Hello All:

I will be moving to Cleveland this summer for a position at cleveland clinic. I am trying to decide on which area to live. Any advice would be much appreciated as I am moving from California and do not know much about cleveland.

 

I am looking for:

1. Somewhere with <15-20 minute drive to the clinic

2. Safety

3. Easy access to bars and restaurants - preferably a short walk.

4. Two indoor parking spaces

5. Minimum of 2 bedrooms either apartment or house

6. Any budget - initially rental, but if I find the perfect place/price perhaps purchase.

 

Some of the areas that I have been reading about are:

1. Shaker heights - seems close, safe, comfortable, but with a minimum of nightlife options. Is it difficult to get from shaker heights to downtown (warehouse ect,) for a night out?

 

2. Cleveland heights / University Circle - close to CC, safe, the closer to university the better the night life, but still not up to downtown.

 

3. Warehouse district - how long to CC? IS traffic an issue as I will be going in relatively early in the AM. IS it safe for my wife? Parking?

 

Again, I am looking forward to moving to cleveland and excited to explore a new city.

Thanks

Welcome to Cleveland and to UrbanOhio!

 

A few quick questions before a further reply.

 

What is your age group, and what is your price range

 

You have to give us a rough idea what you can pay for an apartment to get GOOD advice. If you're dead set on driving to the Clinic and Safety is a high priority, I'd look at the Coventry neighborhood in Cleveland Heights. If you want somewhere in the city, Shaker Square might be your best bet, but there are also a few nice places around University Circle to look at that might be within walking distance when the weather is nice, or even little Italy.

 

It might be hard to find places with indoor parking and lots of stuff within walking distance unless you're willing to pay a bit more, just so you know.

The combination of indoor parking (for two) and close to nightlife is what is throwing me.

 

The first thing that popped into my head was Shaker Hts since many of the apartment buildings in the city have indoor parking, but like you said, not really close to night life (although not a far drive) and certainly not within walking distance.

 

My gut feeling is that you would like the Warehouse District.  I would try the Bridgeview Apartments (corner of West Ninth and St. Clair and see if any two bedrooms are available....they have convenient indoor parking, it is a cool building with lots of different types of floor plans and it is of course in the heart of the night life.

 

About a 20 minute bus ride or drive to the Clinic (especially very early in the morning) and the area is as safe as you would find in the downtown of any major city.

 

If you do have some interest in Cleveland Hts., I might be able to recommend a relatively new 3 story townhouse you could rent (two bedrooms) but I think it only has one indoor parking space in the attached garage.  However, you can park the other car right outside the garage.

 

Good luck in your search and welcome to Cleveland.

Welcome.  Please give us more information so we can give you the best advice we can.

• What kind of home do you live in now? [Condo, Town Home or SFH]
  
• Do you rent or own?
  
• What City/Neighborhood do you currently live in?
  
• Do you want to live in the 'burbs or the city (seems you're open to both)
  
• What kind of activities are you/you spouse into
  
• Does you both want to drive, be car-lite, or be car free?
  
• How much money do you wish to spend on housing?
  

First off, welcome to the North Coast!

 

I will give you these links, which will direct you to photo threads I did showcasing the various neighborhoods of Cleveland Heights (and, not to sound bias, but I really think CH would be a good starting point given its proximity to the Clinic and your desire for a walkable neighborhood).

 

Coventry - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26394.0.html

Overlook - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26396.0.html

Cedar-Fairmount - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26397.0.html

Fairmount Blvd - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26398.0.html

Cedar-Lee - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26399.0.html

South Taylor - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26400.0.html

Mayfield-Lee - http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26401.0.html

Center-Mayfield -  http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26402.0.html

 

Given your stated desires, I would focus on the first 3 and Cedar-Lee.  Any of those would be a good fit IMO

Thank you all for your quick responses.  To some of the questions:

 

Age Group - mid to late twenties.

What kind of home do you live in now? [Condo, Town Home or SFH] - I live in a 2 bedroom condo.

