Hi there,

 

My fiancé and I will be moving to Cleveland this August. He will be starting a job at Cleveland Clinic and we are beginning to focus on getting to know the Cleveland area and what areas would be best to live. We're in our late twenties/early thirties and would have to say our first priority in looking for a loft/apartment would be SAFETY. I'm coming from Chicago and he is coming from Boston and we both live in pretty safe and secure areas at the moment. We hear that Cleveland can be pretty dangerous and want to make sure we move into an area where we can take long walks during the summer nights, walking distance from restaurants/bars/etc. We'd like private parking that is secured. Price is not the biggest concern. Our max that we would like to spend on renting per month is $3,000 and feel that would be plenty for Cleveland. It also doesn't necessarily mean we'd like to reach that max but if the place is right, we'd be open to it. We'd prefer to find a luxury loft but are open to nice apartments too, as long as the area is safe.

 

Any suggestions would be great. I keep hearing and reading a lot about cars getting broken into, people getting mugged, etc. but I do believe that it can't be THAT bad everywhere. :wtf: We visited Cleveland a few months ago and we both actually liked the city and we do look forward to exploring it more. I've read some old threads dealing with the same topic but some are over 5 years old so I wanted to get the most updated areas that Clevelanders would recommend for us to look at. I know we're supposed to stay out of the east side, but I was wondering how far is the west side from there? Is it walking distance between the two? Are there areas in the east side that are safe (since that's closer to the clinic) or would it be better to just stay on the west side. I would love any advice or tips that anyone would like to share.

 

I will say that we enjoyed the Warehouse District a lot, but wonder if it will be too noisy all the time? I'm also reading that Lakewood seems to be a nice area? Is it a neighborhood type where we can go for strolls and walking distant to restaurants and shops?

 

Any comments/advice you would like to share would be greatly appreciated as we both know nothing about Cleveland.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

- L

 

 

Hi there,

 

My fiancé and I will be moving to Cleveland this August. He will be starting a job at Cleveland Clinic and we are beginning to focus on getting to know the Cleveland area and what areas would be best to live. We're in our late twenties/early thirties and would have to say our first priority in looking for a loft/apartment would be SAFETY. I'm coming from Chicago and he is coming from Boston and we both live in pretty safe and secure areas at the moment. We hear that Cleveland can be pretty dangerous and want to make sure we move into an area where we can take long walks during the summer nights, walking distance from restaurants/bars/etc. We'd like private parking that is secured. Price is not the biggest concern. Our max that we would like to spend on renting per month is $3,000 and feel that would be plenty for Cleveland. It also doesn't necessarily mean we'd like to reach that max but if the place is right, we'd be open to it. We'd prefer to find a luxury loft but are open to nice apartments too, as long as the area is safe.

 

Any suggestions would be great. I keep hearing and reading a lot about cars getting broken into, people getting mugged, etc. but I do believe that it can't be THAT bad everywhere. :wtf: We visited Cleveland a few months ago and we both actually liked the city and we do look forward to exploring it more. I've read some old threads dealing with the same topic but some are over 5 years old so I wanted to get the most updated areas that Clevelanders would recommend for us to look at. I know we're supposed to stay out of the east side, but I was wondering how far is the west side from there? Is it walking distance between the two? Are there areas in the east side that are safe (since that's closer to the clinic) or would it be better to just stay on the west side. I would love any advice or tips that anyone would like to share.

 

I will say that we enjoyed the Warehouse District a lot, but wonder if it will be too noisy all the time? I'm also reading that Lakewood seems to be a nice area? Is it a neighborhood type where we can go for strolls and walking distant to restaurants and shops?

 

Any comments/advice you would like to share would be greatly appreciated as we both know nothing about Cleveland.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

- L

 

 

 

Welcome!

 

First if you're from Chicago, then with some common sense, you've be very safe in Cleveland.  The two cities culture are very, very similar.

 

Now who exactly are you hearing these "comments" from?  Are these people who actually live within the borders of the city of Cleveland?  You've come here, a place that embraces urban living and a place where people live and work in the city and are experts in their neighborhoods. 

 

I would suggest living on the Eastside, but to give you better options, what neighborhood do you live in Chicago and where in Boston does the future hubby reside?

Just to start I think that University Circle and Little Italy could be great option for you. Or Cedar Fairmount in Cleveland Heights. Not sure if you will find loft there but you should be able to find several nice apartments. These areas are all on the east side, close to the Cleveland Clinic, and are safe, active, and full of things to do.

 

Lakewood is probably a 20 minute drive away from the Clinic.

 

 

Also not sure if how many units are available if any but you might be interested in checking out the Uptown apartments.

 

http://uptowncleveland.com/

That price range offers you quite the flexibility. I live downtown and love it and would recommend. The warehouse district is not really that noisy. Apartment selection is critical though. For example, the Bingham is quite noisy if you don't have a corner unit. The Avenue district was to be a condo building around 10 blocks east of Warehouse district. You can get a 2,000 square foot penthouse unit for $3,000 a month. Personally, I have a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom in the Gateway district for less than a thousand per month plus parking. I've never once had an issue with mugging, feeling unsafe or break-ins. The lofts at Rosetta are starting to lease currently and there are many other places coming online within the next few months (Hazel 8 in University Circle for example). Lakewood is very nice and safe as well and can find some nice apartments in a high-rise building on the lake for no more than $1,500 per month. Agree with the above posters that you are in the right place and in more than capable hands.

Cleveland's east side has its challenged and challenging communities to be sure, but I wouldn't paint it with a broad stroke as being in total the worst place you could possibly be in NE Ohio. As others have pointed out, University Circle itself, along with Little Italy, is growing and improving with each passing day. Cleveland Heights nearby is also quite safe.

 

Lakewood on the west side is often likened to Cleveland Heights and has a similar youthful and progressive vibe, with no shortage of bars, local restaurants and entertainment. But of course, there is the commute. Even Downtown Cleveland itself has come along quite a ways over the past decade, and within the past five years in particular.

 

As others have said, if you lived in Chicago, finding your way around Cleveland should be no problem. Bring your street smarts with you.

