Hello everyone.  I just discovered this site, and I am sure I will be spending many hours in the next few days reading relevant posts.  With that said, I too, will be a new Cleveland resident and will be relocating there in late June.

 

One of the places that I'm looking to live is the Buckeye building on East 4th.  Would anyone care to provide any information, advice, pros, cons, etc. concerning this place? 

 

Other places I have looked at and considered are Dowtown/Warehouse District, Lakewood, and Tremont.  I'm sure I'll have a narrower list as I read all the posts about relocating.  But, if you have anything to add that may not have been said, do tell. 

 

Some important, relevant info.  I would like to live in a young, populous area, where there is a lot of activity.  My price range per month for rent (1Br) + parking + utilities is $750-850 or less.  I would like to have secured parking [not in the sense of safety, but rather a spot that is mine (e.g. driveway, garage, etc.)], and a washer and dryer.  Although, if I live in a complex, I may have to settle for "laundry facilities" (ughhh).  I'd also like a newer/nicer place, that has central heat and air, as I'm not a fan of older buildings, unless they have been remodeled.  I will be working at Metrohealth, and would prefer a relatively short commute.

 

Thanks for reading!

Welcome!   :wave: :wave:

 

Where are you relocating from?

 

I'm sure one of our Downtown, Tremont, Ohio City & West Side experts will be able to give the real deal!

Welcome Tbone,

 

Since you're already considering it, I'm sure you've already seen this site, but here it is anyway.  http://www.east4thstreet.com/properties.php  .  What I've heard from E4 residents is that you do get your own parking spot for something like $120 a month.  Also, the laundry appears to be coin operated in that building.  The location is great though, especially at that price.  There's a lot going on, and it's in the heart of the city. 

 

I'm sure enough people will fill you in on Ohio City, Tremont, Warehouse District, etc.

 

Where are you coming from?   

Doesn't X live in the Buckeye building?

I do.  Here are my thoughts.

 

Pros:

Inexpensive for a great location- close to everything downtown (let me know what neighborhood amenities you're interested in, and I can point you in the right direction)

secured parking for $100/month

Nice units, newer appliances/fixtures

Good management/ownership is continually performing upkeep and making small upgrades

Laundry available on each floor, though not in unit

East 4th St. is very safe/ Euclid and Prospect can feel a little less so because of vacancy rate, but are actually fairly good

 

Cons:

Needs more sound insulation between units and from street/ HVAC unit does act as a good white noise generator, though

lots of panhandlers in the immediate vicinity

many vacant storefronts, though this will change with Euclid Corridor and continued redevelopment of East 4th

 

 

The Buckeye seems to fill all the criteria you mentioned- though it has laundry facilities and is a remodeled older building.  I don't know if any units are currently available at the price you mentioned.  The vacancy rate is low, and the price you gave would just about cover the entry level units.

I am relocating from Kansas City.

 

X - Thanks for the great info.  About the laundry facilities - are they good sized washers and dryers, or are they the smaller ones that try to milk as many quarters from customers as possible?  Also, what type (gender, age, etc.) of tenants live in the Buckeye Building?  And finally, if you had to rank places to live downtown, what would be your top 5? 

 

 

 

 

I am relocating from Kansas City.

 

Please bring some Gates BBQ with you....thanks!

:lol:

 

I'll bring X and whoever else some if you can help me secure a good place to live!

Just curious, how did you find the buckeye building?  I'm actually surprised e4 was 1st on your list since it is usally hard to find on the web.  Personally, it's one of my favorite streets...even more so now with the 4 new places opening up in the next two months.  When my brother moved downtown two months ago, it wasn't even on his list since they seem to be so low key.  The entire neighorhood has been redone, so it'd be a gem location to get right now. 

 

For what you seem most interested in, you may also want to check W. 6, W. 9, and Ohio City as well.  Either way, I'd definitely say take a good look at E. 4 before you decide, especially if those prices are still available.

Murray Hill - I literally stumbled across E4.  I saw an ad on CL about a Frederick building, and was like, what's that?  So I did some googling, and found the E4 properties.  It definitely caught my eye.  I also have a copy of Downtown Digs, and most every rental/lease/buy complex is listed there.  I did look at West 6 and West 9, but for a 1 Br, it's a little pricey and more than I would prefer to spend.  As for OC, I don't think I would like living on the wrong side of the river.  Ideally, I'd prefer to live downtown nearby all the attractions and nightlife.  However, if nothing opens up, I may be forced to live farther away (Lakewood, Tremont, etc.).

