I'm breaking up with my significant other & moving back to Cleveland. I'm tired of commuting & of suburban sprawl (i.e., having to drive EVERYWHERE to do ANYTHING). But part of me is also reluctant to leave the inherently "safe" feeling of the suburbs, even though it also makes one feel isolated & less a part of a community.

 

I've found two houses that I love that are both very similar to each other. But one is in West Park, one is in Tremont.

 

I know that crime is much higher in Tremont, but then again, home values have been rising more steadily there since the mid-1990s, and it's the trendier "hot spot". It's also VERY close to where I work—1.2 miles in fact; I'd be able to bike to work in good weather! I'm also excited to be close to the West Side Market, lots of antique shops on Lorain, and within walking distance of many upscale bars & restaurants.

 

West Park (at least the part that the home I found is in) is beautiful, and the homes are ALL well-kept. It's so convenient to multiple highways (I-90, 480, 71), nice shopping at Westgate, and close to Lakewood and the Metroparks. But it's also further from work (8 miles), which means I couldn't bike to work, and it's also a location that will continue to force me to use my car all the time for basic tasks (like grocery shopping, going out to eat, to bars, etc.), even though the distances may not be as far as where I'm at now.

 

I'm a born & raised Clevelander, grew up on the west side (West Park, Bay Village), have lived most of my adult life on the east side (Cleveland Heights, Hudson), and will probably be living in this home, whether it's in West Park or Tremont, for at least 10-15 years I hope, so I'm in it for the long haul.

 

Was wondering if you guys could offer advice about what your opinions are on the two areas that I'm thinking about moving into--both positive & negative.

 

Thanks! :-)

Welcome to the forum! I don't know too much about those areas but I would like to point out one thing.

 

As you may know, the City of Cleveland requires all its employees to live within the City. Many of them live in Westpark and this has kept the neighborhood stable. However, the state has outlawed residency requirements and the Ohio Supreme Court will rule on the issue soon. If the ban on residency requirements is upheld this will be devastating for the neighborhood. Obviously the area will not collapse overnight but if you're concerned about home values over the long term this is pretty important.

 

Good luck with your home search.

 

Do you love dogs?  If so, I would say Tremont for sure.  Nearly everyone in Tremont has a dog (probably because of the somewhat higher crime level) so it's a lot of barking and if you're not a dog person, that's something to consider.  But it sounds like the lifestyle tremont offers would be much more desirable for you than the Westpark lifestyle.

Welcome to the forum! As a resident of Tremont, I think it's important to note that yes - crime is higher here than in West Park. Keep in mind that much of it is property crime but there's also more to it than statistics. In no way, shape or form would I ever say things are hunkydory but it depends on what area of Tremont*, and the real story behind the statistics**.

 

* Generally, the area west of I-90 bordering the Clark-Metro area has more crime. Housing is definitely more affordable but you also have less access to the amenities Tremont is known for.

 

** Having lived in Tremont for a while, it's another case of what area, and I've also learned that in some cases (not all, but some), there's more to the story than the police blotter. For instance the guy who says "my car was broken into" actually left his laptop bag on the passenger seat while grabbing drinks with friends, or "my apartment was burglarized" means "someone got into my place - I didn't lock the door since I just walked out for 30 minutes to grab coffee". Nothing will stop someone hellbent, but as someone who hid valuables in the trunk and locked their doors even in my hometown of 11K, I'm baffled that anyone wouldn't take some simple deterrent steps in an innercity neighborhood.

 

As for highway access - for an innercity 'hood, Tremont has surprisingly good access. You have I-71 and 176 (Jennings Freeway) at the southern end, and I-490 (connects to I-77) on the eastern edge. Yes, you have a little bit more of a mixed bag when it comes to property upkeep but keep in mind that you have people who live here who may well have been born in their homes. Sure, there are some problem rentals and not everyone keeps their home in immaculate condition but as you pointed out, this area is more diverse (socioeconomically, racially, you name it) than West Park.

 

Also - have you considered living in Ohio City proper? It's close to Tremont hotspots but also gives you more of the day-to-day amenities within walking distance. Just throwing that into the hopper for debate's sake. Each area is going to have a trade-off, so it depends on what realllly matters to you.

 

So that said, feel free to contact me via the forum's private message system. I can give you more details, especially if you've found a house in Tremont that you're considering.

I also live in Tremont. Been here going on a 1 year.  I've really enjoyed it.....My apt is close to the main road where most of the bars and restaurants are located. The noise level isn't bad at all especially during the week.  I've never been kept up or awaken by barking dogs.  Not everyone has them as mentioned earlier. 

check out old brooklyn!  closer to downtown and tremont then west park..similar homes to Westpark and just as nice (parkview and southhills area)

"Not everyone has them as mentioned earlier."

 

For the record - on my block there are pugs, papillons, pomeranians (walked daily by a lady in her 90s), a miniature pinscher, a cocker spaniel and a maltese. I know, hard core vicious breeds - but I'm just sayin' ;-)

 

 

Do you love dogs? If so, I would say Tremont for sure. Nearly everyone in Tremont has a dog (probably because of the somewhat higher crime level) so it's a lot of barking and if you're not a dog person, that's something to consider. But it sounds like the lifestyle tremont offers would be much more desirable for you than the Westpark lifestyle.

