hey...anyone know where the best place to live in cleveland is? i'm looking to rent < 1000/month a 1 bedroom w/ the following amenities:

 

1) QUIET (i.e. no thin walls, floors, or ceilings)

2) in unit washer/dryer

3) close to the RTA line

4) modern kitchen

5) fitness center

6) pool

7) elevator access

8) SAFE (good to have a security desk)

 

I've looked at the Warehouse District because it's close to the RTA. I'm also considering Beachwood, as it's close to Saks and seems to be a rather affluent area. I'm a young doctor whose fiancee will be flying in from NYC on the weekends, so I'm thinking that maybe having a place close to the RTA would be better, but if I found a really nice place in Beachwood or somewhere around Case Western, perhaps I could live out there instead. It would just make things harder when she visits (i.e. how much would a cab ride be to Beachwood from Hopkins International?).

 

some places i looked at include crockerpark.com, as it has a lot of the nice amenities. however, it seems that i'd have to try from the west to the east side every day to get to case. so, i thought about living in beachwood. the problem is that i am going to be on call a lot (i'll be starting as an intern at case western uh in june), and thus, i'm thinking that it would be hard for me to just pick my fiancee up at the airport whenever she comes in. as it is now, she flies into boston where i am now, and she can take the T (our version of the rapid) to my place easily if i can't pick her up.

 

one thing i seemed to sense is that beachwood is a pretty nice place, and i've considered it, but i'm wondering how much of a problem it will be for my fiancee to take a cab from the Rapid to w/ever i end up living. it just seems that there aren't a lot of modern apartments in and around cleveland. cleveland as a whole seems to be rather historic and consist of a lot of renovated/gentrified areas. i can see that people like the 1920's type apartments present so much in the univ. circle and little italy thing, but thatjust isn't doing it for me.

 

i looked at living in the warehouse district, as that'd be close to the city center/RTA, but i'm not sure about 1) the commute to case, 2) safety, and 3) how nice the housing would be. i've looked really hard at thebingham.com, but i'm not so sure loft-style living is for me. i like nice large windows, and i'm not sure if the walls would be too thin since it's a renovated warehouse. i also looked at stonebridge waterfront but i got scared off by the reviews at apartmentratings.com. i also considered reserve square, but again, i got scared off by the reviews (seems like this mgt. company k&d is really bad!!!).

 

i also looked at the RTA maps, but i'm not sure exactly how close some of the RTA stations are to the various addresses. i guess i could mapquest, but it would help if a lot of the listings would just note how far they are from the RTA. what towns do the green and red lines end in?

 

it seems that i would prefer to live on the east side...there's also a whole foods opening in university heights. that'd be a big plus, as i currently go there a lot now to buy my groceries. they have really great prepared things.

 

i guess i'm looking for something similar to pinnacle701.com, but w/out all the space and that would rent. any suggestions??

welcome!  You've come to the right place for REAL answers.

 

before answering, i have to ask, have you had a chance to read the last four "help" threads?  All have been posted in the last 6 weeks and there is a lot of good information and some of your questions might be answered there.  also, I would suggest checking out the Ohio photo threads.

 

Have you actually been to Cleveland or are you just looking online?

 

Here are my thoughts to the questions you asked.

1) QUIET (i.e. no thin walls, floors, or ceilings)

thats a personal preference

 

2) in unit washer/dryer

most Cleveland apartments have washer dryer access in building, but not necessarily in the unit

 

3) close to the RTA line

areas to look in Downtown, Ohio City, Tremont, Shaker Sq., detroit shoreway, Little Italy, Edgewater, Cedar-Fairmont or Coventry in Cleveland Hts.

 

4) modern kitchen

Depends on what your definintion of modern is

 

5) fitness center

best bet would be a downtown apartment, Reserve Square in other areas a gym is most likely nearby

 

6) pool

Chesterfield, Reserve Square

 

7) elevator access

Downtown or Shaker Square.

 

 

It would just make things harder when she visits (i.e. how much would a cab ride be to Beachwood from Hopkins International?).

 

It would be ridiculous.  the airport is on the Westside and Beachwood is on the Eastside of Cleveland.

If you chose to live in beachwood an alternative would be to have your girlfriend take the redline downtown and transfer to the greenline and you pick her up at the last stop.  Also, Cleveland rail system is not as expansive as Boston's, but the bus system is very good.

