Ok everyone I have yet another relocation question. But first here is some info about me: 24yo male, working in Willoughby, Ohio, looking for a vibrant area to live  where I can see other young people going about their everyday business. My budget is probably 1000 dollars. Also since I work at the hospital in willoughby and am on call, I can only live about 30 min radius away from the hospital. I've thought lakewood would be perfect for me but it is to far away.

 

My next question to ask everyone is what is better living close to work (willoughby area or living close to nightlife (downtown cleveland).

I'm not an expert (yet), but sounds like Coventry and Little Italy might be areas for you to consider given your list of demands.  Downtown would probably also work for you as long as you can make the drive in 30 mins... which shouldn't really be a problem since it's straight up I-90.  I live downtown and work in Euclid and the drive on 90 isn't bad at all.

I really like downtown Willoughby, as it has lots of restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and bars (including the Willoughby Brewing Company which is pretty well known throughout Greater Cleveland). The downtown is pedestrian-friendly and retains much of its historic architecture. But I cannot answer your question as to whether it's a draw for young people.

 

Census data shows the following:

In the city the population was spread out with 21.1% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years (that's higher than the state average). For every 100 females there were 85.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.9 males.

 

If you're in town this weekend, I see that the 2009 Artsfest is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in downtown Willoughby. You might want to check it out.

 

Here's a couple of websites to check out:

http://www.historicwilloughby.com/

http://willoughbyareachamber.com/joom/content/view/17/47/

 

But you could live in downtown Cleveland and still drive to Willoughby in less than a half hour. Lakewood? That may be pushing it, but try it (including during rush hours) to see what your range of time/distance is.

I'm going to echo was was mentioned above:

 

Downtown

Little Italy

Coventry

 

and also

 

Shaker Square

I'm going to echo was was mentioned above:

 

Downtown

Little Italy

Coventry

 

and also

 

[glow=red,2,300]Shaker Square

[/glow]

MH gets brownie points from MTS!!!

 

The mister works in Mentor and lived in Willoughby for a year.  We were generally pretty bored up there on the whole.  I'd also echo the sentiments of downtown and the near eastside; however, interstate access is soooooooooo much more convenient from downtown to be able to get to work, which is one of the reasons why we don't live in the heights areas any more.

I'm going to echo was was mentioned above:

 

Downtown

Little Italy

Coventry

 

and also

 

Shaker Square

 

Shaker Square to Willougby in 30 minutes is pushing it. 

 

I agree with KJP - you should definitely check out the area around downtown Willoughby.  The nightlife is suprisingly good.  However, it might get monotonous after awhile.

 

If that doesn't work for you, I would look downtown for the highway access and easy commute down the shoreway.  If you want to live in an area where you will find more healthcare professionals, look into Little Italy, Coventry and University Circle.

MH gets brownie points from MTS!!!

 

The mister works in Mentor and lived in Willoughby for a year.  We were generally pretty bored up there on the whole.  I'd also echo the sentiments of downtown and the near eastside; however, interstate access is soooooooooo much more convenient from downtown to be able to get to work, which is one of the reasons why we don't live in the heights areas any more.

 

He..he.

 

Well MH, gets a little debbie.  I agree SS is not convienient nor is Covenrty in my opinion.

Don't forget that Tremont and Ohio City have great freeway access too.  Googlemaps thinks the drive from either to Willoughby is only about 24-26 mins.

Thanks everyone I chose statler arms in cleveland. (they had a last minute special that i couldn't beat plus downtown nightlife too.)

 

Any one have any advice or knows of anyone that has joined a gym in downtown clevleand. I googled it and found some that have bad reviews saying that they couldn't cancel their memberships and such. THanks again.

Thanks everyone I chose statler arms in cleveland. (they had a last minute special that i couldn't beat plus downtown nightlife too.)

 

Any one have any advice or knows of anyone that has joined a gym in downtown clevleand. I googled it and found some that have bad reviews saying that they couldn't cancel their memberships and such. THanks again.

 

If you search this very forum using the word "gym" you'll have some luck as this an often discussed subject.

Congrats on the move downtown!

 

If you can hold out, Titan's Gym will be a the best option Downtown.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/07/titans_gym_to_open_20000_squar.html

 

http://www.titansgym.com/

 

I'd also check out Cleveland State Rec Center rates for the time being.  That's the best facility in the downtown area IMO  http://www.csuohio.edu/services/recreationcenter/membership/community/index.html

jman, I saw some of the complaints you did (via google search); it should be noted that almost all commercial fitness clubs require a signed contract in order to get discount rates. It's just like renting an apartment - if you pay month-to-month, there's a premium; if you sign a lease, you pay less. I can't speak for the issues of being able to cancel membership, but that's a good sign that you should ALWAYS read the fine print and if it seems sketchy, go somewhere else.

 

I also saw that one reviewer of Fitworks downtown said "theft is rampant!" - well I won't deny that any fitness center experiences that - even the community center in my hometown of 11K has had problems; but I can't tell you how many times I go into the locker room, open an unlocked locker (thinking it's available) and lo and behold - some naive idiot has put their things in without using a lock. Not just their work clothes, I'm talking wallets, cash, credit cards, cell phone, Blackberry - you name it. Part of me feels bad, but if someone is so absurdly naive that they don't think they need to use a lock... :roll: