Brightdreams, if you do look near Shaker Square, I would focus on the so-called "CHALK" neighborhood immediately northeast of the square (Cormere, Haddam, Ardoon, Kemper Roads) which is a particularly nice and safe enclave of [mostly] 1910s/1920s homes, primarily in the City of Cleveland, in the SH school district.  Generally speaking, neighborhood safety declines as you head south and west from Shaker Square, though some of the areas immediately northwest and southeast of the square are also OK.

To Rlucky:

I have read that Euclid does not have good schools... perhaps I am misinformed though?  The problem with all these different Heights is a) they appear to all be their own cities and b) they appear to all disallow bees/chickens.  That is sort of a sticking point for me.  Good schools and chickens.  (Yes you can start calling me the crazy chicken lady now, haha.)

 

Euclid has really neat homes, but I've heard that the city and the schools have gone completely downhill recently.

 

Chagrin falls doesn't seem to specifically allow or disallow chickens... they have an ordinance about getting some sort of special permit for building a coop but it's in with references to building a stable and other animal pens so may only apply to very large lots or special purpose lots.  If someone knows about chickens in Chargin please chime in...

 

I will check out Chesterland/South Russell.  If it's really only 10-15mins into the city that's not too bad.  I have to drive 20mins right now to do any shopping/get what little culture we have so it'd be about the same.  (I live less than 5mins from work right now, which is wonderful but also something I am willing to give up.)

 

Chagrin is a cute town, but it is just that. If you want a lack of diversity but a neat town, Chagrin would be for you (not sure about the chickens tho). The few times I've gone there, I feel out of place.

 

Chesterland is 20 minutes from Beachwood, not Cleveland. I just wanted to clarify that for you as it sounds like the same scenario you're in right now. Depending on how you drove in...that would be another 15-20 to most of Cleveland's attractions.

 

To Whipjacka:

Well... Cleveland allows chickens, it has reasonable housing prices (and cool older homes), it has cultural events and things like museums.  It is also "on the lake".  I hate living in a land locked state without water but buying near a big city on the either coast is pretty cost prohibitive.  I've been to Milwaukee (not the same I know) and liked it and because of the size of the lake it give me the same feeling as an ocean but houses are more expensive there.  I much prefer cold and overcast to hot and dry (hate it here) so the weather is "good" in my opinion.  Also I have some extended family in the area (they live outside of Mansfield but according to them Mansfield has terrible schools and it's also tiny and far away from everything, which isn't ideal for finding a job or for culture, etc).

 

You seem to be very similar to me minus having a family. I moved from Florida and was moving to NYC, but wanted a smaller, CHEAPER area with a lot of the same features.

 

 

UPDATE:

Okay, so Shaker Square looks like it might work.  How far around Shaker Square counts as safe/good?  For instance, there's a house on Keswick Road that looks good but I don't know if that's too far away from Shake Square and considered a "bad area".  From just looking at maps it is hard to tell where one area ends and another beings and which streets are sketchy or not.  I also noticed that some of the houses listed as "Cleveland" near Shaker Square say they are in the Shaker Heights school district... does that sound right?  Isn't Shaker Heights another city?  Or do they let kids from other cities go if they are on the border?  The school district system there is somewhat hard for me to grasp.

I'm amazed how some of the most - and least - desirable areas in the Cleveland metro, if not far beyond, have ended up on the same list of recommendations.  At least some are trying to steer the original poster the right way...

 

Also interesting to see the backhanded "if you like that kind of thing" compliments above from some posters who have different values or needs than some of these areas apparently satisfy, when similar "if you like that sort of thing" about their beloved neighborhoods wouldn't be tolerated for an instant...

I'm amazed how some of the most - and least - desirable areas in the Cleveland metro, if not far beyond, have ended up on the same list of recommendations. 

 

I would not say any of the "least desirable" areas have been recommended.  I certainly haven't seen any recommendations for East Cleveland, Central, or Crocker Park...

dwirthweing, keep in mind that  "desirable" is relative to one's  desires.  If someone expresses interest in old homes, liberal politics and back-yard chickens, that immediately rules out most of suburban Cuyahoga County.  If someone expressed interest in newer homes, proximity to a Cheesecake Factory, etc., people would probably be recommending different options.

 

Brightdreams, if you're up for smaller town/city living, you might also look into Oberlin.  It fits a lot of what you're looking for and as a liberal college town, has a lot going on right there (high quality performing arts, a great museum), but is only about 40 mins or so from central Cleveland.

To  BelievelandD1:

Diversity is good, generally.  As long as they are positive people.  (I grew up in Hawaii which everyone says is melting pot but it's extremely racist there so not the greatest environment for kids.)  My most of my siblings are mixed race and I'd love to somehow convince them to live near me (it's unlikely but, hey, I can dream).  It looks like there are some houses in that area that are for sale now,  I will keep my eye out for the next little bit for pricing/etc and maybe look at a few when we go in the spring/summer next year.

