I'm still plodding my way through the treasure trove of information in other like-minded threads but figured I'd post in the interim. My husband and I are moving to Cleveland with our one-year-old child in mere months. From preliminary discussions with realtors, we're thinking of Shaker Heights for the obvious school system reasons. Since we won't be able to buy a house in advance of our move, we'll be looking for a rental. A cursory search of "approved shaker rentals" yielded few results and I'm wondering if we wouldn't do better in Beachwood or Shaker Square. Ideally, we want to be in the area in which we'll be looking to purchase so we can get a good sense of the day-to-day life. So, knowing nothing about the intricacies of the area, I'm hoping you guys recommend any rentals in Shaker Heights or suggest some surrounding areas where we could get a rental and still get a feel for what it would be like to live in Shaker Heights? In terms of rentals, we'd be looking for more of a condo/rental building setup rather than a house to rent. I have really bad allergies and don't feel like messing around with a potentially moldy/dusty/cat-dog-riffic house rental. Thanks in advance for any help!

Welcome to UrbanOhio.  :wave:  :wave:

 

 

FYI Shaker Square is in Cleveland Proper, but you have the option of sending your kids to Shaker Schools.  They bill you.

 

What type of property are you looking for?

Where will you and your hubby be working?

What type of activities outside of work do you enjoy?

Will you have a car?

Where city (and neighborhood) on the East Coast are you relocating from and would you like to stay in a comparable neighborhood in Cleveland?

 

Rental property requirements

Number of bedrooms?

Number of bathrooms?

Square footage?

Etc.

 

In the last couple of weeks there have been quite a few people relocating to Cleveland, so I suggest checking those posts and be sure to review at the Cleveland neighborhood photo threads.

 

Personally, you cannot go wrong with Shaker Square. 

^did you mean to say "you can't go wrong with Shaker Square"?

^did you mean to say "you can't go wrong with Shaker Square"?

 

opppss :oops:

Thanks for the welcome and the quick response!

 

We're coming from a suburban NJ town that is on the NY train line. It's got a town center that is pedestrian friendly, and is diverse in terms of politics, philosophies and race (somewhat). We'd love to make a home somewhere similar in terms of this diversity and have been told that Shaker Heights and Chagrin Falls would fit the bill.

 

To answer some of your questions, we will have a car but will need to access public transport as my husband will be working downtown (if that's what you call it). We're not picky in terms of the apartment, two bedrooms in a clean, safe neighborhood will do us right. There is the short-term lease issue, though. Ideally, we don't want to enter into a 1-year lease since we're looking to purchase as soon as possible.

 

In terms of activities, together we enjoy seeing live bands at laid back bars, going to the movies and heading out for dinner. We also like some outdoorsy stuff, though I'm not terribly interested in very serious hiking or rock climbing or anything like that. I also enjoy theater and poetry readings, without the mister  :wink:.

Thanks for the welcome and the quick response!

 

We're coming from a suburban NJ town that is on the NY train line. It's got a town center that is pedestrian friendly, and is diverse in terms of politics, philosophies and race (somewhat). We'd love to make a home somewhere similar in terms of this diversity and have been told that Shaker Heights and Chagrin Falls would fit the bill.  I don't think I'd say that Chagrin is diverse.

 

To answer some of your questions, we will have a car but will need to access public transport as my husband will be working downtown (if that's what you call it). We're not picky in terms of the apartment, two bedrooms in a clean, safe neighborhood will do us right. There is the short-term lease issue, though. Ideally, we don't want to enter into a 1-year lease since we're looking to purchase as soon as possible. Shaker Square has a direct rail link to downtown. There are tons of apartments within a block of restaurants, rail, movies, drugstore, retail, grocery store.  You are also about 5 blocks away from the beautiful Shaker Lakes. There are trails and nature center.

 

In terms of activities, together we enjoy seeing live bands at laid back bars, going to the movies and heading out for dinner. We also like some outdoorsy stuff, though I'm not terribly interested in very serious hiking or rock climbing or anything like that. I also enjoy theater and poetry readings, without the mister  :wink:.

 

You sound like the poster couple for Shaker Square.

