good one? I see photographers every night I am out there.

I am not going to rag on legacy village BUT there is a Legacy Village type place in every city. You could be driven there with a blindfold and dropped off and when they take the blind fold off you could be in one of 75 places in the US.

Cleveland has some pretty special places, which you can find only here! I moved from a pretty suburban centric area (Tampa FL...although I lived in the city) and one of the things that helped me embrace Cleve was the unique neighborhoods. I am not going to lie, there were many things that were hard to adjust too, but making myself get into the local culture made my stay here more interesting.

 

But that said I would not blame you at all for wanting to find something closer to work (ie Beachwood). I personally hate commuting. It just so happens my spouse and I work downtown, so moving down here was a no brainer. You have a little more to think about.

 

Enough rambling after this, but we would not have lasted as long as we did if we did not live where we do.

 

 

P.S We should have mentioned you stumbled on a very pro urban site. We just roll that way :)

I didn't get your email with the pics! Can you send it again?  [email protected]

 

Thanks!!

I didn't get your email with the pics! Can you send it again?  [email protected]

 

Thanks!!

sent again. feel free to contact me again if something is up if this does not make it. I did rec your original  email on my yahoo acct

Edit: try this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31243422@N04/?saved=1

horribly tech unsavvy . I will keep trying if it is not working.

I just checked again with my iPhone and still didn't get it, perhaps it's in my spam folder. I'll check when I get to a pc.  That link above should work for the pics though

I am adding as we speak...regardless of whether you want to rent my place, we needed to get off our arse and organize some pics so thanks!

Do you have any pictures of the bedrooms/closet? 668 has really small closets and my girlfriend keeps encroaching on my tiny bit of closet space here in Dallas, so big closets would certainly be a plus. Also one covered parking spot is included right? How much would a second be?

Quay55 is very nice, right on the water, but it is isolated.  Nothing in walking distance

 

How about E 4th st? I think i may have asked this already? I found a place there that looks pretty good for $900

 

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/1891672489.html

 

 

Paging X, X please pick up a courtesy computer and give the man your 2 cents on your neighborhood.

 

I live on East 4th St, and like it quite a bit.  Great access to everything Downtown, as it is really the middle of Downtown, not an edge like most Downtown residential areas.  Lots of places to go out.  It can be a little noisy at times, though it isn't primarily a bar/club area, it's more restaurants and therefore a bit quieter than say W. 6th St.  I've learned to use my HVAC system as a white noise machine, which keeps out all but the worst offenders.  All parking is in an underground garage, which is heaven in winter (car stays out of snow and warm) and in summer (car stays out of sun and cool).  Traffic before/after games can be a pain, or even on Fri/Sat nights.  The immediate area is well lit and usually fairly busy, so it feels quite safe day or night.

Do you have any pictures of the bedrooms/closet? 668 has really small closets and my girlfriend keeps encroaching on my tiny bit of closet space here in Dallas, so big closets would certainly be a plus. Also one covered parking spot is included right? How much would a second be?

well it is 2 BR so there are 2 closets, plus the one in the hall. Neither are walk in. The guest bedroom has a closet about 4 ft wide, master 6 or more ft wide.  both are customized with shelves and are about 2 feet deep and 9 feet high. BR's are appx 12x11 and 13x11.

Parking is included. Huge space for urban or suburban for that matter. Plenty of room for any size car plus bikes (we have 3 scooters as well as car). It is heated and in a garage. There is a garage door opener and access right into building. There are free parking spaces around the building for guests or what not  but they tend to start to fill up abound 8pm on, but in truth in 5 years living here I never had a visitor say they could not find  a space. Not sure if there are gated (outdoor) spaces available for rent. Honestly I have not seen an indoor space for rent in a few years.  There is a specific area (literally a swath of 10 yards) west of the Towers building that kids like to break into cars occasionally  but no issues anywhere else around the building.

 

Will be tomorrow PM before I can add more pics :)

I would seriously consider locking up that unit at 668 if I was you.  I didn't think there was any availability.  HOWEVER, given that there is a waiting list, I would wonder why that particular unit is still available.

 

I have not seen any mention of the areas around University Circle, but given your price range, you may want to check this place out - http://www.parklanevilla.com//

 

Legacy Village has all the elements of urbanity within its built out structures.  I don't think anyone here would have a problem with its general footprint being woven into the fabric of our urban core.  But it is surrounded by a sea of parking lots and discourages pedestrians from walking there in every way possible.  Then again, it is locat0ed securely in a suburban haven t0hat never had any hope or desire for large scale urban development.  I don't have anything against it personally for that reason.

Legacy Village is like the Dallas Galleria/Valley View Area.  You dont want want to live there!

One area that you should at least check out is the Waterloo area, which is in Colinwood, near the E 152nd exit.  It is a gritty/artsy area that has been a predominately working class area until the recent addition of music venues and coffee shops, galleries and the like. 