Do you rent or own? - Rent

What City/Neighborhood do you currently live in? I live in the inland empire of california.  A large suburban sprawl off LA

Do you want to live in the 'burbs or the city (seems you're open to both) - Open to both and appreciated the advantages of both.  Have been living in a suburban setting for several years and considering the perks of a more urban environment at this point.  Weighing the pros / cons.

What kind of activities are you/you spouse into - We enjoying going out meeting friends at restaurants or bars, music, sports (professional and amateur leagues where we play), gyms, hiking / outdoor activities.

Does you both want to drive, be car-lite, or be car free? - I will plan on driving.  My wife will also drive.

How much money do you wish to spend on housing? - Ideally, I would stay 800-1300 per month, but if the perfect place presented itself I could go higher up to $2000 including parking.

 

Perhaps my biggest question is this: If I choose to live in cleveland heights / coventry  / shaker square will I be able to find good restaurants and bars on the weekends?  And if not, it is a challenge to get to downtown (warehouse, etc) either by car, taxi, or public transpo?  If I have to sacrifice one wish I could sacrifice covered parking for two.  I would ideally, like one spot so my wife doesn't have to scrap her car in the winter.

A couple points of clarification.  Cleveland Heights is a city.  Coventry is a neighborhood within CH.  Shaker Square is a neighborhood within Cleveland (which might offer you some tax advantages since you will be also working in Cleveland).  SS is not in Shaker Heights, although it is part of the SH school system.

 

Given your participation in amateur leagues, you will want to visit http://www.clevelandplays.com/

 

CH also has a recreation center which offers a lot of options.

 

Given your affection for hiking, you will be happy to learn of our 'emerald necklace' - http://www.clemetparks.com/

 

It is not an issue getting from the inner ring suburbs (CH, SH, etc.) to downtown and parking on the weekends downtown (if you choose not to use public transportation) is probably cheaper than what you are used to in LA.  But there also is no need to go downtown if you want to stay closer to your residence.  SS has options and Larchmere is close by.  I would say CH has an abundance of options in terms of restaurants and bars.  Coventry, Cedar-Fairmount and Cedar-Lee are all CH neighborhoods very close to University Circle which offer a plethora of places to eat and drink.  Plus, there is Little Italy just down the hill and that little neighborhood can't be beat in the summer IMO.

^^Actually you will find some excellent restauants and bars in the near east side suburbs and the Shaker Square, Little Italy, Universtiy Cirlce areas of Cleveland, (which are close to Cleveland Hts.) and if you would prefer to go downtown, it really is not a challenge to get downtown, Ohio City or Tremont (a couple of other places with great restaurants near downtown).  20 minutes....parking is rarely a hassle.

Shaker Square has several highly rated, very popular restaurants.

 

Here is a great space in Little Italy. Close to the Clinic, two car garage, private patio, and comes completely furnished if you want it to. Its a bit expensive and im not sure if its still available but you could contact them and see if they would lower the price a bit, if they have become desperate to rent it out.

 

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2079-Random-Rd-102-Cleveland-OH-44106/2124515143_zpid/

Thank you all for your quick responses.  To some of the questions:

 

Age Group - mid to late twenties.

What kind of home do you live in now? [Condo, Town Home or SFH] - I live in a 2 bedroom condo.

Do you rent or own? - Rent

What City/Neighborhood do you currently live in? I live in the inland empire of california.  A large suburban sprawl off LA

Do you want to live in the 'burbs or the city (seems you're open to both) - Open to both and appreciated the advantages of both.  Have been living in a suburban setting for several years and considering the perks of a more urban environment at this point.  Weighing the pros / cons.

What kind of activities are you/you spouse into - We enjoying going out meeting friends at restaurants or bars, music, sports (professional and amateur leagues where we play), gyms, hiking / outdoor activities.

Does you both want to drive, be car-lite, or be car free? - I will plan on driving.  My wife will also drive.

How much money do you wish to spend on housing? - Ideally, I would stay 800-1300 per month, but if the perfect place presented itself I could go higher up to $2000 including parking.

