Hi everyone. I am moving to the Cleveland area from Michigan at the end of Feb. I'm a single 26 y.o. female who will be living alone. I was wondering if anyone could give me some ideas of safe places to look for apartments. I will be working at the Cleveland Clinic but dont mind a commute as long as its not longer than 30 mins. So far Lakewood has interested me the most.  I want to live somewhere with retail, small bars where i can shoot pool and sit and talk.  I would also like neighbors who are friendly.  I want to move somewhere that it will be easy to meet new and fun people.  Thanks for the help.  :-)

Lakewood is full of great apartment buildings and it fits the bill, the adage is a bar, a church and a funeral home on every corner LOL  And welcome to NE Ohio! I don't know your price range, but to get good choices for rental listings you can check http://www.pluggedincleveland.com.  You can also check out the Saturday Plain Dealer, it is still a great resource. The other thing: The Gold Coast. Closer to the first condo building, Edgewater Towers (closest to 117th) you will find several bldgs and some with not a bad price for the square footage.  If you want to be in a smaller non-high rise building, check out some of the streets near Kenilworth to start. (And the Kenilworth Tavern is there too lol) three and four story brown brick apt buildilngs with good old world character.  Most of these places I have suggested have property managers during normal business hours. If you are on a budget you might try checking out Edgewater Towers itself; many condo owners their rent out their units and prices can be quite good.

 

The counter part on the east side, in my mind, is Cleveland Heights. Also close enough to work for you but the same atmosphere and probably even more apartments than Lakewood. I lived on Derbyshire for a while. But all the small streets leading off cedar hill (Fairmont and Cedar) are lined with apartment buildings.  Also Edgehill and Coventry. Good entertainment, culture and a few pool halls to be had.

 

There is also a lot in between. Ohio City is full of young, single women - and it's a tight knit community of people who enjoy the democratic process and look out for each other in a wonderfully diverse neighborhood. If I were looking to rent I would love to live in any of these three areas.  Just my two cents. Another buildling, much smaller, On Warren Road and the name of it is escaping me because it's after 1 am -- it's across from the post office and is technically a condo complex but people rent their units out as well. Happy hunting and let me know if I can be of any futher help.

 

 

If you like Lakewood, then you'll really like Cleveland Hts. And its much much closer to work.

I currently live in Lakewood and like it, but if I were working at the Clinic or University Circle - I'd be looking at living downtown, Little Italy or Cleveland Heights.

My top choice would be Cleveland Hts too but Lakewood gives you the Lake so they are good counterpoints. (lol of course we aren't the ones moving! lol)

and don't forget Shaker Square.

 

websites

http://www.shakersquare.net/ptl/index.htm

http://www.shad.org/rentals.htm

http://www.livingincleveland.org/Me2/dirmod.asp?sid=9B6FFC446FF7486981EA3C0C3CCE4943&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&gid=B5BCA6E0EDF6481DA5058A1B7824C675

http://www.larchmere.com/

MyTwoSense = the pimp of Shaker Square!

 

I also live in Lakewood, a couple blocks south of the Gold Coast. That's one area to consider because it's close to the restaurants, taverns and concert clubs along and near West 117th (especially on Detroit Avenue near West 117th). There's also a couple of cafes and restaurants in the high-rises along Edgewater.

 

Madison Avenue in Lakewood has numerous bars along it, and I consider them more interesting than the ones along Detroit Avenue. The exception is at the West End of Lakewood, where there's of great places to hang out. Plus, the West End is next to the north end of the Metroparks, a continuous ring of parks that goes all the way around the metro area (it's dubbed the Emerald Necklace and when you look on a map you'll see why). There's hiking clubs, running clubs and biking clubs that meet and do their thing in the Metroparks.

 

While Lakewood has a more Midwestern feel (think Chicago neighborhoods), Cleveland Heights has a more East Coast feel (think inner-suburban Boston or Philadelphia) even though both suburbs have the same attributes.

 

And, like Carol Cohen said, don't discount the neighborhoods of Cleveland. Ohio City is a great neighborhood for young people, as is downtown, University Circle/Little Italy and Shaker Square. I love all of those neighborhoods and could live in any one of them!

 

 

hayzell, one thing you might want to think about is your transportation options.  Depending on your schedule, you may find public transit is a surprisingly easy way to get to the Clinic and might want to add that to your search criteria.  Specifically, there is a shiny new Bus Rapid Transit system being constructed on Euclid Avenue, a Downtown/East Side main drag, that will make commuting to the Clinic from downtown really comfortable and fast (15-20mins; very frequent service).  Bike lanes on Euclid will make biking an option too from downtown.