It has the potential to be a solid, thriving part of town, but in August 2010, it probably has more potential than ammenities.  One advantage is that you will be a lot closer to Mentor.

 

I would still recomend living downtown, but keep an eye on this neighborhood.  When you are ready to buy, you can probably pick up a relatively inexpensive place with very good bones, ready for a great rehab.  Heck, get a Cleveland double and rent out the first floor.

 

(time to google what a Cleveland double is :)  )

Is that a 2 story home where the top floor and bottom floor become 2 separate residences? I saw this on craigslist several times and had no idea what it was!

Yes.  There are up-down duplexes and side-by-side duplexes here in the Cleveland area and lots of them.  The up-down duplexes are very common in parts of Cleveland and Lakewood, and more sporadically in other areas.  Some are converted to be like that but most were built that way.  Sometimes there is a third unit on the top floor.  From what I understand, it was popular for immigrants who would share a multi-family house with their relatives.  The side-by-side duplexes are more common in the Heights area (especially on corner lots).  The side-by-sides resemble colonials on the inside and out, while the up-downs have much more of an apartment feel on the inside. 

 

FWIW, I would not recommend the Collinwood area for you.  If you were an artist or on a smaller budget, I might.  But your options allow you to rent/buy into the more desirable areas.  I personally love that area, but it would be far from my first choice if my options were wide open. 

I say move to Da Mayors neighborhood!  ;D

At this point i think im between stonebridge and 668. I know absolutely nothing about 688 though and I can get a 2bedroom at stonebridge for the price of a 1 bedroom at 668.

 

 

**Edit** Just called 668. The 1 unit was taken this morning :( It was an E22 floorplan on the 2nd floor.

Anyone know what the story with Statler Arms is?  Is it comparable to 668?

 

The Statler is just down the street from 668, I am thinking it was renovated about 5(?) years ago.  Just not sure of the quality of the place.  If someone knows and can give a review, it could be a substitute on Euclid ave.

 

Another option is Tremont lofts, in tremont.  Near lots of bars and restaurants, but the establishments have a cooler, more neighborhood vibe than downtown.

I swear I am not trying to push my neighborhood (something we are all a little guilty of), but Tremont, as awesome as it is (and I agree IMO cooler and more neighborhoody than downtown and Flats,  but it would add commute time (maybe even 15-20 minutes) trying to get to the east shoreway, esp since that ramp onto the inner belt closes a lot, and the center st. bridge is closed...

but I guess you could go w.14th to Abbey, W.25 and then to the East Shoreway.

statler is "nice", though like many of the "first wave" of residential conversions downtown, the finishes are pretty basic.  Laminate countertops, carpet, stock maple cabinets, run of the mill appliances, etc.  I've seen some units in there with very cool layouts, and others very straight forward... the rooftop deck available to all residents is a huge +.  right now, 668, euclid block, frederick on 4th, and prospect place apartments are kind of in a class of their own in regard to downtown rentals (strictly from a finishes / upscale point of view... there are certainly other very cool apartments downtown).

Statler needs a better website! ;)  There are several floorplans listed but thats about it: http://www.thecoralcompany.com/residentialstatlerarms.html

 

 

I think this is their actual site.  It sounds to me like Coral was their previous management company.

 

http://www.statlerarmsapartments.com/StatlerArmsOH/Index.aspx

Oh yea that website is much better. So between Statler and WT Grant Lofts which is better?

WT Grant, easy! I do not know about the managment co, but the unit I saw was very classy and upgraded compared to Statler.

Thanks for all the help everyone. At this point I think i'm pursuing WT Grant. It's pretty cheap for a 2bedroom and it's only a 9 month lease so worst case we move at that time. Peabody if anything change i'll be sure to let you know!

Welcome to America's North Coast!  Dont be a stranger here!

Is WT Grant above Jimmy John's on Euclid?

I think so, I saw the Jimmy Johns on google street view ;)

 

What other areas of this forum are active? Other than this thread there doesnt seem to be much going on in the City Life area

All areas of this forum are active.  We try not to be repetitive, so go back and read the threads that peak your interest.  Just because we haven't talked about something in a bit, doesn't mean it isn't still going on.  Check out the Restaurant, Local Events, and Entertainment forum just above and you will find helpful threads like this - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,22979.0.html

Great link! Im going to be there just in time to the Taste of Cleveland, an Air Show, and i guess i can cheat on my Cowboys and check out a preseason Browns game!

Please enjoy the browns game.

 

I would strongly suggest for your first visit at a minimum, do not wear any gear that can identify you as anything other than a browns fan.  Anything other than Brown, Orange or White will make you a suspect.  Indians or Ohio State gear will get you a pass (not that you have any)...Notre Dame might...

