I am moving to Cleveland in August. I will be going to CSU. I am thinking of living near shaker square. Is this a good area. I am a woman and need to be in a safe area. Are there any suggestions for good places to live?

Thank you :-D

I am moving to Cleveland in August. I will be going to CSU. I am thinking of living near shaker square. Is this a good area. I am a woman and need to be in a safe area. Are there any suggestions for good places to live?

Thank you :-D

 

Have you thought about living right near campus?

I have a little but I dont know if I can afford it. I also dont want a building with a bunch of partying undergrads. Is downtown safe?

I dont know cleveland at all.

I have a little but I dont know if I can afford it. I also dont want a building with a bunch of partying undergrads. Is downtown safe?

I dont know cleveland at all.

 

I would say downtown is safe, Ive never felt threatened down there. CSU seems to be very safe. I would also say that downtown is safer than shaker square. Maybe you should also check out Little Italy. Very safe walkable neighborhood with great access to public transportation. Whats your price range?

I am moving to Cleveland in August. I will be going to CSU. I am thinking of living near shaker square. Is this a good area. I am a woman and need to be in a safe area. Are there any suggestions for good places to live?

Thank you :-D

 

Shaker Square is a beautiful vibrant neighborhood and very safe.  I've lived here for more than 20 years.

I have a little but I dont know if I can afford it. I also dont want a building with a bunch of partying undergrads. Is downtown safe?

I dont know cleveland at all.

 

I would say downtown is safe, Ive never felt threatened down there. CSU seems to be very safe. I would also say that downtown is safer than shaker square. Maybe you should also check out Little Italy. Very safe walkable neighborhood with great access to public transportation. Whats your price range?

 

And I would disagree, that SS is less than Downtown.  Its an apartment community with people that range various levels in financial status, social status, and ethnicity.  The best public transportation outside of downtown, great housing stock, great restaurants along with great recreational activities.  Is it a perfect neighborhood? No. (For me YES, its perfect and cannot be beat!)

^ I agree about the excellent public transportation and everything else you said. I just think that Downtown is probably more safe.

Both neighborhoods are very safe. Whats your price range?

See this thread - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,25963.0.html

As much as I love Shaker Square, I don't think this is the best location to live if you are attending CSU -- especially if you plan on taking public transit to school. All transit options require making at least one transfer, unless you do not mind. If you plan on driving, then Shaker Square would be just fine for you.

 

If you would like to see some pictures of Shaker Square and surrounding areas, see:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,16260.msg288881.html#msg288881

During my tenure at CSU I lived at both the Chesterfield and later the Statler, both on E 12th St.  Very convenient location and as safe as any urban area gets--just need to stay smart after dark.

As much as I love Shaker Square, I don't think this is the best location to live if you are attending CSU -- especially if you plan on taking public transit to school. All transit options require making at least one transfer, unless you do not mind. If you plan on driving, then Shaker Square would be just fine for you.

 

If you would like to see some pictures of Shaker Square and surrounding areas, see:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,16260.msg288881.html#msg288881

 

Maybe she doesn't mind and time or transferring isn't an issue. 

See this thread - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,25963.0.html

 

and the following threads

CLEVELAND - Shake Shake Shake, Shaker Square! (and Fairmount and more)

CLEVELAND - Shake Shake Shake, Shaker Square!

Topic: need help with E. 127th (near shaker square)

Downtown is a better choice for CSU if you can afford it.  I'd say your next best option is Lakewood, which is cheap & safe. 

 

Lakewood offers good transit to CSU via the 55 bus, and 24 hour service from downtown via the 26.  Shaker Square is great for transit if you're going to Tower City, but to get to CSU from there is an extra trip, and Shaker Square has no late night transit service at all.  If you're driving, Lakewood is much easier to park in than Shaker Square.  It also has 2 freeways going straight downtown.  From Shaker Square, CSU is a slow drive through rough neighborhood. 

 

While Shaker Square itself is safe, many areas "near" Shaker Square are not safe at all.  North and east of the Square is good... west and south of the Square should be avoided.

Little Italy is cheap and you can bus it right to CSU in, I dunno, 15 minutes or so. Go for it.

Thank you so much to every for all this information.