 

Otherwise, I echo the Lakewood/Cleveland Heights chorus here.  The drive from Cleveland Heights would be only about 10 mins depending on where you exactly choose.

Welcome (prematurely) to Cleveland!

 

StrapHanger beat me to the question... If you're working at the Clinic, that doesn't necessarily mean you can park at the Clinic.  You could choose to live in Little Italy (one mile from your job) and they may give you a parking permit for the Muni Lot (5 miles from your job).  So, if you're planning to drive to work, you'll need to sort that out.  If you choose to rely on transit, the Clinic has several options, but depending on where you choose to live, you could find transit or biking to be a hassle.  A little enlightenment there would help those of us on the forum give you better information.

 

Aside from echoing the responses that you've already heard (Cleveland Heights, Little Italy, Shaker Square, Ohio City, Tremont), I'd add Detroit-Shoreway, which is just west of Ohio City and a 20 minute drive to the Clinic, and University Circle, which is adjacent to the Clinic campus.  D-S has some new shops, new and old restaurants, affordable houses and apartments (rentals and for-sale) and is a short walk/bike ride to Lake Erie.  It's also close to everything that Ohio City has to offer.  University Circle has lots of rental options and will have more for-sale options in the near future.  It's the hub for arts & culture in Cleveland and the large student population, which includes a lot of graduate students, ensures that you'll be surrounded by young folks.

 

Here are a couple links to check out:

 

www.dscdo.org

www.universitycircle.org (see the "Live Here" page for rental info)

www.parklanevilla.com (5-minute walk to the Clinic)

hayzell,

 

What area of Michigan? Also, is there a neighborhood you love in Michigan that you'd be looking to replicate in Cleveland?

I echo the majority of the other posters.  Lakewood or Cle Hts depending on what you're looking for out of the neighborhood.  Lakewood has nice parks and Lake access and Lake access and is closer to a good beach which is nice in the summer (Huntington is small but very nice, great for picnics. Edgewater is good for walking but the beach isn't that great).  I think CleHts has more students as renters than Lakewood does but that's JMO.  there are also more bars in Lakewood than just about anywhere - I heard that there are more bars and churches in Lakewood, per capita, than any other city, but that could just be a rumor. I lived alone (and am F) in a variety of places in Lakewood for many years and found it to be a great place to live as long as you pay attention to the street parking restrictions.  If you do end up there, find a place that has a parking lot if possible.

 

Thanks to everyone who responded to my questions.  I have decided on Lakewood and am excited and nervous about my move.  I recently visited Cleveland and found the people there friendly, courteous, and interesting.  I do have a few questions about public transportation from Lakewood to the Cleveland Clinic. Is it possible??  How long do you think it would take?  Thanks again.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my questions.  I have decided on Lakewood and am excited and nervous about my move.  I recently visited Cleveland and found the people there friendly, courteous, and interesting.  I do have a few questions about public transportation from Lakewood to the Cleveland Clinic. Is it possible??  How long do you think it would take?  Thanks again.

 

yes, but it will most likely require at least 1 transfer.  most of the transit from lakewood will terminate in downtown, or just east of downtown (but not as far east as the clinic). 

 

depending on your location in lakewood, you could also ride the red line train which will take you all the way to university circle where you could then take the clinic shuttle bus, ride a bike, or perhaps walk (although the clinic is a decent distance from the train station).

 

what area or street in lakewood have you decided on?  You can try and use the RTA trip planner to see what is available.  it doesn't always work 100% depending on your routes though, and sometimes doesn't provide the most logical routing:

 

http://tripplanner.gcrta.org/

Thanks to everyone who responded to my questions.  I have decided on Lakewood and am excited and nervous about my move.  I recently visited Cleveland and found the people there friendly, courteous, and interesting.  I do have a few questions about public transportation from Lakewood to the Cleveland Clinic. Is it possible??  How long do you think it would take?  Thanks again.

 

Definitely possible.  How long it takes is going to vary because of the Euclid Corridor project, which is a huge PITA and seemingly going on forever.  It will definitely be cheaper than driving and paying for parking no matter where you park.

 

There are a lot of bus lines that go through Lakewood and into downtown, the 55 being the most popular/frequent line, you just have to be on a major E-W street to catch them, and you of course have to be at a marked bus stop.  You would get off downtown and pick up a different bus (need a transfer) to take from downtown to the Clinic.  I think the 6 is what you'd need from downtown.