 

Observe how browns fans interact with those outwardly identifying with other teams before you decide you want to go that route, and yes even in the pre-season and even if it isn't the team we are playing that day. 

 

Think of the reception you would get in Philly wearing the star.......That is about what you can expect.  Dallas wont get you the same reaction that Pittsburgh does, but close.

 

I would rather you not have beer dumped on you, or heckled...or worse.

 

It isn't necessarily right, but it is what it is. 

^Preseason is not nearly as bad as regular season.  And as far as I have noticed as long as it isn't Sh!tsburg, the bungles, or the ratbirds then the response isn't terrible.  The Cowboys might be the exception as they are an extremely annoting franchise with an egomaniac for an owner.  But most fans of non-divisional opponents just get a lot of good ribbing. 

lol I wouldnt wear any Cowboys gear to another teams game, that's just asking for trouble ;)  Oh man i just realized I wont be in Dallas for the Superbowl now

As long as you are incognito, go to the Muni lot for maximum mayhem.  The "Pit" is also pretty strong for pre-game shenanigans , a notch or 2 below Muni Lot. It is also close to W. 6th st.

 

From E. 4th or anywhere else downtown either are a pretty easy walk.  Especially in August/September.

 

If you live anywhere else you will want to take public transportation.

 

 

Ok guys, I really appreciate all of the help. I'm somewhat in between the Osborn and WT Grant. What are your thoughts on the two?

 

*666 Eulid (FULL)

 

*Euclid Block (no units available by Aug 27th)

 

*WT Grant Lofts:

    +Very close to East 4th St

    +Parking for 2 cars is attached

    +Washer & Dryer included in unit

    -Courtyard view, seems like a hole in the middle of the building. You cant see anything but the courtyard

 

*Osborn Apartments

    +Nice interiors

    +Bay window is nice, street view

    -Apparently across from a section 8 complex

    -Further from E. 4th St

    -1 parking spot in building, other across street

    -Not sure about washer and dryer in unit?

 

The Pointe at Gateway

    +Relatively close to E 4th St

    -Kitchen looks dated in rental units

    -All parking is across the street

 

 

~I guess after listing out all of the pros/cons i answered my own question. Looks like I'm still preferring WT Grant but would still like to hear other opinions.

 

WT Grant's in a great location in my opinion. I think you'll have a lot of fun there.

what unit did you see in the osborn?  There are 9 units per floor and they are all pretty unique.  Some are outstanding some are just OK.  Osborn and WT Grant are pretty different.  I lived in the Osborn 6 years, in 2 different units so I can tell you a bit.

 

First, the management at Osborn is outstanding.  Very nice, go out of their way to make you happy.  Some nice little perks.  There is a dry cleaning service.  You can drop off the bag they give you in the office and when it is ready, they will hang it in the coat closet of your suite.  Likewise, each week they rent about 20-30 DVDs.  Movie list is posted in the mail room.  See something you like, make a call, and they will bring it over and stick it inside your door.  When you are done, call again and they will pick it up from inside your door.  There is a workout room in the basement.  Not the worlds greatest, but it has everything you need and is free.  There is definitely in suite washer / dryer.  you can provide your own stackable or rent them from management for $35 / month.  Which personally I think is very well worth it... some people have been known to negotiate the washer / dryer for free :wink:.

 

I never had any issues with Winton Manor (sec 8 across the street), but it is definitely there.  We usually refer to that side of the street (prospect) as the "bad side", and the other side of the street (Huron) as the "good side".  We often would tell friends if you park on the bad side and leave your car over night, there is a 50% chance it will be broken into.  If you park it on the good side, you could leave the window open with a $50 bill on the seat and it will still be there in the morning (ahhhh laziness).  Otherwise the only time winton manor comes into play is during the summer when their residents take over the park... which isn't really a big deal, its just a bunch of poor people drinking out of brown bags enjoying the night... just a little unsightly.

 

I always said my favorite thing about the osborn, is that it is right next to all the things you want to do (east 4th, gateway bars, ballpark, arena, theatre district, etc) but not ON any of them.  So if it is a Friday night and you don't want to do anything, you don't have to hear it from anyone else.  Game crowds provide plenty of action right outside your door while still allowing you some piece and quiet.  I would reccommend the Osborn to anyone.

 

I have seen some units in WT Grant and they are very nice, and around the corner from E. 4th which is hard to beat, though I have never actually known anyone who lived there to get a first hand opinion.

 

Osborn would actually be nice for your commute too.  Head out Huron and down E. 13th all the way to lakeside before hopping on the shoreway.  you could pretty much avoid other traffic all together.

I knew someone that lived in WT Grant for a year.  He moved in within the first year of it being open and really loved the space.  Their units are fantastic IMO and the finishes really make it feel like a home... not a stale apartment.  He ended up leaving because there was a change in management or ownership (I think) and they were going to substantially raise the rate on him. 