 

Crockerpark is in the 'burbs on the Westside and Case is in Cleveland on the Eastside.    driving from to the university circle everyday would be murder. :wink: :wink:

 

I do not think you'll find much support for living in the burbs here on URBANohio.  I grew up in Shaker Hts., the suburb adjacent to Beachwood and I wouldn't live in the burbs to save my life!  Cleveland's eastside suburbs are VERY nice.  Having said that, its a suburb.  Rich and affluent, but bland and auto dependant.

 

The warehouse district is in downtown and smack dab in the middle of the heart of our city.  A lot apartment in Cleveland are prewar, but that doesn't not mean they are not updated or upgraded on the inside.  As you indicated there are a lot of buildings/warehouses that have been converted into apartments/condos, so again they have that old school feel like you would find in Boston, Old city or Washington square  in Philly; Flatiron district, Harlem or Brooklyn Hts. in NYC; Dupont Circle in DC to give you examples.

 

The Pinnacle is a brandnew apartment complex and most buildings that are new build are "for sale" units.

 

i looked at living in the warehouse district, as that'd be close to the city center/RTA, but I'm not sure about 1) the commute to case, 2) safety, and 3) how nice the housing would be. I've looked really hard at thebingham.com, but I'm not so sure loft-style living is for me. i like nice large windows, and I'm not sure if the walls would be too thin since it's a renovated warehouse. i also looked at stonebridge waterfront but i got scared off by the reviews at apartmentratings.com. i also considered reserve square, but again, i got scared off by the reviews (seems like this mgt. company k&d is really bad!!!).

 

Here is where you will get the real deal about Cleveland, from people who live, work, play and reside in Cleveland and have made an effort to find out things about Cleveland not just bitch-n-bash on a website!

 

I don't live in any of the buildings downtown so I cannot answer questions about what it is like to live there as I've only been to parties in some of the buildings.  The bingham is a great building.  K&D is awesome and have been building and renovating many properties in Metro Cleveland, so I would take those reviews with a grain of salt.

 

Reserve square is getting a head-to-toe renovation/upgrade. the chesterfield across the street is also nice and there is a the Statler Arms which is amazing.

 

there are UrbanOhioans that are residents of these buildings that can give you a more in depth description of these buildings.

 

here are a few places to check

Downtown Apartments - www.downtownapartments.com

city Living - www.clevelandcityliving.com

Reserve Square - http://www.thekdgroup.com/profiles.asp?AID=12662

downtown Cleveland alliance - www.downtownclevelandalliance.com/housing.html

 

In addition there are some apartment in University Circle (where case is located) like the Park Lane Villa which should be coming on line.  www.parklanevilla.com

 

 

i also looked at the RTA maps, but I'm not sure exactly how close some of the RTA stations are to the various addresses. i guess i could mapquest, but it would help if a lot of the listings would just note how far they are from the RTA. what towns do the green and red lines end in?

 

This is something that is a pain.  All trains fan out from Tower City (aka Terminal Tower or Cleveland Union Terminal)

Red Line (heavy rail)

Runs west to a terminal at the airport

Runs east to a terminal in the suburb of East Cleveland

 

The Blue Line (light rail) - Runs only east* to a terminal at Van Aken/Warrensville Road in Shaker Hts.

The Green Line (light rail) - Runs only east* to a terminal at Green Road in Shaker Hts.

 

the downtown to Shaker Square sections of the blue/green line trains run on the same track, at shaker square the trains split and run on their own lines to their respective terminals.

* leaving out WFL information on purpose

 

it seems that i would prefer to live on the east side...there's also a whole foods opening in university heights. that'd be a big plus, as i currently go there a lot now to buy my groceries. they have really great prepared things.

 

University Heights is another suburb.  to be honest if you're going to live in the burbs, you might ant to check Cleveland heights as a lot of university circle employees live in Cleveland Heights.  Shaker Square, which is in Cleveland, is also another area to explore.  I know you say you want a "newer" style apartment, but you want us to give you realistic options.

 

i guess I'm looking for something similar to pinnacle701.com, but w/out all the space and that would rent. any suggestions??

 

The pinnacle is probably the most expensive for sale building in Cleveland currently on the market, and I personally can't think of a rental building that is similar.  Also, in Cleveland, the apartments are significantly larger than you would find on east coast with lots of closet space.  For around $1,000 you can get a HUGE one OR a good size two bedroom apartment.  You will find reverse sticker shock.

 

I might also suggest looking at apartments in Ohio City, which has a ton of rentals in newer buildings, near the west 25 red line station, has the awesome West Side Market, which makes whole foods look like a bodega.

