Hey guys I am looking for a quiet and safer area of Cleveland proper, although my budget is rather tight.  I am in the lower income bracket and currently live in a crappy neighborhood on the west side.  I want to get out of here.  I am just seeking a respectable neighborhood to call home.  Nightlife or anything like that does not matter to me; I just want a nice quiet area with respectable neighbors that take care of their homes and properties.

 

The absolute highest I am able to afford would be $530/month

 

I am really interested in the Asiatown neighborhood. It seems like a quieter area and it is right in the heart of the city; however I never see any rentals over there.

 

thanks guys

Hi Clevelander01, Mixing "cheap" and "safe/quiet" usually doesn't happen unless you can get into a neighborhood early just as its starting to turn for the better. But as you might expect there's a risk to that. Zillow is probably your best bet to learn about areas and what kind of rents they command. Then to look for bargains, go to Craigslist and look for attic apartment in a house in places like Asiatown or Little Italy. Those are probably the cheapest places you can find.

 

As an aside -- I haven't looked at apartments in Cleveland in years. But I looked around before writing the message and -- wow -- rents have really gone up in recent years! That's especially true in the hot neighborhoods. Maybe that will push redevelopment into not-so-hot neighborhoods. I'm specifically looking at Cedar Avenue between downtown and University Circle. Lots of abandoned structures that would make awesome conversions. Surprisingly, the housing occupancy rate in Central is 96% and population is on the rise again -- who knew??

 

A couple of deals I spotted....

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4680025627.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4663750909.html (great location and price but probably not quiet!)

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4686983715.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4686856350.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4686711414.html (another great location and price, but not too quite -- I've lived in this neighborhood for 18 years)

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4667601069.html (borderline)

 

That's all for now. Gotta run!

Thank you so much for the very helpful reply!

Thank you so much for the very helpful reply!

 

I would suggest the Cleveland/Lakewood border on Lake Ave. Lots of apartments. Virtually no kids. Best of luck in your search.

With respect to Asiatown, I don't see any rentals on Craigslist.  Not sure if Asia Plaza or other stores have bulletin boards to check?  Have you contacted the St Clair-Superior Development Corp for info?

 

When you request quiet and safe neighborhoods, I think about Kamm's Corners, West Park, South Hills area of Old Brooklyn.  It might be a challenge in that price range, but there are some options out there.  Not really "quiet" but Clifton/Edgewater should have options in that price range too. 

 

Sorry I don't know that much about East Side neighborhoods, but I did run across at least one option on Larchmere on Craigslist in your range.  I would think about Waterloo/Grovewood areas on the northeast side too.

 

Kamm's area:

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4683558691.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4649683484.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4650612106.html

 

Near W 117th just north of 90 (W 112th and Western)

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4668075239.html

 

Old Brooklyn nr. South Hills

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4660507125.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4663477573.html

>Not sure if Asia Plaza or other stores have bulletin boards to check?

 

There is a BB in Asia Plaza and I have seen apts. on there from time to time.

I always hear how Asiatown has some of the lowest reported crime in the city.  It may be exactly what you're looking for.

Also an extremely low foreclosure rate during the sub-prime crisis due to the Asian tradition to buy outright as opposed to using credit.

If your income is low enough to be eligible, you could try applying for an affordable housing unit through Detroit Shoreway CDC. I've been in a couple of the buildings and they are quiet and very well maintained. Most of them are on Detroit and Franklin in or near Gordon Square. Rents are in the ballpark of $300-500. PM if you want more details.

As mentioned upthread, the Clifton-Baltic and Edgewater neighborhood should totally fit your bill.  Walkable (enough) with not a lot of nightlife.  Clifton is currently under construction making it into a transit oriented blvd, but that is scheduled to be done by the end of the year.  There are definitely lots of options in your price range for both pre-war buildings and two family homes. 

Thank you so much for the replies everyone; really great input.

If your not totally committed to staying in the City proper, you might be able to find a (small) unit in the Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood of Cleveland Heights in that price range.  Most likely a third floor unit of a house.  That neighborhood is the closest I can think of in the area that fits your desires.