Hey all,

I'm new to this forum and I'm going to be new to OH here soon also. My husband is going to be attending Ohio Tech. College and we will be moving down (we are from Michigan) there at the beginning of next year or the end of this year. Since I'm not from around the Cleveland area I'm not sure of the "goo" and "bad" parts of Cleveland or surrounding cities. Can anyone shed some light as to where we should look for a place to live? Or maybe find a job?

Thanks!  :-D

Chandra

 

Hey all,

I'm new to this forum and I'm going to be new to OH here soon also. My husband is going to be attending Ohio Tech. College and we will be moving down (we are from Michigan) there at the beginning of next year or the end of this year. Since I'm not from around the Cleveland area I'm not sure of the "goo" and "bad" parts of Cleveland or surrounding cities. Can anyone shed some light as to where we should look for a place to live? Or maybe find a job?

Thanks!  ;D

Chandra

 

 

Hi Chandra. Welcome to Ohio and Cleveland.

 

I would like to redirect you to the Cleveland Travel and Relocation forum where you'll find lots of stuff on the city, 'burbs and downtown.

 

So that we can help you, help us by providing with the answers to the following questions.

• Where exactly (city and neighborhood), do you currently live.  This gives us an indication as to what type of neighborhood you like or are accustomed to?
  
• What are the things you like about your current neighborhood?
  
• Outside of what you listed above, how much is your monthly budget?
  
• Where is your and/or your spouses job located/going to be located?
  
• What are your "must haves" in a neighborhood?
  
• Do you want to be on or near a major transportation hub?
  

Since you're not from the City, hopefully you'll rent while learning the city so you can choose a nabe hood to purchase in and put down roots.

I'm sure the mods will move this thread to the Travel & Relocation Thread.

 

Chandra, I agree with MTS... we need more info.  Cleveland is so diverse that our recommendations are going to vary greatly with your preferences.

 

How old are you and your husband?

Do you have a car?

Any kids?  School age?

Any pets?

Do you want a house with a yard or an apartment in an urban area?

What are your entertainment preferences (museams, bars, dance clubs, etc.)?

What price range are you working with for monthly rent and bills?

Holy Cow...my post is getting moved everywhere! LOL

Okay so to answer the questions...

My husband is 27 I'm 23

Yes we both have cars

We don't have any kids as of right now but we are hoping here in the near future

We have a bird and would love to be able to get a dog

We want to rent for right now doesn't amtter a house or an apartment, but as of right now I'm going to say our budget is only going to be around $500-$600 for housing

I'm currently looking for a job through craigslist list and other sites (any other ideas for finding a job)

He will be going to Ohio Tech. That's on the east side right? (:

I would like to be within 30 min of the school if possible

Um...I think that's it?

 

Hey,

My husband and I are going to be moving from Michigan to Cleveland here within the next 2-6 months. He's going to be attending Ohio Tech. and I'm currently looking for a job down there so when I find one we will be moving. We are going to need to find a 2 bedroom apartment and as of right now I would say we only have a budget of $500-$600. I have NO idea where to start! I would like to try and find something within a 30 min drive to the school. Also is there a better place for me to try and find a job down there?

Can anyone point me in the right direction please? I'm feeling very overwhelmed! LOL

 

Thanks!

Chandra

 

Slow down....relax.....inhale...and read our posts.

Chandra,

 

Answering the questions in the earlier posts would be helpful, but based on your budget and the location of the Ohio Tech School (I believe on East 51st), I would start looking at apartments around the Coventry Rd. area in Cleveland Heights.  Probably about 10 minute drive to school for him.  That area is pretty vibrant but safe and I know there are some 2 bedroom right at about $600 per month.  Perfect area for your age.  Lots of places to rent on Mayfield Rd, Euclid Hts Blvd, Hampshire Rd, Lancashire Rd and many of the apartments allow dogs with a deposit of course.  You might be able to find a duplex in that area as well.  Just try to stay on or south of Mayfield Road.

 

Here is a google maps link to the area - http://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=41.511068,-81.580524&spn=0.007713,0.013754&z=16

 

Another area to consider would be the Cedar Fairmount neighborhood - http://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=41.50088,-81.592026&spn=0.007714,0.013754&z=16

 

Very close and very similar to Coventry... just a little bit of a slower pace and not as much action.