 

I'm sure someone will chime in with options in University Circle, Cleveland Hts, Little Italy.  Personally, I say check Shaker Square, since your girl needs to occasionally come from the airport.  I'd also like to say, driving from the eastern 'burbs of Cleveland hts, shaker hts, beachwood to University Circle can be a NIGHTMARE.

hello and welcome. you may want to look at many of the other threads regarding relocation. Your wish list is a little complicated since you want to live not far from the rapid (thats what we call the light rail train), or Univeristy hosp, AND have newer or updated housing but NOT a loft. geez- talk about difficult! a pool???????

 

I will start with Stonebridge. This is one of the few (if only?)new contruction, downtownish places that has rentals.  I live in the condos and I really like the neighborhood.

The walls are better in the condos-and as it happens I think they are still renting apartments in the condo building. The gym in the condo building is sufficiant and there is part time security. The mang leaves something to be desired but as a renter it should not be a big deal. I concider the area safe. Your girlfriend could take the rapid to tower city or Ohio city and take a quick bus ride to the area...or until you are acclimated to the area, the rapid (1.75) to tower city and $5 cab to Stonebridge. Cab from airport is about $25-28 plus tip. Beachwood is a costly cab ride- I am guessing low $40's or more.  There are some $25-$30 private shuttles though.. .

I have nothing objective or nice to say about crocker park, other than it is way too far from your new job. I will leave it at that.

 

I really can't get into Beachwood either. Kind of a boring 1960's suburb. Maybe someone else can say something positive. I wouldnt build your housing search around Whole Foods though.

 

I think there are some folks on the board that can comment on the quieter areas downtown/warehouse (some streets are noisier then others). Since you like updated spaces, the Tower Press Building might be worth looking at http://www.towerpress.com/home.html. Re: getting there from airport same deal as Stonebridge, east rapid and bus or cab combo. Alas TP is a loft. You may trying seeing is there are any condos for rent in the riverbend condo building (would probably need a realtor to find rental condos). You could walk from the Rapid and the location is great.    Reserve Square has an indoor pool and nice gym (but have not been in the building since K and D bought it, and I heard they were upgrading futher) also the Chesterfield has a roof top pool. Pools are not to common around here. Reserve square may also still do short term rentals so that could be a place to land until you can explore some and find your dream place

Pupster, let me first welcome you to Cleveland.

 

The amenities you are looking for will be found in larger buildings, but many of those are condos. Yet, even in some that are, you can find sublet units. Some of those buildings have already been noted in this thread (Reserve Square, Chesterfield etc).

 

Others that haven't been noted are found at...

Lakewood's Gold Coast (Here's one of a dozen - Marine Towers West http://beta.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1030198) [great neighborhood, and easy to get to/from airport via Lakewood Circulator linked to Red Line at West 117th station]

Shaker Square [great neighborhood, and on the Blue/Green lines]

University Circle (Try the Triangle at http://www.thetriangleapts.com/triangle/ though it doesn't have a pool) [proximity to CWRU speaks for itself, plus easy walk to UC attractions, Little Italy and the Red Line]

Westlake (Residences at Crocker Park) [decent faux urban neighborhood, can get to Red Line in mornings or rush hour/evenints via direct #46 bus, but a LONG drive to University Circle]

Parma (Midtown Towers http://www.rent.com/rentals/ohio/cleveland-and-vicinity/parma/447038/) [easy cab ride from airport, pretty boring neighborhood though]

Warehouse District (Bingham, Bridgeview, etc)

Euclid (North Pointe Apartments, http://beta.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1001454) [not a bad drive to CWRU but a haul from the airport]

...and there's more that I'm probably not thinking of.

 

But you can find more at:

 

http://beta.forrent.com/search-apartments-by-area/OH/Chillicothe%7CAthens/Bristol-Area/Cleveland/page1.html/index.html

 

Or at:

 

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

 

Happy hunting! Let us know if you want to know about specific buildings and neighborhoods.

i used to work at the Medicine residency office at UH as an undergrad, and an overwhelming majority of the residents lived in either Cleveland Hts or Shaker Hts.  I have no idea about price, but you might want to look at Bratenahl (an exclusive lakefront enclave).  A few residents lived in condos there.  It's about 4 miles north of UH.

Someone posted this listing in another thread, but I think it could be perfect for you:

 

http://www.montlackrealty.com/Searchresults.asp?BuildingId=16&CityId=1

 

It's an older building but immaculately maintained and secure. Right in University Circle, so you could walk to Case. The Red Line Rapid (which is the one that goes to the airport) stops at two places in University Circle. You could also check some of the other listings from this company.