 

Perhaps my biggest question is this: If I choose to live in cleveland heights / coventry  / shaker square will I be able to find good restaurants and bars on the weekends?  And if not, it is a challenge to get to downtown (warehouse, etc) either by car, taxi, or public transpo?  If I have to sacrifice one wish I could sacrifice covered parking for two.  I would ideally, like one spot so my wife doesn't have to scrap her car in the winter.

Inland Empire?  Holy smokes.  Riverside or San Bernardino?  LOL

 

Get out your map or pull up Shaker Square on Google maps.

 

Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights both border Cleveland on their boundaries.

 

From CH you go into Little Italy/Murray Hill or UC.  From SH, you drive thru SS then down to UC.

 

Shaker Square (Where I live) and Coventry are 10 min drive and a 15 bike ride from one another.  The Shaker Square area, (it include the Larchmere Strip) has some of the best restaurants.  You can get downtown and to the airport via the train.  The bus trip from the Square to UC (Euclid 7 95th Street i believe) is about 15 min.  There is also plenty of public parking, except weekends, especially summer weekends, when people flock to the square.

 

The Square is also close to the Cleveland Heights neighborhoods of Cedar-Fairmont & Cedar-Lee.

 

Do a search in this very forum on the following areas.

- Cleveland Heights

- Cedar Lee

- Cedar Fairmount

- Little Italy/Murray Hill

- University Circle

 

You can also look at the city photos section for pictures of these areas. 

 

Shaker Square has several highly rated, very popular restaurants.

 

Here is a great space in Little Italy. Close to the Clinic, two car garage, private patio, and comes completely furnished if you want it to. Its a bit expensive and im not sure if its still available but you could contact them and see if they would lower the price a bit, if they have become desperate to rent it out.

 

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2079-Random-Rd-102-Cleveland-OH-44106/2124515143_zpid/

 

What is directly across the street and would you pay $2500 for that view?

Shaker Square has several highly rated, very popular restaurants.

 

Here is a great space in Little Italy. Close to the Clinic, two car garage, private patio, and comes completely furnished if you want it to. Its a bit expensive and im not sure if its still available but you could contact them and see if they would lower the price a bit, if they have become desperate to rent it out.

 

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2079-Random-Rd-102-Cleveland-OH-44106/2124515143_zpid/

 

What is directly across the street and would you pay $2500 for that view?

 

Is that the parking garage?  If not, I've got to think that's going to be redeveloped soon.

 

If so, there's construction across the street....

It might be worth checking out Battery Park also.  http://www.batteryparkcleveland.com/index.cfm?action=Occupancy It's close to the freeway, restaurants, outdoor activities at Edgewater and Wendy parks, and is about a 15-20minute drive to the Clinic.  Also has indoor parking.

Shaker Square has several highly rated, very popular restaurants.

 

Here is a great space in Little Italy. Close to the Clinic, two car garage, private patio, and comes completely furnished if you want it to. Its a bit expensive and im not sure if its still available but you could contact them and see if they would lower the price a bit, if they have become desperate to rent it out.

 

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2079-Random-Rd-102-Cleveland-OH-44106/2124515143_zpid/

 

What is directly across the street and would you pay $2500 for that view?

 

Is that the parking garage?  If not, I've got to think that's going to be redeveloped soon.

 

If so, there's construction across the street....

 

Right now I think its still a dilapidated building, I rarely go into LI/MH.  Today, I wouldn't pay $2500 in rent for that and I certainly wouldn't pay $2500 a month or while the property is under renovation.

ToCleveland: 

 

How about the brand new UARD apartments? They sound right up his alley.  Will they be ready by the time he moves here this summer?  They will be brand new and in a rejuvenated, cool part of town.  http://www.uptowncleveland.com/  send an inquiry

 

Also, whoever told you that all the good bars/restaurants are only downtown is wrong.  I personally feel all of the best restaurants are in Tremont/Ohio City and i would consider looking for apartments there as well.  Otherwise, living downtown may be good for you.  I would check out East 4th street.  That would be a fun place to live during an indian summer and you can catch the Healthline right to the front steps of the Clinic.  Fill out a rental application, they may get you something by summer.