Welcome to the forum (and eventually to Cleveland). I'm going to say from first impressions, you'll like Shaker Heights. If you're familiar with Philadelphia, it's not entirely unlike the "Main Line" communities.

 

Chagrin Falls is lovely, but it's a bit off the beaten path - very quaint, like a small New England town in a valley. However, getting to and from downtown/entertainment/etc. would be problematic. Transit options to/from Chagrin Falls are rather sparse and it's lacking in diversity. A lot of people go to Chagrin Falls for a quaint local day-trip getaway, though.

 

Shaker Heights is much closer to transit (for the hubby's downtown job), and other amenities. Shaker Heights was developed in the early 20th century around the transit lines that lead to downtown. Keep in mind that you might experience 'reverse sticker shock' coming from the East Coast. Even though things like property taxes in Shaker are high when compared to greater Cleveland - the overall cost is still relatively low.

 

I can try to put you in contact with a realtor who might have rentals available if you'd like. There are also several realtors who read this forum regularly who can probably help.

 

Let us know if you'd like more info :-)

 

 

Chagrin Falls is not what I'd call diverse at all, being 98.7% white and only 0.05% African American.  Also, it's on the eastern edge of Cuyahoga County, so public transportation will be much harder to come by.  Shaker Heights is more racially and economically diverse (although people there are still generally rather well-off.)  Public transportation would be more accessible there, since a Rapid line (rail) runs through Shaker.

 

Like others in the thread, I'd also suggest Shaker Square.  It's a very dense, safe, and walkable neighborhood with lots of retail and transit, and the option to send your kids to Shaker Heights schools. 

I'd recommend Shaker Square as well. It probably wins in the character, convenience, and schools categories, but Cleveland Heights and Lakewood are also inner-ring suburbs with distinguished neighborhoods, various commercial services, and a lot of rental properties to choose from. I'd say if you are having trouble finding the right property in Shaker Square, then look into Lakewood and Cleveland Heights. While you should have no trouble finding the right public school district, it is worth mentioning that the Cleveland area has an unusual amount of private schools compared to other Midwest cities (in my opinion).

 

My cousin, her husband, and infant relocated from Chicago and found a great rental property on Lake Avenue in Lakewood where they lived before they bought somewhere else. Lakewood Park on the lake was a big draw for them, and it was an easy 10 minute drive into downtown.  They are also really into jogging and they thought this neighborhood was perfect them.

Thanks all for the insights, especially those helping me to understand how Chagrin Falls would definitely not be a good fit for us. Although, 3231, I'm not sure how comfortable I am being the poster couple for anything! :-D

 

I guess my question at this point is: What's the big difference between Shaker Heights and Shaker Square?

Thanks all for the insights. Although, 3231, I'm not sure how comfortable I am being the poster couple for anything! :-D

 

I guess my question at this point is: What's the big difference between Shaker Heights and Shaker Square?

 

Shaker Square is the "gateway" into the heights.  Its the last neighborhood in Cleveland before you reach shaker heights.

 

Check out these sites:  www.shakersquare.net , www.shad.org or www.larchmere.com

 

 

As others have suggested, the Coventry area of Cleveland heights is wonderful and Lakewood is also nice.

Wordnick,

 

Oftentimes, I've heard that many realtors (except the ones that know the inner city neighborhoods) are pretty biased towards certain areas of town.  I've had friends who've moved to Cleveland, worked with a Beachwood realtor and received a Beachwood-centric view of the world.  I'd talk to someone at Progressive Urban if you are interested in the Shaker Heights area.

3231, I can definitely appreciate where a realtor might have a myopic view of the market. Thanks for the links and recommendations, I'm off to check them out.

 

For those of you familiar with NJ, would you consider Shaker Square to be a Hoboken of sorts where Shaker Heights might compare more to Summit and Chagrin Falls to something like Chester? I realize you might not be that familiar with NJ, but it's worth a shot.

Although it's not a perfect representation - some photos might help you get a frame of reference.

