Hi everyone,

 

This is my first post on city-data so I'll just give a quick intro

 

I'm a university student from Boston preparing to embark on a 6-month internship at General Electric (in Nela Park). I will be moving out to Cleveland end of December to get settled and prepare for work, which begins early January! Not knowing anyone from Cleveland, I was wondering if you all could provide me with some advice or suggestions as to where to live in Cleveland.

 

I prefer living by myself and here are some factors that might help you suggest a location:

 

-Safety is really important for me

-Rent anywhere from 700-1100/month

-Will have a car to commute to Nela Park

-Prefer young or upscale community

-Great accessibility to shopping, food, groceries, etc (general convenience)

 

All in all, I just want to be in a nice place suitable for a young person like myself! I've done a lot of research but I haven't had much luck so please give specific suggestions if you have any (names of complexes, etc) Currently, I'm looking in the Downtown area, but I'm not sure if that's a good choice (what do you guys think?)

 

I am open to other advice anyone might have for a 20 year old getting ready to move out to Cleveland (I'm originally from Los Angeles but study in Boston).

 

Thanks!

Sounds like Coventry or Cedar Fairmount (given you are willing to pay as much as $1,100.00) in Cleveland Hts. would be ideal given they are so close to Nela Park.  However, I am getting a vibe from you that "old with charm" might not be your thing and you might be looking for newer, which would be hard to find in those neighborhoods (at least rentals).

 

If really "young" is really important I would say downtown or Lakewood (west end) would be a preferable choice (still might have a hard time finding newer in Lakewood...downtown would be your best bet).  Still would not be an awful drive to Nela Park (20 minutes from downtown...30 minutes from Lakewood depending on traffic).

By the way, if you do decide on downtown, check out Bridgeview in the warehouse district (corner of W. 9th and St Clair).  I lived there for 2 years and really liked it.  Still a relatively new renovated warehouse.

Hey Htsguy, I'm definitely ok with driving approximately 20 minutes to Nela Park (seems like anywhere Downtown will result in a drive like that). Problem is, I don't know which area within Downtown to look. I've looked at the East 4th area but the complexes actually on that block don't welcome short term leases.

 

So far I've found a few places:

-Bridgeview Apartments (Warehouse District)

-Reserve Square (very mixed reviews, is this place even good? The price seems reasonable)

-668 looks great (it's on Euclid) but it's full right now

 

Also, you're absolutely right! I really am looking for a newer building, the area I'm originally from in Los Angeles is a really quaint "old with charm" town so I'm looking to try to experience the best area the city has to offer!

By the way, if you do decide on downtown, check out Bridgeview in the warehouse district (corner of W. 9th and St Clair). I lived there for 2 years and really liked it. Still a relatively new renovated warehouse.

 

Wow, what a coincidence, was looking at Bridgeview today! Do you know anything about their 1 Bedroom units (the one that is vacant has a river view, don't know if that's good...)

 

Thanks!

^Actually that is very good in my opinion.  Great to watch the traffic...especially the ore boats cruising up the river (that never gets old for me).  Also, the other end of the building facing east is pretty neat because you get city views if you are high enough.

 

I had a 2 story (one bedroom) loft with NO VIEW.  It was on the first floor right on the St. Clair hill.  In fact the lower level (living room) was below grade (almost like an English basement).  I would be sitting on my couch with the blinds closed and people (idiots) would pound on my window and scare the crap out of me.  Still loved the place...it had a lot of charm, lots of brick and was still new (I was the first tenant).  I think by the time I left I was paying $875 and $100.00 parking (my spot was almost feet from my front door) but that was 8 years ago.  Imagine prices have gone up but I can't imagine that much given all the competition that has come on the market since then.

That sounds good, thanks very much - I will definitely be calling them tomorrow. Do you have any input about the general area nowadays?

David, your short-term lease is going to limit you, but you may increase your options by looking for two-bedroom units. Single-bedroom apartments (short- or long-term leases) are hard to find in the city.

 

For example, one place that has short-term leases is the Alcazar Hotel in Cleveland Heights. It's a residency hotel, a bed-n-breakfast and offers corporate housing/short-term leases. But it's known for having lots of older residents. But it's a beautiful and huge building: http://thealcazar.com/

 

Here's some examples of corporate housing offered by this agency....

http://www.equitycorporatehousing.com/market/submarket.asp?GeoID=118

 

They don't identify the four buildings that this agency has contracts with, but many Clevelanders will recognize them. They are The Bingham, Crittenden Court, Reserve Square and Statler Arms. Knowing their identities will help if you want to investigate these buildings on your own. If I had to rank these for quality of building, quality of management, surrounding amenities/shopping/nightlife, safety and accessibility they would be:

 

Crittenden Court

The Bingham

Statler Arms

Reserve Square

 

Happy hunting!