I really don't want to spend more than $600 on rent for a one bedroom. I will take a look at little Italy

Downtown is a better choice for CSU if you can afford it.  I'd say your next best option is Lakewood, which is cheap & safe. 

 

Lakewood offers good transit to CSU via the 55 bus, and 24 hour service from downtown via the 26.  Shaker Square is great for transit if you're going to Tower City, but to get to CSU from there is an extra trip, and Shaker Square has no late night transit service at all.  If you're driving, Lakewood is much easier to park in than Shaker Square.  It also has 2 freeways going straight downtown.  From Shaker Square, CSU is a slow drive through rough neighborhood. 

 

While Shaker Square itself is safe, many areas "near" Shaker Square are not safe at all.  North and east of the Square is good... west and south of the Square should be avoided.

 

I completely disagree!  The South side on S. Moreland down to 125 street is fine.

Just south of Shaker Square

 

Benedictine student shot in chest during robbery attempt Monday morning, seeks safety on RTA bus

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A sophomore at Benedictine High School was shot in the chest Monday morning on his way to school after a man tried to rob him of his cell phone and school-issued laptop.

 

The 16-year-old made his way to an RTA bus traveling southbound on South Moreland Boulevard and Buckeye Road and started banging on the doors, according to a news release from the Cleveland Police Department.

 

Once inside the bus, the youth told passengers that a man tried to rob him then shot him. Witnesses on the bus called 9-1-1.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/05/youth_shot_in_chest_seeks_safe.html

Just south of Shaker Square

 

Benedictine student shot in chest during robbery attempt Monday morning, seeks safety on RTA bus

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A sophomore at Benedictine High School was shot in the chest Monday morning on his way to school after a man tried to rob him of his cell phone and school-issued laptop.

 

The 16-year-old made his way to an RTA bus traveling southbound on South Moreland Boulevard and Buckeye Road and started banging on the doors, according to a news release from the Cleveland Police Department.

 

Once inside the bus, the youth told passengers that a man tried to rob him then shot him. Witnesses on the bus called 9-1-1.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/05/youth_shot_in_chest_seeks_safe.html

 

...and?  That was a one time incident.  Dont try to twist that into an everyday situation.  I could list crimes in every area the OP is looking.  So don't go there.

I dont know what to do.

I dont know what to do.

Go to each neighborhood you are interested in multiple times (Day/Night; Weekday/Weekend etc.) to see what you like and dont like.

 

Create list of things you like and have in your current neighborhood and use that as a guide to find the neighborhood that works best for you and your lifestyle here in Cleveland.

Shaker Square is safe.  Like any urban environment, there will be incidents from time to time.

 

But why was it that you initially looked at Shaker Square?  Where are you moving from and what types of neighborhoods do you like.  If you want quiet and safe, yet still some activity around you, then the Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood in Cleveland Heights would be my highest recommendation in your price range.  Little Italy next, then Shaker Square and Coventry.  I am not familiar enough with Lakewood to recommend specific neighborhoods, but that area is popular with people in your circumstances.  Bottom line, there is a lot of different options and all would be great choices.  Don't feel so pressured.

Check out downtown, Little Italy, and Lakewood. 

 

Shaker Square is a cool neighboorhood but I don't recommend it for anyone listing safety as a concern.  I also experienced a lot of loud party noise there, comparable to living among undergrads.  It just doesn't seem to fit the OP's preferences.

Shaker Square seems kind off of the beaten path for a CSU student. Maybe Case or John Carroll but not for CSU. I would look downtown, Lakewood, or even Tremont/Ohio City. Little Italy is also a good suggestion but also seems a little far. Shaker Square is touch and go, in my opinion, and does not seem to be improving. Wasnt there an incident recently at the movie theater as well?

Thank you MTS....I guess we should also be advising against moving to Solon where a gentlemen was held up at gunpoint for a cigar this past week by five youths.  One of many gun related hold ups the past two years in Solon.  Of course Solon has SO MUCH MORE charm  than Shaker Square.

Check out downtown, Little Italy, and Lakewood. 

 

Shaker Square is a cool neighboorhood but I don't recommend it for anyone listing safety as a concern.  I also experienced a lot of loud party noise there, comparable to living among undergrads.  It just doesn't seem to fit the OP's preferences.