 

Shaker Heights:

 

 

 

Shaker Square (and adjacent Larchmere area):

 

 

 

 

 

It also snows in Shaker Heights :)

Wordnick,

 

Oftentimes, I've heard that many realtors (except the ones that know the inner city neighborhoods) are pretty biased towards certain areas of town.  I've had friends who've moved to Cleveland, worked with a Beachwood realtor and received a Beachwood-centric view of the world.  I'd talk to someone at Progressive Urban if you are interested in the Shaker Heights area.

 

You're right, there is a certain company in Bratenahl  to steer clear off.  if the property is not in Bratenahl , Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights or Shaker Blvd east of Shaker Square.  They wont show you anything.

 

BTW, there is a 2,000 sq. ft unit in my complex listed for $79k.  THAT IS A STEAL!!

3231, I can definitely appreciate where a realtor might have a myopic view of the market. Thanks for the links and recommendations, I'm off to check them out.

 

For those of you familiar with NJ, would you consider Shaker Square to be a Hoboken of sorts where Shaker Heights might compare more to Summit and Chagrin Falls to something like Chester? I realize you might not be that familiar with NJ, but it's worth a shot.

 

Shaker Square is more Brooklyn Hts., Park Slope, Jersey City Heights or the Hamilton Park area of Jersey City

Wow, reverse sticker shock, indeed. I can't imagine sneezing for $79,000 anywhere around here. Thanks for the pics, MayDay and for the comparative analysis, MyTwoSense. While I would totally love to live in a Brooklyn Heights type place, I think my husband is pretty excited about the prospect of a house and a yard and all that suburban goodness. I'm glad we'll be renting first, so we can really feel things out ourselves. Maybe I'll look for a rental in Shaker Square just to tip the scales :evil:.

Wow, reverse sticker shock, indeed. I can't imagine sneezing for $79,000 anywhere around here. Thanks for the pics, MayDay and for the comparative analysis, MyTwoSense. While I would totally love to live in a Brooklyn Heights type place, I think my husband is pretty excited about the prospect of a house and a yard and all that suburban goodness. I'm glad we'll be renting first, so we can really feel things out ourselves. Maybe I'll look for a rental in Shaker Square just to tip the scales :evil:.

 

WELCOME TO MY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!  LOL

 

There are plenty of homes in the immediate shaker square and bordering shaker heights and cleveland heights nabes, but they are pretty comparative to NJ homes in price.  There is 5900+ sq. ft home for $1.2 M about ½ mile away from Shaker Square.

MTS,

 

Aren't the monthly condo fees pretty high for the 79k building due to the retro-fitting?

MTS,

 

Aren't the monthly condo fees pretty high for the 79k building due to the retro-fitting?

 

shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh  :wink: :wink:

 

yes, but those fees pay EVERYTHING, You don't have to lift a finger. Which is why I love living here. Very few buildings can match the level of service!  Although the powers that be are trying to up my fees, bastards!  :whip:

 

lawncare/landscaping, snow removal, trash removal, heat, water and sewer, round the clock security, concierge, mail and dry cleaning delivery directly to apartment, valet ..... You can't get any better service. 

Define "pretty high", please. I think an upfront approach is the best approach.

well my cousin is in one the duplex's in the complex.  He has 1700 Sq. Ft. and his fee is about 1,400k.  but the fee as they say includes the "capital maintence" and "exterior treatment upkeep".

Define "pretty high", please. I think an upfront approach is the best approach.

 

I'm not sure exactly. I thought I remember it being anywhere between $500 to $900 a month.

I believe this is only for MTS' condo building and doesn't reflect the rest of Shaker Square.

$500ish a month - not terrible. $1400 a month? Ack!  :-o

Yeah, even from where I'm coming from, $1400 a month is pretty scary!

Define "pretty high", please. I think an upfront approach is the best approach.

 

I'm not sure exactly. I thought I remember it being anywhere between $500 to $900 a month.

I believe this is only for MTS' condo building and doesn't reflect the rest of Shaker Square.

 

Correct. Off my head most of the the other "old school" buildings in the area are approximately 600 to 1100 a month.

 

Remember the majority of the units in the courts complex range from 2,800 to 5,000 sq. ft. which is why the fees are so high.  There are very few units under 2,000 sq. ft.  For instance the building at the corner of coventry and shaker all the units are over 4,500 sq. ft.

The SHAD website mentioned by MyTwoCents maintains a list of Shaker Square "approved rentals"

 

http://www.shad.org/rentals.htm has a contact point listed to get their booklet, I'm sure they would be willing to mail you a copy which could provide a good cursory overview to the properties available. Once you might have a few in mind, some of the current (i.e. MyTwoCents) and past Residents (i.e. me) could provide you with more guidance.

Thanks for that, I've put in a request.

don't forget to check rentals in Cleveland Heights as well.

Forgive me wordnick, but if I can ask a question to you all:

 

Are Shaker's monthly maintenance fees generally the same in comparison to Lakewood's Gold Coast or Downtown?

 

I understand that it depends on square footage, condition, age, etc. I’m talking about apples for apples. $1400 mo. sent me into small print sticker shock for a property under $300k.

 

There are listings on realtor.com on the Gold Coast in my price range ($100-150k). Very affordable for a second home. Please tell me that MTS is “Living Large in Beautiful Shaker Square”  :-D and this is not indicative of the monthly condo fees in the greater Cleveland area. 

I was under the impression that the high fees are due to the assessments that were necessary to bring the Moreland Courts building up to modern standards.

 

Still, i would absolutely love to see a pre-WWII era condo that is 4500 sq ft. That must be amazing.

First I need to make a correction.  I spoke with my cousin the monthly fee is $850.  The other apartment he was thinking of buying had a $1,400 fee and I confused them.  Sorry.  The people who live in the building east of me with the similar unit thats larger (3900 sq. ft) and I know that their fee is $2,500.  A couple of times, I got some of their mail.

 

Forgive me wordnick, but if I can ask a question to you all:

 

Are Shaker's monthly maintenance fees generally the same in comparison to Lakewood's Gold Coast or Downtown?

 

I understand that it depends on square footage, condition, age, etc. I’m talking about apples for apples. $1400 mo. sent me into small print sticker shock for a property under $300k.

 

There are listings on realtor.com on the Gold Coast in my price range ($100-150k). Very affordable for a second home. Please tell me that MTS is “Living Large in Beautiful Shaker Square”  :-D and this is not indicative of the monthly condo fees in the greater Cleveland area. 

Keep in mind Moreland Courts is in Cleveland not Shaker Heights.  Moreland Courts is an exception as its 13 (now 12) buildings made to look like one continuous building .  And it was built as an apartment building turned condo in the the early 80s to keep up with the newer Shaker Courts and Shaker Towers (built in the 40s) who have already gone condo.  When I was doing renovations, there were fixtures, electrical connections and plumbing in my apartment that from the 30/40/50s.

 

Trust me, if I had to pay current market rate and fee, I would second guess a purchase here.

 

I was under the impression that the high fees are due to the assessments that were necessary to bring the Moreland Courts building up to modern standards.

 

Still, i would absolutely love to see a pre-WWII era condo that is 4500 sq ft. That must be amazing.

 

Wim, you were really considering a purchase here weren't you?  You seem to have a good grasp of whats going on here.  You should have moved over with here.

 

I do have a floor plan of some of one of those bigger units, when I was helping my cousin look, but they are old and might scan bad.  I'll try to post some them later.

Wordnick -

Shaker Square definitely sounds like a good fit for you.  I don't think anyone's actually described it to you - Shaker Square itself is actually a shopping center modeled after those you find in Germany.  Instead of a row of stores along a single street, there's a blvd (in the middle of which runs a train) that cuts through a ring road.  Around the ring are all the stores.  It was built back in the 20s/30s, and is very quaint.  Several very good restaurants and some more family-oriented restaurants.  Lots of shops, a movie theater, coffee shop, pharmacy, dry cleaner and a grocery store.  Essentially most everything you'd need in a neighborhood all within walking distance.  Also, they close down the main blvd every Sat morning and host a good farmer's market. 

 

So, to your question re:Shaker Heights vs. Shaker Square.  Shaker Square means the shopping center or the neighborhood surrounding it and is technically in the city of Cleveland proper.  Shaker Heights is a city unto itself with many neighborhoods within it. 

