Greetings, Clevelanders.

 

I was born in Cleveland and raised in the West Boulevard neighborhood. I lived in the Greater Cleveland area for 23 years. I'm now planning a comeback after nearly a decade absence because I love my city despite all its issues.

 

One area where I see a lot of potential is Asia Town. I like the "streetcar era" feel of the narrow streets and turn-of-the-century housing stock. Housing is affordable for my budget (I only make about $30k a year) so I could get my foot in the door on the live/invest side. I'm also planning on marrying a girl from an Asian country (no mail-order jokes please ;)) so that is a big draw for her as well.

 

Back in August, I made my first trip to the C-town in 7 years. Needless to say my jaw dropped at how bad some of the traditionally bad areas have gotten. Tremont was a nice surprise along with the W. 65th area of Detroit-Shoreway, where my first cousin lives. Sorry guys, but I thought Ohio City was really rough and couldn't imagine living there. I recognize the restoration of the old houses and the middle and upper-middle class residents that live there, but why live around crackheads?

 

Asia Town seemed OK for the most part but it did have some rough parts, in particular the Dave's looked ghetto.

 

Sorry for being so long-winded, but I need some feedback on this area. I looked on a crime mapping site (can't remember which one) before I left and found only 1 violent crime in the area in the last year. This seems too good to be true. I learned from my days comin' up in the WB that reported crime and actual crime are 2 totally different things.

 

FWIW, I did find the residents to be friendly (they waved back) and felt a lot safer there than in OC...but that Dave's though, lol.

 

Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

~Peace

 

FWIW, I did find the residents to be friendly (they waved back)

 

lol!

What did you expect them to do, shoot you?

 

FWIW, I did find the residents to be friendly (they waved back)

 

lol!

 

 

What did you expect them to do, shoot you?

 

LOL! Um, no.

 

Sorry, I'm not that familiar with Cleveland but I'm sure some others will come on here tomorrow and help you.

 

This thread might be useful to you.

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,10896.0.html

Thanks, David. I've already peeped that one. That dude is a GOD for making that thread.

 

Love your sig quote. The automobile ruined everything!

Welcome Chest Rockewell,

 

Before I even go three, in what city and neighborhood of that city do you currently reside in?

 

You were here ONCE and you made OC out to be "rough"?  You're entitled to your opinion, but it appears to me, based on this post, you have a preconcieved notion about the city.

 

I don't know exactly what you saw, but from this observation, it appears you've really made up your mind after one visit.  The city it full of many beautiful area and much of the city is going under a transformation for the better.  Especially the neighborhoods closets to the city center.  AsiaTown/Payne-Sterling one of them.

 

There are quite a few people on the board that live in or have lived in Asia Town and would be most happy to respond.

 

I do have to ask, is "looking ghetto" code for "ethnic"/"people of color"?  That comment just seemed out of place.

 

 

MODS - Can this be moved to travel and relocation assistance?

Welcome Chest Rockewell,

 

Before I even go three, in what city and neighborhood of that city do you currently reside in?

 

You were here ONCE and you made OC out to be "rough"?  You're entitled to your opinion, but it appears to me, based on this post, you have a preconcieved notion about the city.

 

I don't know exactly what you saw, but from this observation, it appears you've really made up your mind after one visit.  The city it full of many beautiful area and much of the city is going under a transformation for the better.  Especially the neighborhoods closets to the city center.  AsiaTown/Payne-Sterling one of them.

 

There are quite a few people on the board that live in or have lived in Asia Town and would be most happy to respond.

 

I do have to ask, is "looking ghetto" code for "ethnic"/"people of color"?  That comment just seemed out of place.

 

 

MODS - Can this be moved to travel and relocation assistance?

 

Hello, MyTwoSense. I currently live in East TN. I know, everywhere probably seems bad compared to here. But preconceived notions are a 2-way street.