^tbone,

 

Ohio City definitely has some night life. And it has just about everything in walking distance of some great moderately priced apartments. I think that you might have the wrong impression of Ohio City.

True. Ohio City and Tremont are similar areas in many respects. One of those similarities is that Tremont is also on the wrong side of the river.

 

Since you will be working at MetroHealth, have you also considered Old Brooklyn or perhaps the Midtown Towers area of Parma? See http://www.midtowntowers.net/ or consider other apartments in northeast Parma (in the area of Broadview and Snow/Rockside).

 

Many apartments in Old Brooklyn are typically up or down units in historic homes. But it sounds like an historic home isn't for you unless it's been substantially renovated. But I suggested Old Brooklyn because it's just south of Metrohealth and a decent neighborhood. Unfortunately, the neighborhood immediately surrounding Metrohealth is not very nice.

 

Tremont (east of Metrohealth), Ohio City (north of Metrohealth), downtown (farther north), Old Brooklyn (just south of Metrohealth) and Parma (farther south) are all decent areas. Areas around and west of Metrohealth are drug/gang infested. The hospital campus itself is pretty safe and patrolled by hospital security.

 

I don't mean to drive you away from downtown Cleveland. I love downtown. You may also like the Gold Coast area of Lakewood. That's where I live. There are 15,000 to 20,000 people living in this square mile. The Edgewater neighborhood on the Cleveland side of West 117th Street is also pretty cool. Around here, there's 24-hour restaurants, drug stores and lots of transit to downtown Cleveland.

 

The choices of apartments are extensive. Look for apartment buildings along Clifton, Lake, Edgewater and Cove. Try to stay north of Detroit Avenue. Rougher areas are south of Detroit Avenue, especially in Cleveland. Most of the apartment buildings were built in the 1960s. You'll find some from the 1970s and others from the 1950s and earlier.

 

If you have questions about specific buildings, streets, or neighborhoods, don't hesitate to ask.

As for OC, I don't think I would like living on the wrong side of the river.  Ideally, I'd prefer to live downtown nearby all the attractions and nightlife.  However, if nothing opens up, I may be forced to live farther away (Lakewood, Tremont, etc.).

 

I wouldn't consider OC the wrong side of the river; its just different than downtown. And there are plenty of nice/newer bars and restaurants going in there. Its very similar to Tremont. In addition there's a lot of expensive for-sale units being built and bought up - more so than Tremont probably. Don't get me wrong I like Tremont a lot - I'm just saying that I don't understand how you could eliminate the OC and narrow it down to downtown, Tremont, and Lakewood. In my opinion OC is more gentrified, more to do, more of a "growth" area, and a little more convenient than Tremont.

Ohio City also has a full-service grocery store (Dave's) and the incomparable West Side Market. While tremont has no grocery store, it does have the nearby Steelyard Commons (across the highway from Metrohealth) which opened its first two (Home Depot & Target) of 50 stores earlier this year. More will open between now and the end of the year.

hey now, i live south of detroit in lakewood and frankly its a nice little area and my neighbors are great. ive never had any problems in the 3+ years ive been here.

As for OC, I don't think I would like living on the wrong side of the river.

 

As an eastsider, I can completely understand where you're coming from.  :-D

Great, great discussion, as this was exactly what I was looking for.

 

KGP et al - I did consider Parma in my initial search.  However, after some thought, I favor the hustle and bustle and activity of downtown over the cheaper, more spacious "suburbia" of Parma.  I may have to reconsider OC.  However, from all my research and reading, it's still in the early stages of development when compared to WD, E4, Tremont, and Lakewood.  And yes, I'm not so much a fan of Up and Down units.  I really hate not being on the ground floor of house, and so I'd rather live in a complex downtown with nicer amenities if that's the case.  I've lived in a single bedroom house these last few years, and while it was decent and fit my needs, I think it's time I found some nicer digs.  Finally, much thanks for delineating the good versus bad street boundaries for all the areas in and around Cleveland!

 

I think I'm fixated on living downtown, or at least very near it.  That way I can have social activity, while also being only a short commute away from work.  Hence, that's why I listed my early preferences.  Also, I will have a car, so being near markets and stores isn't a deal breaker for me.  I don't mind driving somewhere if it has something I want or need.

I am relocating from Kansas City.

