I'm currently living in Brooklyn, NY, and will be moving to Cleveland this summer.  As a native Ohioan, I'm looking forward to getting back to my buckeye roots, though at the moment I'm not sure where I should plant them.  I've been to Cleveland frequently and have enjoyed places like Lolita, Bar Cento, VTR, Lava Lounge,  and other (dare I use the word "hip")  establishments.  As those locales might reveal, I'm presently caught in the great Ohio City vs.Tremont debate.  Please help me decide which hood will best suit me based on these qualifications.

 

            1. I have a dog.  I want a neighborhood with great places to walk my pooch.  Parks and grass need to be accessible.

 

            2.  I have a boyfriend.  I know that both neighborhoods are on the liberal side, but is one particularly gay friendly?

 

            3.  I have no car.  In true New Yorker fashion, I will be moving to Cleveland with nothing but a backpack and an RTA ticket.  Is there a neighborhood especially well equipped to handle me?  I will be working downtown.

 

              4.  I have no self defense skills.  I have heard a great deal about safety concerns in the Cleveland area.  I consider myself street smart, but I want to be able to walk at night (see point #1), and I'd like to live in a neighborhood where crime doesn't threaten quality of life to a sizable degree. 

 

            If you're able to help me determine where to hang my Cavs hat, consider a round of drinks at my new neighborhood bar  on me.  I appreciate your help and am looking forward to finally settling this dispute once and for all.

Well let me start off by saying welcome home to Ohio and I'm sure you'll find our cost of living (or lack thereof) wonderful!

 

I really don't think you can go wrong with either of those locations. I think Ohio City might be a bit rougher around the edges, but they are so close that I would be more concerned about finding a property that you really like. Ohio City has less of a neighborhood feeling than Tremont IMO, but has great amenities such as a good bar scene, rapid red line stop, and the West Side Market!

 

I'd also encourage you to look not only at Ohio City and Tremont, but also Cleveland Heights (Coventry area) and Lakewood (Clifton area), both of which might be a bit more suburb-ish, but are both very, very gay friendly and very safe. They are also very accessible to RTA, although not 2 mins from DT like Ohio City and Tremont.

1. I think either neighborhood offers some opportunities for dogwalking.  Tremont has Lincoln Park, which is sort of a "village green".  It might be a little better (larger, more set up for ambling) than anything Ohio City offers, though there are some smaller parks there as well as the land around their branch library, which makes a nice central park for that neighborhood too.  Both neighborhoods are very pleasant to just walk around without a park, as well.

 

2. I would think both should be reasonably gay friendly, but I'm not gay, so I'll let someone else answer.

 

3. Ohio City has much better transit access.  The Red Line, Cleveland's heavy rail system, goes right by the heart of Ohio City's main commercial district, and most of the main bus lines from Downtown to the West and Southwest do as well.  Tremont has much more limited service.  If you aren't going to have a car, this has to be a definite point in Ohio City's favor.

 

RTA's website: http://www.riderta.com/

 

4. I think the more gentrified parts of both should be reasonable for someone used to Brooklyn, though I'll let our Tremont and Ohio City neighborhood residents speak to this more.

Welcome in advance - it sounds like you have a good feel for what you want, and have found two areas that are a good match. You should know that there's a "gray area" between Tremont and Ohio City called "Duck Island". If you recall where the Velvet Tango Room is - *that's* Duck Island.

 

1. I would say that Lincoln Park in Tremont trumps the green spaces available in Ohio City's desirable areas. I live in Tremont and from personal observations, Lincoln Park works for anything from toy breeds to big pups who need some room. Also, there's a dog run in Clark Fields in the southern end of Tremont which seems better for larger dogs. Whatever the case, I can highly recommend the Gateway Animal clinic on Abbey Avenue - located at the northern end of Tremont, but easily accessible from eastern Ohio City.

