I previously asked about Shaker Square but decided I wanted to be more open minded and look at several other neighborhoods. So here is my story again. I will be attending Cleveland State University and my girlfriend will be working in the heights. I can afford about $800 a month, but would prefer something cheaper if possible. Room for one car. I would like to live somewhere with a good sense of community. Niether of us drink really, so bars are not a big deciding factor on where we choose. A fun, active, walkable neighborhood would be at the top of our lists. One of my main concerns is safety, mostly for my girlfriend. If it was just me, things would be different, but I would prefer a neighborhood that would be safe for her to walk in by herself without me having to worry. One neighborhood that is kind of catching my eye is Little Italy. There appears to be a really nice community there. Thanks for any help!

I think Little Italy would be a great fit.  You can take the healthline to school really easily and your girlfriend will be close to the heights.  $800 can get you something pretty decent in LI including off street parking.  The neighborhood is very walkable and basically in university circle so there is plenty to do.  To get a nice apartment in Little Italy you will have to search a bit.  Walk around the neighborhood and look for for rent signs.  That is the way most of the landlords advertise.  You might find something on craigslist too. 

I previously asked about Shaker Square but decided I wanted to be more open minded and look at several other neighborhoods. So here is my story again. I will be attending Cleveland State University and my girlfriend will be working in the heights. I can afford about $800 a month, but would prefer something cheaper if possible. Room for one car. I would like to live somewhere with a good sense of community. Niether of us drink really, so bars are not a big deciding factor on where we choose. A fun, active, walkable neighborhood would be at the top of our lists. One of my main concerns is safety, mostly for my girlfriend. If it was just me, things would be different, but I would prefer a neighborhood that would be safe for her to walk in by herself without me having to worry. One neighborhood that is kind of catching my eye is Little Italy. There appears to be a really nice community there. Thanks for any help!

Honey....Why look elsewhere??  You got the neighborhood right the first time!  LOL

 

If not Shaker Square I suggest looking at several of the Cleveland heights neighborhoods.

I know I sound like a "homer," but Little Italy/University Circle seems perfect for you both. 

 

- In between Cleveland Hts and CSU

- FREE Healthline ride away and straight shot to CSU (rta pass built into CSU tuition)

- Inside your price range

- "A fun, active, walkable neighborhood"

 

Some streets outside of pure Little Italy to consider are Hessler Rd and E. 115.

Cedar Fairmount or Little Italy without doubt, especially if bars dont matter.  THose places just have a nice, safe vibe.  If you need a place in LIttle Italy, PM me and i have an exclusive landlord who doesnt really advertise and takes good care of his properties.

 

 

I lived in the Cedar Fairmount neighborhood for about 6 years and loved it.  It's very safe and very walkable.  My rent in a two bedroom was $750 and then it was $625 when I was in a one bedroom (heat included).  I did have to pay for parking.

I don't think you can go wrong with Little Italy or surrounding areas. If you're going to have one car, you're going to CSU and she's going to be working in the Heights, then what others have said above makes the most sense. You take the HealthLine to CSU for free and she takes the car to work in the heights.

 

One tip about apartments, especially older ones in older homes:  check the bathrooms to determine how well the apartment is maintained. Bathrooms are the most difficult rooms in the house to maintain (second only to the kitchen) because of water. They require lots of attention by the landlord and prior tenants. So if either has/had neglected the bathroom, you will be stuck with the inconveniences and unpleasantries. If you REALLY like an apartment but are less than satisfied with the condition of the bathroom, you can make it part of the rental agreement that the landlord repair the bathroom prior to your occupancy. If the landlord is unwilling, keep looking. If the landlord doesn't want your business, how much better do you think his/her maintenance is going to be after he has you under contract?