 

And no, I wasn't there "once". I made several trips at different times of the day. My opinion of OC was gathered mainly from the numerous crackheads walking around. And according to the crime maps OC has a significantly higher rate than that of Tremont, Kamms, Edgewater, etc. My opinion is in no way intended to offend OC residents, just an observation from the car, nothing more, nothing less.

 

By "ghetto" I meant the general roughness of the clientele standing outside. It's a very loose term that I use that is based more on gut feeling than skin color. Although I'm white, I was raised straight-up hood—gangs, drugs, drive-bys, the whole nine. I associated with people of all different ethnicities; black, hispanic, asian, arab,—you name it. And yes, I routinely used the "n-word" as a term of endearment towards my black and white friends growing up. Sorry if this sounds harsh but I feel I've earned the right to toss around the term "ghetto" after being shot at with an uzi.

 

I remember being bussed to the east side in the 80s and getting my ass kicked just for being white. But there's not a racist bone in my body. I can differentiate. A thug is a thug, no matter what color they are. I know, I used to be one.

 

*End rant*

 

P.S. I'm not trying to start a race war on this MB. I enjoy reading your posts and feel you are a great contributor to this board.

 

 

 

 

Hello, MyTwoSense. I currently live in East TN. I know, everywhere probably seems bad compared to here. But preconceived notions are a 2-way street.

 

And no, I wasn't there "once". I made several trips at different times of the day. My opinion of OC was gathered mainly from the numerous crackheads walking around. And according to the crime maps OC has a significantly higher rate than that of Tremont, Kamms, Edgewater, etc. My opinion is in no way intended to offend OC residents, just an observation from the car, nothing more, nothing less.

 

By "ghetto" I meant the general roughness of the clientele standing outside. It's a very loose term that I use that is based more on gut feeling than skin color. Although I'm white, I was raised straight-up hood—gangs, drugs, drive-bys, the whole nine. I associated with people of all different ethnicities; black, hispanic, asian, arab,—you name it. And yes, I routinely used the "n-word" as a term of endearment towards my black and white friends growing up. Sorry if this sounds harsh but I feel I've earned the right to toss around the term "ghetto" after being shot at with an uzi.

 

I remember being bussed to the east side in the 80s and getting my ass kicked just for being white. But there's not a racist bone in my body. I can differentiate. A thug is a thug, no matter what color they are. I know, I used to be one.

 

*End rant*

 

P.S. I'm not trying to start a race war on this MB. I enjoy reading your posts and feel you are a great contributor to this board.

 

Thanks for responding, so I can better understand your point of view.

 

Let me guess, you're in Cleveland, TN? 

 

So you "profiled" the neighborhood from the car?  You can spot a crackhead by site?  :roll:  Get out the damn car and experience the neighborhood, you're correct in doing you research, but I do not agree with your assessment.

 

The general roughness of the clientele standing outside, more profiling.  I'm sure you know that the way a person dresses is not indicative of their character.

 

I hope you don't ever use the N-word again, it's use is ignorant, offensive and WRONG, regardless of the users race or skin color.  And you better not use it on UO.

 

I hope to see more correct posts by you.

 

I'll leave off now and let those with AT experience give advice.

Welcome to the forum. Please excuse MyTwoSense for doing something he's been reprimanded for - pouncing on someone the moment they dare make a statement or share their perceptions of a neighborhood. MyTwoSense, you're excused from this thread and please cool your jets.

 

Anyway, there is one thing that he's right about (and I'm just saying this so it's said, I think you probably know better) - the N-word isn't to be used on this forum, ever. Moving on, I think you'd be better off actually walking around the areas in question for a better assessment. The preponderance of "crackheads" around Ohio City might have to do with the fact that there are several social service agencies located there. Sure, sometimes some rough *looking* types might congregate in Market Square park (Lorain and West 25th) but they usually keep to themselves. After all, you have the West Side Market, Great Lakes Brewing, Flying Fig, Bar Cento and other great spots around and a few rough characters aren't about to stop me from going there. It does seem though that once you get further west (say... West 50ish and up), things aren't quite as nice. Also, areas south of Lorain seem to be more spotty than overall "rough" - you might have brand new construction next to burned-out. Regardless, a lot of the crime that happens isn't random - if you don't go looking for trouble, trouble usually tries to find someone else who wants it.

