I'm single, female, late 20's, and considering buying a house because I'm tired of apartment buildings and my rent+utilities is very close to mortage+property tax+utilities on a  small house in today's market.

I'm currently living in Mayfield Heights and working in Beachwood/SHaker area. Beachwood is out of my price range. I've looked a little in Mayfield Heights and in the Lyndhurst area (across from Hawken) because I'd like to keep my freeway access so I don't have a long commute (in decent weather) if I were to change jobs. What's the average commute time like from that area to downtown? The west or southwest side?

Does anyone live in either of those areas and have neighborhood/city advice? I don't want to be the only person under 70 on my street or in a neighborhood that's half rentals in 5 years.

I edited the subject line so it would be immediately clear to other forumers which city's suburbs you were seeking help about.

 

I used to live in Highland Heights many years ago, and it was getting a bit gray back then, too. You may have just missed the best deals on housing now that the foreclosure/credit crunch is easing, but you may still be able to find some deals. Check the county sheriff's sale listings....

 

http://sheriff.cuyahogacounty.us/foreclosures.asp

agent99,

 

As you can tell by my handle (or whatever you call it) I live nearby to that area, a little closer to the City though.  From Hawken, it is about 20 minutes to downtown without traffic.  You would just take Richmond to Highland and Highland to 185.  185 has an entrance on to the shoreway.  The more scenic route, through UC and Midtown is more like 25 minutes.  It would be about 35 mins to the airport, and you would probably go 271 to 480 to get there.

 

If you are looking at Lyndhurst, you might consider crossing the border into South Euclid.  You will get more bang for the buck and pay less taxes, but be in the same school district.  City services are better in Lyndhurst though.  You get what you pay for.  Take a look at the neighborhood boxed in by Richmond on the east, Belvoir on the west, Mayfield on the south and Monticello on the north.  You can get 3-4 bdrm, 2-2 1/2 bath homes for under $200,000 and under $5000 in yearly property taxes.  At a decent interest rate and, not including any PMI, that would be about $1000 in mortgage payments with the insurance prorated in.  My point is the houses in South Euclid are about 75% the cost of the Lyndhurst homes and just as nice neighborhoods IMO.

 

There is also a swath of Euclid that is south of Euclid Ave. on the east end of town that is suprisingly charming.  You could get about the same house by 1/2 the property taxes.  However, I hear that Euclid makes up for some of that tax loss by having a higher income tax, so check that out too.

I've heard conflicting things about South Euclid--that parts of it are really not nice/have increasing crime. I've seen many houses amazingly cheap there I think a little west of Green?

 

By better city services, do you mean snow plowing? I know Beachwood beats everyone by a landslide in that department because I always notice I'm in Lyndhurst as I cross Cedar.

 

Even if I bought something bigger cheaply I'd still have to heat it and I'm not sure what to expect in terms of gas bills, other than this is the most expensive area of Ohio in terms of utilities. My apartment building is warm enough that I open my windows in January to get the temp down to 70 and to air out my neighbors' cigarette smoke from my living room.

 

 

If you want to go into the city of Cleveland, you can get new construction with the tax abatement (that's what I did).  That being said, I'm not sure what your monthly budget is.

I've heard conflicting things about South Euclid--that parts of it are really not nice/have increasing crime. I've seen many houses amazingly cheap there I think a little west of Green?

 

By better city services, do you mean snow plowing? I know Beachwood beats everyone by a landslide in that department because I always notice I'm in Lyndhurst as I cross Cedar.

 

Even if I bought something bigger cheaply I'd still have to heat it and I'm not sure what to expect in terms of gas bills, other than this is the most expensive area of Ohio in terms of utilities. My apartment building is warm enough that I open my windows in January to get the temp down to 70 and to air out my neighbors' cigarette smoke from my living room.

 

I don't know what the stats are but don't let others confuse you on the difference between increasing crime and increasing diversity.  It was not long ago that South Euclid and Lyndhurst were mostly white.  Lyndhurst has become somewhat diverse, South Euclid much more so.  Some long-time residents automatically equate that with increased crime.  I live near the South Euclid / CH border and never lock my car and no one on my block has EVER had a break in.