 

 

Welcome!

 

First if you're from Chicago, then with some common sense, you've be very safe in Cleveland.  The two cities culture are very, very similar.

 

Now who exactly are you hearing these "comments" from?  Are these people who actually live within the borders of the city of Cleveland?  You've come here, a place that embraces urban living and a place where people live and work in the city and are experts in their neighborhoods. 

 

I would suggest living on the Eastside, but to give you better options, what neighborhood do you live in Chicago and where in Boston does the future hubby reside?

 

 

 

Thank you!

 

I admit that Chicago has A LOT of violence and it has its very bad neighborhoods but in my 28 years I have never seen them because they are far from the downtown area, which is very big in Chicago. You're completely safe downtown and pretty much most of the surrounding suburbs of the city. Most of the heavy violence is in isolated areas. I'm hearing from people both in person and online sites that areas in/near downtown Cleveland and surrounding areas can be dangerous, which is what concerns me. If you live in downtown Chicago, you are no where near drugs, gang violence, gun shots, etc. (not assuming that you are in downtown Cleveland, I'm merely stating how it is in Chicago). I'm sorry, I should have been more specific that I live in the city (the Gold Coast) and my fiancé lives in Fenway, right by Fenway Park.

 

I know people tend to exaggerate things which is why I wanted to seek out Clevelanders and get the real scoop on whether it's as "bad" as it sounds or if people are blowing things out of proportions. As I stated earlier, my fiancé and I liked Cleveland when we visited. We were expecting something different because of things we've heard, but it was a beautiful city and we are looking forward to checking out the arts, museums, and restaurants there. There seems to be a lot of culture in this city and we're excited to explore it all. We just want to make sure we pick a nice, safe area to live. Especially because our families live in Michigan and Chicago and will be visiting often. We want to show them what a great city Cleveland is. :)

Thank you to all the replies so far! It's very nice to hear that you guys are living in the city, are happy, and feel safe. Also glad to hear that there are some areas on the east side that are nice to live in. We'll have to look into all those areas that were mentioned.

 

And yes, I'll def remember to bring my street smarts with me.  :wink:

When you visited here, what parts of the city did you explore? Did you stay downtown?

Hello, I would say our downtown is safe and I feel comfortable walking for the entertainment districts (east 4, playhouse, warehouse,  public square). At night certain parts of downtowns desolate and you would feel uncomfortable but then again you wouldn't be there unless you are lost, so no need to worry about that.

 

I live on the near west side and its outstanding.  You sound like a great candidate for the tremont lofts.  You are the first person that I have recommended there because nobody else says they can spend 3 grr a month.  I would check those out.  Tremont and Detroit shore way are definitely worth your time. 

 

I would also recommend battery park.  High end slick condos, you won't pay anywhere near 3 g per month.  We have several clinic ppl in our neighborhood.  It's one of the only lakefront communities in the city. Great bars, restaurants, theatre, miles of walks in the park and on the beach. Check it out and personal message me if you need to. I live in Battery Park and was one the best decisions my wife and I have made.next phase begins in march and would probably be ready by August.

 

Please note that there is a 15 year tax abatement in the city of Cleveland in battery park.  The prices seem steep, but its essentially like buying a home 75k-100k cheaper in Lakewood because of Lakewood taxes.

 

 

http://www.batteryparkcleveland.com/

 

Welcome Chiotter!

 

Unfortunately, there is some ambiguity in what people mean by the "east side," which tends to muddle things.  Much of the east side of the City of Cleveland is, sadly, in pretty bad shape.  But this emphatically does not include most east side suburbs, or Little Italy and much of University Circle (which are in the City of Cleveland). If you are comfortable in Fenway (which I know well) or central Chicago, you will find a place like Clevelad Heights (which is a leafy inner suburb similar to Brookline) perfectly fine, aside, maybe, from a few fringy areas you wouldn't have any reason to pass through anyway. Anyone who includes Little Itsly/Cleveland Heights in any no go zone they describe to you is really overdoing it.

 

With your budget, I would start by looking (in no particular order) for (1) a loft unit for rent in the Murray Hill School in Little Italy (a condo building with ocassional rentals), (2) other new build in Little Italy that happens to be for rent, (3) something at Uptown (a new rental development in the heart of University Circle), or (4) a nice apartment or house in western Cleveland Heights, south of Mayfield Road. To me, the best long summer night walks are in the western Cleveland Heights/Little Italy area. Secured off street parking might be a challenge, but hopefully possible.

 

Downtown is also great, and has more loft units and more options with secure parking.  A very different feel from the nice areas near University Circle, so it's really about the type of setting you're looking for and how close you want to be to certain shopping amenities (our downtown is still light on some amenities, though the population is growing, so things should improve).

 

Lakewood is great too, but the commute to the Clinic is obviously further and it's no safer than Cleveland Heights, so not sure it makes sense to start there.

 

Good luck!

Welcome to Cleveland from another late 20's female!

 

My husband and I live in the Avenue District Townhomes, on the eastern edge of downtown.  It's definitely quieter over here, but we can still walk to the "less quiet" parts of downtown in just a couple minutes.  We own our place as the Townhomes are for sale properties, but as was mentioned above, the accompanying condo building was converted to high end rentals after the market crash, and they just started leasing them a couple months ago, so there are still several brand new units left that fit your description.

 

We've been here 5 years now (not sure where the time went!), but I wouldn't say I've ever felt any less safe than being in any other urban area, including downtown Chicago.  Yes, Cleveland is a smaller city, so the population density will be different from what you're used to, but I have a feeling the people who are telling you it's "unsafe" live in the suburbs.  Sadly, you are not the first new CCF employee to come on here and tell us that they were told that Cleveland is unsafe......

By the way...if you are interested in downtown...The Downtown Cleveland Alliance has a pretty good website listing all of the neighborhoods, buildings etc. Here is their website...

 

http://www.downtowncleveland.com/living.aspx

The most common complaint about safety in Downtown Cleveland I hear is from people who are afraid of panhandlers.  I see plenty of panhandlers in Chicago, so chances are you will feel safe here if you feel safe there.  Outside of fights when the clubs/bars let out at 2:00am, Downtown's crime is relatively few and far between.  That said, I usually don't recommend Downtown to newcomers who aren't in their early 20's, although I suspect most on this board (especially those who live downtown) would disagree with my rationale. 