 

http://www.east4thstreet.com/

 

 

 

 

Not sure, but based on google maps it looks completed. Compare that view to street view, where even the side lot is completely unpaved.

http://maps.google.com/?ll=41.506771,-81.599917&spn=0.001486,0.002411&t=h&z=19&vpsrc=6

 

Streetview

http://g.co/maps/hdtfu

Shaker Square has several highly rated, very popular restaurants.

 

Here is a great space in Little Italy. Close to the Clinic, two car garage, private patio, and comes completely furnished if you want it to. Its a bit expensive and im not sure if its still available but you could contact them and see if they would lower the price a bit, if they have become desperate to rent it out.

 

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2079-Random-Rd-102-Cleveland-OH-44106/2124515143_zpid/

 

I lived two doors down for a long time.  Its a great hood but $2500 is too pricey.  You will find coming from CA that cost of living is great here.

Shaker Square has several highly rated, very popular restaurants.

 

Here is a great space in Little Italy. Close to the Clinic, two car garage, private patio, and comes completely furnished if you want it to. Its a bit expensive and im not sure if its still available but you could contact them and see if they would lower the price a bit, if they have become desperate to rent it out.

 

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2079-Random-Rd-102-Cleveland-OH-44106/2124515143_zpid/

 

I lived two doors down for a long time.  Its a great hood but $2500 is too pricey.  You will find coming from CA that cost of living is great here.

 

Just a suggestion because of the two car garage and location. If the price could be lowered, it would be perfect. And it comes with the wall mounted tv's and new appliances which are a plus!

I like that stretch in LI, particularly due to its proximity to the park, but that 'building' across the streets from those units is still just a shell much like Quay 55 was prior to its redevelopment.

 

Responding to an earlier comment.... 15-20 minutes from Battery Park to the Clinic is pushing it. 

Is ohio city / tremont a difficult commute to the clinic?

Depends on how you define difficult.  It is not a breeze.  There has been some talk about building a roadway ("Opportunity Corridor") which would make the commute easier, but that is YEARS away if it ever happens at all.  The difficulty would be that there is no highway which drops you at the doorstep of the Clinic.  You would either have to take the Shoreway (I-90) from OC to the MLK Blvd exit and then come up through Rockefeller Park, which anyone can tell you will be jammed during rush hours.  Or you would take I-490 from Tremont and then get off at E55 and trek your way from there to the Clinic.  This is all driving, of course.  The red line on our commuter rail system would ba another option.

 

Both of those neighborhoods are very trendy and certainly on the upswing, but I would recommend living someplace with less of a commute.... at least until you have your bearings down.  I can't really think of anything you can get out of living in those neighborhoods that you can't get living in Little Italy, UC, Shaker Square, or one of the CH neighborhoods mentioned above.

ToCleveland: If you are use to LA traffic, everything here is a breeze.  You can make it to the Clinic from OC/Tremont in 15 no doubt.

ToCleveland: If you are use to LA traffic, everything here is a breeze.  You can make it to the Clinic from OC/Tremont in 15 no doubt.

 

15 Minutes?  Lets give realistic information.  I can't get from my house to the CC in 15 min. on a consistent basis.  After 9pm or the weekend, maybe. On the bus, 15 min., is the min.

 

OC/Tremont to CC in 15 is a huge stretch.

If it's not rush hour and you don't hit any lights, then 15 minutes would be about right.  With traffic, it is going to take you 10-15 minutes to just get from the highway exit to the Clinic.

If it's not rush hour and you don't hit any lights, then 15 minutes would be about right.  With traffic, it is going to take you 10-15 minutes to just get from the highway exit to the Clinic.

 

What about weather?  I just don't think 15 min is a realistic time to give.

i live in Dettroit Shoreway and get to UH in 15-20 every day. Hospital hours typically beat the downtown traffic, too.

If you live near the freeway on the west side, it doesn't take more than an extra five minutes to get anywhere on the east side than it would take from CH or SH, going the opposite way of rush hour traffic.

