I'm a recent graduate of The Ohio State University (whooohooo!).  I landed a job downtown near E. 9th and St. Claire that I'll be starting up with in a couple months.  Thankfully, that means my apartment hunt doesn't need to be at the breakneck speeds that some need.  I've seen the board's collective skills at matching people to places to live, and thought I'd give it a shot.  I tried to find something comparable to what I'm asking so you wouldn't have to respond to the same question for the 100th time, but I couldn't find exactly the opinions I was looking for since the situations are always different.

 

About me:

-I'm 22

-Enjoy cities, but a little bit of a scared white kid at times!

-Way into sports, proximity to Browns, Progressive or The Q would be awesome.

-Looking to minimize/eliminate car usage, would like to either be downtown or within very close proximity of a rapid station.

-Would need a 1 or 2 bedroom Apt., either way.

-Recently engaged (no family on the way <fingers crossed!>, but I'd like her to be able to move in with me eventually.  She's a teacher.)

-Enjoy outdoors/park activities

-Safety is a concern

-I have greatly enjoyed living in Columbus, just east of tOSU's campus

-Interested in having access to local food/farmer's markets

 

Not sure if that stuff really helps or not, I just kind of listed what came to mind.  I'm pretty confident that downtown is for me...I'm basically trying to find a place that I think would put me in the best location for getting to work and having some fun without being forced to live in the scary parts or drive 15 minutes everywhere.  If I could get to work, get groceries, and get to a Cavs/Indians/Browns game without using my car, I'd be in heaven.

 

Feel free to audibly sigh at the prospect of having another newly minted college grad asking the same questions, but please follow that sigh with some insight!  I like Cleveland (originally from Akron), but I'm only familiar with Cleveland in the abstract (Sports, concerts, visiting friends at JCU/Case).  I'm trying to teach myself about practical, actually-gonna-live-there Cleveland.

 

Thanks so much!

"Feel free to audibly sigh at the prospect of having another newly minted college grad asking the same questions, but please follow that sigh with some insight!"

 

No, those are questions which I hope get posted again and again and again and again by the thousands moving to Cleveland. ;-)

 

Anyway, welcome to Cleveland and the forum - just off the top of my head, I might suggest the Osborne Building or Huron Square (about two blocks from baseball/basketball stadia), and close to the soon-to-be-open HealthLine (Bus Rapid Transit), and not too far from the Rapid Station at Tower City Center.

 

Oh, if you don't mind my asking - what's your monthly rent budget?

Welcome to the board and Cleveland.  Check out posts on Shaker Square.

Regardless of where you move (and I think that given your age and your recent-grad status that the Warehouse District is the place for you), you should invest in an RTA pass and a CityWheels membership.  I believe that the Downtown cars will be placed sometime this month.

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,5728.30.html

Buckeye I just moved to Ctown a few months ago.  I live in the Chesterfield apts.  Do not move here!!  I love living in the city, but this place is terrible.  Check out apts around E.4th and Warehouse District.  Good luck!

Buckeye I just moved to Ctown a few months ago.  I live in the Chesterfield apts.  Do not move here!!  I love living in the city, but this place is terrible.  Check out apts around E.4th and Warehouse District.  Good luck!

 

Oh no... you should have asked here first.  The Chesterfield is just dreadful; get out while you can!

Buckeye I just moved to Ctown a few months ago.  I live in the Chesterfield apts.  Do not move here!!  I love living in the city, but this place is terrible.  Check out apts around E.4th and Warehouse District.  Good luck!

 

AAAAHHHHH I hear nightmares about the chesterfield.  As someone who has lived downtown for 5 years, and given your age, I would check out the following.

 

Warehouse District:

Bingham - everyone I know that has lived there loved it, lots to do around it.

425 Lakeside - Depending on your budget, these places offer studio / 1 bedrooms that are really affordable and pretty cool places.

 

East 4th:

I've been in several places and liked them all.  The places above the corner alley that will open this summer (I saw them carrying doors up this afternoon) are going to be mostly one bedrooms. In addition to be the most vibrant street downtown, East 4th is really centrally located so it makes it easy to get wherever you want to go downtown.

 

Gateway:

I've lived in Osborn my entire time downtown.  The people who run Osborn, also run Huron Square.  Both are pretty nice places, but the management sets them apart.  They bend over backward to make you happy.  it is a little bit of a hike to the warehouse district if you want to walk, but you can take the trolley during the week, and it is close to your work.  It is packed in the area on "event nights" (indians / cavs / concerts,etc) but a pretty quiet peaceful area when there isn't an event... which I actually kind of like.