 

Ohio City would also be a good option for you. It too is on the Red Line, just west of downtown -- so you'd be closer to the airport but would have to commute to work. Check the real estate listings at http://www.freetimes.com for apartments in this neighborhood.

 

Downtown, as you say, would also make sense. I'd come to Cleveland and check out some of the downtown apartments yourself before you write them off -- many are very nice. I think the finishes are a little hipper and more modern on East 4th Street than in the Warehouse District, but that's a matter of opinion. Check out http://www.east4thstreet.com/

What type of residency will you be doing?

i'd alsp consider the frequency of RTA service to your desired area.  during rush hours and somewhat during "normal" hours, you can get from the airport to anywhere on RTA relatively easily.  However, many of the community circulators and other routes that connect with the red line to the airport do not run or run infrequently enough that if someone is arriving at 8:30pm on a friday night or leaving on a 7am flight at hopkins, you may have a hard time connecting on RTA.

 

i'd recommend you stay close to red line stations (tower city downtown, ohio city) or perhaps shaker square (blue and green lines).

 

i'd also recommend you consider downtown.  downtown offers a central location, with access to both the east and west sides of cleveland, easy transit access to university circle via rail or bus, and easy access to the airport by rail or cab.  From downtown, you could then explore the different areas of Cleveland and see if there is a particular area that better suits your needs, without eliminating any options off the start by living in beachwood, for example.

 

As for specific buildings, Reserve Square is probably the most professional with pool, grocery store, workout area, etc. there have been a lot of complaints with new management, but i think it is just change.  some of the tenants were probably used to the old management.  there have been a lot of improvements to the building, and they should do short term leases as well.

 

bridgeview in warehouse district is also nice, but you'd want to make sure you got a unit on the corner or top floor, as the walls can seem thin depening on where your location is and who your nieghbors are.  there are also 2 buildings attached - one has thick cement floors, the other has post and beam construction.  much more noise between floors on the wood side. 

 

units in bingham are nice, but can be loud with wood floors and wide uncarpeted hallways.

 

i  think Statler Arms on e12 and euclid is very quiet and offers good combination of convenience, price, amenities.  you'd want to look for a unit with a courtyard or lake view to avoid some of the noise associated with the euclid corridor construction that will be going on for the next year.  the couryard units are probably cheaper, but they also have newer windows (the exterior facing windows are restored original 1912 windows).  The statler is also more of a traditional (ie non loft) style of apartment construction.

Did someone tell you that Beachwood is a nice place? While it is an upscale location, I wouldn't consider it a place that young professionals would flock to. I'm familiar with the Cleveland residency world (my wife is a resident) and I see how new and out of town residents get steered in certain directions due to who they asked for help or where they looked for answers.

Hi Pup, glad you are moving to the area. I'll check around and see if anyone is looking for a tenant in Riverbend, but the walls are fantastic - it's on the border of the Warehouse Dist on W. 10th  and for that rent you could find a very nice bldg with a cool mix of residents -- one of the guys even kayaks in exotic locales lol. It's a condo complex but there is a portion of rental in it - meaning individual owners have been renting it out. The views are terrific.

 

The Bingham is also nice, not sure if the rents are under 1300 though. Anyway, I'll check around. You could live in Shaker as well or the Cleveland City side of Shaker lots of rentals there and it's close to Beachwood.

 

 

^when moved from out of state for spouses job at CSU (the urban university), the steered choices were Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights or Westlake (??? I guess if you liked new housing). I asked our realtor about OC and she wrinkled her nose.  People said there was no housing downtown! The dumbest thing we have ever done is buy before  moving. After losing big $ in the heights,we are finally where we belong. I also find it nauseatingly predicable that Case employees are steered to the univ/heights areas. It may of may not be the best fit for them. Anyway, why should they all be congregated in the same place-disperse (but not too far though) and diversify people!

peabody, shaker has a lot of apartment living to choose from, and it's on public transportation so easy to get to Case. I like your point about renting first when you move to a new City; it makes a lot more sense. I don't see anyone here telling him to buy! I am going to include two sites people really find useful if they are looking to rent. The first is craigslist.com then go to  Cleveland and then housing.  The second is local all the way, http://www.pluggedincleveland.com  They don't have as many listings as Craigslist but they have them and it's a cool local site. 

hi all. thanks for a lot of your posts! in response to some questions, yeah i have been to cleveland. i did briefly go to the warehouse district, as we were taken out for dinners there. lots of stuff to ponder. anyone know anything about greenbriar apartments in shaker heights? there's no review at apartmentratings.com.