I think you should check out Coventry or even the apartment around Severance.

I will definitely be checking out Coventry but does anyone have specific suggestions (which blocks, certain apartment complexes?)

I work at Nela Park and drive ~20 minutes from Stonebridge in the Flats (across the bridge from downtown) and I've been doing it for 2+ years since I graduated college.  In my experience the places worth checking out for younger people is downtown, coventry, or Lakewood (probably a 30-35 minute drive).  Being that you are 20 I would probably lean more towards Coventry or Little Italy as there will be more people your age due to the university being nearby but they are all great locations.

There are a few for rent signs around Little Italy.  PM me if you want more info.

I will definitely be checking out Coventry but does anyone have specific suggestions (which blocks, certain apartment complexes?)

 

Coventry area is almost all older buildings under management by various companies.  Honestly, the easiest thing to do is contact the city of Cleveland Heights housing office for info: http://www.clevelandheights.com/relocation_rentals.asp

Also, lean on GE for housing info.  I am sure they will be able to help as well.  Maybe you can inherit a place from interns who are leaving.

Also, lean on GE for housing info.  I am sure they will be able to help as well.  Maybe you can inherit a place from interns who are leaving.

 

Are you sure you want him to do that?  You know some people will give "suggestions" that might not be "interesting"

Check out the Alcazar in Cleveland Hts.  It is near the Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood and should meet your criteria.  Plus, I think they do short-term leases.  It would be about a 10-15 minute drive to work.

 

Using public transportation is an option if you work at Nela Park, but I don't know that I would recommend it.  Nela Park is right on the border of East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights.  EC is about as bad as it gets on the East side as it has nearly zero police presence.... so, just as a precaution, I would not recommend taking the bus down Euclid and walking up the hill to the campus.  The Cleveland Heights side of Nela Park is not all peaches and ice cream, but it has a heavy police presence and they patrol into EC all the way down to Euclid Avenue, with a satelite station right on the border.

 

If you end up Downtown and are using the freeway, I would recommend taking E 152nd all the way down to Noble Rd.  A GPS device or Mapquest might tell you to take the Eddy Road exit, but the extra couple minutes using 152nd is probably worth it as you would pretty much skip over EC.

 

Nela Park is completely fenced in and locked down tightly by security, so you have nothing to worry about there.  One point of interest is the art collection at that place, particularly the Norman Rockwell paintings hanging around.  Also, it may have the best Xmas lights display in the City.

 

Oh yeah, there is one areas in Cleveland Heights that I generally tell people to stay away from.... well, actually two areas.  The first is the triangle shaped neighborhood that is bordered by Mayfield on the south, Coventry on the west and Superior on the east.  However, if you cross Mayfield or even rent in any of the buildings that are actually on Mayfield, you are fine.  Just try to stay away from the duplexes on those side streets and the line of apartment buildings on Superior.  The other neighborhood is right by where you are going to work.  Basically, anything north of Yellowstone, off of Noble.  It's just too close to the EC border for there not to be some overflow.

 

Good luck and welcome.  Feel free to come back with more specific questions about particular properties, streets, neighborhoods. 

I had a lot of internships in my long long long college career, and I would always see what they have to offer.  Sometimes they were the best, sometimes not.  It is another resource.

Hi Everyone,

 

I posted earlier looking for a place to stay during my 6-month long internship with GE and I narrowed it down to a few areas.

 

I have finally decided between 2 different 1-bedroom units: one is in the Warehouse District, in Bridgeview Apartments, with a river view and the other is at The Residences at 668 (Euclid Ave) 2nd story (don't think it has a view of Euclid).

 

Prices are nearly the same with parking and internet factored in; even the square footage is within 10 sq ft of each other. My question is, which one is the better apartment, I am really torn between the two and can't really choose.

 

Thanks for any advice that you can give, as I need to pick soon!