 

RTA's site lists these buses in relation to the clinic:  Cleveland Clinic Foundation: 6, 7X, 9X, 32X, 48/48A.

 

Edited to add: if you need opinions about the places you're considering in Lakewood, feel free to ask us; you can PM me if you want. I lived in 5 different apartments in Lakewood over the years, all in different areas, and my mother bought a house there a few years back.

Definitely possible.  How long it takes is going to vary because of the Euclid Corridor project, which is a huge PITA and seemingly going on forever. 

 

That was a low blow, not balanced or accurate.  Work for the PD??

I didn't mean to hit a sore spot.  I'm only talking from my perspective and that of my friends who own a business on Euclid that has been really hit hard by this project.  It has affected almost everyone I know in a negative way.  My mother, who works at Case and has to deal with the continual construction around the university circle area, me and my co-workers with the downtown construction.  I mean, try walking to Lola in heels across all the stones and dirt on Euclid because you didn't want to pay $8 to valet your car.  It's dangerous and not fun.  It is a COMPLETE pain and it does seem to be going on forever, sorry if that bothers you.  I don't even READ the PD, I have no idea what their position is on the project.

 

I'm not saying that when it's done it won't be great or will be great, I guess that remains to be seen.  All I'm saying is the construction is a pain and is taking a long time.  If you think the construction is great and is going really quickly, you're entitled to your opinion.

 

Edited to add:  I really think the snarkiness on this board is unfortunate and not called for.  I think a lot of people on here need to learn to disagree with someone without name-calling or acting like an a*shole.  I'm as entitled to my opinion as anyone else.

MTS, it's an opinion. And there have been times where I'm inclined to agree with rockandroller's assessment, even though I'm well aware that the end result will be great. 

I didn't mean to hit a sore spot.  I'm only talking from my perspective and that of my friends who own a business on Euclid that has been really hit hard by this project.  It has affected almost everyone I know in a negative way.  My mother, who works at Case and has to deal with the continual construction around the university circle area, me and my co-workers with the downtown construction.  I mean, try walking to Lola in heels across all the stones and dirt on Euclid because you didn't want to pay $8 to valet your car.  It's dangerous and not fun.  It is a COMPLETE pain and it does seem to be going on forever, sorry if that bothers you.  I don't even READ the PD, I have no idea what their position is on the project.

 

I'm not saying that when it's done it won't be great or will be great, I guess that remains to be seen.  All I'm saying is the construction is a pain and is taking a long time.  If you think the construction is great and is going really quickly, you're entitled to your opinion.

 

I appreciate opinions, but that isn't what you intended in your first post.  It doesn't bother me, but if you're going to bash (that the only label I can give to you "opinion") then at least be fair.

 

MTS, it's an opinion. And there have been times where I'm inclined to agree with rockandroller's assessment, even though I'm well aware that the end result will be great. 

 

I agree, yet why feed the boat of misconceptions?  Just a thought, thats all.

 

.........moving on

 

anyway hayzell those of us who are friendly and helpful on here will be glad to help you. 

anyway hayzell those of us who are friendly and helpful on here will be glad to help you. 

 

Aren't we all friendly and helpful?

MTS, put a sock in it. :roll: It's not a misconception - you're the one who doesn't spend five days a week in the CBD. rockandroller already said that in the big picture, ECP is great but in the meantime, there are parts that are a royal PITA. Those of us who spend more time here are a little more qualified to comment on it.

 

Getting back on topic - hayzell, if you can give us an approximate idea (no specific address, just general area is fine) of where you're going to be in Lakewood, that might help us give you a better idea. If you can get to the Red Line station at West 117th (Lakewood has a Community Circulator that stops there), that's basically a straight-shot past downtown to the University Circle/Cedar station, where Cleveland Clinic runs shuttle busses to/from. My rough guess would be to allow 20-25 minutes from the West 117th station for the Rapid ride, and another 5-10 depending on catching the Clinic shuttle.

 

There's also the option of taking the 55 that runs along Clifton Blvd. to downtown (or the 75X that runs up Berea Road to West 117th), and then transferring to either the 6 (somewhat slow local bus line), or the 9X (faster express bus line). Again, depending on where in Lakewood you get on, it could be anywhere from 20 minutes to 10 minutes to downtown. The 9X usually gets me from downtown to the Clinic in about 15-20 minutes, the 6 takes about 20-30 minutes. As everyone has said, once the Euclid Corridor (Silver Line) bus rapid-transit is up and running, that will make the trip from downtown to the Clinic MUCH faster. And - you might consider taking the Rapid to downtown and transferring at Tower City to the Silver Line. It probably sounds like a lot of "six of one, a half-dozen of the other", but I just wanted to give you a rundown of some options you have.