 

If you don't end up in Shaker Square, Cleveland Hts (where I live) is a good choice too.  Unless you live in the far west edge near the Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood, rail transit into downtown isn't realistic, although I believe there are buses that run downtown from many parts of Cle Hts.  School system doesn't have as good of a reputation as Shaker Hts, although everyone I know with kids in Cle Hts schools loves them.  The population is very diverse (ethnically, economically, etc.) which tends to depress standardized test scores.  So it's not clear if the schools aren't doing a good job or if it's just that a higher % of the students are coming from more disadvantaged backgrounds.  Several decent neighborhoods to live in, although no one has the full range of amenities that Shaker Square offers (although the main neighborhoods are very close to one another and, in fact, only a 5-10 min drive to Shaker Square, too). 

The Cedar-Fairmount area of Cleveland Hts could also be an option (if you don't mind a 10 minute walk to the rapid station.  I still think Shaker Square is the right fit, though.

The Cedar-Fairmount area of Cleveland Hts could also be an option (if you don't mind a 10 minute walk to the rapid station.  I still think Shaker Square is the right fit, though.

 

Me too!  :wink:

^ Thank you for clarifying MTS, I feel better now.

 

Condo conversion is the best time to purchase no doubt. I have one for sale on Miami Beach. I've been lucky that my maintenance dews have not skyrocketed being the conversion is about five years old.

 

Hopefully soon, I will be posting my own thread, not for relocation but my home away from home in Cleveland or Lakewood.

LAKEWOOD/EDGEWATER PARK AREA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)  just had to stir it up

Maintenance dews?

 

Is this the result of Florida's high humidity, or perhaps you work long hours and need the sugar?  :wink:

LOL. Unfortunately, DUES! I have been in the south way to long...

Thanks for the description, j73. Shaker Square is sounding more and more enticing. I think I'll have to poke around and see what the housing market looks like in that area. Maybe we can have our lawn and our city, too.

I haven't had a chance to file through all the comments thus far, but I can say that I was taking some prospective Clevelanders through Shaker Square on Saturday and they loved it.  The cinema, shops, restaurants, transit access, and especially the farmer's market were high on their list. 

 

I'd certainly consider it if I were new to Cleveland, but as it happens, I moved back with an attachment to Ohio City, so I found a place here and I'm staying for the near future!

Thanks, Map Boy! I'm looking at the maps, but am, admittedly, a little geographically challenged. So, Beachwood, is that really far away from Shaker Square and Shaker Heights? One of the only short-term leases I've come across is in a complex in Beachwood. I'm just anxious to square away the rental component of this move. Do you think we could get a feel for Shaker Heights and Square while we rent for 6 months in Beachwood? Any reason to avoid Beachwood?

Beachwood is the suburb east of shaker heights.  its boring.  Has a decent mall, but you have to drive everywhere.  The further east you get the more wisteria lane it gets.

 

Where is the hubby working, they should be able to help you find a "short term" lease, but make sure you tell them the EXACT area's you want to live in.

I agree that Beachwood is rather bland, and I don't think it's on a rail line (other forumers correct me if I'm wrong,) but I guess it would be fine if you just want something temporary.  You'll be pretty car-dependent there, and you definitely won't really get a feel for Shaker Heights or the Shaker Square neighborhood.

 

MyTwoSense is right about your husband's employer.  Tell them what areas you're interested in, and see what they can come up with, but work at your own pace.  You can still check out other options, and if your husband's employer doesn't find anything satisfactory within a time frame that you find comfortable, you'll already have other choices, and you won't have lost anything.

I can deal with malls and Wisteria lane temporarily (very temporarily!). . .but the rail line access is a must. Thanks, we'll check in with his employer.

"The further east you get the more wisteria lane it gets."

 

More like Wist-yiddish Lane - and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. :-) Beachwood has a high percentage of Jewish residents (mostly Reform, the Orthodox congregations are west in areas like Cleveland Heights and South Euclid).