 

Thanks,

David

668.  Location, location, location.

Awesome, I was thinking the same thing. It says I get a view of the Colonial Arcade but I'm not sure what that means. I looked up pictures of Colonial Arcade, and it seems like its a beautiful historic building, but I'm not sure how I get a view of that, wondering if it is attached to it?

hard to say...both are great buildings.

 

668 is clearly newer if that is an issue but sounds like the place at Bridgeview has a better view.

 

Both are close to a variety of restaurants and bars

 

668 better public transportation and within just minutes of Progressive Field and the Q if into pro sports.

 

Bridgeview better access to a small grocery store (with lots of prepared food).

 

I would imagine services are similar.

 

Slightly easier to hop on 90 from Bridgeview (since you are working a Nela Park) but really not that much.

 

Bottom line in my opinion would be the actual apartment itself...which did you feel more comfortable in?

I combined your two threads but under the name of your more recent info need.

Thanks everyone and KJP thanks so much, I was hoping someone could do that to reduce clutter! :)

Awesome, I was thinking the same thing. It says I get a view of the Colonial Arcade but I'm not sure what that means. I looked up pictures of Colonial Arcade, and it seems like its a beautiful historic building, but I'm not sure how I get a view of that, wondering if it is attached to it?

 

Not attached.  It is accross Euclid Avenue and a a few addresses to the west.  If I had to guess, the unit you are looking at is fronting Euclid and you can simply see the Euclid facade from your window.  I don't believe there are 2nd floor windows on the west side of the building, which would be the only other side you would be able to see the Arcade from.

Bridgeview if you are at least one story above the sidewalk, otherwise, 668. 

 

 

The river view is why I am picking Bridgeview

Awesome, I was thinking the same thing. It says I get a view of the Colonial Arcade but I'm not sure what that means. I looked up pictures of Colonial Arcade, and it seems like its a beautiful historic building, but I'm not sure how I get a view of that, wondering if it is attached to it?

 

Not attached.  It is accross Euclid Avenue and a a few addresses to the west.  If I had to guess, the unit you are looking at is fronting Euclid and you can simply see the Euclid facade from your window.  I don't believe there are 2nd floor windows on the west side of the building, which would be the only other side you would be able to see the Arcade from.

 

On the Prospect side, the Colonial Market (AKA Colonial Arcade) is next door to the 668 Building.

 

Vincenza's is right there.

Awesome, I was thinking the same thing. It says I get a view of the Colonial Arcade but I'm not sure what that means. I looked up pictures of Colonial Arcade, and it seems like its a beautiful historic building, but I'm not sure how I get a view of that, wondering if it is attached to it?

 

Not attached.  It is accross Euclid Avenue and a a few addresses to the west.  If I had to guess, the unit you are looking at is fronting Euclid and you can simply see the Euclid facade from your window.  I don't believe there are 2nd floor windows on the west side of the building, which would be the only other side you would be able to see the Arcade from.

 

The Colonial Arcade is on the same side (south) of Euclid as 668.  The Colonial Arcade is between 668 and the Euclid Arcade.  The Euclid Arcade is only one story, though, where the Colonial Arcade is two stories.  I'm not too sure what the view would be of, though.

Ah, yes.... I thought he was referring to the Euclid Arcade, not Colonial Marketplace.  I still don't see how you can have a view of the Colonial Marketplace from 668.... unless that view is from the interior.

Ah, yes.... I thought he was referring to the Euclid Arcade, not Colonial Marketplace.  I still don't see how you can have a view of the Colonial Marketplace from 668.... unless that view is from the interior.

 

Sorry, I revised my post while you were posting.  The Colonial Arcade is actually between 668 and the Euclid Arcade, the arcade everyone knows across the street is "The Arcade" (also known as "The Old Arcade").

 

All these arcades get confusing.  I read somewhere that we're the only city in the US to have 3 arcades downtown.

 

EDIT:  I just found a link for anyone who's interested in seeing what all 3 arcades look like.

 

http://allthingsclevelandohio.blogspot.com/2008/08/clevelands-other-arcades.html

^Yep.  I think that the view description just means the unit faces west.  Might even mean it's in the Prospect-facing building (the complex is composed of two buildings), though still facing west.

 

Both sounds like good options, David.  If the view matters to you, the one at Bridgeview is probably much better than the unit at 668.

Really can't go wrong if the pricing is similar.  I live in the neighborhood near 668 (and love it), but I liked Bridgeview as well when I visited. 