MTS, put a sock in it. :roll:

 

Aiight Boo.  Just for you! :angel:

It probably sounds like a lot of "six of one, a half-dozen of the other", but I just wanted to give you a rundown of some options you have.

 

"I detest that cliche"

-- Attorney General Hedley Lamarr

MTS, put a sock in it. :roll:

 

Aiight Boo.  Just for you! :angel:

 

when a Mod says "shut up", you "shut up" and cease conversation on that subject.

Thanks again for all of your help.  I am visiting the Lakewood area this weekend to look at apartments.  Does anyone have any info on HarbourView or Coronet/Mayfair apts??  Also, my mother is accompanying me and we want to go out and have some fun... any suggestions///

Thanks again for all of your help.  I am visiting the Lakewood area this weekend to look at apartments.  Does anyone have any info on HarbourView or Coronet/Mayfair apts??  Also, my mother is accompanying me and we want to go out and have some fun... any suggestions///

 

What kind of things would interest your mom?

"Does anyone have any info on HarbourView or Coronet/Mayfair apts??"

 

Well a friend of a friend of a friend used to live in the Harbourview and I don't recall complaints. It's not the newest or the most attractive on the exterior (it looks like a Florida Days Inn, but again - if you live *in* it, you don't have to look *at* it) but the location is great - across the street from a metropark entrance, just away enough but in stumbling distance of Lakewood's "west end" bars and restaurants (anything from college-ish to high-end dining), and also in walking distance to Rocky River's small but quaint historic district (and Heinens grocery store). You're also in walking distance of the gorgeous residential areas north of Clifton - if you like to go for jogs or walks in areas of historic mansions, it's one of the best in the area. Location-wise it gets a yes vote from me - as far as the building itself, I only know it has a heated pool and again - it might be dated but that depends on your tastes.

 

One thing is for sure, get a unit on the west side of the building, which would give you a view of the Rocky River valley and metroparks. Also - note that this is located on the western end of Lakewood (aka the polar opposite of the Red Line station at West 117th). You still might have options for public transit but your travel time to work might be a little longer by 10 minutes.

 

 

 

^The only thing that I've heard about those apartment buildings is that they give Lakewood police headaches.

my mom is like me... we like to go to bars, listen to good music, and shop

first I recommend driving in the neighborhood you like at 11pm and taking a look around. It will give you a better idea of what the worst is you can expect. I pretty much think everywhere looks fine during the day...If you want to get a flavor of Lakewood, I like Melt Bar and Grill and The Beer Engine (you can google both). They are the only places that can count on pulling me out of the city from time to time.  I am not as good with shopping or music.  I may be a little desensitized, but as a female, there would be no where in Lakewood that comes to mind that would feel unsafe alone...maybe a few of the more places around Madison and 117 ("birdtown") would need to be examined case by case. If you have not been to the Westside Market you should check it out-it is a great Saturday trip.

westsidemarket.com

I can't remember the name but if that's the apartment that sits right next to the entrance to the Metroparks, it's really a crapshoot as far as neighbors. I knew a girl that lived there and the apartments were TINY.  You can find a lot bigger units in smaller, less crowded buildings IMO.  The real gems in Lakewood are the smaller buildings where there aren't as many units and there are more older people or even elderly people living there.  It's quieter vs. all young people.  Young people are great to to out with but they can make lousy neighbors with puke in the hall and loud parties, it's like living in a dorm but without the fun times. I strongly second the suggestion of visiting wherever you plan to live some time after 7.

 

I second the recommendation for Melt (www.meltbarandgrilled.com), also the Rush Inn which is across from the Beck Center.  Also might want to check out Lion & Blue, a little shop on Detroit about a block or so West on Detroit from Melt.  It's a hippie type shop with cool jewelry and clothing.

 

If you want something fun to do, come down to the near West side of Cleveland and see the Big BOX series at Cleveland Public Theater - but only if neither you nor your Mom are easily offended.  Big BOX is a series of new plays/works being debuted in rough form so the playwrights can get audience feedback.  I'm in one of the shows running this weekend but it's full of sacreligious sarcasm and swearing.  But it's funny!  www.cptonline.org is their website, for more info.  CPT is just E of the corner of W. 65th & Detroit Rd.