 

As far as Asiatown, I think you're probably passing judgement a little harshly there - I mean, as long as people leave you alone what's the big deal? We have several forumers who live over in that area and I've not heard them complain. Fwiw, my partner had looked at a unit in the Payne Avenue Lofts (about 5 blocks from Daves on Payne) before deciding on Tremont. He said that like any "inner 'hood" in most cities, it was a mixed bag but safety ranked high and the Daves does draw a mixed crowd but that's the city for you. I know that the Daves in Ohio City always has an off-duty police officer and I imagine the Payne location would as well. Anyway - the fact that you have Koko Bakery, Korea House, Seoul Hot Pot, and Siam Cafe (and others) in such close proximity - the restaurants alone are reason enough to choose Asiatown!

 

Hmmm... did you notice the disconnect? ;-)

 

"just an observation from the car, nothing more, nothing less."

 

"Love your sig quote. The automobile ruined everything!"

 

 

Hello, MyTwoSense. I currently live in East TN. I know, everywhere probably seems bad compared to here. But preconceived notions are a 2-way street.

 

And no, I wasn't there "once". I made several trips at different times of the day. My opinion of OC was gathered mainly from the numerous crackheads walking around. And according to the crime maps OC has a significantly higher rate than that of Tremont, Kamms, Edgewater, etc. My opinion is in no way intended to offend OC residents, just an observation from the car, nothing more, nothing less.

 

By "ghetto" I meant the general roughness of the clientele standing outside. It's a very loose term that I use that is based more on gut feeling than skin color. Although I'm white, I was raised straight-up hood—gangs, drugs, drive-bys, the whole nine. I associated with people of all different ethnicities; black, hispanic, asian, arab,—you name it. And yes, I routinely used the "n-word" as a term of endearment towards my black and white friends growing up. Sorry if this sounds harsh but I feel I've earned the right to toss around the term "ghetto" after being shot at with an uzi.

 

I remember being bussed to the east side in the 80s and getting my ass kicked just for being white. But there's not a racist bone in my body. I can differentiate. A thug is a thug, no matter what color they are. I know, I used to be one.

 

*End rant*

 

P.S. I'm not trying to start a race war on this MB. I enjoy reading your posts and feel you are a great contributor to this board.

 

Thanks for responding, so I can better understand your point of view.

 

Let me guess, you're in Cleveland, TN? 

 

So you "profiled" the neighborhood from the car?  You can spot a crackhead by site?  :roll:  Get out the damn car and experience the neighborhood, you're correct in doing you research, but I do not agree with your assessment.

 

The general roughness of the clientele standing outside, more profiling.  I'm sure you know that the way a person dresses is not indicative of their character.

 

I hope you don't ever use the N-word again, it's use is ignorant, offensive and WRONG, regardless of the users race or skin color.  And you better not use it on UO.

 

I hope to see more correct posts by you.

 

I'll leave off now and let those with AT experience give advice.

 

Oh man, where to begin? I wasn't born and raised in Cleveland, TN. It was Cleveland, OHIO (I take it you were being sarcastic). And no, I wasn't "profiling" from the car. You sound really touchy and paranoid to me. And yes, oh YES, I can spot a crackhead a mile away. I grew up in a neighborhood full of them. And no, oh NO, am I going to get into some silly endless debate with you and degenerate this thread. If you want to argue about your pent up hostilities towards white boys, PM me.

 

"Get out the damn car and experience the neighborhood, you're correct in doing you research, but I do not agree with your assessment."

 

I can't argue with this. Good advice. However, I was with some non-hood rats so they were scared to get out, lol.

 

"The general roughness of the clientele standing outside, more profiling.  I'm sure you know that the way a person dresses is not indicative of their character."