 

As far as finding employment for you - what field are you in or do you wish to pursue?

 

 

EDIT:  Sorry... the links I posted seem to be coming up a bit south of the target.  The heart of the Coventry neighborhood is on Coventry Road between Euclid Hts Blvd and Mayfield Rd.  For Cedar Fairmount, just pan north a smidgen and you will find the intersection of Cedar Rd and Fairmount Blvd.

Hi Chandra, and welcome!  :wave:

 

With your budget and your husband's schooling location, I would recommend trying to find a place in Asiatown (essentially your husband is going to school on the edge of it - it stretches from approximately E. 30th St. to the west to E. 55th St. to the east, and Chester Ave. to the South to St. Clair Ave. to the north).  The other option I'd recommend is Ohio City (between W. 25th and W. 30th and Detroit Ave. to the north and Lorain Ave. to the south).  That's a bit further of a commute, but still only probably 20 minutes tops for your husband.

 

Now, unfortunately, you'll need to come to Cleveland and drive around these neighborhoods and look for for rent signs to find something.  You could also perhaps try Craigslist.  Really, though, it's a lot of small buildings and houses that won't have their own websites.

I had to look up what Ohio Tech was, I wasn't familiar.  It appears to be on E 51st street, which is in the downtown area, just east of "downtown" proper. I would suggest downtown but IMO it's going to be tough to find a 2 bedroom apartment for $500-600 and parking is not included in downtown apts, which can be another $100-150 a month or more depending on the apartment complex.

 

You might want to consider looking in Ohio City or Tremont, which are neighborhoods adjoining downtown.  You might also consider Lakewood, which has a TON of apartments.  Visiting in person is the best way to find an apartment as quite a lot of places don't advertise. Is there a way you can come here in advance of moving to scout for apartments, write down phone numbers and make inquiry calls?  You can also try looking at the online ads in our newspaper, the Plain Dealer: http://realestate.cleveland.com/for-rent.  I put in 2 bedroom, downtown or west side with 600 as the max and got 3 pages of results.  If you have questions about specific listings, you can ask us as a lot of us are familiar with neighborhoods and sometimes specific properties.  apartments.com also has some listings.

 

re: looking for a job, I find indeed.com to be the most comprehensive job search engine out there. 

Hi Chandra, and welcome!  :wave:

 

With your budget and your husband's schooling location, I would recommend trying to find a place in Asiatown (essentially your husband is going to school on the edge of it - it stretches from approximately E. 30th St. to the west to E. 55th St. to the east, and Chester Ave. to the South to St. Clair Ave. to the north).  The other option I'd recommend is Ohio City (between W. 25th and W. 30th and Detroit Ave. to the north and Lorain Ave. to the south).  That's a bit further of a commute, but still only probably 20 minutes tops for your husband.

 

Now, unfortunately, you'll need to come to Cleveland and drive around these neighborhoods and look for for rent signs to find something.  You could also perhaps try Craigslist.  Really, though, it's a lot of small buildings and houses that won't have their own websites.

 

I agree with Doc.  Check out AsiaTown, St. Clair-Superior-Sterling Payne (hey you maybe to find a inexpensive loft).  Then University Circle, Shaker Square and Coventry.

Hts44121 I'm looking for administrative assistant, receptionist, or secretary type of thing

We are planning on coming down on Thursday to look at different areas. So now that I have a few areas I should look at how do I go about mapping them out? I don't have GPS so I'm not really sure I would want to get lost! LOL

Thanks for all this! I appreciate it

Rent a GPS unit from a car rental agency. It's not very much and would be WELL worth it. 

I believe Ohio Tech was the one that relocated some of their programs to Randall Park Mall (The former), so it would be good to know for sure where he will be attending classes, although either will be easy from anything on the east side. 

 

Edit: The Ohio Technical College's PowerSport Institute is located at the old Randall Mall.

 

Huh...didn't know you could do that. THANKS!

Oh, and for the jobs you're looking for, I'd recommend signing up with several temp agencies.  If you temp, however, you will probably need to actually buy a GPS as they send you all over tarnation sometimes for jobs.  Area Temps, Kelly, Adecco and Elite Personnel are all decent.

Since it has been recommended, I am going to provide the following caveat on Asiatown - some people find it to be somewhat "empty".  It is an emerging neighborhood and is becoming a haven for artists and others who like to work at home.  It is very close to the action of downtown, but the neighborhood itself (due to lack of traffic) seems unsafe to some even though it is safe IMO.