 

carolecohen, thanks for the update about riverbend...am interested in something there perhaps.

dude/dudette...apartmentratings.com in cleveland is pretty much bullshit.  It's not as reliable as in other cities.

 

so PLEASE stop reading that.  :wink:

 

The Greenbrier apartment complex is a garden style building probably built in the 40 or 50s but well maintained (from the outside). 

 

You're almost infront of the Avalon BlueLine Train stop (the Lee Rd. stop is also within a 3-5 min walk), and you're 1.5 blocks away from the Chagrin/Lee Retail district, that has drug store, post office, grocery store, etc.  Shaker Hts City hall and Police station & Library are very close (at Lee Rd.)

 

What exactly are you looking for?

 

This is the 'burbs, although Shaker is diverse, its soccer moms in mini vans hell.  This isn't an area for young fun couples looking to walk to the movie, dinner etc.

 

the more information you give us the more we can help you.

 

I would think a sublet at riverbend would be way more than $1k in monthly rent.

Pupster,

 

Will you have a car? Are you looking to take the rapid to work? Do you want to live in an area with entertainment, shops, etc in walking distance? Or are you just looking for a place to sleep and recover from the long 80-hour weeks that you'll be putting in?  When you say 'modern kitchen', do you mean viking appliances and granite counter tops or do you mean 'not something built in 1920'?

Hi,

 

I'll have a car. I will probably be driving to work. Yeah, I'd prefer to live in an area close to shops, etc., but that's probably not necessary, if the other criteria are met. When I say "modern kitchen," I mean something well lit w/ new appliances and sinks...not something scuzzy :-/.

 

Pupster,

 

Will you have a car? Are you looking to take the rapid to work? Do you want to live in an area with entertainment, shops, etc in walking distance? Or are you just looking for a place to sleep and recover from the long 80-hour weeks that you'll be putting in?  When you say 'modern kitchen', do you mean viking appliances and granite counter tops or do you mean 'not something built in 1920'?

Hi,

 

I'll have a car. I will probably be driving to work. Yeah, I'd prefer to live in an area close to shops, etc., but that's probably not necessary, if the other criteria are met. When I say "modern kitchen," I mean something well lit w/ new appliances and sinks...not something scuzzy :-/.

 

Pupster,

 

Will you have a car? Are you looking to take the rapid to work? Do you want to live in an area with entertainment, shops, etc in walking distance? Or are you just looking for a place to sleep and recover from the long 80-hour weeks that you'll be putting in?  When you say 'modern kitchen', do you mean viking appliances and granite counter tops or do you mean 'not something built in 1920'?

 

boy its like pulling teeth to get information out of you!

 

I would AGAIN suggest Shaker Square or Euclid Hts. Blvd/Coventry.

Don't rule out the old places just because you think that they'll have old crummy appliances. There are many landlords with old buildings that keep them in tip-top shape.

Hi,

 

I'll have a car. I will probably be driving to work. Yeah, I'd prefer to live in an area close to shops, etc., but that's probably not necessary, if the other criteria are met. When I say "modern kitchen," I mean something well lit w/ new appliances and sinks...not something scuzzy :-/.

 

Pupster,

 

Will you have a car? Are you looking to take the rapid to work? Do you want to live in an area with entertainment, shops, etc in walking distance? Or are you just looking for a place to sleep and recover from the long 80-hour weeks that you'll be putting in?  When you say 'modern kitchen', do you mean viking appliances and granite counter tops or do you mean 'not something built in 1920'?

 

boy its like pulling teeth to get information out of you!

 

I would AGAIN suggest Shaker Square or Euclid Hts. Blvd/Coventry.

 

I would recommend those as well, but I'm not sure how he's prioritizing his preferences. I don't know of anything in Cleveland Heights that would have a pool, security desk etc. Is the rapid more important than a gym? By the way, UH/Case has a great fitness center in the heart of campus (One to One Fitness). Pupster, what's your residency in?

 

 

Pupster, I have a call in to a past client who owns in the Riverbend. I will see if he can find out if someone is going to be looking to rent soon.  You will love it here. All we require at Urban Ohio in return for advice is a 1 pound male lobster each :-)

Why male?

Pup,

 

MyTwoSense pretty much hit everything on the head with his first post.  For your situation, I would still highly push looking into apartments in Ohio City (around W 25th).  Your GF could ride the Red Line from the Airport at a straight shot right to your apartment at the W 25th stop, the Westside Market will be right at your doorstep, and you'll have everything you need around you from a city...not to mention enough distance away from work so you feel like you actually leave the place. 