 

Again, not profiling. I believe in what Dr. King spoke about, judge a person based on the content of their character, not the color of their skin. However, being from the hood, if I see a shade looking cat walking by, I'm going to be on alert—NO MATTER WHAT THEIR SKIN COLOR. You call it profiling, I call it street smarts. We're just going to have to agree to disagree on this one.

 

"I hope you don't ever use the N-word again, it's use is ignorant, offensive and WRONG, regardless of the users race or skin color.  And you better not use it on UO."

 

I wouldn't even think about it.

 

One last thing: you criticize me for making general assessments about an area, yet YOU did the exact same thing to me in regards to TN. You know what they say: whenever you point the finger at someone there's 4 more pointing back at you. Think about it.

I've had enough of this guy already.

It's funny how you think you're hard because you got beat up being bussed across town, yet you are afraid of supposed crackheads walking down the street.

You may be right, you probably can't handle it.

I think this thread needs to focus more on his initial concerns, not on race. There are threads for those purposes.

 

With all that said, welcome to the forum, Chest Rockwell. As MTS said, Cleveland is definitely a city that is in transition. it has been for some time, though, and much of that is because of its loss of manufacturing jobs. With that, goes a loss of residents. Poverty is a problem, which leads to other problems. Also, urban flight has led to many leaving for the suburbs.

 

These problems aren't unique. There are some great areas in Cleveland. It's still a wonderful city, as many people on this forum will attest to. Keep looking around and do your research, but people here on this forum are a wonderful asset.

"Welcome to the forum. Please excuse MyTwoSense for doing something he's been reprimanded for - pouncing on someone the moment they dare make a statement or share their perceptions of a neighborhood. MyTwoSense, you're excused from this thread and please cool your jets."

 

No problemo. I forgive him. Any further arguments between him and I will be in PM. I don't want to get a bad rep so early in the game. Besides, I'm sure there's a nice cuddly guy in there somewhere. ;)

 

" Moving on, I think you'd be better off actually walking around the areas in question for a better assessment. The preponderance of "crackheads" around Ohio City might have to do with the fact that there are several social service agencies located there. Sure, sometimes some rough *looking* types might congregate in Market Square park (Lorain and West 25th) but they usually keep to themselves. After all, you have the West Side Market, Great Lakes Brewing, Flying Fig, Bar Cento and other great spots around and a few rough characters aren't about to stop me from going there. It does seem though that once you get further west (say... West 50ish and up), things aren't quite as nice. Also, areas south of Lorain seem to be more spotty than overall "rough" - you might have brand new construction next to burned-out. Regardless, a lot of the crime that happens isn't random - if you don't go looking for trouble, trouble usually tries to find someone else who wants it."

 

Thanks for your take on OC. I see what you mean, but it's just not my cup of tea. Where there's crackheads, there's drug dealers, where there's drug dealers, there's gangs and drive-bys. I saw enough of that crap growing up and don't really want to raise my kid around it either. I know, they say if you don't want any of that, just move to the burbs. But it's just not economically feasible right now. And besides, this former hood rat wants to help make better what I once helped to destroy.

 

"As far as Asiatown, I think you're probably passing judgement a little harshly there - I mean, as long as people leave you alone what's the big deal? We have several forumers who live over in that area and I've not heard them complain. Fwiw, my partner had looked at a unit in the Payne Avenue Lofts (about 5 blocks from Daves on Payne) before deciding on Tremont. He said that like any "inner 'hood" in most cities, it was a mixed bag but safety ranked high and the Daves does draw a mixed crowd but that's the city for you. I know that the Daves in Ohio City always has an off-duty police officer and I imagine the Payne location would as well. Anyway - the fact that you have Koko Bakery, Korea House, Seoul Hot Pot, and Siam Cafe (and others) in such close proximity - the restaurants alone are reason enough to choose Asiatown!"