 

To rockandroller:

LoL!

 

To MyTwoSense:

"you have to pay the school taxes"... would you apply to do that?  Or just send a check or...?  I suppose I can worry about it if I actually buy a house there.  That is cool though.  Shaker Heights school and Cleveland chicken laws.  It'd be almost like I was cheating somehow.

 

Wow, it is so awesome that you've lived there so long.  That's really something I'd like.  We moved a lot when i was a kid and it sucked.  I really want to find somewhere that I can just stick.  Ohio seems doable and Cleveland seems nearly perfect.

 

To StrapHanger:

There's nothing on the market right this second in that area but I will keep my eyes peeled.  Is the area north east of the park good?  Or a few blocks south of the square?

 

To jjames0408:

It's probably not quite like where I live... hehe.  The "city" is about 50K people but I think they're counting a few cows too.  The nearest "big" city is over 4hrs away.  So culture here... isn't.

Errrr.... I technically don't have kids yet (maybe I should be saying "my future children?").  I am going to have kids though.  This is part of my 5yr plan.  Moving, kids, etc.  No reason to move somewhere with bad schools only to move again.  (Well, double technically, I am going to be moving from New Mexico to Ohio then going to Japan for a year to teach then going back to Ohio.  That will cover my 1031 exchange as well as my wanting to go to Japan, hehe. But I won't be moving AFTER that and I'll have kids once I get back from Japan.)  And yes, I am an over planner, I know, I know.

 

Haha, actually i was looking at NYC too but it is SOOO expensive.  So is California (where my siblings live).  Ohio is actually just about the same as where I live now, price wise, but much better weather.

 

To StrapHanger:

I will check it out.  The first thing I always check are chicken ordinances, hehe.  Followed by schools, etc.  I am really looking for in-city.  I am willing to make compromises though.  If Mansfield were better I might even consider there... there is a GORGEOUS old school house for sale.  I want it!!!!! I think it would compromise on too many of my criteria though.  However, if I could somehow home school and/or change the atmosphere there it would be soooooo cool.

^Dont go to Mansfield. Nuff said. Not a knock against Mansfielders, but its pretty vanilla down there. some like it, based on what you said you like...it doesnt seem like itd be for you. 

no, no, no, no do not live there.

To BelievelandD1:

LoL, yeah, I got it!  My great aunt said that too.  She suggested Marietta but I think I prefer Cleveland (she doesn't have an issue with Cleveland either).  Marietta is super tiny, which doesn't appeal as much to me.

Sounds like Lakewood has been considering a chicken ordinance (http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/backyardchickens041912.aspx), and by the time you're ready to move, they may adopted one, so I would definitely keep yours eyes on that.  Lakewood might be a great fit, and I think it's a little more affordable than the nicer areas of Cleveland Heights.  Generally speaking, if you see a house below $100K in Cleveland Heights it means either the house needs a lot of work or that particular neighborhood isn't so great.  If you're willing to put in a lot of work into a house yourself, finding a fixer-upper in a good Cleveland Heights neighborhood might be a good way to go.

 

As for Shaker Square, when you say "the park" do you mean the square itself?  Or do you mean the larger park system with ponds northeast of Shaker Square?  Just want to be sure we're talking about the same thing.  I know there will be differences of opinions here, but I would be most happy living north of Shaker Blvd and east of North Moreland Blvd (which includes the CHALK neighborhood).  South of Shaker Square east of South Moreland Blvd is OK, but east of Van Aken is even better (there's a little piece of City of Cleveland that extends east of Van Aken near the Square).  I would avoid the neighborhood southwest of the Square, which doesn't have very many single family homes anyhow.  And northwest of the square, I think the first few numbered streets (E130th, East 128th) are OK, but not great, and further west you go the worse it gets (and it gets pretty darn bad).  For schools, you'd probably want to be sure any place you look at around here is in the Shaker Heights school district though.  The boundary overlaps are a little tricky.

To StrapHanger:

I mean the thing that shows up green with ponds that is sort of long an snaky and sits above Shaker Square... so a real park?  I don't know the name.  2583 Ashton and 2593 s Taylor are the street names/numbers of current listings.

I will keep my eye on Lakewood.  I realize things can change in the amount of time before I move.  I just want to know where to check out closer when I go visit since I know I won't get to see everything (and I'll have to take time to go visit family too). 

^Ah got it.  Yup, it's a real park, and a really nice one, with jogging/biking trails, ponds, an excellent Nature Center, bridges, etc.  It's the dividing line between Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights around there.  I should let others with greater familiarity with Cleveland Heights weigh in, but I think the areas immediately north of the parkways there (including Ashton Road) are probably pretty nice. 