 

I disagree.  It is just as safe as downtown and parts of Lakewood, so I don't know how you can rule out SS without ruling out those other two.

Hts121...I am currently in korea but I was living in Canada. I was going to go to CWRU and I came out to Cleveland twice to make sure it was the city I wanted to live and study in. I looked at a few neighborhoods and SS felt nice as did Little Italy.  The challenge I have is that I will arrive in Cleveland in August and will stay in a hotel until i find a place....so I need to create a short list of building I want to see...send them my info so that if approved i can move in right away. I was told that CSU is easily accessible from SS. Now my classes all end at 10pm...If i dont drive will I be able to get home?

Having lived in Lakewood and Shaker Square, I can state with confidence that there's a world of difference between the two.  A friend of mine at CSU, a girl from out of town, moved away from Shaker Square due to safety (and harassment) issues.  In Lakewood I have never been panhandled in the hallway of my apartment, nor have I come home to find ten kids getting high in the stairwell.

 

Wasnt there an incident recently at the movie theater as well?

 

Yes, several people were beaten and robbed during movies there.  Those responsible were caught.

Hts121...I am currently in korea but I was living in Canada. I was going to go to CWRU and I came out to Cleveland twice to make sure it was the city I wanted to live and study in. I looked at a few neighborhoods and SS felt nice as did Little Italy.  The challenge I have is that I will arrive in Cleveland in August and will stay in a hotel until i find a place....so I need to create a short list of building I want to see...send them my info so that if approved i can move in right away. I was told that CSU is easily accessible from SS. Now my classes all end at 10pm...If i dont drive will I be able to get home?

 

The last train leaves downtown around 1230.  There is bus service from CSU to the downtown rail station, or it's a 15-20 minute walk.  CSU gives you a free unlimited transit pass, which is really nice.

Lakewood and SS are about equidistant from CSU. Lakewood to the West, SS to the east. If I were making the choice between the two, I would definitely choose Lakewood.

 

And the rapid is accessible from Lakewood as well as bus lines.

 

If I were a female getting out of class at 10pm at CSU, then had to take the rapid back to SS and walk to my apartment, I would not feel safe. Just my opinion.

 

Having lived in Lakewood and Shaker Square, I can state with confidence that there's a world of difference between the two.  A friend of mine at CSU, a girl from out of town, moved away from Shaker Square due to safety (and harassment) issues.  In Lakewood I have never been panhandled in the hallway of my apartment, nor have I come home to find ten kids getting high in the stairwell.

 

Wasnt there an incident recently at the movie theater as well?

 

Yes, several people were beaten and robbed during movies there.  Those responsible were caught.

In the interest of full disclosure  :|

 

Disturbance

 

Lakewood police received a call around 2 a.m. March 18 about a woman being beat up by several men near Madison and Wyandotte avenues. When police arrived minutes later, the men were gone. The woman told police that she fell in the parking lot. She refused medical treatment.

 

http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/police-blotter-assault-robbery-and-a-foot-chase

 

To be clear, this does not mean that Lakewood is not safe.  It just means it takes google about 2 seconds to pull up these 'horror stories' from about any urbanized community.

 

You shouldn't let isolated incidents scare you off from any neighborhood you may be interested in.  You need to judge for yourself.  'Feeling safe' is simply too subjective to rely totally on others' opinions because some people have some really scewed methods for determining safety.

 

None of the neighborhoods recommended so far are of the white picket fence variety.  But I wouldn't suspect you would've come to THIS forum to find such a neighborhood.  But, fear not, we certainly would not steer you towards any REAL ghettos or TRULY unsafe neighborhoods.

 

 

Lakewood is a lot safer than Shaker Square.  It's not even a close call.  I've lived in both and I'm speaking from day to day experience.  There are plenty of fun and safe neighborhoods, in and around Cleveland, that are perfect for a CSU student who's new to town.  I have no desire to fight about this, I'm just relating my own expereiences from when I was in a similar situation with a similar budget.