 

X - Thanks for the great info.  About the laundry facilities - are they good sized washers and dryers, or are they the smaller ones that try to milk as many quarters from customers as possible?  Also, what type (gender, age, etc.) of tenants live in the Buckeye Building?  And finally, if you had to rank places to live downtown, what would be your top 5? 

 

KC- I have never been there, but someday I'll have to check it out.  I hear there is alot going on there.

 

The laundry equipment is on the smaller size, but not ridiculously so.  I usually can get a full laundry basket load into the washer and the dryers are bigger.

 

Most of the people in my building are younger 20's or 30's.  A good mix of single males and females and couples.  They range from professionals to people working in the restaurants and bars nearby.

 

I don't know too much about the other places downtown, so I can't give you the best opinion on them.  If price was no option, I'd probably want to live in the Bingham, as the units seem to be very nice, many have balconies, and the Warehouse District is a bit more residential than Gateway.  I'd also check out Reserve Square.  The units are bland 60's modern, but they are well maintained and being upgraded and the building has alot of amenities.  Both of those buildings have groceries in the ground floor, too.

 

Considering the price range we exist in, a couple of relatively affordable buildings you might want to check out are the Chesterfield (on East 12th) the Crittenden Courts(in the Warehouse Dist), the Osborn (East 9th and Prospect) or the Huron Building (across the street).  You might also check out Heritage Suites if you can deal with something dorm sized.  It's sort of student-y and most of the apts are furnished, but if they do short term leases (I'm not sure) it could be a good starting point.

 

Are you going to have a chance to see neighborhoods and units before you have to decide, or will it be sight unseen?

 

Also, even though I'd love to see you move downtown, don't write off OC just yet.  It's a very cool neighborhood with alot good nightlife and neighborhood amenities.  It's probably where I would live if not downtown.

X - Agreed, if I didn't care about cost, I'd head to the Bingham.  And, I did look at the other affordable complexes you mentioned.  However, they just don't seem to be a good fit.  Unfortunately, I will not be visiting beforehand.  I am taking a calculated risk, and doing everything online, site/sight unseen. 

 

And now, after all this discussion, I am beginning to slowly warm to OC.  It's not as bad as I had previously thought.  My preferences, in order, are downtown (E4 or bust?), nice areas of Tremont, Ohio City, and finally Lakewood.

 

This is going to be a tough decision no matter what.  I've got some leads in each part of town.  And no matter how much I want to live somewhere, I'm now subject to availability and the decisions of others.

 

I also may have a few other questions as time passes, so if they are posted, please answer them.  :-D

 

I'll keep everyone posted where I end up.... if you care.....

 

Much thanks!

tbone14

 

Have you check the UO photo threads for the neighborhoods you like?  that might help.

 

If not....move to the right side - I mean - the Eastside of the city! :wink: :-D

tbone,

 

if we knew your tastes, then we'd be able to help you a bit more. What appeals to you more:

-clubbing

-beer and shot joints

-brew pubs

-coffee shops

-sports bars

-will you be living with a significant other

-how would you describe where you live now and do you like it?

-do you prefer gritty chicago neighborhoods or newer sunbelt living?

-do you like unique restaurants or are fine with a burger and fries?

 

 

"-do you like unique restaurants or are fine with a burger and fries?"

 

What about unique restaurants that serve burgers and fries? ;-)

MyTwoSense - Only a little bit, not much in depth yet.  I may check that out in the coming days.

 

3231

clubbing - I will go, but definitely not a preference

beer and shot joints - YES!

brew pubs - YES!

coffee shops - Not so much.  Maybe the occasional place to sit, relax, and people watch.

sports bars -YES!

will you be living with a significant other - None.  Just me, myself, and I.

how would you describe where you live now and do you like it? - I live near near midtown in an older, quiet neighborhood.  Everything is close and within a short 10 min or less drive.

do you prefer gritty chicago neighborhoods or newer sunbelt living? - No clue.

do you like unique restaurants or are fine with a burger and fries? - Both.  Really like 24/7 diners and places open late.

 

My favorite drinking establishments would have to be classified as laid back.  Modern/contemporary/stylish retro environment, music that is not too loud to drown out conversation, no bands, no dance floor, and a place that serves good mixed drinks and top shelf (?) alcohol.

hmm, i'd say that you sound a little more Ohio City than downtown. Have you checked out these places:

 

ww.clv-lofts.com  Federal Knitting Mills, Merrell and Metzner buildings are all very nice and immediately adjacent to some great bars and restaurants.