 

2. Cleveland's gay community is well represented in both Ohio City and Tremont. Mind you, it's not so much a case of every gay person flying a rainbow flag on their home, but Ohio City and Tremont both possess a sizable gay community along with an inclusive "vibe". I live in what's considered a fringe area of Tremont and there are five gay-owned homes within a block so that's saying something. 

 

3. This is where Ohio City would be better than Tremont - but specifically the eastern area of Ohio City close to the West Side Market (West 25th and Lorain). Tremont has a few buslines that run from downtown through the neighborhood but no rail service and the Ohio City buslines have a higher frequency late at night. However, the western fringes of Ohio City aren't in walking distance of transit or grocery stores, so keep that in mind. Whatever the case, be aware that Cleveland has a car-sharing service called CityWheels, and that a taxi ride from downtown to Tremont/eastern Ohio City is relatively cheap.

 

4. I'd say if you're skittish, buy some pepper spray and if you're out at night be on guard, and I'd say that no matter what city you're discussing. If you keep to main routes, you probably won't have any problems in Tremont or the areas of Ohio City I recommended. To get an idea - and it's *just an idea*, not a completely accurate representation, check this site: http://crimereports.com/map/index/?search=+Cleveland+OH and look at the Ohio City and Tremont areas over the course of a week's time. Just remember that there's "truth in context" i.e. a lot of crimes are committed by/between people who know each other.

 

If you have any other questions, feel free to post them or contact me via the forum's private message system. :-)

     I'm currently living in Brooklyn, NY, and will be moving to Cleveland this summer.  As a native Ohioan, I'm looking forward to getting back to my buckeye roots, though at the moment I'm not sure where I should plant them.  I've been to Cleveland frequently and have enjoyed places like Lolita, Bar Cento, VTR, Lava Lounge,  and other (dare I use the word "hip")  establishments.  As those locales might reveal, I'm presently caught in the great Ohio City vs.Tremont debate.  Please help me decide which hood will best suit me based on these qualifications.

 

             1. I have a dog.  I want a neighborhood with great places to walk my pooch.  Parks and grass need to be accessible.

 

             2.  I have a boyfriend.   I know that both neighborhoods are on the liberal side, but is one particularly gay friendly?

 

             3.  I have no car.   In true New Yorker fashion, I will be moving to Cleveland with nothing but a backpack and an RTA ticket.  Is there a neighborhood especially well equipped to handle me?  I will be working downtown.

 

              4.  I have no self defense skills.   I have heard a great deal about safety concerns in the Cleveland area.  I consider myself street smart, but I want to be able to walk at night (see point #1), and I'd like to live in a neighborhood where crime doesn't threaten quality of life to a sizable degree. 

 

             If you're able to help me determine where to hang my Cavs hat, consider a round of drinks at my new neighborhood bar  on me.   I appreciate your help and am looking forward to finally settling this dispute once and for all.

 

Where in BK do you currently live and are you only interested in living in Tremont or OC?

 

If you live in BK, I'm sure you have some defensive skills.  :wink:

I completely echo Mayday's post.  Tremont trumps OC for green space and neighborhood feel and IMO would be more fun for the dog.  There are a LOT of dogs in Tremont.  But OC is better for public transit and access to/from downtown.  For example, there's no close-by grocery store in Tremont that you could walk to, as there is in OC.  I also think they are lacking in "service" stores like drug stores, dry cleaners, hair places, etc.  They have a FEW of these things in Tremont, but they are scattered and infrequent.  I'm not sure there's any drug store down there at all, for example.  Though you can get to these via bus, the bus schedules can be very infrequent on nights (I'm talking after 6pm here, not midnight) and weekends and it could be a big pain.  So it kind of depends on what's more important to you - the neighborhood and dog aspect of living, or convenience to shops you'll regularly need.  Both have good access to restaurants and such.

 

Most of the crime in both places is non-violent IMO.  Car break-ins, some robberies when people aren't home, vandalism, etc. So self-defense isn't the issue so much as securing what you have; the dog should help with that.