To StrapHanger:

Ooooo!  That sounds wonderful!  I am also a dog person and I am sure my dog would love a new (and bigger) park.  (I'm also a cat but for some reason he doesn't like being on a leash... hehe.)

 

On a totally different note, is it hard to meet people and make friends in Cleveland?  I've found it hard here, mostly because everything social seems to be church related.  I'm 29 now so I'll be 30-something when I move/live there if that helps.

The only negative I have about the Shaker Square area is the property taxes are higher than anywhere else in the area. Not outrageous, but higher, so something to keep in mind when comparing prices there to prices elsewhere.

Yes Ashton is a great area (and surprisingly affordable).  Probably the most affordable within walking distance of the lakes (which is a fabulous amenity btw).  Taylor itself it depends how far north but a much busier street that Ashton.

 

Anything near Fairmount is really pretty nice (and the closer to Fairmount the better).

 

We just bought a place on the south side of the lakes and our first weekend we spent there we had deer, geese, turtles, a fox and even suposedly turkeys come through our yard.  Who needs Chagin Falls or South Russell for bucolic serenity, its right here in the city!       

       

In case this thread hasn't already said it, no, it's not hard to make friends here! You've already got a group of them, right here. :)

To Keith:

What is "higher"?  I think it should be okay if I can buy a house with little or no loan on it.  I will definitely keep that in mind though.

 

To willyboy:

Which "lakes"?  And that sounds really cool. I love wildlife and wildlife watching.

 

To rockandroller:

Awwww! That is so sweet!  Thank you =)

IRL I am slightly shy, however I fake outgoing pretty well.

BD, this is all the Shaker Lakes Park that Im talking about as well as what was mentioned above (below) that is so freaking nice, and the beautiful mansions along these areas arent so bad either! 

 

"I mean the thing that shows up green with ponds that is sort of long an snaky and sits above Shaker Square"

 

"Yup, it's a real park, and a really nice one, with jogging/biking trails, ponds, an excellent Nature Center, bridges, etc.  It's the dividing line between Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights around there."

 

I am the opposite of shy, but I fake shy and quiet all day long at my job here in corporate america. I am also one of the few females on the board.

Wow, it is so awesome that you've lived there so long.  That's really something I'd like.  We moved a lot when i was a kid and it sucked.  I really want to find somewhere that I can just stick.  Ohio seems doable and Cleveland seems nearly perfect.

 

Interesting you should say that, and find that a positive. There are some in NE Ohio (or visitors to it) who view that families have lived here for decades -- if not centuries! -- as a negative. The reason? Entrenched viewpoints. That sometimes prevents innovative thinking or a willingness to embrace new ways of doing things. This area is also VERY friendly. People say hello to you on the street, hold doors open for you, let ladies have seats on crowded trains/buses, and wish you a good day when leaving stores (even the imposing big-box stores). But those same people may not be so eager to include you in their circle of friends, many of whom they've known since high school or earlier. Not everyone is like this of course, but if you don't get included into a circle of friends right away, that's why.

 

That being said, if you want to experience the depths of the roots some families have in NE Ohio, go to:

> West Side Market, and know that some of those family-run vendor stalls have been there since before the current market building opened in 1912. And the previous West Side Market stood across the street for 70 years BEFORE that!

> Balaton on Shaker Square. This Hungarian family has been running that restaurant for 50 years.

> Sokolowski's in Tremont. This Polish family has been running that restaurant for 90 years.

> Guarino's in Little Italy. This Italian restaurant has been run by the same family for 95 years.

> Otto Moser's on Playhouse Square has had only two addresses and three owners since it first opened in 120 years ago.

 

There's many more family-run restaurants that have had shorter histories, but no less a commitment to Greater Cleveland. I'm sure you'll feel how deep the roots extend here in this area.

To rockandroller:

Well, you can add me as one of females (in case that wasn't evident, haha).  Right now I work in a super social job.  I work at a school for at-risk youth in the dorm facility "teaching" independent living.  There are some days I really wish I just had an office job where I could shut the door for 30mins to finish paperwork and sit quietly without someone saying "Miss can you..."  It can be really really rewarding though and it pays well and it's 3mins from my house so it's not all bad.

 

To willyboy:

They have deer and turkey and foxes THERE???  Whoa!  Maybe I understand the ordinances about not hunting within city limits now, haha! I thought it was a crazy carryover law.