 

I would not call it a walkable neighborhood... at least not to the same extent as downtown, Ohio City, Tremont, Coventry, University Circle or Shaker Square.

I guess we will have to ask the school we were told "The Old Wareshouse District" (I think/hope that's it) was where he would be attending school...does that help at all?

The warehouse district is nowhere near E 51st street, it's on and in the vicinity of W 6th street in downtown proper.  I've never heard of the "old" warehouse district.  Perhaps they're trying to paint a nicer picture of where the school is located, as (IMO) it's not in the best neighborhood.

Alrighty then, the guys had no idea what he was talking about then! (:

So where the school is located isn't the best neighborhood?

The warehouse district is nowhere near E 51st street, it's on and in the vicinity of W 6th street in downtown proper.  I've never heard of the "old" warehouse district.  Perhaps they're trying to paint a nicer picture of where the school is located, as (IMO) it's not in the best neighborhood.

 

IIRC, parts of the Kirktland Park neighborhood was called the "old" warehouse neighborhood.

 

Not to be confused with the "historic" warehouse district.

Alrighty then, the guys had no idea what he was talking about then! (:

So where the school is located isn't the best neighborhood?

 

NO.  Nobody is saying that.  That is a decision you'll have to make for yourself.  How I would describe the area:  "eclectic, asian influenced and growing".  Tons of places to eat, cheap housing, good car and transit access.  Close to the CBD.

Again, IN MY OPINION it is not the best neighborhood.  I wouldn't live over there, but I would go to school there if I needed to. Everyone's different.  Just tell him to keep his car clean (nothing in sight that anyone would want to break in and take) and locked and he will probably be fine, particularly since he'll only be there during daytime/weekday hours.

You all have been very helpful! Thank you so much!

Again, IN MY OPINION it is not the best neighborhood. I wouldn't live over there, but I would go to school there if I needed to. Everyone's different. Just tell him to keep his car clean (nothing in sight that anyone would want to break in and take) and locked and he will probably be fine, particularly since he'll only be there during daytime/weekday hours.

 

Asiatown isn't a bad neighborhood at all..........You should keep your car clean and locked anywhere you go.  I had my car window smashed and gps stolen in Westlake last year. 

No, Asia Town is not a bad neighborhood.  It IS a stable (owner-occupied, little foreclosure activity), growing, working-class, immigrant neighborhood bordered to the east by a less stable (more foreclosures and vacant properties) neighborhood (E. 55th as the definite divider).  It's southern, western, and northern borders are largely lined by businesses. 

 

Asia Town has great highway access, good bus service, grocery stores (Dave's for general shopping needs and a number of Asian markets), a vast assortment of restaurants, some interesting retail, and wonderful art galleries.  I have not noticed much of bar scene/nightlife (if that is important to you, I would focus more on Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway, Coventry).

 

Happy searching and welcome to the area.

No, Asia Town is not a bad neighborhood.  It IS a stable (owner-occupied, little foreclosure activity), growing, working-class, immigrant neighborhood bordered to the east by a less stable (more foreclosures and vacant properties) neighborhood (E. 55th as the definite divider).  It's southern, western, and northern borders are largely lined by businesses. 

 

Asia Town has great highway access, good bus service, grocery stores (Dave's for general shopping needs and a number of Asian markets), a vast assortment of restaurants, some interesting retail, and wonderful art galleries.  I have not noticed much of bar scene/nightlife (if that is important to you, I would focus more on Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit Shoreway, Coventry).

 

Happy searching and welcome to the area.

 

AND SHAKER SQUARE.  SS has more access to it than Coventry and is cheaper on the whole.

^ Shaker Square has the Rapid.... Coventry has life  :-D

^ Shaker Square has the Rapid.... Coventry has life  ;D

 

^ Shaker Square has the Rapid.... Coventry has life :-D

 

Little Italy has both! :)

Hasn't some student housing been popping up near CSU?  If so, that may be an option

^ Shaker Square has the Rapid.... Coventry has life  ;D

 

Little Italy has both! :)

 

Not really.  The rapid is close to little italy but it's a hike.  SS has three rapid stations!  :P  :P  :P

Rapid, schmapid.  Coventry has all of the following:

 

Great selection of eateries (at least for those that have a $600 rent budget):

1) Chinese food (Hunan on Coventry - rated best in Greater Cleveland)

2) Tommy's (great veggie selection)

3) Sushi (Pacific East)

4) Sub shops (Grums, Dave's Cosmic Subs, and Jimmy John's)

5) Mongolian Barbeque

6) Tree Bistro (Japanese, Korean, Thai)

7) Guy's Pizza Co.