 

Good luck!

I'd say the biggest advantage of the OC over Tremont is (and this is only if you're living near W.25 & Lorain) the rapid.  I lived in Tremont and was really disappointed that you could almost walk to downtown faster than it would take to wait for a bus and get there (I lived around northern most point of Tremont).  The OC also has the West Side Market, which is an awesome market.  However, parts of Tremont are very close to the West Side Market, too, just not in walking distance.

 

Regarding safety, I would bet that Tremont is a little safer.  While there are a few isolated trouble spots in Tremont, if you are not living around them, I think you will not have a problem.  Granted, it's not a place where I would recommend walking your dog at 2am.  Also, you should invest in some pepper spray or something.  You don't want to be defenseless. 

 

Lincoln Park is a big, clean park in the middle of Tremont, which I'm sure you'd enjoy.

 

Lastly, I would also look into Coventry, Shaker Square, and the western part of the city around Clifton. 

I completely echo Mayday's post. Tremont trumps OC for green space and neighborhood feel and IMO would be more fun for the dog. There are a LOT of dogs in Tremont. But OC is better for public transit and access to/from downtown. For example, there's no close-by grocery store in Tremont that you could walk to, as there is in OC. I also think they are lacking in "service" stores like drug stores, dry cleaners, hair places, etc. They have a FEW of these things in Tremont, but they are scattered and infrequent. I'm not sure there's any drug store down there at all, for example. Though you can get to these via bus, the bus schedules can be very infrequent on nights (I'm talking after 6pm here, not midnight) and weekends and it could be a big pain. So it kind of depends on what's more important to you - the neighborhood and dog aspect of living, or convenience to shops you'll regularly need. Both have good access to restaurants and such.

 

Most of the crime in both places is non-violent IMO. Car break-ins, some robberies when people aren't home, vandalism, etc. So self-defense isn't the issue so much as securing what you have; the dog should help with that.

 

Good luck!

 

Just an fyi, both Target and Walmart in Steelyard have pharmacies (and groceries, although Target has a rather limited selection,) and the 81 bus is half-hourly all day until 10 pm.

Tremont has a dry cleaner on jefferson and W.11th right across from la bodega.  There's also at least 3 places I can think of where you could get your hair cut.

Thanks guys.  I don't know Tremont as well as others, obviously.  I didn't say they didn't have a dry cleaner, but I guess I mean, how many choices do you have?  I have at least 10 I can choose from within a couple mile radius of where I live, so if one's prices are too high or they do a bad job or have crappy hours, I have other choices; I would think someone coming from Brooklyn would be used to more choices than one dry cleaner, KWIM? 

 

JMO I don't consider Steelyard Commons a good substitute for a real grocery but people have different food needs and wants, obviously. No produce or fresh meat or anything, just shelf-stable items and a few fridge/freezer items without many choices. 

 

Does the 81 run every half hour on the weekends as well?

I've lived in both Ohio City (1999-2002) and Tremont (2002-present), and can vouch for most everything that has been said.  However, I am partial to Tremont, so I'd like to mention a couple of things regarding transit and availability of services.

 

In addition to the 81, there is also the 23, which also runs to Downtown, and the 807 community circulator, which only runs until 6 throughout the week.  The 81 and the 807 head to or near the West Side Market and Dave's (on Carroll off of 25th), but it is true that Ohio City has more access to the grocers.  The 81 also runs south (kind of a big secret among Tremonters who think the world ends south of Clark Ave. ;-) ) and gives you access to the CVS and Aldi on Pearl, just south of I-71.

 

Really, though, you're dealing with Buridan's ass when it comes to choosing between the two, so just decide based on the nicest place you and your partner can find.  Also, get yourselves bikes if you don't have them already.  Every RTA bus and train accommodates bicycles, and there are enough bike shops (Fridrich's in Ohio City, Shaker Cycle in Tremont, Ohio City Bike Coop between the two) to cover you.  Also, I utterly second Gateway Animal Clinic; they are the best.