 

To KJP:

Well, I guess it can have its downside... however I do think it's really neat.  I would love to have that; live somewhere forever and ever and know everyone and have my (future) kids grow up and know everyone and so on.  I do know what you mean about being unwilling to change, I lived in a little farm town in CA that was very similar with lots of old money and old families and they didn't like change at all.  Heck, when I was little they were still doing Black Peter (which would probably be terribly un-PC now but was very very fun when I was 3-5).  My grandparents still live there and like it.  I like some of the community feel but don't like how tiny it is (no museums, music, etc) and they're also by and large very racist (my sister is still living there, long story, and people call her names when she is out walking).

Yes, I picked up on that with something you said above, that's why I offered it up. :)

BD,

 

one more note.  This is another fact, if you buy new construction within the city of Cleveland, you are eligible for a 15 year property tax abatement.  Some like the charm and character of the older homes, and thats there thing.  Others like the sleek,modern designs of new construction.  Take this for example.  Waverly Station:  http://waverlystationtownhouses.com/  This is right in the epicenter of the extremely green community that was noted earlier.  Its brand new with rooftop decks and dramatic views of the city and lake.  The cons are that you wont have space for chickens, BUT, there are so many community gardens in the area and many are moving towards community coops within their gardens.  Of course, if you want them all to yourself then this wouldnt work.  But its at least a thought for you to consider new construction.  Waverly Station start as low as 169 i believe.  Put 85K down into that, with not tax and your monthly payment is peanuts.

To  BelievelandD1:

Diversity is good, generally.  As long as they are positive people.  (I grew up in Hawaii which everyone says is melting pot but it's extremely racist there so not the greatest environment for kids.)  My most of my siblings are mixed race and I'd love to somehow convince them to live near me (it's unlikely but, hey, I can dream).  It looks like there are some houses in that area that are for sale now,  I will keep my eye out for the next little bit for pricing/etc and maybe look at a few when we go in the spring/summer next year.

 

To rockandroller:

LoL!

 

To MyTwoSense:

"you have to pay the school taxes"... would you apply to do that?  Or just send a check or...?  I suppose I can worry about it if I actually buy a house there.  That is cool though.  Shaker Heights school and Cleveland chicken laws.  It'd be almost like I was cheating somehow.

 

Wow, it is so awesome that you've lived there so long.  That's really something I'd like.  We moved a lot when i was a kid and it sucked.  I really want to find somewhere that I can just stick.  Ohio seems doable and Cleveland seems nearly perfect.

 

To StrapHanger:

There's nothing on the market right this second in that area but I will keep my eyes peeled.  Is the area north east of the park good?  Or a few blocks south of the square?

 

To jjames0408:

It's probably not quite like where I live... hehe.  The "city" is about 50K people but I think they're counting a few cows too.  The nearest "big" city is over 4hrs away.  So culture here... isn't.

Errrr.... I technically don't have kids yet (maybe I should be saying "my future children?").  I am going to have kids though.  This is part of my 5yr plan.  Moving, kids, etc.  No reason to move somewhere with bad schools only to move again.  (Well, double technically, I am going to be moving from New Mexico to Ohio then going to Japan for a year to teach then going back to Ohio.  That will cover my 1031 exchange as well as my wanting to go to Japan, hehe. But I won't be moving AFTER that and I'll have kids once I get back from Japan.)  And yes, I am an over planner, I know, I know.

 

Haha, actually i was looking at NYC too but it is SOOO expensive.  So is California (where my siblings live).  Ohio is actually just about the same as where I live now, price wise, but much better weather.

 

 

If you decided to move into the Shaker Square area and have school age children.  If you're a home owner of a certain city/school district, you don't pay to send your children to school, it's taken out of your taxes. Upon registration/enrollment, you'll be informed upon how much it will cost you to send your child/children to shaker city schools.    However, since you would be a resident of Cleveland, you'll need to pay the school tax amount for your child/children to attend shaker school. 

The only negative I have about the Shaker Square area is the property taxes are higher than anywhere else in the area. Not outrageous, but higher, so something to keep in mind when comparing prices there to prices elsewhere.

Thats because the property is better! HA! 

Yes Ashton is a great area (and surprisingly affordable).  Probably the most affordable within walking distance of the lakes (which is a fabulous amenity btw).  Taylor itself it depends how far north but a much busier street that Ashton.

 

Anything near Fairmount is really pretty nice (and the closer to Fairmount the better).

 

We just bought a place on the south side of the lakes and our first weekend we spent there we had deer, geese, turtles, a fox and even suposedly turkeys come through our yard.  Who needs Chagin Falls or South Russell for bucolic serenity, its right here in the city!       

       

Just wait until you get woodchucks and have to pick up geese sh*t!  We get turkey's, chipmunks, rabbits, skunks and ducks and in spring watch for garden snakes.

 

Wow, it is so awesome that you've lived there so long.  That's really something I'd like.  We moved a lot when i was a kid and it sucked.  I really want to find somewhere that I can just stick.  Ohio seems doable and Cleveland seems nearly perfect.