Hts121...I am currently in korea but I was living in Canada. I was going to go to CWRU and I came out to Cleveland twice to make sure it was the city I wanted to live and study in. I looked at a few neighborhoods and SS felt nice as did Little Italy.  The challenge I have is that I will arrive in Cleveland in August and will stay in a hotel until i find a place....so I need to create a short list of building I want to see...send them my info so that if approved i can move in right away. I was told that CSU is easily accessible from SS. Now my classes all end at 10pm...If i dont drive will I be able to get home?

 

Little Italy would be more convenient than SS for for CSU commutes. Both are good neighborhoods. I'd agree that Little Italy and Lakewood are safer than SS, but I don't think you'd have too much to worry about either way. Cedar-Fairmount is also worth looking into.

Lakewood is a lot safer than Shaker Square IMO.  It's not even a close call IMO.  I've lived in both and I'm speaking from day to day experience.  There are plenty of fun and safe neighborhoods, in and around Cleveland, that are perfect for a CSU student who's new to town.  I have no desire to fight about this, I'm just relating my own expereiences from when I was in a similar situation with a similar budget.

 

That's a fair statement (as corrected).

Lakewood and SS are about equidistant from CSU. Lakewood to the West, SS to the east. If I were making the choice between the two, I would definitely choose Lakewood.

 

And the rapid is accessible from Lakewood as well as bus lines.

 

If I were a female getting out of class at 10pm at CSU, then had to take the rapid back to SS and walk to my apartment, I would not feel safe. Just my opinion.

 

Having lived in Lakewood and Shaker Square, I can state with confidence that there's a world of difference between the two.  A friend of mine at CSU, a girl from out of town, moved away from Shaker Square due to safety (and harassment) issues.  In Lakewood I have never been panhandled in the hallway of my apartment, nor have I come home to find ten kids getting high in the stairwell.

 

Wasnt there an incident recently at the movie theater as well?

 

Yes, several people were beaten and robbed during movies there.  Those responsible were caught.

 

You folks are really really tripping.  My cousins girlfriend lives in on the south side of Shaker Square.  Again, isolated incidents that could have happened in any neighborhood or city.  Not everyday common occurrences!

Two friends of mine were beaten up in Little Italy in 1997.  I also saw some kids smoking weed around Coventry last month.  Just an FYI ;)

Shaker Square is fine, though there are some hiccups here and there.

 

Downtown is fine with rarely any hiccups.

 

Little Italy is fine with basically no hiccups.

 

Lakewood is fine with a few hiccupy neighborhoods.

 

Basically, you'll be fine wherever you choose.

 

 

Lakewood is a lot safer than Shaker Square IMO.  It's not even a close call IMO.  I've lived in both and I'm speaking from day to day experience.  There are plenty of fun and safe neighborhoods, in and around Cleveland, that are perfect for a CSU student who's new to town.  I have no desire to fight about this, I'm just relating my own expereiences from when I was in a similar situation with a similar budget.

 

That's a fair statement (as corrected).

 

The same goes for what you're saying, except that you haven't lived in either of the places we're talking about.  Experience and opinion are not the same.  And claiming your opinion is equivalent to someone else's personal experience is not at all fair.  You're just feeling high and mighty because you predicted the Cavs draft picks.

Experience and opinion are not the same.  And claiming your opinion is equivalent to someone else's personal experience is not at all fair. 

 

Post saved for future reference :)  Thanks.

 

Now let's get back to helping this nice young woman find the right fit for her own preferences.

Hts121...I am currently in korea but I was living in Canada. I was going to go to CWRU and I came out to Cleveland twice to make sure it was the city I wanted to live and study in. I looked at a few neighborhoods and SS felt nice as did Little Italy.  The challenge I have is that I will arrive in Cleveland in August and will stay in a hotel until i find a place....so I need to create a short list of building I want to see...send them my info so that if approved i can move in right away. I was told that CSU is easily accessible from SS. Now my classes all end at 10pm...If i dont drive will I be able to get home?

 

Little Italy would be more convenient than SS for for CSU commutes. Both are good neighborhoods. I'd agree that Little Italy and Lakewood are safer than SS, but I don't think you'd have too much to worry about either way. Cedar-Fairmount is also worth looking into.

 

Curious?  How well acquainted are you with Shaker Square to make that assessment?  IMO, Little Italy is unsafe.  Nor would I recommend anyone live there.