 

I can't speak to the current management (assuming there was a change), but I was always really impressed with the building, units, and location.  It's a great building in the heart of downtown.

Donna at the Osborn has been extremely helpful. We spoke on the phone 2 or 3 times yesterday, so far the service has been great. The unit i was looking at is #407. The living room faces south and the bedroom windows face north into that wedge shaped area. After searching "Osborn" i found another thread where someone mentioned the loitering and an "incident" that occurred across the street a while back? I dont want to seem snobby, but the last thing i want to see or hear all night is a bunch of people sitting on the sidewalk drinking. Im not sure it would even be like that, but considering i am going to sign a lease without even touring the property, i am admittedly overly sensitive to any of the negatives.

 

One negative i have seen about WT Grant on youtube videos and on Google street view is at one point apparently there was a lot of construction being done on Euclid. I assume it is now complete as there are some google street views that show no construction. Anyone know if all that is now completed? I know some street view images are several years old, so just thought i'd ask.

 

I do appreciate the input McCleveland, I wish this was an easier decision!

I personally would go with WT without a doubt. All of the construction rework on Euclid is complete and it's a much better part of downtown. The other places aren't bad areas but with less action over there and the section 8 housing, that area can feel lless safe when there are no events on weekday nights.

after living there 6 years, including 2 with my wife, and knowing several women who lived there by themselves... i would never call the area around the osborn 'less safe' than anywhere else.  it is perfectly fine. personally i never really considered the winton an issue. most of the people who live there are actually fine, some are mildly annoying.  I never really had any issues with noise at the park area keeping me up and our windows directly faced it.

 

like i said, what some people like me consider the beauty of the osborn (a block or two removed from the action), some people see as a detriment (not IN the action).  I personally really liked the peaceful oasis the osborn provided from the nightlife.  But like I said, WT Grant lofts has beautiful units, and a good location... you really can't go wrong, just depends on what you are looking for.

 

If you can get your hands on an "01" unit in the point of the building of the osborn... you won't find a cooler apartment layout anywhere.

If you are worried about 'drunks' being outside your window at night making noise, then you might find that condition more prevalent at WT Grant from people hopping between the watering holes on E 4th, Euclid and the Warehouse District.  There will be a lot of foot traffic right in front of the building at night time.

I guess I may have given the wrong impression, for that I apologize.  By no means is any area in the downtown area unsafe.  I just know a couple of girls who lived in Reserve Square who would walk past that area sometimes at night and got scared by some of the "cat calls" they'd receive. 

 

The main reason I would choose WT is because I'm someone who prefers to be in the middle of all the action and noise doesn't bother me at all (not saying there is noise at WT as I have no experiences there).

 

Again, it's probably a matter of being on the "beaten path" or just off the "beaten path"...whichever you prefer.

 

 

The main reason I would choose WT is because I'm someone who prefers to be in the middle of all the action and noise doesn't bother me at all (not saying there is noise at WT as I have no experiences there).

 

Again, it's probably a matter of being on the "beaten path" or just off the "beaten path"...whichever you prefer.

 

 

 

and that is what I was getting at.  I was 33 when I finally moved out of the osborn.  And at a point in life where I didn't want to be in the middle of everything.  I wanted it right next to me so I could get there easily, but not have to hear "wwweeeehhhhooooo" all night long when I decided not to go out.  My wife and I loved taking advantage of the great restaurants, games, theatre, and bars, all within 4-5 blocks of us, and knowing if we came home at 11, we could go to bed in peace and quiet.  For us... it was perfect.

One negative i have seen about WT Grant on youtube videos and on Google street view is at one point apparently there was a lot of construction being done on Euclid. I assume it is now complete as there are some google street views that show no construction. Anyone know if all that is now completed? I know some street view images are several years old, so just thought i'd ask.

 

Here's some street view pictures I took July 1st (after fireworks) from the WTGrant. They aren't the greatest but you can see there's no construction.

 

http://a.imageshack.us/img837/7849/1003833s.jpg

 

http://a.imageshack.us/img265/1752/1003676z.jpg

 

 

 

Thanks again for all the comments everyone. I just paid the reserve fee at WT and just submitted the applications so looks like that's where i'll be. the unit at WT has a courtyard view and doesnt overlook or even face Euclid, so im hoping i wont hear much of it while im inside.

 

~Drive, were those pictures from your unit? Looks like a great view! They mentioned a unit on the 4th floor had opened up, i assume the people you saw moving out Friday. My girlfriend wanted the courtyard though, i think the 4th floor would have had a better view and more sunlight but oh well. They only want to do a 9 month lease so it'll be available in the summer time next year. Good weather + courtyard probably equals higher rent. I guess i'll get to find out when renewal time comes around :(

Congratulations.  When you get to Cleveland you can thank us by getting involved and making the city better by having you in it.