 

In all honesty, the rents are going to largely match the desirability.  If you see an ad for a 3,000sq ft loft for $500/mo, you can take that as a clue that nobody wants to live there.  There are no 'luxury lofts' in the east side neighborhoods the scary mary's are directing you away from.  There are some places which are, for lack of a better term, on the "frontier"..... such as Circle East Townhomes that try to draw in Clinic employees.  I wouldn't recommend that for newcomers.

 

I would echo the recommendations to look into Cedar-Fairmount in Cleveland Heights, as well as Little Italy and University Circle.  In fact, there is a building on Random Road in Little Italy which might be right up your alley (someone help me out with the name of the newer style buiding on Random).  Uptown in University Circle http://uptowncleveland.com/ and the Alcazar in Cedar-Fairmount http://www.thealcazar.com/ are other possibilities.  You also may want to look into Park Lane Villa in University Circle http://www.parklanevilla.com/.

 

All of those options offer a good, safe place to live withing minutes of the Clinic (walking distance, in fact).  Lakewood, Tremont and other areas west of the river are possibilities, but the commute time significantly increases.

I feel I must put in a plug for my neighborhood!  If Lakewood is on your radar then also consider Clifton/Edgewater.  It's a slightly shorter commute than Lakewood with lower taxes and great access to Edgewater Park, Downtown and the Gordon Square district.  Also, beginning in 2013 Clifton Blvd is due to be reconstructed and returned to a boulevard rather than a 7 lane wide highway.  This should increase the already decent walk-ability of the neighborhood.  If you're looking to buy there are lots of historic housing options.  I have seen in the past also some incredible rent deals from private owners in the stately homes of Lake Ave and Edgewater drive.

FYI, the northeast corner of Lakewood and Edgewater area of Cleveland (located along Lake/Clifton west of Edgewater Park) are areas that would remind you of a scaled-down version of Chicago Gold Coast. In fact, Lakewood's northeast corner is called the Gold Coast. There's some high-rise buildings, 24-hour restaurants, shops and a few bars nearby. It also has fast transit during the rush hours on the #55 via the Shoreway to downtown where connections to the HealthLine to the Clinic can be had. But the overnight/weekend transit is nonexistent unless you go down to Detroit Avenue.

 

Alcazar in Cedar-Fairmount http://www.thealcazar.com/

 

It's a beautiful beautiful building to live in temporarily while you "try out" neighborhoods and look for housing in those neighborhoods you like. But I think someone in their 20s probably would not want to stay there for a long time. You may feel like you're living in a senior housing complex. Who knows. You might find the large number of seniors living there doesn't bother you.

 

 

Welcome!

 

First if you're from Chicago, then with some common sense, you've be very safe in Cleveland.  The two cities culture are very, very similar.

 

Now who exactly are you hearing these "comments" from?  Are these people who actually live within the borders of the city of Cleveland?  You've come here, a place that embraces urban living and a place where people live and work in the city and are experts in their neighborhoods. 

 

I would suggest living on the Eastside, but to give you better options, what neighborhood do you live in Chicago and where in Boston does the future hubby reside?

 

 

 

Thank you!

 

I admit that Chicago has A LOT of violence and it has its very bad neighborhoods but in my 28 years I have never seen them because they are far from the downtown area, which is very big in Chicago. You're completely safe downtown and pretty much most of the surrounding suburbs of the city. Most of the heavy violence is in isolated areas. I'm hearing from people both in person and online sites that areas in/near downtown Cleveland and surrounding areas can be dangerous, which is what concerns me. If you live in downtown Chicago, you are no where near drugs, gang violence, gun shots, etc. (not assuming that you are in downtown Cleveland, I'm merely stating how it is in Chicago). I'm sorry, I should have been more specific that I live in the city (the Gold Coast) and my fiancé lives in Fenway, right by Fenway Park.

 

I know people tend to exaggerate things which is why I wanted to seek out Clevelanders and get the real scoop on whether it's as "bad" as it sounds or if people are blowing things out of proportions. As I stated earlier, my fiancé and I liked Cleveland when we visited. We were expecting something different because of things we've heard, but it was a beautiful city and we are looking forward to checking out the arts, museums, and restaurants there. There seems to be a lot of culture in this city and we're excited to explore it all. We just want to make sure we pick a nice, safe area to live. Especially because our families live in Michigan and Chicago and will be visiting often. We want to show them what a great city Cleveland is. :)

 

 

Cleveland downtown is more reminiscent of the Loop than the North Michigan Avenue portion of downtown.

 

Working at the Clinic, I would suggest.

 

University

Little Italy/Murray Hill

Shaker Square

Cleveland Heights

 

All these areas are easily accessible to the clinic via bus or bike.

What?? You didn't put Shaker Square on the top of your list? Did someone hijack your UO account and pose as The Great MyTwoSense??

Welcome to Cleveland!

 

Not sure about parking, but I'd personally recommend three places that are all brand new units:

 

Downtown: Rosetta Lofts http://www.east4thstreet.com/live/new-the-lofts-at-rosetta-center

University Circle: Uptown Apartments http://uptowncleveland.com/

University Circle: Hazel 8 http://www.hazel8.com/

 

If you're working at the Clinic, you'd definitely save some headache of commute time and traffic by living on the eastside.

Many people new to the area get confused with the fact that there is a suburb called East Cleveland.  I wanted to make sure you understood that this city is not part of Cleveland.  Having said that, I would not reccommend East Cleveland due to high crime, etc.  However, University Circle or Little Italy which are on the east side of Cleveland would be wonderful areas to live and very convenient to the Clinic.

 

My wife and I have lived downtown for 8 years and love it.  From downtown to the Clinic would be about 20 minutes on the Healthline transit route.