 

I've never heard this "barking" complaint mentioned by anyone I've known who lives or has lived in Tremont. Did you live in Tremont?

Welcome to the forum! I don't know too much about those areas but I would like to point out one thing.

 

As you may know, the City of Cleveland requires all its employees to live within the City. Many of them live in Westpark and this has kept the neighborhood stable. However, the state has outlawed residency requirements and the Ohio Supreme Court will rule on the issue soon. If the ban on residency requirements is upheld this will be devastating for the neighborhood. Obviously the area will not collapse overnight but if you're concerned about home values over the long term this is pretty important.

 

Good luck with your home search.

 

 

Wow, thanks! That is definitely something I hadn't thought about, but that I am definitely going to take into consideration when I make my decision!

Do you love dogs? If so, I would say Tremont for sure. Nearly everyone in Tremont has a dog (probably because of the somewhat higher crime level) so it's a lot of barking and if you're not a dog person, that's something to consider. But it sounds like the lifestyle tremont offers would be much more desirable for you than the Westpark lifestyle.

 

I LOVE DOGS! :-) I have a pug named Stanley who's going to be 3 this year.  I've seen a lot of other people in Tremont walking dogs and I've always thought that's a good sign.

Do you love dogs? If so, I would say Tremont for sure. Nearly everyone in Tremont has a dog (probably because of the somewhat higher crime level) so it's a lot of barking and if you're not a dog person, that's something to consider. But it sounds like the lifestyle tremont offers would be much more desirable for you than the Westpark lifestyle.

 

I LOVE DOGS! :-) I have a pug named Stanley who's going to be 3 this year. I've seen a lot of other people in Tremont walking dogs and I've always thought that's a good sign.

 

I took my daughter today to the Tremont dog park. She's 15 months old, but she loves looking at the dogs. The dog park is a very nice community asset.

I took my daughter today to the Tremont dog park. She's 15 months old, but she loves looking at the dogs. The dog park is a very nice community asset.

That's awesome... I've heard there's a dog park in Tremont, but I haven't checked it out yet. Is it at Clark Fields?  Did it seem like the owners did a pretty good job (i.e., didn't let their dogs get out of control & kept an eye on them at all times)?

 

I'll have to take my pug Stan to sniff it out.

I've only been there once, but the dogs were pretty docile. As compared to the Lakewood dog park, this was much much tamer. I've heard some weird stories about Lakewood's dog park. One of the things that (supposedly) makes Tremont's dog park so nice is that it is maintained by a dedicated group of residents. For example, a resident is in charge of opening up and locking up each day. Tremont's level of community support is one of the reasons why it is such a strong community.

I had originally referred the OP to this forum from city-data.com.  There he stated that he is looking at a house near Scranton and Starkweather (close to the Tremont Tap House).  Another poster replied that there are frequently gunshots in this area.  I highly doubt it's that bad, but I know it is much less gentrified than east of I-90.  Does anyone here have any better information on what Scranton is like north of I-90?

That poster on city-data is incorrect; the home in question is smack-dab in the middle of the Auburn Block Club. A lot of problems in that vicinity were related to the Starkweather Tavern - now known as Tremont Tap House (and with MUCH better clientele). Some of the backstreets to the north and west are rough around the edges, but Starkweather itself is a pretty main route, with more "eyes on the street".

 

I get irked when someone says "_____ isn't really considered Tremont" - that basically perpetuates the mentality that everyone here is a yuppie living in tax-abated new construction and that's hardly the case.

Welcome to the forum! I don't know too much about those areas but I would like to point out one thing.

 

As you may know, the City of Cleveland requires all its employees to live within the City. Many of them live in Westpark and this has kept the neighborhood stable. However, the state has outlawed residency requirements and the Ohio Supreme Court will rule on the issue soon. If the ban on residency requirements is upheld this will be devastating for the neighborhood. Obviously the area will not collapse overnight but if you're concerned about home values over the long term this is pretty important.

 

Good luck with your home search.

 

 

Wow, thanks! That is definitely something I hadn't thought about, but that I am definitely going to take into consideration when I make my decision!

 

This is definitely something to consider... especially if you plan to stay long term.  Tremont is on the serious upswing and the real estate investment could turn you a small fortune in 10-20 yrs if things keep progressing.  West Park is much riskier and not much potential for any meaningful reward.  In other words, West Park is either going to remain stable or decrease in value, whereas Tremont will either remain at its current value or increase as the neighborhood becomes more and more attractive to people looking for a "trendy" lifestyle. 

 

I will say that I know plenty of cops and firefighters that have no plans of moving from West Park no matter how the court rules.  The "mass exodus" fears are greatly overexagerrated by the City in its propaganda against the state law.  Some will surely move, but.... truth is, many of the employees have ALREADY moved to the suburbs.  The ones that truly care about the neighborhood will mostly stay put.  The ones that never gave a crap and, due to the residency requirement, actually despise the City, will be gone. 