 

I apologize if I seemed to make a snap judgement about the Dave's. I toss the "ghetto" term around a little too loosely sometimes without meaning to. I'm glad to hear your partner and other forum members find the area to be very safe. I love the streetcar era and Asian culture so it seems like a perfect fit for me. I just wanted to be sure that the crime maps weren't deceiving. The WB hood has always been low in reported crime, but living there I know better. W. 91st and Sunrise (now Mercedes Cotner) Park were off the hook in the late 80s and early 90s. When crack hit the street, it decimated our once suburban-like neighborhood. There were times when I literally could not walk down the street without peepin' every car that crept by. It was a nightmare. Even to this day, people from all over the city and country sleep on that hood.

 

"Hmmm... did you notice the disconnect? ;-)

 

"just an observation from the car, nothing more, nothing less."

 

"Love your sig quote. The automobile ruined everything!"

 

Point taken! I deserved that one!  :-D

I've had enough of this guy already.

It's funny how you think you're hard because you got beat up being bussed across town, yet you are afraid of supposed crackheads walking down the street.

You may be right, you probably can't handle it.

 

Newsflash: Baseheads have been known to rob people for their drug money.

 

At least according to the crime maps (which aren't gospel) OC has a significantly higher crime rate than Tremont, Asia Town, Edgewater, Kamms, Collinwood, Old Brooklyn, etc.

 

Just out of curiosity, where did you grow up, Billy? :)

I've had enough of this guy already.

It's funny how you think you're hard because you got beat up being bussed across town, yet you are afraid of supposed crackheads walking down the street.

You may be right, you probably can't handle it.

 

Newsflash: Baseheads have been known to rob people for their drug money.

 

At least according to the crime maps (which aren't gospel) OC has a significantly higher crime rate than Tremont, Asia Town, Edgewater, Kamms, Collinwood, Old Brooklyn, etc.

 

Just out of curiosity, where did you grow up, Billy? :)

 

Grew up in Euclid, and have now lived in Ohio City for 4 years.

Regardless of you opinions, I dig your forum name.

 

 

You sound really touchy and paranoid to me. And yes, oh YES, I can spot a crackhead a mile away. I grew up in a neighborhood full of them.

 

He's just really sensitive when it comes to race (yet he doesn't mind calling people in the City of Atlanta hillbillies all the time). I know what you mean when you say you can spot a crackhead a mile away; I grew up around that too and learned how to spot them - they have a certain look and mannerism. Just remember people on this site take a lot of pride in their cities so they get annoyed by generalizations of their cities and neighborhoods. The negative press is annoying enough. Just giving you a heads up because I offended easily too when I first started posting here. When you say someone's neighborhood is ''ghetto'' or ''hood'' they're not going to take it lightly so I would be a little more careful about how you word it.

I've had enough of this guy already.

It's funny how you think you're hard because you got beat up being bussed across town, yet you are afraid of supposed crackheads walking down the street.

You may be right, you probably can't handle it.

 

Newsflash: Baseheads have been known to rob people for their drug money.

 

At least according to the crime maps (which aren't gospel) OC has a significantly higher crime rate than Tremont, Asia Town, Edgewater, Kamms, Collinwood, Old Brooklyn, etc.

 

Just out of curiosity, where did you grow up, Billy? :)

 

Grew up in Euclid, and have now lived in Ohio City for 4 years.

Regardless of you opinions, I dig your forum name.

 

 

 

lol

You sound really touchy and paranoid to me. And yes, oh YES, I can spot a crackhead a mile away. I grew up in a neighborhood full of them.

 

He's just really sensitive when it comes to race (yet he doesn't mind calling people in the City of Atlanta hillbillies all the time). I know what you mean when you say you can spot a crackhead a mile away; I grew up around that too and learned how to spot them - they have a certain look and mannerism. Just remember people on this site take a lot of pride in their cities so they get annoyed by generalizations of their cities and neighborhoods. The negative press is annoying enough. Just giving you a heads up because I offended easily too when I first started posting here. When you say someone's neighborhood is ''ghetto'' or ''hood'' they're not going to take it lightly so I would be a little more careful about how you word it.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'm willing to bet though that NO ONE on here will defend WB hood. lol!

 

I'm very eager to read the replies from actual residents of AT.