 

EDIT:  Also, my fiance moved in with me here about 6 months ago.  She feels completely comfortable walking around in our area.  I've even got her walking to tower city in the morning now and taking the train-bus to work in beachwood.  I pretty much drug her down here and now she's really getting into it.

Thanks to everyone who already responded!  I wasn't sure how active this board was, but I'm thrilled to see that some folks already pounced on the thread.

 

To answer the rent question:  I guess I should have clarified that part of what I don't know is what to expect in terms of pricing.  I'm in the middle of doing the budgeting for my new chapter right now.  Based on my limited knowledge of the market for renters and my own income, I'd say I'd be looking in the 700-900 range.(?)  Needless to say, I have plenty of learning left to do.

 

I really appreciate all who answered already.  Thanks!

You should be able to find a decent 1-bedroom downtown for 700-900 per month, but probably on the lower floors of buildings. Downtown apartment rentals, especially for 1-bedroom units, are hot. Some buildings have waiting lists so it's good that you're getting at least a couple months head start on this. Also consider the Stonebridge apartments, some of which let you build equity in your place while you rent. Check it out.

Welcome to Cleveland! I've lived downtown for about 2 years and have loved every minute of it. My fiance (who is also a teacher) was cool to the idea at first but now loves it too. I live in the Pointe at Gateway by East 9th/Prospect and really enjoy it, however, I don't think any 1 bedrooms are available.

 

As far as the the warehouse district goes check out Bridgeview. It's on West 9th and St. Clair. Also, I've heard some bad things about National Terminal which is also on West 9th. One resident I spoke to called it "National Criminal" since they apparently had a big problem with cars getting broken into.

 

Does your budget include parking? Parking will cost about $100-150 per month and you do need a car if you live downtown. Good luck with your search.

 

 

I think Stonebridge in the Flats may be worth checking out to rent. I think it depends on the building though. the 2 newer ones have more condos so there are quieter neighbors. The neighborhood:

Actually safe (I meet quarterly with the neighborhood group/ police, so I keep updated). I think it is quiet, but gets louder on summer weekends when you move closer to the powerhouse entertainment area. The parking is secure and there is security in the area. I have noted a couple incidents of auto break ins in the few years I have lived here, but not many. it is much more common out of SB "zone" though.

 

walk to every major sporting venue and downtown-safely and in 10-15 minutes or less. 

 

Lots of active people, young (mostly) and old (all young at heart).

 

You may find yourself visiting Ohio City, Tremont, and Detroit Shoreway which are more "neighborhoody" than downtown. The flats is bordering all these neighborhoods. The westside market is a 10 minute walk.  The flats itself is getting more and more neighborhood-like. We almost always run into a neighbor when we grab a bite to eat or take a walk.

 

It is a working industrial area though, so you will hear the train and boats (something know I think I could NOT go w/out! I love it)

 

Most people I know love living in the flats. it is worth checking out

"you do need a car if you live downtown."

 

Not necessarily, especially if CityWheels gets their fleet placed.

Hey Buckeyeonthemove, I'm another Downtown resident and definitely encourage you to give it a try.  I live on East Fourth Street and would recommend it.  It is lively, safe, and central to everything Downtown.  It also contains some of the more affordable units Downtown, so the price is right.  Only big downside would be the noise and traffic after events or on weekends.  And my garage smells funky and occasionally floods. (not enough to damage the car, but enough to cause wet feet)

 

As far as the the warehouse district goes check out Bridgeview. It's on West 9th and St. Clair. Also, I've heard some bad things about National Terminal which is also on West 9th. One resident I spoke to called it "National Criminal" since they apparently had a big problem with cars getting broken into.

 

I work with a couple of people who live at Nat. Term. and like it quite a bit.  I think alot of the bad reputation it gets comes from the fact that it contains some moderate income subsidized units.  I don't know if this has a real effect on crime within the building, though.

 

"you do need a car if you live downtown."

 

Not necessarily, especially if CityWheels gets their fleet placed.

 

Really it depends on your needs.  You can get most of your daily shopping done Downtown or in nearby neighborhoods accessible by transit or bike.  I personally need a car primarily for visiting friends and family who insist on continuing to live in the suburbs, though it is nice for larger shopping trips to the grocery store or for the occasional "mall trip" for clothes or whatever.

F*ing sweet dude!  The Ohio State University Grad and moving to Cleveland.  One cant ask for much more.