I would prefer Bridgeview, but that's just because I live across the street from it.  The views of the river and bridges are really good, especially at night.  Constantino's is also a fantastic little grocery store with great pre-made food.  The late night entertainment is also a little better and younger in the WHD then in the E4th area, IMO.  There might be more straight up bars in the E4th / Prospect area due to the arena, but I'm not sure. 

 

Either way you can't go wrong.  Oh, and I drive East from Downtown daily and I can tell you it's very easy to get on Route 2 / 90 East from the Bridgeview, but I don't think 668 would be much worse if at all.  It shouldn't really be a factor.

 

Welcome to Cleveland!

Remember what I said upthread about taking the E 152nd exit instead of the Eddy Road exit on your way to Nela Park.  GPS/Mapquest will probably tell you to take Eddy, but 152nd is safer and less confusing.  FYI.... East 152nd looks grimier than it is (meaning, if you need to stop at that BP right off the highway, it is safe to do so).  Just get off the highway, turn right, go over the railyards, stay straight accross St. Clair and then make a left onto Woodworth/Noble Road (not sure which it is called at that point).  Then you just cross through Euclid, go up the hill and Nela Park will be on the left.... you can't miss it.  Probably about 15 minutes, give or take a few depending on lights. 

 

Of course, you could also take Euclid all the way down to Noble.... but that would probably add at least 5-10 minutes to the trip just because of lights/traffic.  But it would be good to know this route just in case of a traffic jam on the shoreway (not likely to happen because you will be going against the flow of rush-hour traffic).

 

Good luck and I still say 668.  It's the hottest address in town right now!  You might want to delve more into the differences in terms of atmosphere between the Warehouse District and East 4th to see which one you would prefer to live so close to.

I can't wait to move to Cleveland! I'm starting to notice little things in my life that have some tie to Cleveland. I received a watch during graduation made by Ball Watch Co, and I only recently realized that the company was originally from Cleveland, OH!

 

 

I vote for 668 Euclid Ave.

 

I think you'll enjoy your time here!  Just make sure to check out a few of the Cleveland gems while you're here.

Both are great places. 668 is hot right now, great location and brand new. It gets my vote

Of course, you could also take Euclid all the way down to Noble.... but that would probably add at least 5-10 minutes to the trip just because of lights/traffic. But it would be good to know this route just in case of a traffic jam on the shoreway (not likely to happen because you will be going against the flow of rush-hour traffic).

 

It's also better to take city streets in snowstorms. I hate driving on Interstates in snow because if you get stuck, run out of gas, break down or get in a wreck, there are few places to see shelter. If you get stuck on Euclid, you can leave the car and grab the next bus home while sipping a beverage on a warm sofa while watching a game/movie/overhyped storm coverage. :)

 

Don't be afraid to experiment with different routes. And feel free to post here and ask questions of things to see/do. There's lots of hidden gems around town that don't make it into the mainstream press. Check out the Cleveland Relocation Guide that's stickied at the top of this section. One place you might enjoy is this...

 

http://www.raysmtb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=14

Everyone thanks for the great advice/suggestions - super helpful; moving to a new place without knowing anyone there is admittedly very frightening but everyone here is making the process a whole lot better for me!

 

KJP, that Rays MTB place looks insanely cool; I'm actually really into skateboarding, snowboarding, and cycling so I'll definitely check out that place.

 

Since both Los Angeles and Boston are places without winters as "harsh" as Cleveland, I was wondering what types of clothing I might want to prepare. I stocked up on some thin thermal underwear and a few dressy wool coats as well as a pair of down jackets, do I need snow boots?

^ I'd recommend waterproof boots of some kind, even if they aren't "snow boots" per se.

Remember what I said upthread about taking the E 152nd exit instead of the Eddy Road exit on your way to Nela Park. GPS/Mapquest will probably tell you to take Eddy, but 152nd is safer and less confusing. FYI.... East 152nd looks grimier than it is (meaning, if you need to stop at that BP right off the highway, it is safe to do so). Just get off the highway, turn right, go over the railyards, stay straight accross St. Clair and then make a left onto Woodworth/Noble Road (not sure which it is called at that point). Then you just cross through Euclid, go up the hill and Nela Park will be on the left.... you can't miss it. Probably about 15 minutes, give or take a few depending on lights.

 

Of course, you could also take Euclid all the way down to Noble.... but that would probably add at least 5-10 minutes to the trip just because of lights/traffic. But it would be good to know this route just in case of a traffic jam on the shoreway (not likely to happen because you will be going against the flow of rush-hour traffic).