Thanks guys. I don't know Tremont as well as others, obviously. I didn't say they didn't have a dry cleaner, but I guess I mean, how many choices do you have? I have at least 10 I can choose from within a couple mile radius of where I live, so if one's prices are too high or they do a bad job or have crappy hours, I have other choices; I would think someone coming from Brooklyn would be used to more choices than one dry cleaner, KWIM?

 

JMO I don't consider Steelyard Commons a good substitute for a real grocery but people have different food needs and wants, obviously. No produce or fresh meat or anything, just shelf-stable items and a few fridge/freezer items without many choices.

 

Does the 81 run every half hour on the weekends as well?

 

There's a Super Wal-Mart at Steelyard.  I loathe the place and avoid it at all costs (since I have a car), but they do have everything Giant Eagle or Dave's has.

Ah, thanks.  Since I never venture into the place, I didn't know it was a "super" vs. a regular. 

Good call on the bike, Avogadro.  Tremont and OC are both scaled really nicely for bike transportation, including between the two and Downtown.  In nicer weather, it may be the best way to get around.  Add a rear rack and a couple of fold out baskets for groceries.

You have all been so helpful!  I really appreciate the feedback and can see that I'll certainly be moving to a friendlier part of the country.

 

I think OC is in the lead at the moment based on the transportation issue, but I will be checking out spots in Tremont as well. 

 

Do a lot of people bike in Cleveland?  I'm 6'4 with a center of balance somewhere between my knees and my ankles, so I'm a bit scared to hop on and ride.  It looks like it might just be the easiest way to get around though. 

 

Thanks again for the great welcome.

You have all been so helpful!  I really appreciate the feedback and can see that I'll certainly be moving to a friendlier part of the country.

 

I think OC is in the lead at the moment based on the transportation issue, but I will be checking out spots in Tremont as well. 

 

Do a lot of people bike in Cleveland?  I'm 6'4 with a center of balance somewhere between my knees and my ankles, so I'm a bit scared to hop on and ride.  It looks like it might just be the easiest way to get around though. 

 

Thanks again for the great welcome.

 

Yes, we are friendlier and that the same time, "real".  You should check out the "the great bike" thread.

 

We're the same size and I ride my bike (without a helmet - Helmet hair is not sexy) and have never had a problem.  Granted the streets by me are wider.

 

Is the OC the only area you are considering?

Is the OC the only area you are considering?

 

MTS wants you to move to Shaker Square :-P

Is the OC the only area you are considering?

 

MTS wants you to move to Shaker Square :P

 

HUSH!

 

I was only asking because there are other area's that might fit his needs. 

I don't know about "a lot", but many folks in Cleveland (esp OC and Tremont) do bike.  The two main bridges across the Cuyahoga (Detroit-Superior and Lorain-Carnegie) include bike lanes.  Very few streets are marked for bike lanes, but I've never had a problem with cars while riding in the street.

 

And, I can't believe MTS isn't pushing his neighborhood harder, so I'll do it for him.  Do check out living on Shaker Square.  You'll be on both the Green and Blue Lines, and the Square itself includes a full grocer's, a drug store, lots of other shops, a coffeehouse, and several good restaurants with bars.  I prefer Sarava, but the other ones are quite nice as well.

I don't know about "a lot", but many folks in Cleveland (esp OC and Tremont) do bike.  The two main bridges across the Cuyahoga (Detroit-Superior and Lorain-Carnegie) include bike lanes.  Very few streets are marked for bike lanes, but I've never had a problem with cars while riding in the street.

 

And, I can't believe MTS isn't pushing his neighborhood harder, so I'll do it for him.  Do check out living on Shaker Square.  You'll be on both the Green and Blue Lines, and the Square itself includes a full grocer's, a drug store, lots of other shops, a coffeehouse, and several good restaurants with bars.  I prefer Sarava, but the other ones are quite nice as well.