8) Other choices such as Chipotle, Gepetto's and a multitude of bars and grilles (see below)

 

Great selection of bars/grilles/nightlife:

1) Panini's

2) Johnny Malloys

3) McNulty's

4) Winking Lizard

5) La Cave Du Vin (Wine Bar/Room)

 

Great retail:

1) Record Exchange

2) Big Fun (best nostalgia store in Ohio)

3) Heights Hardware

4) Marc's (discount grocer and pharmacy)

5) Sunshine (leather and head shop)

6) City Buddha

7) Laura Lee Salon

8) Revolution Books

9) Many, many more unique shops (see link below)

 

Entertainment Venues:

1) Grog Shop

2) B Side Lounge

 

Services:

1) Laundromat

2) Dry Cleaners

3) The Recreation Center is just down the street

 

Other plusses include being within walking distance of Little Italy and a nice park at the top of the street if you do grow your family in the near future.

 

Now.... based on all of the above, I will put Coventry up to the Pepsi Challenge against Shaker Square any day.

 

Find out for yourself though - http://www.coventryvillage.org/

 

 

 

 

OK, this is turning into a "pimp my neighborhood" thread. It's great that we all love our neighborhoods so much that we want more neighbors.

 

I just looked to see where the Ohio Technical College is (St. Clair & East 51st) and I see it is in a warehouse district. It is actually an active warehousing area but has some housing, restaurants etc, whereas the Historic Warehouse District WAS a warehouse area downtown in the 19th century that's been converted into housing, restaurants, clubs, shops and offices. St. Clair Avenue also cuts through the Historic Warehouse District.

 

The Asiatown area (http://www.asiatowncleveland.com/) is just west of the college and will offer inexpensive housing in an area that's not far from a lot of things, not the least of which is downtown. The Inner Belt section of Interstate 90 cuts through the neighborhood and it is also served by frequent, 24 hour bus service on several routes. Biking is also an option in this area. If you want to upgrade your housing options, consider selling the second car, saving the expense and looking downtown for apartments in the $800-$1,000 per month range.

 

But you mentioned you want a dog so a yard is something you might want. That means rental housing. As someone else mentioned, stay west of East 55th Street, or east of East 105th and the neighborhoods get better as you go up the hill east of University Circle. The sections in between are largely troubled neighborhoods. If you look west of downtown, look in the Ohio City and Tremont neighborhoods for rental housing (Ohio City is roughly bounded by West 25th, Lorain Ave, West 50s and Detroit Avenue; Tremont extends several blocks around Lincoln Park off West 14th Street almost south of downtown). Drive around these neighborhoods, but getting out and walking gives a better feel, IMHO.

 

Here's some search tools....

http://www.rent.com/ (shows apartment buildings mostly, starting with those in the search parameters you select and then gets farther from them. Rental houses are usually not shown.)

 

http://www.pluggedincleveland.com/ (for rentals, jobs and stuff to do!)

 

 

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/1420696726.html (house in Tremont, but if it's south of I-490 you might see what the surrounding area looks like first -- use caution)

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/1420277824.html (nice looking place for a good price but it doesn't say where it is)

 

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/1420033189.html (this is a bit far west, but it's a lot of space for a good price, and a state park on the lakeshore is a short walk. The Clifton Blvd bus line is frequent and fast to downtown during rush hours. It doesn't say if a dog is OK.)

 

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/1419543777.html (again, it's a bit far west, but a lot of home for a good price. It's pretty close to the previous listing, so it's close to Edgewater Park and restaurants, shops, etc. Also doesn't say if dogs are OK)

 

Those are the places I could find in the first 300 listings on Craigslist that are decent housing in decent neighborhoods for near the price you specified. I didn't see any listings in the Asiatown area but that doesn't mean there aren't any. You may have to drive around to find for "For Rent" signs. I didn't see any Coventry or Shaker Square listings near the price specified.