ToCleveland, here is another Little Italy property that has parking.

 

http://www.padmapper.com/show.php?type=0&id=99843938&src=main

ToCleveland, here is another Little Italy property that has parking.

 

http://www.padmapper.com/show.php?type=0&id=99843938&src=main

Are you a real estate agent?  (Please so no)  Did you really look at those pictures?  It's not hard to wonder why it's so cheap.

^ No im not, and im not certain what the ToCleveland is looking for. It does claim an updated bath. Maybe atleast worth looking at possibly. I know it can be hard, so instead of just naming neighborhoods, im trying to atleast give them a look at some available properties.

 

ToCleveland, the best way to look at Little Italy properties is to either walk or drive through the neighborhood and look for "For Rent" signs. I also heard of people going through the church to look for some as well. Most properties there you wont find online. Other neighborhoods you will have a better chance of finding apartments online. I agree with Hts121 that living on the westside neighborhoods dont really have any additional benefits, and will just be further from your work.

If you live near the freeway on the west side, it doesn't take more than an extra five minutes to get anywhere on the east side than it would take from CH or SH, going the opposite way of rush hour traffic.

 

That also depends on where you live in CH.  Maybe Cedar-Lee, but for some of the other neighborhoods recommended, you could spit at the hospitals with the right wind.

^ No im not, and im not certain what the ToCleveland is looking for. It does claim an updated bath. Maybe atleast worth looking at possibly. I know it can be hard, so instead of just naming neighborhoods, im trying to atleast give them a look at some available properties.

 

ToCleveland, the best way to look at Little Italy properties is to either walk or drive through the neighborhood and look for "For Rent" signs. I also heard of people going through the church to look for some as well. Most properties there you wont find online. Other neighborhoods you will have a better chance of finding apartments online. I agree with Hts121 that living on the westside neighborhoods dont really have any additional benefits, and will just be further from your work.

 

Sweetie, you know I love you like a red headed step child neither family wants.......but just post pictures, not real estate ads.  The "ad" doesn't match the pictures although its worded in a way not to come across as false advertising.

This can quickly turn into a eastside vs westside battle, so i will put down my west side love. I'll lay it out.  Any urban hood in Cleveland and you should be no more than 15-20 minutes from the Clinic, with the exception of Lakewood.

 

I cant think of an area that doesnt have good bars/restaurants, but each hood has its own personality.  Downtown is obviously more concrete, indoor parking, easy access to public transportation, good food/bars in certain areas.  Other areas are quiet and undesirable.

 

Tremont/OC in my opinion is the heart of the food district in town.  Alot of our best local chefs have a place in one o these two neighborhoods...old charming houses, tall trees, green space, bus transport, and alot of street parking.  You can park indoors with the right spot though.

 

East side also has charm.  Very urban feel all the way up the hill.  High density of people, close to work.  also good restaurants/bars, easy public transportation.  More residential. 

 

Hope that gives a good overview.

I really appreciate everyone's input and have been researching suggestions all day.  I am getting excited about Cleveland and feel it will be a great opportunity.  Feel free to keep giving suggestions.  As I start to narrow down my choices I will keep coming up with more and more questions.

 

ToCleveland, a former co-worker of mine who moved to Cleveland from LA was amazed at how few interstates we have. Even though traffic is much worse in LA, he told me he preferred LA's freeways to having to use Cleveland's city streets for a lot of trips. He said our uncoordinated traffic lights are maddening because he was always getting stopped by red signals -- and I thought I was the only one! The lack of freeways is certainly the case on the east side vs. the west side or even downtown which has five freeways converging on downtown. Freeways were kept out of the east side by civic activists because they wanted to preserve their neighborhoods and not have them all chopped up by highways.

 

As you might have noticed, there are no highways anywhere near Cleveland Clinic. The fastest-moving traffic on roads near Cleveland Clinic and its University Circle district are Chester, Carnegie and MLK Boulevard. Cedar going up the hill into the Heights can move quickly outside of rush hours, as can Euclid Heights Boulevard and Fairmount Boulevard at almost any time. They are also very beautiful neighborhoods that look like wealthy English suburbs with lots of old money there.