 

Interesting you should say that, and find that a positive. There are some in NE Ohio (or visitors to it) who view that families have lived here for decades -- if not centuries! -- as a negative. The reason? Entrenched viewpoints. That sometimes prevents innovative thinking or a willingness to embrace new ways of doing things. This area is also VERY friendly. People say hello to you on the street, hold doors open for you, let ladies have seats on crowded trains/buses, and wish you a good day when leaving stores (even the imposing big-box stores). But those same people may not be so eager to include you in their circle of friends, many of whom they've known since high school or earlier. Not everyone is like this of course, but if you don't get included into a circle of friends right away, that's why.

 

 

I see a subliminal message in this post. ;)

 

To BelievelandD1:

I'll think about it.  I think I'm one of those people whose "thing" is old houses though, haha.  I work a "regular" job right now but also buy and renovate older homes for extra income.  And I probably won't be doing owner occupied for the first year so that I can do a 1031 exchange with my rental properties.  It's awhile away though so you never know!

 

To  MyTwoSense:

You don't just hose off the goose leavings?  That what we did when we had ducks in Hawaii (pets, not wild, but they do the same thing).  I like snakes just fine, I used to have one as a pet but I decided it would be too traumatic to try to move her from CA to NM.  My turtle came with me though. And he'll probably come with me to OH too... I love my cat and dog but my turtle is the neatest pet (also he will live at least as long, if not longer, than my cat and dog).  And I think woodchucks, chipmunks and even skunks are cool.  As long as you don't corner them and you have a locking trash can skunks are kinda cute.

 

Is there a website where I can easily look up the taxes for different areas in Cleveland?  I think if I buy a house without a loan even high taxes shouldn't be that bad.  Also, is the rental market strong in Cleveland or is it mostly owner occupieds?  Or does it depend on the area?

 

To rockandroller:

Do you know if the daycares in the Shaker Heights/Shaker Square area are good?  (I know it depends on which one a a lot, even more than schools.)  Is it hard to find good chlldcare in Cleveland?  I ask you since you mentioned that you have a 3yo. 

Oh, and my dad used to take me to a Unitarian Universalist church when I was little sometimes, it was neat.  I don't know that it gave me much of an idea about different religions (since they didn't explain different religions, they just had a sermon like any other church) but it was a good experience.  I liked it better than my grandfather's 7th Day Adventist church.  I've actually been to lots of different churches (Church of Laterday Saints, New Hope, a Hongwanji, one of the Christian mega-churches, 7th Day, UU...) and I think I liked the Unitarian Universalist the best, though the others were interesting as well.

Is there a website where I can easily look up the taxes for different areas in Cleveland?  I think if I buy a house without a loan even high taxes shouldn't be that bad.  Also, is the rental market strong in Cleveland or is it mostly owner occupieds?  Or does it depend on the area?

 

Property tax rates by community:

http://treasurer.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/community-tax-rates.aspx

 

Income tax rates by community (from the city of Pepper Pike, which is why it's highlighted):

http://tinyurl.com/9to9jkb

 

The rental market is very strong, as housing sales are still sluggish. Houses just aren't selling as its still difficult to get credit. If you (or anyone) has the means to buy houses around the booming University Circle area (including just into some of the troubled areas around UC) and you fix them up and rent them out to meds-n-eds, give them a choice for 6/12-month rental agreements or a rent-to-own contract, I think you'd get a lot of interest.

 

Oh, and my dad used to take me to a Unitarian Universalist church when I was little sometimes, it was neat.  I don't know that it gave me much of an idea about different religions (since they didn't explain different religions, they just had a sermon like any other church) but it was a good experience.  I liked it better than my grandfather's 7th Day Adventist church.  I've actually been to lots of different churches (Church of Laterday Saints, New Hope, a Hongwanji, one of the Christian mega-churches, 7th Day, UU...) and I think I liked the Unitarian Universalist the best, though the others were interesting as well.

 

There is a pretty good-sized Unitarian Church in Shaker Heights on Shaker Boulevard, at the Belvior Green Line stop. My family went there when I was a kid in the 1970s.

I really don't have any visibility on daycares in that area, but I have a strong network of Moms who are located all over NE ohio and when it comes time for you to move, I can talk to them to get specific suggestions on whatever area you end up in. Good childcare in cleveland is plentiful. A lot of childcare for children from infants to preschool age is under the table care run out of people's homes. These providers can very a LOT and because they are not certified by the county or above the board in terms of the law, you can't do things like claim your expenses for their care on your taxes as dependent care.  It was because of that that we chose to find a home provider who was certified by the county, and we were glad we did as she did things by the book and was more trustworthy in our opinion. Many home providers have their own children and we were always concerned about our child being second choice in case of an emergency or something because of it. And most had dogs, and we didn't want our infant/small toddler around dogs because he is pretty wild. We only moved our son to a formal preschool this past March.