Commutes are very easy from anywhere in Cleveland proper to the Clinic. In my opinion Tremont has the most balanced combination of safety, walkability, and desirable housing. It's a 15 minute drive/30 minute bus ride from the clinic. It's also very close to downtown and Ohio City. I think this is one of the big advantages of the near west side-proximity to other walk able and interesting areas of the city.

Also check out http://www.ResidencesAtHanna.com/. Should be ready for spring.

Wow! Thank you all so much for all the wonderful replies! 

 

My fiancé and I def came to the right place. You all sure know Cleveland and we are getting some great, insightful suggestions. Thanks! I am making a list of all the neighborhoods/apartment complexes suggested so that my fiancé and I can research them and hopefully be able to see them in person in a few months.

 

To the poster who pointed out that there is a difference between the eastern part of Cleveland vs. there actually being a suburb called East Cleveland, thanks. I had no idea and assumed that "east" Cleveland was literally the east side of the city, so good to know that they are two distinct places. It actually makes more sense to me now about why some areas on the east side are safe and a great place to live.

 

This is a totally random side note... but does anyone know where we would be able to get some tasty cannoli's in Cleveland? We're pretty spoiled at the moment because there is a place in Boston called Mike's Pastry's" (if you are ever in Boston you MUST go there for the cannoli's!) who make some killer ones and we were talking about how we need to find a place in Cleveland where we can get some.

 

Also, is it easy to ride your bike through Cleveland? Do they have bike paths along the street or do you just make your own path as you're riding? Is their a trail along Lake Erie that is popular in the summer/warm months?

 

Thanks!

Wow! Thank you all so much for all the wonderful replies! 

 

My fiancé and I def came to the right place. You all sure know Cleveland and we are getting some great, insightful suggestions. Thanks! I am making a list of all the neighborhoods/apartment complexes suggested so that my fiancé and I can research them and hopefully be able to see them in person in a few months.

 

To the poster who pointed out that there is a difference between the eastern part of Cleveland vs. there actually being a suburb called East Cleveland, thanks. I had no idea and assumed that "east" Cleveland was literally the east side of the city, so good to know that they are two distinct places. It actually makes more sense to me now about why some areas on the east side are safe and a great place to live.

 

This is a totally random side note... but does anyone know where we would be able to get some tasty cannoli's in Cleveland? We're pretty spoiled at the moment because there is a place in Boston called Mike's Pastry's" (if you are ever in Boston you MUST go there for the cannoli's!) who make some killer ones and we were talking about how we need to find a place in Cleveland where we can get some.

 

Also, is it easy to ride your bike through Cleveland? Do they have bike paths along the street or do you just make your own path as you're riding? Is their a trail along Lake Erie that is popular in the summer/warm months?

 

Thanks!

 

From what I have heard, Prestis and Corbos (both in Little Italy) have great cannoli's.

 

As for bike riding, Cleveland continues to get better. Downtown you are able to ride down Euclid Avenue (main street) in the Bus Only lane which gives you plenty of room and separates you a bit from traffic. An improved path is also going up on the Lorain Carnegie bridge allowing you to safely bike across the river to Ohio City and the West Side Market!

 

As for biking along the lake, unfortunately I dont believe there are many options. I do believe you can bike on a mile or so path at Edgewater Park on the west side of Cleveland.

 

Also beautiful, and a great ride, is riding though Shaker Heights in the summer and fall on South Park and North Park Boulevards. And although you dont pass Lake Erie, you do pass the Shaker Lakes!

Wow! Thank you all so much for all the wonderful replies! 

 

My fiancé and I def came to the right place. You all sure know Cleveland and we are getting some great, insightful suggestions. Thanks! I am making a list of all the neighborhoods/apartment complexes suggested so that my fiancé and I can research them and hopefully be able to see them in person in a few months.

 

To the poster who pointed out that there is a difference between the eastern part of Cleveland vs. there actually being a suburb called East Cleveland, thanks. I had no idea and assumed that "east" Cleveland was literally the east side of the city, so good to know that they are two distinct places. It actually makes more sense to me now about why some areas on the east side are safe and a great place to live.

 

This is a totally random side note... but does anyone know where we would be able to get some tasty cannoli's in Cleveland? We're pretty spoiled at the moment because there is a place in Boston called Mike's Pastry's" (if you are ever in Boston you MUST go there for the cannoli's!) who make some killer ones and we were talking about how we need to find a place in Cleveland where we can get some.

 

Also, is it easy to ride your bike through Cleveland? Do they have bike paths along the street or do you just make your own path as you're riding? Is their a trail along Lake Erie that is popular in the summer/warm months?

 

Thanks!

 

I've been to Mike's Pastries...had to wait in line, but the place was great! :)

 

OK, that is a softball question about the cannoli's...two recommendations:

 

1) Corbo's Bakery http://www.yelp.com/biz/corbos-bakery-cleveland

2) Presti's Bakery http://www.yelp.com/biz/prestis-bakery-cleveland

 

For everything else besides cannoli's and cassata cake, I always go with Presti's.  Corbo's kicks butt with those two items though.  Mario Batali likes Corbo's http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2007-10-04-little-italy_N.htm

Wow! Thank you all so much for all the wonderful replies! 

 

My fiancé and I def came to the right place. You all sure know Cleveland and we are getting some great, insightful suggestions. Thanks! I am making a list of all the neighborhoods/apartment complexes suggested so that my fiancé and I can research them and hopefully be able to see them in person in a few months.

 

To the poster who pointed out that there is a difference between the eastern part of Cleveland vs. there actually being a suburb called East Cleveland, thanks. I had no idea and assumed that "east" Cleveland was literally the east side of the city, so good to know that they are two distinct places. It actually makes more sense to me now about why some areas on the east side are safe and a great place to live.

 

This is a totally random side note... but does anyone know where we would be able to get some tasty cannoli's in Cleveland? We're pretty spoiled at the moment because there is a place in Boston called Mike's Pastry's" (if you are ever in Boston you MUST go there for the cannoli's!) who make some killer ones and we were talking about how we need to find a place in Cleveland where we can get some.

 

Also, is it easy to ride your bike through Cleveland? Do they have bike paths along the street or do you just make your own path as you're riding? Is their a trail along Lake Erie that is popular in the summer/warm months?