 

Check out the neighborhood I directed you to.  It is about half Lyndhurst and half S Euclid.  Let me know if you can tell when you cross the border into South Euclid (Professor Rd).  My point is the neighborhoods are nearly identical.

 

There are certain parts of South Euclid that might not be your cup of tea, but those would be more towards the Cleveland border going north on Green or Belvoir.  So just stay south of Monticello and you have nothing to worry about.

 

In terms of city services, I mean that Lyndhurst plows the sidewalks on major street, tends to get to road repairs faster and other little stuff like supplies you with a trash can.

 

With respect to heating a bigger place, it all depends on the efficiency of the house.  A radiator heated home with poor insulation and windows can cost a fortune to heat.  On the other hand, a bigger but more modern home would not be nearly as much if it is insulated well.  Ask to see the utility bills over the past few years and judge for yourself... of course, asking the previous owner what his/her heating habits were (some like it hot while others freeze their arses off to pinch a penny).

 

The other thing about the neighborhood I pointed you to is the creeks that join up to make the Euclid Creek.  Make sure you get a full and accurate disclosure on water damage because flooding can be hit or miss.  Speaking of creeks, have you checked out Cutter's Creek development on Green and Anderson?  Not really my style but they are brand new homes and right on the tip of the metroparks.

I don't know what the stats are but don't let others confuse you on the difference between increasing crime and increasing diversity.  It was not long ago that South Euclid and Lyndhurst were mostly white.  Lyndhurst has become somewhat diverse, South Euclid much more so.  Some long-time residents automatically equate that with increased crime.  I live near the South Euclid / CH border and never lock my car and no one on my block has EVER had a break in.

 

I grew up in a small town that was 98 % white, so whether or not it's PC to admit, I'm just not used to living in a diverse area and am going on others' recommendations. I was also very much used to walking out to my car at 2 am if I want to and being aware of surroundings but not overly worrying about it, and I'm a runner, so a reasonably safe area is a must. (That said, violent crime and burglary happens in small, safe towns also . . . I know utopia doesnt' exist). 

 

Check out the neighborhood I directed you to.  It is about half Lyndhurst and half S Euclid.  Let me know if you can tell when you cross the border into South Euclid (Professor Rd).  My point is the neighborhoods are nearly identical.

 

I'll do that. My familarity with SE is limited because I have so little occasion to go there. From what I've seen they look alike.

 

There are certain parts of South Euclid that might not be your cup of tea, but those would be more towards the Cleveland border going north on Green or Belvoir.  So just stay south of Monticello and you have nothing to worry about.

 

It's that whole "proximity to eastern Cleveland and East CLeveland" thing? I've also been wary of S. Euclid because there are just so many properties for sale there; I had to wonder if it's more than just the market.

 

The other thing about the neighborhood I pointed you to is the creeks that join up to make the Euclid Creek.  Make sure you get a full and accurate disclosure on water damage because flooding can be hit or miss.  Speaking of creeks, have you checked out Cutter's Creek development on Green and Anderson? 

Is that why you see houses with sump pumps in Lyndhurst also?

Or was that just a standard around here at one poine? The  development  you're referring to is out of my range but I guess it's good for the area that there are some high-er priced homes.

 

 

As long as you restrict your search to Cleveland Hts, South Euclid, Lyndhurst and beyond... you will be in a "reasonably safe area".  You will be fine going to your car at 2 a.m. and you will be fine jogging around the neighborhood.  My wife rides her bike around our neighborhood all the time without incident, harassment or anything like that.... well, maybe the occasional old pervert.  Overall, it is a good family area with good values and a very neighborly atmosphere regardless of skin colorm religion, whatever.  That is why my parents picked it 30 some years ago, why my mom still lives here, and why I ultimately ended up back here to raise a family of my own.

 

But it is your home, so I would do your own research.  Just keep in my what the source of the information is or you may end up spending $50,000-$100,000 more on the same house based upon unfounded and prejudicial concerns.

 

Bottom line though is you have to find something that you are comfortable and happy with.  Good luck.  You can PM me if you want some advice on any particular addresses or have other questions/concerns about the neighborhood.