 

If your workplace is near the Red Line rail rapid transit, or the HealthLine bus rapid transit on Euclid, those might be faster options depending on where you choose to live. Otherwise, if you live downtown or points west/south, your fastest routes would be Chester and Carnegie. If you live up in the Heights, your fastest routes would be one of the boulevards that funnels into Cedar before descending the hill, or MLK/Fairhill.

 

BTW, come back and talk to us before you try driving in snow. ;) And thanks for choosing Cleveland! Welcome.

For what its worth, since you are renting, I would suggest living downtown (E4th or WHD).  That way you can decide if Downtown living is for you when you decide to buy.

If you live near the freeway on the west side, it doesn't take more than an extra five minutes to get anywhere on the east side than it would take from CH or SH, going the opposite way of rush hour traffic.

 

That also depends on where you live in CH.  Maybe Cedar-Lee, but for some of the other neighborhoods recommended, you could spit at the hospitals with the right wind.

That's true. I guess I was just trying to illustrate that unless you're within walking distance, the times of commutes from the Heights vs. commutes from the near west to UC are practically negligible.

Would you consider something like an extended stay hotel for a month or so while you get your bearings in Cleveland?  I'm thinking maybe the Alhambra, which is located in the Cedar Fairmount area of Cleveland Heights.

Would you consider something like an extended stay hotel for a month or so while you get your bearings in Cleveland?  I'm thinking maybe the Alhambra, which is located in the Cedar Fairmount area of Cleveland Heights.

 

Do you mean the Alcazar?

This is a lot of good info. 

 

- A short term stay might work out well, but I think I would rather see about a six month lease before purchase that way I can maintain some stability as I won't have a lot of time initially to look for a house.

 

- I am excited about the snow.  I actually grew up in michigan and am familiar with winter - but, the large amount of lake affect should be interesting.  Is there an appreciable difference in snow fall amount between east / west.  If so, about where does the snow levels seem to increase?

 

- In regards to OC / Tremont: is there a major road(s) where the entertainment centers? 

 

Thanks for all the advice.

- I am excited about the snow.  I actually grew up in michigan and am familiar with winter - but, the large amount of lake affect should be interesting.  Is there an appreciable difference in snow fall amount between east / west.  If so, about where does the snow levels seem to increase?

 

Excited? That won't last! :) Seriously though, I love a good city-crippling snowstorm. Problem is most are just little dink and dunk annoyances that get real old, real fast after New Year's Day. By the end of February, you'll be ready for spring. If anything, the gray skies during winter actually depresses some people. It's called Seasonal Affective Disorder, but can be combated by taking up winter sports, visiting a tanning spa now and then (the ultra-violet light really helps sometimes), and yes, taking trips to South Florida or the Bahamas!

 

As for the prime location of lake effect, wind direction, shoreline and land elevation determine where the heaviest snow will fall. Most winds come out of the west. Since the shoreline west of Cleveland to Toledo runs mostly east-west, little snow falls south of this shoreline. And mentally extend that lake effect snow line east of downtown Cleveland, which can be done pretty easily as US322 is aligned as such. So north of US322, more snow falls. And the farther east you get, the higher the elevation rises to the Allegheny Plateau in Geauga County. Chardon and Thompson are the highest points so they get the most snow, as the air cools and condenses as it rises, and wrings out more precipitation.

 

Of course, we also can get northwest winds from across the lake, which spreads more snow farther south into what's called the Secondary Snowbelt, which the high elevations south of the city in Parma, Seven Hills, North Royalton, Sagamore Hills and places farther east in to Portage and Trumbull counties.

 

When the wind is out of the north, we all get the snow. And if a heavier band of snow sets up shop over you, get your shovel out. It's going to be a long day, or even a long few days.