 

Thanks!

 

From what I have heard, Prestis and Corbos (both in Little Italy) have great cannoli's.

 

As for bike riding, Cleveland continues to get better. Downtown you are able to ride down Euclid Avenue (main street) in the Bus Only lane which gives you plenty of room and separates you a bit from traffic. An improved path is also going up on the Lorain Carnegie bridge allowing you to safely bike across the river to Ohio City and the West Side Market!

 

As for biking along the lake, unfortunately I dont believe there are many options. I do believe you can bike on a mile or so path at Edgewater Park on the west side of Cleveland.

 

Also beautiful, and a great ride, is riding though Shaker Heights in the summer and fall on South Park and North Park Boulevards. And although you dont pass Lake Erie, you do pass the Shaker Lakes!

From downtown you can ride out about 4 miles along the lake going east starting on marginal road to the village of Bratanahl. The trail then continues south down MLK Blvd through the beautiful Cultural Gardens with a plan to eventually go to the Shaker Lakes Trail system.

Marginal Road should be a great ride, but the concrete joints have gotten so bad along most of its length that it is a near constantly teeth jarring experience.  There is a paved asphalt path along the road, too.  Don't be fooled, it isn't for bikes, doesn't have curb cuts when it intersects with drives, and is occasionally buckled by tree roots so badly that it could be dangerous.  If your bike has shocks, the road itself may be a good option.  For road bikes, it sucks.

Just to be clear, even though are lakefront isn't as bike-friendly as it should be, there are some top notch recreational biking trails in the immediate area.  The Shaker Lakes trail system is great (and safe), and practically at your front door if you live in western Cleveland Heights. It's somewhat similar to Boston's Emerald Necklace. And there is an extremely long bike trail that runs through the Cuyahoga River valley starting a little south of Downtown, with imminent plans to build the last few links to connect it to Downtown.  That trail, the "Towpath trail" stretches for literally dozens of miles south.  There's nothing quite as popular as Boston's Esplanade or Chicago's Lakefront though.

Another vote for Lakewood. It has a lot of what you're looking for and the entrance to our great MetroParks system, which is great for biking, long walks, whatever, is also there. Lots of bars, nightlife, fun, and it's growing and expanding a lot. The gold coast as KJP mentioned would be something you'd be comfortable with for sure, which is on the E end of Lakewood where it borders Cleveland.

From downtown you can ride out about 4 miles along the lake going east starting on marginal road to the village of Bratanahl. The trail then continues south down MLK Blvd through the beautiful Cultural Gardens with a plan to eventually go to the Shaker Lakes Trail system.

Or if you're so inclined, you can ride through Bratenahl on lakeshore where you'll see plenty of other riders, a few ginormous mansions and some pretty views of the lake in the distance.

 

I will second everyone's comments about marginal being terrible. On a mountain bike with good shocks I managed to sustain a couple of sprained wrists from the potholes riding that way when I commuted by bike to downtown.

 

As far as where to live;

University Circle or Little Italy would probably be the closest and most convenient neighborhoods for your needs, but keep in mind that when we mention traffic or shorter commute times it doesn't compare to Chicago so don't limit your choices unnecessarily.

The Coventry neighborhood of Cleveland Heights would be convenient and still close.

Shaker Square has a lot of what you're looking for, but sometimes parking is limited (probably not an issue with your budget though)

For clarification, there is an exclusive bike line on Euclid Avenue for much of the distance between downtown and University Circle. There is also a bike lane across both the Detroit-Superior Bridge and the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge -- those are the major arterial bridges across the Cuyahoga Valley linking downtown with Ohio City on the near west side. Lorain-Carnegie is also a popular route for bikers to/from Tremont, and Detroit-Superior is a popular crossing for bikers from Gordon Square, Battery Park, Edgewater and Lakewood. Detroit Avenue will be getting bike sharrows (http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/08/detroit_avenue_in_cleveland_wi.html) and, if you cut north from Detroit Avenue up West 65th Street to the underpass to Edgewater Park, you'll find a nicer ride on trails to reach Edgewater and Lakewood. Lake Avenue and Edgewater Drive are both wide, leafy, pleasant streets for biking even though they do not have marked bike lanes on them.

 

So east or west, there is a good bike route for commuting, exercise or sightseeing across the city. And I second the recommendation of a bike ride on the Towpath Trail (http://www.ohioeriecanal.org/index.html) into the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (http://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm) between Cleveland and Akron. You can reach it pretty easily from downtown, Ohio City or Tremont via city streets. The trail starts just south of Steelyard Commons at Harvard Road and goes upstream alongside the Cuyahoga River to Akron, about 35 miles south. If a bike ride uphill 35 miles doesn't entice you, then put your bikes on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (http://www.cvsr.com/) for the Bike Aboard price of a few dollars and ride as far south toward Akron as you want. Several daily trains run on weekends during winter-spring (December-May) and Wednesday-Sunday during summer-fall (June-November). Then you can ride your bikes north, or downhill, back to Cleveland!

After having done some research on much of the information given, I'd say we are looking to probably check out Coventry in Cleveland Heights, Shaker Square, Lakewood (think more so to check out rather than live because it's probably going to be too far from the clinic for our liking), University Circle (is University Park basically the same thing?), Clifton/Edgewater, Downtown (is that where the Historic Warehouse District is?), Ohio City/Tremont, Detroit Shoreway, and Battery Park. So basically, everywhere! :? Sorry for all the confusion this thread is spewing, I'm just trying to learn as much as I can. 

 

I don't know how we'll make a decision. I'm hoping when we see these areas in person, it will be easier to make up our mind. We were thinking we would be able to get a feel for the areas, and find a place in one trip... but I dunno if that's gonna be possible.

 

Now that we've narrowed down(!) areas to live, any recommendations on actual apartment or loft complexes that haven't been mentioned in any of those ^^ areas? Those new Uptown apartments and Hazel 8 look great and I think we'll def check to see if their is any availability for those come a few months from now. Anyone know anything about either place?