 

Also, we do not know yet what kind of incentives the City will offer its employees to remain City residents.  All the law says is the City cannot 'force' its employees to maintain residency.  It says nothing about rewarding employees who volitionally maintain residency.

Do you love dogs? If so, I would say Tremont for sure. Nearly everyone in Tremont has a dog (probably because of the somewhat higher crime level) so it's a lot of barking and if you're not a dog person, that's something to consider. But it sounds like the lifestyle tremont offers would be much more desirable for you than the Westpark lifestyle.

 

I've never heard this "barking" complaint mentioned by anyone I've known who lives or has lived in Tremont. Did you live in Tremont?

 

I know several people who live in Tremont but they all have dogs.  I think people who don't have dogs are perhaps more annoyed by barking than those who have dogs. I've certainly not asked them about it, though I have asked them about crime and haven't enjoyed their reports on the crime they've seen and been victim to (all non-violent I should note).  It's just not for me; but I've mentioned that on previous threads. 

 

I visit shops/restaurants and take classes in Tremont on a weekly basis and am always annoyed by the barking of dogs when I walk up and down the residential streets.  I always think "man, it would annoy me to live here with all the barking."  Sorry, but that's my personal observation. 

If for some reason I left my current neighborhood (the flats), I would pick Tremont over West Park. Granted I live a few 100 yards from Tremont, but I would like it better none the less. West Park is not bad though. It is generally quiet and safe and stable. But is suburban in character which works less for me but might be fine for you. and heck it is still close to all the urban (and suburban) amenities. I do worry about all the cops and firemen fleeting though if they don't have to live there.  Most of them are chomping at the bit to live in Avon or North ridgeville.

 

Since you mentioned shopping, I had very mixed feeling (mostly negative)  about Steelyard commons before it as built . it is the rather new strippish mall in tremont, but the truth is, I no longer have to go to the burbs for Target, BestBuy, Home depot, Petco (the cats like the good stuff) like places. If I admit it, I am happy it is there. There are some Ok clothing outlets as well (as in I need a simple dress shirt or underwear, not an awesome going out outfit)

 

I  have NEVER felt unsafe in Tremont and I am female. And yes,  I go to more than bars and restaurants with  valet (would actually never use one Cleveland) . I worked social services in the neighborhood so i was in some interesting places alone on a scooter, bike or on foot...but never felt in danger. Granted there are a some streets  that have a gritty Appalachian feel  but that is all part of the atmosphere-not necessarily dangerous but you must endure living with neighbors who have different ideas about property maintenance and evening entertainment if you choose such a street.  And for gosh sakes yes, you should lock your car and house door. Duh, whatever. **I can't believe people leave the stuff out that they do.  I wish we lived in society where we did not have to worry about that, but that is not so, and West park won't be the answer either.

 

My spouse and I often have the hypothetical discussion of where we would live if Cleve other than our neighborhood and I like Ohio City or even Asiatown, and he leans toward Tremont every time. Downtown is both of our secondish third choice . There is certainly crime but not as bad as some other areas.

 

Finally, this is just me, but I would not buy anywhere unless you are 100% sure you want to own that property for a long time. What I considered an always bad market gotten worse. Cleveland is not a flip it type market. If you know where you want to live for a while though, awesome bargins are to be had.

 

** In fits of absentminded stress, I have left stuff out by accident (carelessness as opposed to clulessness) and it has not been stolen. ie keys in scooter in downtown Cleveland all day. GPS on parked scooter on dreaded east side (Fairfax)....not stolen. so there!

If advocates for residency requirement are correct, West Park will be a barren ghetto in a couple weeks.

 

http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/docs/pdf/0/2009/2009-ohio-2597.pdf

I'd consider myself an authority on this topic as I used to live in Tremont and am now in West Park. The pros in Tremont: still trendy, proximity to downtown, great restaurants, even better bars. The cons in Tremont: like any gentrified Cleveland neighborhood you need to be careful picking your location as crime is more prevalent in some parts of Tremont than others, other con, public transit is bus only. Pros in WP: nicely kept single family homes, some nice bars on Lorain, depending on where in WP (it's a huge neighborhood) the red line is walkable, safe and secure- I've never been a victim of any type of crime. Cons in WP: decent restaurants are hard to come by, after the Regos closed there is now only 1 grocery store in WP, we'll see how residency effects WP, it shouldn't really but time may tell.

All in all, I'd give the nod to WP if you'd like a nice single family home on a quiet street.

 

Finally, this is just me, but I would not buy anywhere unless you are 100% sure you want to own that property for a long time. What I considered an always bad market gotten worse. Cleveland is not a flip it type market. If you know where you want to live for a while though, awesome bargins are to be had.

 

More often than not, this is true. But, it depends on what type of property you would look to purchase. The new construction condos probably haven't fared too well. There is a lot of supply and the market is bad. The older well-preserved homes, however, have fared quite well in Ohio City and Tremont. There have a been a lot of cases where homes have gone up in value over the past 3-4 years. I know from personal experience.