 

This is why I urge the OP to visit and make her own assessments of each neighborhood she finds interesting,  because our opinion are biased.

 

As a Shaker Square resident (and lifelong resident of the Shaker Square/Shaker Hts. area) my opinion is skewed as I'm a long time resident and own my home and know the are a more intimately.  I rented in the area before purchasing.  My cousin lives in the same complex, his girlfriend live 5 minutes away and I have lots of friends in the area. 

 

 

It's a neighborhood that varies;  from working class, to middle class to rich.  Black, White, Asian.  Straight or Gay.  Singles and families.  Condo owner, apartment dweller and families in detached homes.

FWIW, this happens practically any time anyone asks about neighborhood safety on this forum.  We're all very protective of our city and its reputation, and we need to be, because it receives a lot of unfair criticism at home and abroad.  We often make the point that violent crimes happen everywhere, in all cities and all suburbs.  And that's true.  But it's not the whole story.  When someone asks about a specific aspect of a specific area, it does no good to gloss things over like that.     

And, practically anytime anyone dares to disagree with a subjective opinion about a particular area's safety or offer an opinion or facts which tend to rebut the 'unsafe' assessment, they are automatically accused of glossing things over.  This is true even if no objective statistical evidence was ever offered demonstrably showing that the area is indeed unsafe.

 

FWIW, this happens practically any time anyone asks about neighborhood safety on this forum. We're all very protective of our city and its reputation, and we need to be, because it receives a lot of unfair criticism at home and abroad. 

I agree with the above

 

We often make the point that violent crimes happen everywhere, in all cities and all suburbs.  And that's true.  But it's not the whole story.  When someone asks about a specific aspect of a specific area, it does no good to gloss things over like that.     

I don't agree with this.  Who is glossing?  The way you posted those things, using a broad stroke, you painted the neighborhood in manner which implies to the OP that the neighborhood is not safe based on a few instances.  Not looking at the bigger overall picture of the neighborhood and the residents of the neighborhood itself.  As you state, your statements do not tell the whole story.

 

 

So please spare me the passive aggressive - You appear honest but underlying comments confuse - BS!

And, practically anytime anyone dares to disagree with a subjective opinion about a particular area's safety or offer an opinion or facts which tend to rebut the 'unsafe' assessment, they are automatically accused of glossing things over.  This is true even if no objective statistical evidence was ever offered demonstrably showing that the area is indeed unsafe.

 

I'm not sure what statistics would float your boat in that regard.  I'm sure you could find comparable statistics from somewhere else.  I don't think there are statistics for how many people will harass you for money on the way to the corner.  But it's observable and its relevant.  Does it increase the likelihood you'll encounter actual violence?  Hard to say.  But most people would consider it relevant to the issue of safety.  And again you're equating living somewhere with having a subjective opinion about it.  Are you seriously claiming they're the same thing? 

 

And the anecdotal evidence discussed so far here is not equivalent either.  People are not getting shot for their laptops in Lakewood.  They aren't.  They just aren't.  And the biggest concern about the movie theater in Lakewood is whether it'll become a McDonalds.  No one ever got knocked out and robbed there in the middle of a movie.  You countered those with a report of an allegation of one person being assaulted.  Are you seriously claiming they're the same thing?

Alright guys, knock it off.

The most convienent place to live is downtown while attending CSU.  $600/month might make it tough, but the Crittendon has units in that price range if you want to live alone.  You can get by with no car and take the free trolley to school (and it's close enough to walk).

 

After that, in that price range, I would suggest Lakewood. 

My top choices would be by CSU an Little Italy. For one, both areas are safe, and have great access to CSU. Plus you get to live in the actual city.

As a Lakewood resident, let me chime in on the transportation aspects:

 

DOWNTOWN/CSU AREA: If you can find an apartment downtown for $600, take it. This is the best alternative. You can walk or bike to classes since the free downtown shuttle buses stop running at 7 p.m. But other cross-downtown bus routes, such as the HealthLine on Euclid Avenue, run 24 hours a day. If you go with downtown, let me know what area and I'll suggest a good bus route for you. Only on the snowiest of nights (perhaps 10 times a year) will you be unable to bike. Others here can suggest low-cost, decent, safe housing locations downtown.