 

Other places that caught our eye were Water Street Apartments, Federal Knitting Mills Building, W.T. Grant Lofts, Residences at Hanna, and Park Lane Villas. Does anyone know what the rent would be like at Park Lane Villas for a two bedroom? They look mighty $$$.

 

If you can share any information on any of these places, that'd be a great help to us. Feel free to name places I haven't listed. We're completely open to suggestions.

The Historic Warehouse District is the Northwest quarter of Downtown.  Battery Park is a (re)development within the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.  University Park, I've never heard of.  Where did you come across that name?

 

Within Downtown, closer to Euclid may end up being better, because of the Healthline BRT (bus rapid transit).  It runs down Euclid, right through the middle of the Clinic's campus.  It may drop him off closer to his final destination than he could get if he drove and tried to park on campus.  The WT Grant Lofts and the Hanna would be right along that line, as would the East 4th St neighborhood, the Statler Arms, Reserve Square, and the Chesterfield.  The Warehouse District would be about a 10 minute walk to the start of the Health Line.

Other places that caught our eye were Water Street Apartments, Federal Knitting Mills Building, W.T. Grant Lofts, Residences at Hanna, and Park Lane Villas. Does anyone know what the rent would be like at Park Lane Villas for a two bedroom? They look mighty $$$.

 

If you can share any information on any of these places, that'd be a great help to us. Feel free to name places I haven't listed. We're completely open to suggestions.

 

Yes, Warehouse District is downtown. Personally, I prefer the Gateway/East 4th area (where the WT Grant building is) as it has fewer surface parking lots (especially along Euclid) and more of a neighborhood feel. And, like X says, it's an easy trip on the HealthLine which runs 24 hours a day.

 

Remember, you're not in Chicago/Boston anymore. You can get some amazing housing in some great neighborhoods in Greater Cleveland. You mentioned Park Lane Villa? Well....

http://realestate.cleveland.com/?temp_type=detail&tp=RE_cleve&classification=REAL+ESTATE&property=cleveland.com&ad_id=188226832

 

I've heard good reviews of Park Lane Villa, but I do not know much of the management of this or other buildings. So I will focus on their locations in most instances.

 

Water Street Apartments....

http://www.waterstreetapts.com/

http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1030565.php

It's on the outer fringe of the Warehouse District, and overlooks the Port of Cleveland which can be pretty windswept and desolate during the winter months. Except for the downtown trolley bus, it's a long walk to most transit. It's probably loud being next to the Shoreway bridge.

 

Federal Knitting Mills

http://www.fkmb.com/

Also next to the elevated Shoreway and the public housing projects north of the highway. It's a pretty far walk to many shops, restaurants and bars. Burton's BBQ is close by. So are some gay bars like including Bounce and The Shed. 24-hour transit on the #26 Detroit bus is right outside. I do not consider it a safe area to walk around in at night. But the area could be picking up soon with the opening of the Transformer Station gallery. In my opinion, the owner of Federal Knitting Mills has a better located building in Ohio City -- the Merrell Building. http://www.merrelllofts.com/

 

WT Grant Lofts

http://www.wtgrantapartments.com/

http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1000003614.php

It has a great location, close to shopping, nightlife, transit -- although being next door to the House of Blues may make it a loud place on weekends with all the street activity. X can speak to that, since he lives close by. But the property's official link (wtgrantapartments.com) says the building has a waiting list. You will find this situation at many downtown buildings until more come on the market. Even many that are under development have waiting lists by the time they first open their doors.

 

Residences at Hanna

http://www.residencesathanna.com/

http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1000069274.php

This is a brand-new website as this historic office building is being converted to apartment as we speak. It suggests this property still has available units, but they probably will not be in move-in condition until this summer (August?) although this article suggests some units could be available much sooner  http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/09/kd_group_closes_hanna_building.html. K&D, the building's owner and manager, has many other apartment properties around Greater Cleveland. I have heard mixed reports about K&D, including some horror stories unfortunately. It's a safe area immediately nearby and to the north and west of here, but less so to the south and east of here.

 

Uptown Phase 1 (open), Phase 2 (under construction)

http://uptowncleveland.com/

http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1000066351.php

This is a great site in terms of location, shopping, nightlife, transit and, per early reports, quality of construction of the building itself. It is a very vibrant, pedestrian friendly area and near to bike paths and lanes. Like many places, it may be tough to find a unit. But since it's home to some CWRU students, spring is probably a good time to be checking availability for the summer and beyond. It's a short walk to Little Italy, great museums, the world-famous Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall, and a quick ride downtown on the HealthLine or Red Line which continues west to the Airport. This is a safe, active area.

 

Hazel 8

http://www.hazel8.com/

http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1000067981.php

This apartment complex is still under construction, but is near to being finished. It was due to open in Fall 2012. I'm sure it will be done by spring or early summer. They may have a model unit ready for personal tours by now. As for the location, the site description for Uptown (above) also applies to Hazel 8, although Hazel 8 is a longer walk to Little Italy and the active shopping along Euclid that's on the ground floor of Uptown. Instead, Hazel 8 is in a quieter area. Some troubled neighborhoods are a half-dozen blocks to the north, but their problems don't seem to intrude southward. In fact, the growth of jobs and the need for housing in and near University Circle is pushing the revitalization farther into those neighborhoods that have been in distress since the 1950s and 60s.

 

University Park?? The only University Park I know of in Northeast Ohio is in downtown Akron -- about 35 miles south of downtown Cleveland. If you think a commute to Lakewood is long, Akron is much much farther! BTW, traffic in Cleveland is like our housing prices -- low. So I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss Lakewood. But if you want to be within easy walking/biking distance, then I can understand why you would dismiss it.

 

BTW, my suggestion is to get a short-term lease (if you can) somewhere that's acceptable to you. You don't have to fall in love with anything right away. Take your time to get to know the area. Take your time to look for a neighborhood you like and a great place to live in that neighborhood. You have a lot on your plate with a move to a strange new city. Make it easy on yourself and don't feel like you have to make the right decisions right now. See what happens.... Enjoy your search. Make it fun.

Hey there...

Good luck in moving to wonderful Northeast Ohio.

I grew up in the suburbs there and now live in suburban Chicago (Highland Park).

