I am looking for insight on renting in Ohio City.  What should we look for in a typical unit (square footage, parking, pet policy, w/d, etc...), what is an average rent payment in that neighborhood, and how often do apartments or houses come available? 

 

My ideal place would be about 1000 square feet, w/d available, small dogs allowed, a garage (or at least off street parking), safe access to RTA, and $1000/mo.  I found a place matching this description on a nice street (and with a BEAUTIFUL kitchen) near Shaker Square... but I have heard many more great things about the Ohio City neighborhood.  Should we snatch up the Shaker apartment or wait and see what we can find in Ohio City?  Are there other neighborhoods where we might be able to find a good place with those criteria?

 

[Note: I've heard you have to walk the streets and look for signs, but I am still in North Carolina for the next few weeks.  In the meantime, I'm relying on craigslist and internet postings.  I'm worried if I wait until the first week of August the Shaker apartment will be gone.] 

Hard to say.  Shaker Square has a lot more apartment stock than Ohio City, so its usually easier to find a rental there at any given time.

Hard to say.  Shaker Square has a lot more apartment stock than Ohio City, so its usually easier to find a rental there at any given time.

 

Agreed. And Shaker Square is a very nice area -- especially to the north and east of the square. But you can find some good housing stock immediately south and west of the square.

 

Square footage depends more on your needs. If you expect to spend a lot of time at home and you have a lot of stuff, best to get something in the 500-1000 foot range. In Cleveland, rents are typically less than $1 per square foot.

 

Apartments in desirable neighborhoods are very difficult to get. So when one of them comes on the market that you like, it's best grab it right away. The redeveloped parts of Ohio City is changing quickly, so what was a rough section can be a good area very soon. For example the area north of Franklin toward Detroit was an area to stay away from. But that's changing. So is the area south of Lorain.

 

My suggestion is to do the best you can and find the best apartment you can from afar. Then after you move here, start looking for what you really love in terms of setting and apartment. See if you can get a six-month lease or a month-to-month lease. Or perhaps get corporate housing (try the Alcazar Hotel, the Crittenden, etc). Or see if you can room with someone here. You will not be locked down on a year-long lease and you can start your search for a more long-term home by trying out different neighborhoods and becoming an expert on apartment hunting.