 

LOL.  God will get you for that Avogadro!

 

I don't want to "push" the square, but, it is an area that has all his needs

[*]Excellent Public Transportation

[*]Fast commute downtown via rail

[*]Gays

[*]Restaurants

[*]Movie

[*]Neighborhood amenities

[*]Great housing

I only ask, as others also have asked.

 

mfrazier, where in BK do you live?  Ft. Greene, Clinton Hills, Prospect Heights, Park Slope?

And, I can't believe MTS isn't pushing his neighborhood harder, so I'll do it for him.  Do check out living on Shaker Square.  You'll be on both the Green and Blue Lines, and the Square itself includes a full grocer's, a drug store, lots of other shops, a coffeehouse, and several good restaurants with bars.  I prefer Sarava, but the other ones are quite nice as well.

 

I didn't know why he was holding out either.    :laugh:

I would definitely not say we have "a lot" of bikers.  Cleveland is still very car-heavy.  However, I would say the heaviest concentration of people who bike regularly for errands (instead of just for exercise) are places like the OC and Tremont.

 

But yeah, we ARE a lot friendlier than what you're used to.

I hope M Frazier doesn't mind me asking a question on his thread. he seems like a nice guy so I'll take the chance

 

Is there a particular prime renting season in OC or Tremont -- are availabilities and leases usually done during a certain time like summer or is the ebb and flow of quality available rentals usually all year round?

I don't think it revolves around school like Coventry, Little Italy, or Cedar/Fairmount.  At least w/ Tremont, it's more young professionals or people that have been living there forever.

      Thanks for asking a great question, JRosen.  Speaking of rentals, I'd love to know if anyone has had any experience with the Metzner or Merrell buildings in Ohio City.  I love their location and will be going in to visit soon, but I have some reservations about living in a managed building.  Any thoughts?  Thanks for the continued feedback.

      It's too bad there's nothing like this yet in Cleveland:  www.sustainableca.com.  It seems like those folks really know what they're doing!

 

 

I had the same problem where I was trying to decide between Ohio City and Tremont. I ultimately decided on renting in Ohio City (as of today!). I had a tour of the Merrell building a few weeks ago. The property manager (owner, too, I believe) is a really nice guy! I'm moving from Columbus so I didn't know much about the area and he took us on an impromptu tour of Ohio City. I don't know how much help that is, but I would feel pretty comfortable in those two buildings. (The Merrell building has an awesome location--right across from West Side Market!)

  Thanks for asking a great question, JRosen. Speaking of rentals, I'd love to know if anyone has had any experience with the Metzner or Merrell buildings in Ohio City. I love their location and will be going in to visit soon, but I have some reservations about living in a managed building. Any thoughts? Thanks for the continued feedback.

It's too bad there's nothing like this yet in Cleveland: www.sustainableca.com. It seems like those folks really know what they're doing!

 

One of my relatives lived in the Metzner building and had a wonderful experience with the landlord. The owner does all his own work. Great guy. He was very flexible when dealing with her desire to break her lease (and move in with her boyfriend).

I had the same problem where I was trying to decide between Ohio City and Tremont. I ultimately decided on renting in Ohio City (as of today!). I had a tour of the Merrell building a few weeks ago. The property manager (owner, too, I believe) is a really nice guy! I'm moving from Columbus so I didn't know much about the area and he took us on an impromptu tour of Ohio City. I don't know how much help that is, but I would feel pretty comfortable in those two buildings. (The Merrell building has an awesome location--right across from West Side Market!)

 

Welcome yvonnie.  hope to see more posts from you on other issues.

I live just down the street from the Metzer and Merril and have been inside both.  Best location in Cleveland no doubt.  Public transit, West Side Market, Dave's full service grocery store, bars, restaurants, etc.  Can't go wrong there.

Sorry to ask such a specific question -- but are there places close by to walk dogs in those buildings?  I'll be by in a few weeks to check em out but figured maybe someone would know this?