There's not a day where I don't think about moving back...but the careers of my wife and I are going well in Chicago for now...so here we stay.

I lived in Streeterville for a year...(222 E Pearson) and loved it.  CLE doesn't have that vibe...yet. 

So, you will be getting more of a Lakeview-esque feel in a lot of the neighborhoods mentioned above, which is OK too.

I think you'll like CLE.  It does have a ton of similarities to Chicago...and is much more manageable.

Good luck!

Since it got brought up before....  http://m.theavenuedistrict.com/

 

This would be about a 10-minute walk (or a free RTA trolley ride) from the Healthline transit-wise.

 

The only downside I see for you about Lakewood or Coventry is that I'm not aware of many "loft" type properties.

Hi ChiOtter411 -

 

I moved here from Boston three years ago, after having lived there for five years. I lived in Fenway for three years and the South End for two. When I moved back here, I lived in Tremont. It was enjoyable from a nightlife perspective, but was missing a lot of the walk-able amenities Boston provided me. Last April, I moved to Lakewood (bought a place). It was the best decision I made. Everything I need is in walking distance - shops, restaurants, bars, drugstores, grocery, etc... It truly is a neighborhood, and very safe. It is a mixture of young and old, racially diverse, wealthy and right out of college, gay and straight, singles, married with kids, married without kids...

 

I should also mention that I work at the Clinic and my commute to work is around 20-30 minutes each day, depending on when I leave. I live close to Clifton Blvd., so I can hop right on there to the Shoreway and get off at E.55th. It is a very easy commute.

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

I will second the recommendations for Lakewood.  You could rent or buy a very nice home for about half of what you're planning to budget for rent.  As for transportation, I didn't notice any one else mention this but from Lakewood you can drive about 5 minutes to either the West 117 or Triskett Red Line stations, and University Circle is about 22 minutes away give or take.  On a nice day you could walk from the UC station to the Clinic, and on any other (our weather is similar to Chicago's, just a bit less extreme) there are plenty of local buses to take you the 3-4 minute ride to the Clinic.  If you wish to be closer, Cleveland Heights is more expensive, but also very nice, and only a very short bus ride or drive to the Clinic (parts of it are within walking distance on a nice day).

Lakewood representing!!

Here are links to some picture threads I did of the Cleveland Heights neighborhoods.  The top three are probably along the lines of what you are looking for and are also the closest to the Clinic.

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26398.0.html  (Fairmount Historic District)

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26399.0.html  (Cedar-Lee & Fairfax & Cain Park)

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26400.0.html (South Taylor & Severance Circle)

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26401.0.html (Superior Triangle & Cumberland & Mayfield Lee & Forest Hills)

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26402.0.html (Inglewood Historic District & Center Mayfield & Noble Monticello)

 

 

Lakewood representing!!

 

^^ Lol!

 

@hts121, I gotta say from your pictures, Cedar-Fairmount looks like a beautiful area. It's seems to be an upper class area, no? Many of those homes are beautiful.

 

I really love how proud and loyal you guys are to your city. It really tells a lot about Cleveland and the people that live there. I must say I am no longer concerned so much with it being a "dangerous" place to live and am really excited and looking forward to come back with my fiancé and check out the areas, culture/theatre, museums, shops, and Restaurants! The first time we came, we were working with a relator that was provided for us... though we're not sure if that will be necessary anymore since I'm taking control of the reigns and researching everything myself to make sure we pick the perfect place for us to live. Do you guys think a realtor is necessary for this hunt or from the looks of things, you think we'll be find on our own? I mean, we pretty much know now (thanks to you all) what areas we want to check out and even specific complexes we want to look into.

 

Hi ChiOtter411 -

 

I moved here from Boston three years ago, after having lived there for five years. I lived in Fenway for three years and the South End for two. When I moved back here, I lived in Tremont. It was enjoyable from a nightlife perspective, but was missing a lot of the walk-able amenities Boston provided me. Last April, I moved to Lakewood (bought a place). It was the best decision I made. Everything I need is in walking distance - shops, restaurants, bars, drugstores, grocery, etc... It truly is a neighborhood, and very safe. It is a mixture of young and old, racially diverse, wealthy and right out of college, gay and straight, singles, married with kids, married without kids...

 

I should also mention that I work at the Clinic and my commute to work is around 20-30 minutes each day, depending on when I leave. I live close to Clifton Blvd., so I can hop right on there to the Shoreway and get off at E.55th. It is a very easy commute.

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

 

Does the 20-30 minute commute include snowy winter days and traffic that my fiancé would run into when driving to the clinic or is that the time when roads are totally clear?

 

**

 

So my fiancé and I are wondering how many days you all think we would need to come to Cleveland to check out the neighborhoods/cities that were mentioned? While the suggestion of just renting a place at the moment temporarily and then getting something more concrete later on is a great one, we are really hoping to kill two birds with one stone by coming to Cleveland to look at the neighborhoods and then also *hopefully* check out places and make a decision. We would love it if we could just move and get settled without having to unpack and move 6 months or a year later..

 

Do you guys think 3-4 days is enough time or do you think we would need more of a week's time? Or longer?

I'm sure you could see all the neighborhoods you want to see in 3-4 days time.  I'm equally sure you couldn't see them very well in that time.  If you want to pick a neighborhood and building in one go, you should give as much time as you can afford to your decision.  You'll want to get an idea of what these areas are like at different times of day, what amenities they offer, how they are connected to other things in the city you will want access to, where you will and won't feel safe, etc.  Plus if you want to see apartments, you'll want to get a look at the building and unit, plus think about all the above things on a more specific scale to that building and block.

 

You may want to look into an extended stay hotel at first, if you think you can afford it, plus a storage unit for your stuff.  Then you can have significantly more time to get the lay of the land and find a place you really like, so you don't find yourself having to do a full move again in 6 months or a year.

Also, while my fiancé and I are open to looking at apartments, we are really, really wanting to find a great loft. We would prefer that over an updated apartment. Any suggestions for lofts in particular? I would imagine the Warehouse District would be the place to look, or is that not necessarily the case?