 

Personally, I live in the area 2 mins from University Hospital and love it, so it must mean something that I am steering you to check out Ohio City as the best fit. 

Pupster - out of all the things you've mentioned, only one building comes to my mind that satisfies all your requests - and that would be Reserve Square. It's right downtown with a pool, fitness center, grocery store, security desk, etc. It's a quick, easy drive down Chester to Case (although don't make it too quick - cause the cameras just caught me speeding down Chester and I got a ticket in the mail), it is very close to Tower City Center which is linked to the airport via the red line. I've been inside the units a couple times before. The buidling is newer with modern amenities, although its a little dated and nothing special. I myself and I think most people on the forum would prefer something a bit more historic, unique, and immediately located in a more happening district, but based on your preferences I think it would be a good fit for you.

sorry took me a while to get back here; male because they are bigger and tastier LOL

^ain't that the truth ;)

hi thx all...for now i'm going to settle in at stonebridge waterfront...i just put down a deposit, but i'm willing to move elsewhere and forgo it if i find something else better i like -- i was able to get a 2 bd/2 bath for about $900/month, which i think is a great deal. so i guess we'll see. i guess my only concern is a lack of a "neighborhood" where i can just walk outside and get a latte if i want.

That sounds like a good deal to me! How far is it from "downtown Ohio City?" I am not good with trying to estimate walks. About 10 minutes from the hub...15 from the Rapid?

You will start to have that starting this summer, when the 1870-built machine shop (people dub it the Cantina as its last use was a Cantina del Rio restaurant) is fully renovated with multiple uses. The developer is seeking a coffee shop, delicatessen, family-style restaurant and a mini market for the Cantina.

 

Here's a photo from forumer MayDay of the Cantina, seen at right, with the new condo building at left (photo was taken in November):

 

 

Also, for more information on the major development masterplan for the Stonebridge area, visit:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=9195.0

 

Or, for Stonebridge itself, visit:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3883.0

hi thx all...for now i'm going to settle in at stonebridge waterfront...i just put down a deposit, but i'm willing to move elsewhere and forgo it if i find something else better i like -- i was able to get a 2 bd/2 bath for about $900/month, which i think is a great deal. so i guess we'll see. i guess my only concern is a lack of a "neighborhood" where i can just walk outside and get a latte if i want.

 

Latte, no.  Beer, yes!

What's the Hub? Tower City?

 

That sounds like a good deal to me! How far is it from "downtown Ohio City?" I am not good with trying to estimate walks. About 10 minutes from the hub...15 from the Rapid?

The Rapid hub is at Tower City - and something like 90% of RTA busses stop in front of Tower City on Public Square. I'd say you're about a fifteen minute walk to either Public Square downtown or Market Square in Ohio City.

^the Rapid can take you closer to Stonebridge.  If you can make good connections, esp during rush hour, you can transfer from the airport/Red line to the Waterfront line.  From there, it's a 1 minute, 1 stop ride down to the Flats at the Settlers Landing stop ... this puts you considerably closer to Stonebridge and saves you from walking up or down the steep hill into the Flats... and the walk across the Center Street bridge of the Cuyahoga River (particularly on the north side of the bridge directly into Stonebridge) is among the most interesting and scenic in the city.  If your SO has light luggage (what am I saying, we're talking about a woman!), the Settlers Landing rapid stop is only 5 mins from your door; maybe less.

thanks...can i commute to university hospitals? if it's only a 5 min walk, i wonder if i can use the rapid to commute and thus not have to drive?

Pup, I should let the OC residents answer you on this one, but on nice days, you can walk across the recently widened northern sidewalk of the Detroit Superior Bridge for some incredible views of your new neighboorhood- definitely one of the most exhilarating walks in town (sort of the gritty Clevo version of the nice walk across the Mass Ave bridge in your current town).  The walk will take you right to Tower City where the train ride to the back door of University Hospitals is only about 15 mins with a 5 min walk on the other end.  It's probably a little quicker to just walk across the Center Street Bridge and then up the hill on East Bank which is also a cool walk.  In any case, if you don't mind a nifty jaunt to start the day, transit is definitely an option.

 

The walk from Stonebridge to the Ohio City red line stop is probably a little more bleak (those northern stretches of W. 25th are pretty barren, but is also an option.

^the Rapid can take you closer to Stonebridge.  If you can make good connections, esp during rush hour, you can transfer from the airport/Red line to the Waterfront line.  From there, it's a 1 minute, 1 stop ride down to the Flats at the Settlers Landing stop ... this puts you considerably closer to Stonebridge and saves you from walking up or down the steep hill into the Flats... and the walk across the Center Street bridge of the Cuyahoga River (particularly on the north side of the bridge directly into Stonebridge) is among the most interesting and scenic in the city.  If your SO has light luggage (what am I saying, we're talking about a woman!), the Settlers Landing rapid stop is only 5 mins from your door; maybe less.