 

Good luck and I still say 668. It's the hottest address in town right now! You might want to delve more into the differences in terms of atmosphere between the Warehouse District and East 4th to see which one you would prefer to live so close to.

 

This is the best route but if you want to avoid the speed cameras (typically on Noble road by the train overpass and by the elementary school...you'll see it on a tripod sitting on the side walk) then use this route...

 

-East 152nd exit

-At the St Clair (5 points) intersection take a slight left onto Ivanhoe Rd.

-Take a right onto Euclid Ave.

-Take a left onto Nela Ave

-Right at the dead end (dead ends at Nela Park)

-Left onto Noble

-Entrance will be on your left at the top of the hill

 

This route may sound a little confusing but check out a map, it's pretty easy and guaranteed to keep you from getting caught by the speed camera (20 mph by the school).

Everyone thanks for the great advice/suggestions - super helpful; moving to a new place without knowing anyone there is admittedly very frightening but everyone here is making the process a whole lot better for me!

 

KJP, that Rays MTB place looks insanely cool; I'm actually really into skateboarding, snowboarding, and cycling so I'll definitely check out that place.

 

Since both Los Angeles and Boston are places without winters as "harsh" as Cleveland, I was wondering what types of clothing I might want to prepare. I stocked up on some thin thermal underwear and a few dressy wool coats as well as a pair of down jackets, do I need snow boots?

 

Always Always Always have a hat or a coat with a hood. It can getting pretty windy near the lake.

Everyone thanks for the great advice/suggestions - super helpful; moving to a new place without knowing anyone there is admittedly very frightening but everyone here is making the process a whole lot better for me!

 

KJP, that Rays MTB place looks insanely cool; I'm actually really into skateboarding, snowboarding, and cycling so I'll definitely check out that place.

 

Since both Los Angeles and Boston are places without winters as "harsh" as Cleveland, I was wondering what types of clothing I might want to prepare. I stocked up on some thin thermal underwear and a few dressy wool coats as well as a pair of down jackets, do I need snow boots?

 

Always Always Always have a hat or a coat with a hood. It can getting pretty windy near the lake.

 

And I think here is the biggest secret...layers, layers, layers!

 

Did I make myself clear?

Most definitely haha, will be sure to keep that in mind. For those of you who have to dress up "business casual" to go to work, is it difficult during the winter? GE essentially wants me to be dressed up with a dress/button down shirt and khakis - should I just buy some nice outdoor/waterproof boots and change when I get to work?

I'm sorry I dont find our winter to be any worse than Boston, Philly, Providence, etc.

 

Whatever you were doing in Boston, applies here.  Sure they dont get lake affect snow and we dont get noreasters.

 

Thats all.

^That is an option  but if you are driving and just picking through the company parking lot, a pair of rubbers over your dress shoes would work just as well.

 

As a side note (where is MTS when you need him), I have to chuckle at what is considered "dressed up" for work nowadays.  When I was your age, what you described is what guys in my crowd wore on the weekend.  How things change and boy am I getting old.

If you're driving to work I don't see the need to do anything special.  Most likely the parking lot/sidewalk will be plowed all but a few days.  I just wear my regular clothes plus a coat (and maybe hat or hood) and it's not a problem.  Just keep gloves and boots in the car in case you have car trouble.

^That is an option  but if you are driving and just picking through the company parking lot, a pair of rubbers over your dress shoes would work just as well.

 

As a side note (where is MTS when you need him), I have to chuckle at what is considered "dressed up" for work nowadays.  When I was your age, what you described is what guys in my crowd wore on the weekend.  How things change and boy am I getting old.

 

I was gonna go there, but didn't want to go off topic.

 

Khakis?  I dont even own a pair of Khakis.  I've instructed my nephew to have me institutionalized if he sees a pair of khaki's on me or in one of my closets!

 

^I guess you must be too old for khakis nowadays :laugh:: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/20/fashion/20CODES.html

^I guess you must be too old for khakis nowadays :laugh: : http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/20/fashion/20CODES.html

Is something funny?  This has nothing to do with me.  Khaki's are pieces of clothing for those who are blindly aware of what fashion is!

 

I don't shop a some tragic Macy's or Kohl's where someone like you would fish khaki seperates out of a clearance bin

 

That's all!

Can the khaki conversation. Go help the new guy.