 

SHAKER SQUARE: If you like Shaker Square, then go with it. Like I said, it is one of my favorite communities. And it is safe. Just about everything you will want is available on the safe, brightly lit square -- grocery store, restaurants, stores, coffee shops and the RTA station. The trains run from downtown until midnight, and even though it is one transfer from CSU on the HealthLine to Tower City Center/Public Square (see: http://www.riderta.com/pdf/HealthLine.pdf), then east on the Rapid's Green/Blue Lines to Shaker Square (see: http://www.riderta.com/pdf/67-67A.pdf), it is an easy transfer.

 

LAKEWOOD/EDGEWATER:  You will find many apartments along Edgewater, Lake, Clifton, Detroit and Madison, as well as apartments on the upstairs or downstairs of homes on sidestreets. However the only streets in Lakewood with bus service after 10 p.m. is Detroit Avenue and West 117th Street/Edgewater Drive. The latter is a bus route that serves an area called the Gold Coast with many, many apartments. Its bus service runs only hourly but runs to midnight, and requires a transfer from the Red Line rail service which comes from downtown. The #55 bus route from CSU to Lakewood on nearby Clifton Boulevard stops running at 10 p.m. But the Gold Coast area (in Lakewood) and the Edgewater area (across West 117th in Cleveland) are both safe and walkable. They have stores and restaurants that are open 24 hours. Bus service on Detroit Avenue comes from downtown (from Public Square) and runs 24 hours a day (see: http://www.riderta.com/pdf/26.pdf). But you have to travel through some rough neighborhoods between downtown and Lakewood. Buses are pretty safe. The drivers have immediate access to transit police.

 

UNIVERSITY CIRCLE/LITTLE ITALY: From a transportation perspective, and other than downtown, this is your best option as no transfers are required on the Healthline on Euclid Avenue which is frequent, runs 24 hours, is safe and uncomplicated. There is frequent service until just before midnight, then half-hourly overnight. Stations for University Circle and Little Italy housing on the Healthline are Adelbert, Cornell and East 115th (See: http://www.riderta.com/pdf/HealthLine.pdf). However, the Healthline does pass through some rough neighborhoods outside of downtown and University Circle. Yet you are on a bus with a driver who can summon the police in minutes. Stations also have emergency call boxes. I ride transit a lot and I have never used these -- they are there to make riders feel safer. Several people here on the forum live in Little Italy and there are others who live in University Circle. They can give you suggestions and advice on housing options.

 

Please don't be intimidated. People here at Urban Ohio are very friendly and eager to help you, except for when there is the occasional flare up between forumers. :) Feel free to ask any questions.

From my experience with the healthline, It can be very crowded during the day, but getting on in University Circle area should almost always guarantee you a seat. Ive never had any issues, but If you want to feel safer, I would suggest staying in the first half of the bus near the driver. The crowd up there seems to be more calm. Also nighttime trips didn't seem frightening to me. They actually seem really calm. You have plenty of room and the bus is almost completely quiet. It is a relaxing ride in my opinion.

Okay. I want to start by saying thank you. I am sorry that this brought up some ill feelings. As an outsider I have to tell you that the people and the city of Cleveland were so warm and welcoming that I chose to come study in Cleveland. There is an additional factor that I did not mention. I was accepted to CWRU but this fall they are not enrolling any student because they are revamping my program (MNO). I may decide to transfer to CWRU next fall and I dont want to have to move. That said, here is where I am. I have decided to look at apartment in Little Italy, Cedar-Fairmont, the South side of SS and downtown. 

 

KJP THANK YOU  so much for the details for each neighborhood.

 

Mytwocents: are there any specific buildings that you would recommend in SS. I want management that cares or buildings that dont have a heap of hidden problems.

 

For anyone who lives in Little Italy and Cedar-Fairmont...do you have any building suggestions.

 

Also are there any supermarkets in Little Italy and Cedar-Fairmont?

 

ONCE AGAIN I WANT TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR ALL THE EFFORT THAT EVERYONE HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THIS THREAD. I KNOW IT IS TIME CONSUMING.

THANK YOU