And I think woodchucks, chipmunks and even skunks are cool.  As long as you don't corner them and you have a locking trash can skunks are kinda cute.

 

Skunks are another selling point for coming to Ohio!

 

http://www.skunkhaven.net/SkunkFest.htm

To BelievelandD1:

I'll think about it.  I think I'm one of those people whose "thing" is old houses though, haha.  I work a "regular" job right now but also buy and renovate older homes for extra income.  And I probably won't be doing owner occupied for the first year so that I can do a 1031 exchange with my rental properties.  It's awhile away though so you never know!

 

To  MyTwoSense:

You don't just hose off the goose leavings?  That what we did when we had ducks in Hawaii (pets, not wild, but they do the same thing).  I like snakes just fine, I used to have one as a pet but I decided it would be too traumatic to try to move her from CA to NM.  My turtle came with me though. And he'll probably come with me to OH too... I love my cat and dog but my turtle is the neatest pet (also he will live at least as long, if not longer, than my cat and dog).  And I think woodchucks, chipmunks and even skunks are cool.  As long as you don't corner them and you have a locking trash can skunks are kinda cute.

 

Is there a website where I can easily look up the taxes for different areas in Cleveland?  I think if I buy a house without a loan even high taxes shouldn't be that bad.  Also, is the rental market strong in Cleveland or is it mostly owner occupieds?  Or does it depend on the area?

 

To rockandroller:

Do you know if the daycares in the Shaker Heights/Shaker Square area are good?  (I know it depends on which one a a lot, even more than schools.)  Is it hard to find good chlldcare in Cleveland?  I ask you since you mentioned that you have a 3yo. 

Oh, and my dad used to take me to a Unitarian Universalist church when I was little sometimes, it was neat.  I don't know that it gave me much of an idea about different religions (since they didn't explain different religions, they just had a sermon like any other church) but it was a good experience.  I liked it better than my grandfather's 7th Day Adventist church.  I've actually been to lots of different churches (Church of Laterday Saints, New Hope, a Hongwanji, one of the Christian mega-churches, 7th Day, UU...) and I think I liked the Unitarian Universalist the best, though the others were interesting as well.

There are flocks of Geese during migration.  It's everywhere around the Shaker Lakes. Goose poop is the worse, especially since its hard to see in the grass.  In addition, there are the evil swans. 

Man, I was so confused when I opened this thread and all I saw was a discussion about chicken ordinances!  Makes so much more sense after I read the whole thing!  I have no wisdom to impart about urban farming, but as one of the other token females on UO, I just wanted to say hi and welcome!

I was in the Downtown CVS, and amongst all the celebrity gossip magazines at the check out counter, they had issues of "Chicken" magazine.  I wouldn't think that chickens would be the kind of thing one would get a periodical about, but I guess there must be a market for it.

I was at a couchsurfing event this weekend and two of the couples there had chickens and were looking to possibly start a chicken share.  I found that very interesting.  They live in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood near Gordon Square. It is exciting how "normal" urban farming is becoming around here.

I'm guessing the "chicken" magazine was about cooking it, not raising them.

No, it was about raising them.  It advertised articles on once a year coop cleaning tips, and raising your own Thanksgiving turkey, so it seems to cover other fowl, as well.

Wow! Awesome!

 

 

They were actually soft-core chicken porn.......

LoL you guys!  I like the other "options" for what a chicken magazine might be about, haha.

 

 

To surfohio

That is neat!  I've actually heard of people having them de-gladed and keeping them as pets.  I wouldn't go that far but they are cute.

 

To MyTwoSense:

We have seasonal geese here too.  I dunno, I guess since I've owned ducks and chickens and such the poo doesn't bother me that much.  It's a LOT smaller and easier to wipe off than anything a dog makes.  But I can see how it could be an issue for some.  I guess since I've lived sort of the semi-urban farm life before I am fairly immune to the things that come with having animals around.  Actually, until I moved to New Mexico I hadn't been around a feed lot and never understood why people complained about cow-smell, not that normal dairies don't smell like cows but it's a totally different smell.  Happy cows really do live in California... because sad cows live in New Mexico =(

 

To doctabroccoli

Hehe, yeah, I suppose it would be confusing!  It's a big consideration for me though.  And it's nice to meet you!

 

To jjames0408:

I am not familiar with the terminology... chicken "share"?  How is it supposed to work?  That is cool though!  Actually, I just found out that Ohio has its own breed of chickens... the Buckeye!  Haha!  I don't know if I'll pick that breed for my chickies but it's still interesting.