 

the waterfront line only runs every 15-30 minutes depending on what time of day. From Stonebridge it is actually easier to walk to tower city over the swing bridge thru the flats and up that road that goes to Sherman Williams and the amphitheater, right into the TC garage. I only take the waterfront line if I am going to Shaker Square. Walking over the Superior Bridge is beautiful, but takes longer.  The first route can be done in 10 minutes,easy. I also want to add that the Stonebridge to TC is a very safe walk (esp the one through the flats) in my opinion- I see many women inc myself walking alone.  The walk from Stonebridge to the OC red line is a little adventurous.

Another option is to take a bus (the 20, 22 or the 807) from Detroit Ave & West 25th to the Ohio City rapid station across Lorain from the West Side Market. The 807 goes right to the front door of the Rapid station while the 20 & 22 require you to walk a block from West 25th. However, the 807 runs every 30 minutes while the 20/22 run much more frequently.

 

Of course, the 20, 22 and 326 buses (each one offering frequent service) all cross the Detroit/Superior bridge to Public Square where you can catch the Red Line to University Circle. Or you can transfer to the 6 or 9x running down Euclid Avenue to University Circle. Those two bus routes will be rough rides for the next 18 months while the Euclid Corridor (with a dedicated busway) construction project is continuing. But once they are done, it should be a smooth, fast bus ride.

thx all for the input. that said...there isn't any modern stonebridge type of place in shaker square right? i saw some ads for a "500 severance place" that looked nice, but that's only condos right?

Larchmere (one block north of the square) has some new construction but I think it's all for-sale.

also, where would u guys suggest would be the really haute couture cuisine in town? any james beard nominees other than lola/lollita?

thx all for the input. that said...there isn't any modern stonebridge type of place in shaker square right? i saw some ads for a "500 severance place" that looked nice, but that's only condos right?

 

Unfortunately (for your hunt), the Shaker Square housing stock is mostly pre-war with some 50s and 60s stuff, but nothing really modern other than a few for-sale condo projects on Larchmere and the southern fringe of the 'hood.  500 Severence is adjacent to an ugly strip center in an otherwise nice area (Cleveland Heights), but not really near the train.

 

There was a great new condo building built across from the West Side Market in Ohio City a couple years ago- Fries and Schule.  Not sure if rentals ever come up there, but it would be modern, very close to Red Line and lattes.  And excellent beer.  And grocery stores too.

 

As a voyear from afar, I'm pretty rusty on the upscale dining scene, so I hope others chime in on your last question, but I'm a fan of Fire on Shaker Square, and there is a nice cluster in Tremont (Parallax, Fahrenheit, and others I think), though I'm less familiar with those.  Johnny's Downtown on W. 6th is an institution, bu maybe sort of stuffy?  My real favorite, Parkers, just closed in Ohio City as the chef (a pioneer in using regional ingredients) retired after a long run in the biz.

 

There are also a couple decently swank Italian spots in Little Italy near UH (e.g., Baricelli Inn).

^the Rapid can take you closer to Stonebridge.  If you can make good connections, esp during rush hour, you can transfer from the airport/Red line to the Waterfront line.  From there, it's a 1 minute, 1 stop ride down to the Flats at the Settlers Landing stop ... this puts you considerably closer to Stonebridge and saves you from walking up or down the steep hill into the Flats... and the walk across the Center Street bridge of the Cuyahoga River (particularly on the north side of the bridge directly into Stonebridge) is among the most interesting and scenic in the city.  If your SO has light luggage (what am I saying, we're talking about a woman!), the Settlers Landing rapid stop is only 5 mins from your door; maybe less.

 

the waterfront line only runs every 15-30 minutes depending on what time of day. From Stonebridge it is actually easier to walk to tower city over the swing bridge thru the flats and up that road that goes to Sherman Williams and the amphitheater, right into the TC garage. I only take the waterfront line if I am going to Shaker Square. Walking over the Superior Bridge is beautiful, but takes longer.  The first route can be done in 10 minutes,easy. I also want to add that the Stonebridge to TC is a very safe walk (esp the one through the flats) in my opinion- I see many women inc myself walking alone.  The walk from Stonebridge to the OC red line is a little adventurous.