 

When does the snow happen? Look for a 15- to 20-degree difference between colder air and warmer water temperatures. The bigger the temperature difference, the faster evaporation occurs and the more intense the snow becomes. The heaviest lake effect snow I remember was in November of 1996 when Hopkins Airport on the usually snow-light southwest side of Cleveland got 20 inches of snow. But Chardon got 70!

 

http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/arch/cases/961109/home.rxml

 

 

West 25th between Lorain and Jay has all the excitement in Ohio City. New places are popping up every week these days.

 

Professor Ave. in Tremont has the majority of eats and drinks, but not all, that Tremont has to offer.

 

Tremont Lofts is a great place right off Professor with extended stay, but the parking is uncovered.

Would you consider something like an extended stay hotel for a month or so while you get your bearings in Cleveland?  I'm thinking maybe the Alhambra, which is located in the Cedar Fairmount area of Cleveland Heights.

 

Do you mean the Alcazar?

 

Oops, that's it.

Ironically, I've been inside the Alhambra..... but never the Alcazar

Hey OP, you can't go wrong with Cedar/Fairmount. There's a great bakery at the little commercial district and you'll be walking (okay, jogging) distance from University Circle. Plus Night Town is a top 5 Cleveland gem.

ToCleveland:  I was new to Cleveland 3 years ago and I am now in my mid-late 20's.  If I were just moving here now I would most definitely try my best to live in Ohio City, Tremont, downtown, or Little Italy.  There are many other areas that are great (shaker square, coventry, lakewood, etc) however, these areas seem to attract the most people our age for entertainment in my experiences.

ToCleveland:  I was new to Cleveland 3 years ago and I am now in my mid-late 20's.  If I were just moving here now I would most definitely try my best to live in Ohio City, Tremont, downtown, or Little Italy.  There are many other areas that are great (shaker square, coventry, lakewood, etc) however, these areas seem to attract the most people our age for entertainment in my experiences.

 

Lakewood attracts a lot. For my part, I live in Ohio City and agree with tradition7.

I think one of your biggest challenges will be finding a place that has 2 covered garage spaces. I've lived in apartments in and around Cleveland for over 20 years and have never found one that offers 2 covered spaces. Lucky for me, my husband is still a gentleman so wherever we live, I get the covered space so I don't have to scrape/shovel in the morning. But you still have to scrape/shovel when you leave work, so keep that in mind.

 

Everyone else has had a lot of good suggestions for you. Though I am a W sider at heart, I would probably recommend somewhere in Cleveland Heights for you guys. There are a lot of good restaurants and shops in the Coventry area and Little Italy is just down the hill, as are the museums and other cultural stuff and it's a pretty short commute to the Clinic. Half of your commute will be spent in close proximity to the clinic where it jams up in the morning quite a bit. But yeah, I lived in LA and it's NOTHING compared to there. A few times during the winter we will have bad gridlock when the roads havent' been cleaned and people are all trying to leave early at once, it's akin to the traffic during a big rainstorm in the LA area. But generally as the others have said, cost of living and getting around will seem much easier. As KJP pointed out, it's mostly prudent to take surface streets everywhere if you are on the E side and even if you are commuting from the downtown or near West side area there, streets move quicker than tryign to take the freeway and then sit in the traffic on Martin Luther King Blvd. I would estimate 15 minutes if you guys live in Cle Heights, and 20-25 if you choose downtown or anything near downtown like Tremont or Ohio City.

ToCleveland, While helping someone else find housing resources, I suggested the links below. Then I realized you might be interested in these for temporary housing while you search for the permanent home......

 

http://www.universitycircle.org/live-here/housing (contact info here)

http://www.universitycircle.org/locations/category/real-estate (rental listings here)

 

EDIT: at the second link, the red stars showing where each property is located is frequently wrong. If you see an apartment you really like and want to get a better idea of its location, do a Google search on the address and then cross-reference it with a Streetview to see what the surrounding area is like. BTW, some of the apartments are on East 115th -- which is a very lovely street. You could easily bike to work and, with more effort and time, walk there. A lot more restaurants and shops are within an easy walk or bike ride. The downside? Parking is at a premium in that neighborhood!