 

 

The more I look into Ohio and Cleveland the more excited I am about moving!  I have been window shopping for houses and love what I see.  I can't wait!  2014 is starting to seem soooo far away!

LoL you guys!  I like the other "options" for what a chicken magazine might be about, haha.

 

 

To surfohio

That is neat!  I've actually heard of people having them de-gladed and keeping them as pets.  I wouldn't go that far but they are cute.

 

To MyTwoSense:

We have seasonal geese here too.  I dunno, I guess since I've owned ducks and chickens and such the poo doesn't bother me that much.  It's a LOT smaller and easier to wipe off than anything a dog makes.  But I can see how it could be an issue for some.  I guess since I've lived sort of the semi-urban farm life before I am fairly immune to the things that come with having animals around.  Actually, until I moved to New Mexico I hadn't been around a feed lot and never understood why people complained about cow-smell, not that normal dairies don't smell like cows but it's a totally different smell.  Happy cows really do live in California... because sad cows live in New Mexico =(

 

To doctabroccoli

Hehe, yeah, I suppose it would be confusing!  It's a big consideration for me though.  And it's nice to meet you!

 

To jjames0408:

I am not familiar with the terminology... chicken "share"?  How is it supposed to work?  That is cool though!  Actually, I just found out that Ohio has its own breed of chickens... the Buckeye!  Haha!  I don't know if I'll pick that breed for my chickies but it's still interesting.

 

 

The more I look into Ohio and Cleveland the more excited I am about moving!  I have been window shopping for houses and love what I see.  I can't wait!  2014 is starting to seem soooo far away!

The Shaker Lakes is in a residential neighborhood.  Many people actually have to go out and prode them off their property.  They also congregate on the golf course.  I lived through the annual shitopolis for 20+ years.  It aint cute!

The Shaker Lakes is in a residential neighborhood.  Many people actually have to go out and prode them off their property.  They also congregate on the golf course.  I lived through the annual sh!topolis for 20+ years.  It aint cute!

 

I guess it's all perspective.  When I was growing up in Hawaii we had a patio between our house and our garage (roofed but not enclosed) and our chickens and ducks used to go out there and hang out all the time.  (We fed them kitchen scraps and we kids weren't supposed to feed them on the patio but we didn't always mind well).  We just hosed it off.  The Canada geese here in NM hang out on the golf course too... I think it's cute.  I also used to live in front of a slew in CA and we had TONS of geese that lived back there, I loved to watch them and hear them honk when they flew over my house.I think I'm more immune to animals/dirt/etc than most.  If you CAN clean it then it's not a big deal.  I wonder if geese would come to my house (when I move to Ohio) if I built a little pond... I am thinking about doing ducks in addition to chickens since I just found out they have breeds especially for laying.  So I might end up dealing with an er... something-opolis of my own.  Maybe it'll be different when I move there though.  Ask me when I've lived there 20yrs, hehe.

 

Oh, and I don't golf... so it's just another park to me, hehe.  Actually, I'm not really a sports person at all  :::hides:::

 

 

Brightdreams, please understand that MyTwoSense wouldn't dare get dirt under his fingernails, leave the condo without making sure he is fully  moussed and waxed, and wear only the finest name-brand clothes that money can buy -- once. I'm pretty sure he gives away or burns everything he's worn because he's certain that style will be out of date by next week.

 

So the thought of stepping in goose poop is absolutely abhorrent to his soul. In fact, I suspect having to walk in grass or anywhere there isn't pavement makes him uncomfortable!

LOL LOL. TRUTH!

Brightdreams, please understand that MyTwoSense wouldn't dare get dirt under his fingernails, leave the condo without making sure he is fully  moussed and waxed, and wear only the finest name-brand clothes that money can buy -- once. I'm pretty sure he gives away or burns everything he's worn because he's certain that style will be out of date by next week.

 

So the thought of stepping in goose poop is absolutely abhorrent to his soul. In fact, I suspect having to walk in grass or anywhere there isn't pavement makes him uncomfortable!

 

 

 

LOL LOL. TRUTH!

 

Tsk..tsk..tsk.  Brightdreams, KJP and Rockandroller are prime examples of the type (angry, bitter, working class with no style or taste) of people that reside on the Cleveland's westside.  They are little people with wretched lives dressed in garments that are no longer in style. 

 

 

Brightdreams......Move here....

 

 

....and avoid be associated with unkept angry 47%'ers dress in ill fitting garments!

 

 

Brightdreams, please understand that MyTwoSense wouldn't dare get dirt under his fingernails, leave the condo without making sure he is fully  moussed and waxed, and wear only the finest name-brand clothes that money can buy -- once. I'm pretty sure he gives away or burns everything he's worn because he's certain that style will be out of date by next week.

