Moving to Cleveland - Need advice on an area (Lakewood: to rent, loft)

[Wandere]

Hi folks,

My family is relocating to Cleveland (offer in hand) and I'm looking for an area in which to rent a home/townhouse. Ideally I'll be purchasing in the same school-district in about a year to minimize school changes for the kids.

I grew up in Lakewood, my wife is from Shaker, family in Westlake/Bay Village. We're currently in the Madison, WI area (great place). We have 3 children in elementary school and having great schools in a safe "neighborhood" community is priority 1. We left Cleveland in the late 90's for graduate school.

My new job is in Mayfield Heights...would be looking at Rocky River, Bay Village if it was Westside...I just don't know the East or SE side well at all.

Are there any communities like Rocky River or Bay Village within a reasonable commute to Mayfield Heights? Friendly, very safe neighborhoods, mature trees, decent sized lots, great schools, and enough younger families in the area to have friends for the kids are all very important...I prefer a "Norman Rockwell" feel to a town with 3 wee ones.

We'll get a loft downtown after they're out of the house.

Ideas/suggestions?

Thanks, we really appreciate your input!

[gtsurfer05]

As you probably know, Bay Village is one of those communities where people are in the "bubble" and think their city is the greatest(I don't see why). Income,safety, and good schools wise on the westside and close driving distance to Mayfield Hts you'll find Broadview Heights, Brecksville, Independence, and Valley View. The older lots will typically have the larger lots(around 3/4-1 acre or more) while the new cookie cutter houses will be on postage stamp size lots. Out of the four with the most Bay like atmosphere, I'd go with Brecksville or Independence.

I would have added Walton Hills into the mix since it's a nice area with the metro parks, wooded lots, etc however it's part of Bedford Schools and Walton's decade long fight to join up with Valley View/Cuyahoga Heights/Brooklyn Heights was shot down earlier in the summer by the Ohio Supreme Court.

[Steve36]

Mayfield Village, Chesterland, Gates Mills, Orange, Chagrin Falls, Moreland Hills, Waite Hill pretty much that whole area east of 271 is very nice. The vast majority of the school systems out that way are between good and great.

If you are looking for Norman Rockwell and want to make your look short and easy check out Chagrin Falls. Depending on your budet you might need to give up some lot and home size but it is a very nice town with one of the top public school systems not just in Ohio but in the country.

Steve

[Euclidbuck]

yea why be out west when the Mayfield area is just as nice....those places mentioned above

[blakeas]

Interested in the comment of Chagrin falls schools - How do you know they are the best in the country? I am trying to pick an area as well for great elementary schools

[Steve36]

Originally Posted by blakeas

Interested in the comment of Chagrin falls schools - How do you know they are the best in the country? I am trying to pick an area as well for great elementary schools

Chagrin school captures national Blue Ribbon - Chagrin Valley Times The Solon Times, The Geauga Times Courier

[WeSoHood]

7 communities bordering each other on the west side have Excellent with Distinction is grading the schools. That's essentially an A +. So there is barely any difference between Chagrin Falls or say Rocky River when it comes to education.

I'd honestly stick with Rocky River thread starter. It's a great city with a better location than most suburbs in the area. Right on the Lake and minutes from downtown.

[Steve36]

Originally Posted by gtsurfer05

As you probably know, Bay Village is one of those communities where people are in the "bubble" and think their city is the greatest(I don't see why). Income,safety, and good schools wise on the westside and close driving distance to Mayfield Hts you'll find Broadview Heights, Brecksville, Independence, and Valley View. The older lots will typically have the larger lots(around 3/4-1 acre or more) while the new cookie cutter houses will be on postage stamp size lots. Out of the four with the most Bay like atmosphere, I'd go with Brecksville or Independence.

I would have added Walton Hills into the mix since it's a nice area with the metro parks, wooded lots, etc however it's part of Bedford Schools and Walton's decade long fight to join up with Valley View/Cuyahoga Heights/Brooklyn Heights was shot down earlier in the summer by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Originally Posted by WeSoHood

7 communities bordering each other on the west side have Excellent with Distinction is grading the schools. That's essentially an A +. So there is barely any difference between Chagrin Falls or say Rocky River when it comes to education.

I'd honestly stick with Rocky River thread starter. It's a great city with a better location than most suburbs in the area. Right on the Lake and minutes from downtown.

So you both must of missed the part where the OP, who grew up in Lakewood, is working in Mayfield Heights and wants suggestions for the east side .

Steve

[WeSoHood]

Originally Posted by Steve36

So you both must of missed the part where the OP, who grew up in Lakewood, is working in Mayfield Heights and wants suggestions for the east side .

Steve

Okay and I'm simply voicing my opinion on why they could stick with Rocky River