 

Finally, I do heartily second the suggestion for the West Side Market, which is open on Saturday until 4.  It's busiest in the morning but bustling all day.  And the Cuban sandwich at Leolai bakery makes a great lunch.

In a way, I would not suggest Melt. The wait is highly annoying and the crowd tends to linger at their tables. However, they are expanding into some adjacent space.

I was just going to note that Melt has some long waits for a table. You can always wait at the bar (that's what the place basically is -- a bar that serves really good grilled cheese sandwiches in about 50 varieties!).

 

If you and your mother are willing to get together with me for coffee, I can give you some maps and other information for places to go, shopping, out-of-the-way stuff, etc. I've lived in Lakewood for 12 years and covered the west side (from downtown west to Lorain County) for Sun Newspapers for 14 years. I like showing people around my city. PM me or just post a response here if you're interested, Hayzell.

 

Otherwise, please keep us all posted on your experiences and feel free to post any questions.

what about the winchester????  http://thewinchester.net/  I don't know when you are coming but it's the kind of place that does music for several generations not just one. You can check it out - might be fun for your Mom and for you. Just another option. 

I prefer the Beachland but your Mom may not LOL :-)

Everyone seems to like Lakewood. Beachwood has some interesing neighborhoods and you wouldn't be too far from Shaker. You have train service from Van Aiken and the #41 to The Windemere Rapid which will connect you to work. Treemont is coming back and is much closer to the job. Lakewood is pretty nice but quite far from the job. I don't know your age or lifestyle but University Circle is a thought and there are some great warehouse lofts within reasonable driving distance. Euclid Ave. has the best public transportation in Cleveland. That should be a consideration as well. Good luck in C-Town.

Beachwood has some interesing neighborhoods

 

It does???  Where?

I don't think we are all saying Lakewood, it sounds like she is GOING to Lakewood when she visits!  I bet she checks out other places as well!  I seem to recall I was the first one who said Cleve neighborhoods? 

1776'-Freedom Tower -

 

Warrensville Center Rd. and the 5 or 6 corners there has public  transportation, plenty of urban living, if you're into that, with shopping, fast food and density. The new condos on Chagrin are nice and as you head toward Shaker, there are some nice side street neighborhoods. Further down Warrensville Center is another nice condo development. On the other end of Chagrin there is a nice quiet side street neighborhood close to a couple shopping centers and lots of resteraunts, some night spots and hotels. It depends on what you like.

 

Thanks everyone.  I have decided on Lakewood. I dont mind  the commute to work.  I recently visited Cleveland and I went all over the city and Lakewood was the place I decided on. My goal is to move into Cleveland and then if I want to change where I live after a year then I can.  Its very hard to pick a place and move there in six weeks when you're moving out of state.  I would love some advice on fun places I can go when I move that I could meet new people and make new friends.  I am moving to the city by myself and do not know anyone.

Beachwood has some interesing neighborhoods

 

It does???  Where?

I bet he/she is thinking of the condo's around the mall.  Other than that, Beachwood is a bland boring city with some of the most ridiculous 70's housing ive ever seen.

Thanks everyone.  I have decided on Lakewood. I dont mind  the commute to work.  I recently visited Cleveland and I went all over the city and Lakewood was the place I decided on. My goal is to move into Cleveland and then if I want to change where I live after a year then I can.  Its very hard to pick a place and move there in six weeks when you're moving out of state.  I would love some advice on fun places I can go when I move that I could meet new people and make new friends.  I am moving to the city by myself and do not know anyone.

 

There are a few threads about what to do in Cleveland.  Its fun to explore threads here on urbanohio.  So I'll say do that until you let us know your age, sex, interests, etc., etc. 

maybe we can have a little urbanohio GTG for after work drinks one night after you arrive?  I'm sure we all have a lot of stories and information that would be helpful for you.

 

You'll meet people at your new job and may end up making some friends there. Generally speaking, people here are very friendly and make friends easily.  BTW when I lived in Lakewood I held jobs much further away than the Clinic and it was really not a big deal.  My mother has lived in Lakewood for nearly 20 years and works at Case and drives back and forth every day.  I worked at Case, worked in Beachwood, etc.  I think picking a place to squat for the first year just so you don't have to worry about it is wise.  You can spend that year learning about Cleveland what you like and don't like and then decide if you want to stay in Lakewood. 

Sounds like a good plan to me!