I'd say that any of the neighborhoods mentioned, including downtown could amply meet the nightlife wants you've laid out, except for 24-hour diners.  A good chunk of Cleveland's 24-hour dining scene is on the Lakewood-Cleveland border, about 4 miles west of downtown.  OC has a brewpub, Downtown has multiple sports bars.  Both have ample beer and shot joints.  Just try and find a neighborhood in Cleveland without ample beer and shot joints!

"Merrell and Metzner buildings are all very nice and immediately adjacent to some great bars and restaurants."

 

Not just any great bars, but the source of the nectar of the gods!

^my suggestion more has to do with the noise factor. I think that E.4 is only going to continually get louder and the Warehouse District is already loud. That said, I think that it would be a decent fit for our KC friend.

The layout of the units at the Metzner Building don't make any sense! Why put the bedroom between the kitchen and living room? Or put the kitchen between the bedroom and bathroom? While the exterior looks great, the interior has me scratching my head.

i don't think you'll go wrong living on e4 if you can find something in your price range.   it is in the center of everything and a close walk/bus/cab/car ride to numerous other activities, and will give you a good opportunity to explore all of cleveland's other neighborhoods. 

 

and in my mind, it is one of the few place where you can eat or drink in laid back sports bar type places, hole in the wall places, nice restaurants and nice hotel restaurants/bars all within a 5 minute walk. 

 

the only negative i see is the construction on euclid, which will continue for the next year.  i like to watch the progress, but it isn't for everyone.

The layout of the units at the Metzner Building don't make any sense! Why put the bedroom between the kitchen and living room? Or put the kitchen between the bedroom and bathroom? While the exterior looks great, the interior has me scratching my head.

 

I can't speak for all the units.. My sister in law lived there and they are very nice.

tbone, when you move here I will give you an itinerary of some of the absoulte best shot and a beer joints in the nation.  Cleveland is blessed in that regard.

Well, it looks like my E4 lead has fallen through.  I was informed that the 1st person who viewed the apartment was chosen.  Attempting to complete everything online does have disadvantages, and getting bypassed sucks.  UGH.  I was really looking forward to E4.  Okay, that's enough of a rant. 

 

Concerning Tremont, how "safe" are the neighborhoods?  In particular, Literary Road between West 6th and West 7th streets?  Is it safe, to say, to run/jog alone in the night or early morning hours?

 

Also, earlier there was a post saying I shouldn't live south of Detroit Avenue.  Does anyone know if this address is situated in a nice, good neighborhood?  20996 Detroit Rd, Rocky River 44116. 

 

Responses much appreciated.

Does anyone know if this address is situated in a nice, good neighborhood?  20996 Detroit Rd, Rocky River 44116. 

 

Rocky River is a suburb WEST of Cleveland.

 

There are quite a few forumers from Tremont and Ohio City.  MayDay lives in Tremont and will give you an accurate description of the neighborhood.  There are also forumers who live in adjoining Ohio City.

 

Tbone are you a man or woman?

For some reason, I thought Rocky River was West Lakewood.  Looking at the map again, I see it's the next community over.  Thanks for the heads up.

 

I'm 28, male.  What else would you like to know? :wave:

Have you checked the Statler Arms, Chesterfield or Reserve Square Buildings, since you want to be downtown?

For the most part, Tremont is safe and I think you'd be fine going for a jog at most hours. 15 years ago, that might not have been the case but the area around Literary Road and West 7th has really gentrified. The one area that's problematic is property crimes - particularly car break-ins but that's something most urban neighborhoods have. There's also the common sense factor - don't leave items out in plain sight and don't leave valuables in your car and better yet, find a place with a secure garage.

I don't know if this helps at all for a downtown neighborhood.  I just did a quick search on price range on Cleveland.com:

 

http://realestate.cleveland.com/?temp_type=browse&classification=real+estate&finder=afr&ad_type=residential-rentals-listing&fromSearchLevel=1&tl=1&tp=RE_cleve&property=cleveland.com&searchTab=quick&feature_includes_neighborhood=Downtown%2CGateway+District%2CThe+Flats%2CWarehouse+District%2COther+Cleveland+-+Downtown&adpricemin=200&adpricemax=800

 

EDIT: or maybe not...thought I'd at least give it a try.

 

MyTwoSense - Yes, I have looked into those 3 places.  However, they are located in the Theater district, I believe, and they are a little farther away than I would like.  If I were to live downtown, I literally want to be steps from it.