 

Right, Peabody.  I'd only use the Waterfront line if connections can be made easily, otherwise, I'd walk.  Rush hour's probably the best bet cause trains are slightly more frequent... btw, how can one access the Det-Superior Bridge other than backtracking all the way to Detroit-W.25?  If that's the case, wouldn't that be rather out of the way, esp since pupster's Red Line-ing it to U-Hosp (which I thought was about a 10-12 min ride)?

 

btw, you can also take the Waterfront Line the other direction to E. 9th (North Coast) where the Rock Hall and Great Lakes Science museums are.  There's also a wonderful little peninsula park, named Voinovich, which juts into the Lake giving great views of the city and boaters, jet skiers, (Burke Lakefront) airplanes, etc... Also, from right behind the Rock Hall, is the Goodtime III which is the city's premiere tourist excursion boat up the river (on regular schedules as well as rent/out special cruises). 

 

... Also, pupster, in case you haven't noticed (which I'm sure you have), Stonebridge is right next to the Powerhouse, which has a couple restaurants, and the Howl-at-the-Moon karaoke/sing-along bar; as well as the Plain Dealer Pavilion outdoor stage, where there are numerous concerts during the warm weather periods (which, at the moment, you've got to be wondering if there even are such periods in Cleveland!!!!).

 

In sum, you picked a great place -- Stonebridge is a nice building, and one of the only all new residences downtown (besides the Pinnacle condos in the Warehouse Dist) to be built in Cleveland in well over a decade.  At times the area around it may be a little dead, but on weekends, it's quite lively... and the new Stonebridge tower and lower atrium will only make it better come summer.

btw, how can one access the Det-Superior Bridge other than backtracking all the way to Detroit-W.25?  If that's the case, wouldn't that be rather out of the way, esp since pupster's Red Line-ing it to U-Hosp (which I thought was about a 10-12 min ride)?

 

I think that's peabody's point- because you have to backtrack up the hill (either a little bit or a lot depending on which part of Stonebridge you start from) to get to the Detroit Superior Bridge, it's faster just to cross the Center Street swing bridge and walk to Tower City through the flats.

also, where would u guys suggest would be the really haute couture cuisine in town? any james beard nominees other than lola/lollita?

 

One Walnut, just off of E. 9th, and Classics at the Clinic pop into my head as very highly reviewed fine dining restaurants.  The Tremont area has some nice, newer places.

I am sure there are others on the board who can give better suggestions.

Now if you need to know where to booze, I am excellent resource.

also, where would u guys suggest would be the really haute couture cuisine in town? any james beard nominees other than lola/lollita?

 

One Walnut, just off of E. 9th, and Classics at the Clinic pop into my head as very highly reviewed fine dining restaurants.  The Tremont area has some nice, newer places.

I am sure there are others on the board who can give better suggestions.

Now if you need to know where to booze, I am excellent resource.

 

I love one walnut.  Sans Souci, table 45, Sergio's Shaker Square

add The Flying Fig to that!  http://www.theflyingfig.com/index2.html

thanks all...will check them all out when i hit town...keep the reccs. coming! i'm a real foodie....

Table 45 went in the Classics spot. really good stuff!  http://www.tbl45.com/

 

Some of My favorites:

Parallax   http://www.parallaxtremont.com/

afore mentioend flying fig

Fahreneit  http://www.fahrenheittremont.com/

Lolitas   http://www.lolabistro.com/

(do we see a Tremont/OC theme?)

 

 

Have not been yet, but well regarded:

Fire  http://www.firefoodanddrink.com/

Lola (see website above for Lolita)

 

these are the more "foodie" places. I have a strong affection for cheap authentic ethic places which I am more prone to frequent- too many to name now, but can some time if people are interested.

Further out from the city but still uber-trendy and "foodie":

 

Three Birds in Lakewood www.3birdsrestaurant.com

 

Wild Mango (formerly Weia Teia) in North Olmsted www.wildmangorestaurant.com

 

Lockkeepers in Valley View www.lockkeepers.com (I know it's going to be changing sometime soon with the arrival of Dante Boccuzzi www.danteboccuzzi.com)

 

Personally, I go out more often searching for the friendly neighborhood tavern/restaurant than the high-end foodie establishments in town.  I feel more comfortable at places like Brennan's Colony, the Pub on Lee, Snicker's, or the West End than I do sipping $15 martinis at the Velvet Tango Room and wondering if I'm cool enough to belong there (i'm not). 

 

I also love Cleveland for the ethnic eats, from Sterle's and Sokolowski's to Cafe Tandoor, Bo Loong, and Superior Pho.  Peabody and I should compare notes...