 

So the thought of stepping in goose poop is absolutely abhorrent to his soul. In fact, I suspect having to walk in grass or anywhere there isn't pavement makes him uncomfortable!

 

 

 

LOL LOL. TRUTH!

 

Tsk..tsk..tsk.  Brightdreams, KJP and Rockandroller are prime examples of the type (angry, bitter, working class with no style or taste) of people that reside on the Cleveland's westside.  They are little people with wretched lives dressed in garments that are no longer in style. 

 

 

Brightdreams......Move here....

 

 

....and avoid be associated with unkept angry 47%'ers dress in ill fitting garments!

 

 

 

 

I feel like such a victim -- just another Fabulous Forty-Seven-Percenter!

To KPL and Rockandroller:

Haha!  Well, hopefully he doesn't mind me mucking up the board (or in the future, his neighborhood!) with my talk of messy chickens and old houses!

And what is a "Forty-Seven-Percenter"?

 

To MyTwoSense:

:::looks at favorite ill-fitting clothes::: This could be a problem... hehe!  I don't know about the mousse and clothing comment, but at least you have a good sense of humor =)

 

Shaker Square (or the area around it) is looking rather good though.  I wish I had all my ducks in a row (pun intended) to move now since there is a nice fixer-upper that seems perfect (in Shaker Square area and listed as Cleveland but part of the Shaker Heights school district).  Oh well, I will continue to window shop and drool over lovely houses!

 

 

 

I take it there is some divide between westsiders and eastsiders?  Or at least old families/neighborhoods and new?

To KPL and Rockandroller:

Haha!  Well, hopefully he doesn't mind me mucking up the board (or in the future, his neighborhood!) with my talk of messy chickens and old houses!

And what is a "Forty-Seven-Percenter"?

 

 

Wow, you must live in such a conservative city that they censored news coverage of the presidential race (have they blocked out CNN, MSNBC and even Fox News which has covered this revealing look at the far-right's masterplan for us?). Since this thread is about your relocation, let me direct you to this thread starting with this message:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,27401.msg641096.html#msg641096

 

OK, back to the topic at hand here.

To KJP:

Oh, duh!  For some reason I was thinking 47% of Cleveland... like maybe the "westside" was 47% of population of the city.  Was not thinking about politics at all.  Although, I have to admit I am out of the loop.  I work nights and am in school full time right now so I miss out on a lot of TV watching or reading for anything outside of class.

 

On a moving related topic... it snows a lot (comparatively) in Cleveland and I see lots of houses with detached garages.  It seems like that would be really inconvenient.  Or maybe I am over thinking it?

Books could be written about Cleveland's east-west divide.  First of all, there's sort of a canyon between them physically, so that adds to cultural split.  Historically speaking, the east side developed first and most of the "old money" areas are there.  Note that these areas are mostly in Shaker and Cleveland Heights, rather than the city proper.  Meanwhile, for a good chunk of the 20th century, the west side of the city was off-limits to blacks.  Not officially of course. 

 

These two phemomena combined have resulted in a west side that's relatively diverse and middle-class... and an east side beset with poverty, at the foot of a plateau where all the wealth is.  This high degree of economic segregation has made it difficult to redevelop the east side, even though it contains most of the city's jobs and attractions.  Desirable areas of the east side tend to have higher rents than their equivalents on the west side, because they're closer to the action and far more limited in capacity.

 

Re: detatched garages, they're common throughout this part of the country in pre-1950 neighborhoods.  They were built for a lifestyle involving robust train systems, which no longer exist.

To 327:

That's very interesting!  I love history but don't know much about Ohio or Cleveland.  So, would you say that the eastside of the "city proper" is going uphill, maintaining, or going downhill?  I know that I've read a few threads on renewal projects for the University Circle area (which is part of the reason I originally picked it).    I am hoping if I can get some houses for a reasonable price (and rent them reasonably) I can do well in either University Circle or Shaker Square (though I might choose Shaker over University for the schools if I can get a house that is in Cleveland but in the Shaker Heights school district).  My parents did well in real estate so I'm hoping to mimic them to a small degree.  Picking a city so far away from where I currently live makes checking out the market a bit hard though.

 

Do you think that the Shaker Square area does well in the area of diversity?  As I think I stated before, my siblings are mixed race and I want somewhere they would feel comfortable visiting for extended periods.

 

They have detached garages here too... but they're a carryover from when they were carriage houses I believe.  However, since it doesn't snow frequently, deeply, or lastingly it doesn't matter much (everyone had a fit last year when we had 5-8" that lasted about 5 days).  I was more thinking of several months of trudging through the snow to get to my car in the garage, then even more time shoveling out snow in an extra long driveway, and long trudges back with groceries or similar.  I like snow but it seems like that is somewhat of a design flaw... wouldn't an attached garage be more convenient?