Its very hard to pick a place and move there in six weeks when you're moving out of state.  I would love some advice on fun places I can go when I move that I could meet new people and make new friends.  I am moving to the city by myself and do not know anyone.

 

Hayzell, earlier this month, an Orlando woman was helped by those of us on UrbanOhio in finding a place to stay. She moved to Cleveland to start her dream job about a week and a half ago. I showed her around town, including where to buy the basics and stuff. But she was very homesick. She got to her new workplace on a Monday to sign a two-year contract and she had a panic attack. She was on a plane back to Florida in tears the next day. I felt so bad for her.

 

There needs to be a way to help new arrivals with homesickness and adjustments as best as we can. That is why I offered to meet over coffee, and I encourage others to do so as well.

 

It's one thing to offer suggestions on places to live, shop, etc., but we need to find ways to help new arrivals to cope with the loneliness of being in a strange, new city. I've put some social clubs and groups on the Cleveland Relocation section at the top of this section. If you all can suggest more groups, activities, etc., please do so.

Our foodie groups (I'm a member/regular poster) would be happy to have you to their events as well, even if you're not a foodie.

 

Chowhound Midwest:  http://www.chowhound.com/boards/8

Slow Food Northern Ohio: http://www.slowfoodnorthernohio.blogspot.com/

 

my mom is like me... we like to go to bars, listen to good music, and shop

 

All shopping in Lakewood is basically on Madison and Detroit.  There are lots of cute shops in the storefront along these streets, though nothing that really stands out. 

 

Now, bars and music, Lakewood has in abundance.  There are lots and lots of bars in Lakewood.  Almost all are either a college/sports bar, an Irish Pub or a dive bar.  For a 26 year old, the most popular are McCarthy's, Pug Mahone's, Around the Corner, Harry Buffalo, WestEnd.  They are all mostly college bars.  Most of the live music in Lakewood are cover bands.  The places that consistantly have bands are Put-In-Bay Bar, Around the Corner and McCarthy's (sometimes).  Sullivan's is an authentic Irish pub that has lots of Celtic bands play there.  There is also the Winchester, which is a concert club and Bela Dubby which is a coffee house/art gallery/bar that has different entertainment (comedy on monday, sometimes live music). 

 

Your best bet is to grab a Scene Magazine or a Free Times (free alternative papers) when you're in town and look through the bar ads.  All the places I mentioned will have an ad.

 

Oh, and I would second Melt and the Beer Engine.  Both great places with really good food and amazing beer lists.  They do get crowded though.

I would stay away from Coronet/Mayfair, I have heard they are pretty bad.

I've lived in Lakewood about two years and am a 26-year-old guy. I live over near W. 117 on Cove. There are apartments all up and down this area; most 1 BRs are about $650 a month with parking. It's a fine, safe area, but not too walkable to all the "famed" Lakewood bars. However, it is in a great spot to go from Cleveland Heights to Crocker Park, depending on what you're looking for. There are similar apartment buildings all over town that you should check out as well. I think the buildings tend to be the most affordable option because they include heat and water in the rent. I wouldn't recommend moving into my building, which if you want to know which one it is, PM me. I'm going to move out this summer, I think.

 

Meeting people can be a challenge. Really, the only way to really do it is to volunteer and join as many things as possible. This is like any place. The plus side is, it seems like there are a crapload of young transient people working at the Clinic, so you'll probably be able to meet some people there. I'd also suggest checking out the 20/30 Club (not my cup of team but some swear by it), Cleveland Plays (co-ed teams are ALWAYS looking for girls -- from softball to kickball). I'd also be happy to meet you for coffee when you're in town.

 

As far as bars and nightlife go, it really depends on what you like. Lakewood is cool because it's just really relaxed and low key. Like MorningTheft wrote, a lot of people our age like McCarthy's -- I hate that place with a passion. It reminds me of a bar in Port Huron, Michigan, which is a very bad thing. I do like West End, Put-In-Bay, The Beer Engine and The Mars Bar -- all in Lakewood, all pretty relaxed. Downtown has the dance clubs. Ohio City and Tremont have the trendier, more chic lounges, which is more my style.

Try The Funky Buda (Or is it Booda?). Any way, it's right at Public Square. It's a diverse crowd of interesting people of all flavors. You can pick and choose. Fat Fish Blue is nice after work, especially when they have live entertainment. Wish I was still in Cleveland. If you are ever in Greensboro or Winston-Salem, I'll be glad to plug you in.