I agree that Beachwood is rather bland, and I don't think it's on a rail line (other forumers correct me if I'm wrong,)

 

 

 

Still, you are only a very short drive to the park and ride station at green and shaker boulevard.

Here's some examples of the kinds of apartments that are available now in the Shaker Square area....

 

http://www.apartments.com/partner/summary.aspx?property=157748.001&srank=1&lookup=157748.001&mode=18&partner=fcl&page=summary&prvpg=7

 

http://www.apartments.com/summary.aspx?property=144544.2&srank=2&subarea1=y&area3=y&state=oh&rgn1=36&rent_minimum=0&rent_maximum=99999&twobdrm=1&page=summary&prvpg=7&srt1=0.85&srt2=0.20&srt3=0.15

 

This next one is in Cleveland Heights, but it's a short bus or bike ride to the University Circle Red Line station and an easy walk to the Cedar-Fairmount area (lots of night spots, shopping and restaurants, including the famous Mad Greek restaurant) and a short jaunt by car or bike and a healthy hike to Little Italy and the Coventry district (has more "stuff" than even the Cedar-Fairmount area)...

 

http://www.apartments.com/avsummary.aspx?page=avsummary&model_name=Model+3A&rent_maximum=99999&rent_minimum=0&srt3=0.77&srank=17&srt2=0.91&state=oh&prvpg=8&srt1=0.19&rgn1=36&property=114117.1.3&threebdrm=1&area3=y&subarea1=y&pg=2

 

 

Here's some examples of the kinds of apartments that are available now in the Shaker Square area....

 

http://www.apartments.com/partner/summary.aspx?property=157748.001&srank=1&lookup=157748.001&mode=18&partner=fcl&page=summary&prvpg=7

 

http://www.apartments.com/summary.aspx?property=144544.2&srank=2&subarea1=y&area3=y&state=oh&rgn1=36&rent_minimum=0&rent_maximum=99999&twobdrm=1&page=summary&prvpg=7&srt1=0.85&srt2=0.20&srt3=0.15

 

This next one is in Cleveland Heights, but it's a short bus or bike ride to the University Circle Red Line station and an easy walk to the Cedar-Fairmount area (lots of night spots, shopping and restaurants, including the famous Mad Greek restaurant) and a short jaunt by car or bike and a healthy hike to Little Italy and the Coventry district (has more "stuff" than even the Cedar-Fairmount area)...

 

http://www.apartments.com/avsummary.aspx?page=avsummary&model_name=Model+3A&rent_maximum=99999&rent_minimum=0&srt3=0.77&srank=17&srt2=0.91&state=oh&prvpg=8&srt1=0.19&rgn1=36&property=114117.1.3&threebdrm=1&area3=y&subarea1=y&pg=2

 

 

 

Ludlow Castle, albeit, fabulous on the outside, is "hit or miss" its a walkup and some of the apartments have not been renovated. although mid building units have vaulted ceilings, and amazing details.  There is the potential this building will go condo, but thats been around for the last couple of years. 

 

2621 N. Moreland is a great solid building.  My X lived here before buying his house, the units have lots of closets that are HUGE!  The building is shaped like a "V" and has a hidden courtyard, great for a kid.  All units have two entries and eat in Kitchens and a huge laundry room and a heated garage.

What about rentals along Van Aken (Blue Line) - when I worked at UH, several of the residents lived either in apt. buildings along Van Aken between Lee and Warrensville, or in duplexes on Winslow just one block south of Van Aken.  You get more of a residential neighborhood, but still can ride the rapid downtown or to shop at Shaker Square or Van Aken shopping center.

 

On Winslow, almost all of the buildings are up-and-down duplexes with 2-3 bedrooms, or 2 bedrooms/sunroom.  Expect to pay $750-900 a month, 1 garage space usually, +/- heat.  Many are not air conditioned.  Lawn duties sometimes split between the tenants, other times provided by landlord.

 

There are several pictures of the Van Aken/Blue Line neighborhood on this site - from the main page, click NE Ohio, then Cleveland, then suburbs, then Shaker Heights to see them.

 

Some samples of Winslow Road, stolen from www.realtyone.com, purchase prices $159-269k.