 

We were looking at "The Erie Building Lofts" online and are in love. Does anyone know anything about these lofts. They are located on West 4th Street. Is that a good area? I think these lofts may only be for purchase but we're thinking we can see if anyone is renting their loft out..

 

Thanks again for all the patience and help. The more we research, the more questions we have and sometimes the more confused we get, lol.

I would say a realtor is not necessary at this point. They are just goin to screw things up, unless I deal with the Keller Williams city team.  Most realtors have no clue what city living is about in this city.

 

It should never take you more than 20-30 minutes from tremont to the clinic, unless there was some type of gridlock.

 

east 4th is a great area if you can land one.  Would pick tremont over warehouse district.

It's nearly impossible to find true loft rentals. Erie building is awesome, but for sale not rent....except http://www.mlsfinder.com/oh_normls/jacoblohser2/index.cfm?action=listing_detail&property_id=3382027&searchkey=dc166a01-b530-10a9-0b22-a1e6d0472b60

 

Tremont Place Lofts website

http://www.tremontplacelofts.com/apartments.htm

 

Tower Press on the eastern side of downtown is a great community but set aside for artists only (to save you the look).

 

Here's another I saw on Craigslist in my downtown search

http://www.wtgrantapartments.com/gallery.asp

 

Another I saw in my search:

http://m.1300bridgeview.com

 

One in Ohio City:

http://www.fkmb.com

 

And as mentioned before...Lofts at Rosetta:

http://www.east4thstreet.com/live/new-the-lofts-at-rosetta-center

 

Many of my friends and I live in loft style places downtown, but they are really hard to come by. Maybe given your price range and time frame, you'll have better luck!

We own a 2 bedroom 2 bath loft condo in the Grand Arcade which is located next door to the Erie Lofts between West 4th and West 6th on St. Clair Ave.  We have lived here in the Warehouse District for over 8 years and love it.  It can get noisy outside on weekends, especially in the summer, but we enjoy the vibrancy.  My wife and I moved here from Chicago.  We had lived downtown near State and Division and the noise there was much greater and every day.

 

The Warehouse District is a real urban neighborhood.  We have a grocery store (Constantinos), several Hair Solon's, walking distance to Tower City (an indoor mall), movie theaters, loads of great restaurants and fun drinking establishmemts, etc.  We even have our own Psychic (Fay's), if you are into that.

 

If you are interested in our neighborhood, you may want to start at the Bingham building on West 9th. The link below should get you to a video showing the building. There are many more apartments in the area.  Good Luck.

 

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=dqb0tzo7UQo&feature=related

 

Tower Press on the eastern side of downtown is a great community but set aside for artists only (to save you the look).

 

 

According to their website (www.towerpress.com): "Tower Press is a unique live, work loft community for artists (and non-artists) from all walks of life. Art and artists take many forms, whether we paint, sculpt, draw, design clothes, dance, create films, or take photographs. Sixteen of Tower Press' units have income restrictions and will be set aside for artists."

 

That being said, Tower Press itself is pretty isolated from the rest of downtown living - the immediate surrounding area doesn't really have dining, nightlife, shops, etc.  East 4th or the Warehouse District would offer.

My bad...thanks for the correction!

It's nearly impossible to find true loft rentals. Erie building is awesome, but for sale not rent....except http://www.mlsfinder.com/oh_normls/jacoblohser2/index.cfm?action=listing_detail&property_id=3382027&searchkey=dc166a01-b530-10a9-0b22-a1e6d0472b60

 

Tremont Place Lofts website

http://www.tremontplacelofts.com/apartments.htm

 

Tower Press on the eastern side of downtown is a great community but set aside for artists only (to save you the look).

 

Here's another I saw on Craigslist in my downtown search

http://www.wtgrantapartments.com/gallery.asp

 

Another I saw in my search:

http://m.1300bridgeview.com

 

One in Ohio City:

http://www.fkmb.com

 

And as mentioned before...Lofts at Rosetta:

http://www.east4thstreet.com/live/new-the-lofts-at-rosetta-center

 

Many of my friends and I live in loft style places downtown, but they are really hard to come by. Maybe given your price range and time frame, you'll have better luck!

 

For a first time Cleveland transplant, I would say Rosetta and Tremont Place Lofts would be the best to guide them too.  First impressions mean alot.  Guide them to Tower Press and they walk out their door and say "This is Cleveland?"

Walker and Weeks building (www.walkerweeks.com) offers some floorplans that are true lofts, and some have sundecks too.  But it's on the fringes of downtown, and you're sacrificing proximity to nightlife, etc.

 

Two other "loft" buildings downtown are 1900 Euclid and University Lofts (http://www.thecoralcompany.com/what-we-do/apartments/ ). Looking at floorplans, they don't seem to be true "lofts", but rather high-ceilinged flats with some brick and exposed ducts, etc.  Also I don't know how much they cater to students from CSU vs professionals.

 

You may want to look into an extended stay hotel at first, if you think you can afford it, plus a storage unit for your stuff.  Then you can have significantly more time to get the lay of the land and find a place you really like, so you don't find yourself having to do a full move again in 6 months or a year.

 

I agree with this. And this is where the Alcazar would be useful http://www.thealcazar.com/

 

One reason why this is a good suggestion is because downtown housing is hard to get, as are most other prime areas. There's always new product coming on line, but the best buildings have waiting lists. So you might consider a temporary place to live while you wait for one of your dream homes to become available and your name to get to the top of the list.

 

 

If you are interested in our neighborhood, you may want to start at the Bingham building on West 9th. The link below should get you to a video showing the building. There are many more apartments in the area.  Good Luck.

 

That might be a decent temporary place. But I had a girlfriend who moved into the Bingham for corporate housing a few years ago and we didn't care for the sound of people (especially those with high-heels, hard shoe soles, etc) walking down the long common hallways of wood floors. The sound echoed down the hallways late at night. Maybe we would have gotten used to it if she had stayed there longer. Some strategically placed rugs could have done wonders. But the units themselves were nice, had great views of the river and city (although you had to stand up to see out the windows), Constantino's grocery store was on the ground floor, and most of the residents were in their 20s-30s.