 

MayDay - Would that also apply to the 700 block on Brayton Street (786, to be exact)?

Umm, the Theater District IS downtown- it's centered at E. 14th street. 

^^Have you ever lived there?  It actaully does feel like it's far away from everything (except plays! ;)). 

 

My personal opinion:  In two-three years it will be a good place to live once the Avenue District is complete, but not yet.  It kinda feels like it's on an island surrounded by financial buildings and parking lots (but many are being filled in the next two years!).  Especially for a newcomer who wants to feel more of a vibe, I wouldn't recommend it....yet.  

Hey, I wasn't pushing one way or the other, I was simply stating a fact.  Since I haven't lived there, I defer to your opinion about the "vibe," but it is indeed downtown.  It seemed to me that tbone14 didn't realize this, so I was just trying to help.  Do forgive me.

MyTwoSense - Yes, I have looked into those 3 places.  However, they are located in the Theater district, I believe, and they are a little farther away than I would like.  If I were to live downtown, I literally want to be steps from it.

 

MayDay - Would that also apply to the 700 block on Brayton Street (786, to be exact)?

 

Dude, the theater district is IN DOWNTOWN, you're a 3-5 walk away from East 4th Street.  You smack dab in the middle of downtown in between the Theater District and the East 4th/Gateway District.  Please take our advice, we wouldn't give you bad or incorrect information.  Downtown has several "designated" neighborhoods, although not one is more than a 10 min walk from the other.

 

Look at the below map from the avenue district.

http://theavenuedistrict.com/newlayout/map/walkingMap.asp

 

Or the maps on Downtown Living Map

http://www.downtown-digs.com/ME2/Sites/dirmod.asp?sid=&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&gid=E8E3D1B899554D19AAA34EFC0E5BA66F&SiteID=F5DD86EE6BB54C5094687CE5A58526DA

 

The Statler Arms is approximately item No. 36, Reserve Square is No. 16 and the Chesterfield is directly across the street.  Jax, lives in the Statler Arms and might be able to give an expert opinion

 

In the next year/18 months that area will be busting at the seams East 4th is already starting to squeeze people out as you, yourself have witnessed first hand.

tbone,

 

I feel very safe in Ohio City. The "south of Detroit" reference was made to the area south of Battery Park. I live one block south of Detroit in Ohio City and the area is quite safe. Now if I leave my wallet in the front seat over night and I park on the street, then I might be asking for some trouble.

 

MyTwoSense - Thanks for that interactive map.  That's very useful!  I didn't meant to ruffle any feathers.  Like Murray Hill's sentiments, and from maps (like the one in Downtown Digs), the Theater District is a few city blocks in the downtown area that just seem a tad too far away from everything else for my tastes, that's all.

MyTwoSense - Thanks for that interactive map.  That's very useful!  I didn't meant to ruffle any feathers.  Like Murray Hill's sentiments, and from maps (like the one in Downtown Digs), the Theater District is a few city blocks in the downtown area that just seem a tad too far away from everything else for my tastes, that's all.

 

Since you havent set foot in Cleveland, let me ask you.  Is seven blocks really that much of a difference?

^Ever try to walk from the Warehouse District to Playhouse Square? In winter? Better yet, ever try to grab a cab from one to the other? I'd say it could be that much of a difference.

^Ever try to walk from the Warehouse District to Playhouse Square? In winter? Better yet, ever try to grab a cab from one to the other? I'd say it could be that much of a difference.

 

We're talking about East 4/Gateway and East 12.

well there is also the free trolley (and other rta routes) that connects all of the downtown, and depending on the time of day or activity, it is usually not hard to find street parking for a while to run errands.

 

the best attractions on e12 seem to be

- it's proximity to both theater and e4 areas

- grocery store

- easy in and out of city on highways, if needed.

 

plus, you can always spend the saved rent money on cabs around in bad weather. 

 

i just don't think you will find a place in that price range downtown unless you consider e12 (statler, reserve square) or huron rd (huron square, osborne). 

 

ohio city and tremont are both nice areas, just very different than downtown living, imo.

I have a friend who lives in the Osborne and I think it's fairly reasonable plus a little closer to "the action" around the Jake and E. 4th.

The Statler and Reserve Square are both quite expensive.  The Osborn, Chesterfield, and Huron Square less so.

 

Sorry E. 4th didn't work out for you, tbone.