Former Clevelanders: what do you miss most? (Lakewood, Euclid: crime, cheap house)

[twange]

If you've moved away or lived away for any amount of time, share what you missed while away.

I was born and raised in Cleveland. Lived there for my first 39 years but have been living in Austin for almost 5 years. I love it here and have no plans to move back to Cleveland anytime soon but it's not because I don't like the city of Cleveland or Ohio. I still have great love for my hometown city. Things I sometimes miss:

1.) The great Italian food. Down here, Mexican food replaces Italian food as far as availability and quality. Great, great choices. Italian? Not too much. There weren't a lot of Italians that made their way down here last century

2.) Pro sports. These days, it's much easier to watch any game you want - but sometimes I miss going to a game in person. I've seen the Cavaliers play in San Antonio and it was fun but not like being in Cleveland!

3.) The West Side market. Lots of farmers markets but nothing like the West Side Market!

4.) Lake Erie! Lots of big lakes down here but the Great Lakes are a site to behold. The biggest problem with Cleveland is its lack of access to the lake. Shameful, really.

5.) Architecture. Cleveland has some really wonderful old buildings, even the great, old Bauhaus warehouses. I love the old industrial remnants.

I look forward to seeing what others come up with.

[Kasey77]

1. I miss knowing that anytime day or night I have a hand full of people I can call that would be there for me no matter what.

2. The verdant country side

3. Being hugged everywhere I go because I know everyone.

4. Feeling connected.

5. The seasons

6 The Food

7. Feeling Home

8. The grittiness

9. The history of the area

10.People don't move a lot there.

11. Thunderstorms

[Peregrine]

What I miss about Austin:

• The SRV Statue
• Eeyore's Birthday party
• 6th Street

I used to go every year until a friend of mine left.

Sorry. Didn't mean to sidetrack.

[Alaskapat528]

A good thunderstorm with lightning and pouring down rain and of course most of all, family.

[ZnGuy]

The 1980 era Cleveland Browns gameday excitement.
The days when the Indians had sell out streak at the Jake.
Downtown Chagrin.
Tower City when had high quality stores.

[twange]

Originally Posted by Alaskapat528

A good thunderstorm with lightning and pouring down rain and of course most of all, family.

We have some epic TS down here in Texas...scared the sh*t out of me when I first moved here

[twange]

Originally Posted by ZnGuy

The 1980 era Cleveland Browns gameday excitement.
The days when the Indians had sell out streak at the Jake.
Downtown Chagrin.
Tower City when had high quality stores.

Yeah, those were great days for the Browns. It makes me sad that practically a whole generation sees them as one of the worst franchises in the NFL.

[usernametaken]

10 years in Cleveland, close to 1.5 in Seattle. Miss:

1) The better Spring and Fall weather in Cleveland.
2) University Circle, Coventry and Cleveland Heights areas with the youthful energy.
3) Laid back vibe in Euclid (where I last lived) and ability to purchase dirt cheap house next to the Euclid beaches.
4) Far more colorful politicians, such as the crossdresser, the drunk who did not pay at parking meters, the obese one who banged his car on tv and who lived in a mansion, mayor Jackson who I still can't believe is black etc...
5) Whiskey Island volleyball.
6) A large Starbucks and the at that time a cool new restaurant called Melt, both in Cleveland Heights.
7) Algebra in little Italy.

Definitely do not miss the winters, the much worse police as far as ticketing and following you goes, the much worse crime rate, and the fewer things to do in comparison to Seattle.

[TBideon]

I've been missing Little Italy like mad - the one in Chicago is pathetic.
Tommy's
Tremont/Great Lakes Brewery in OC
Hanging with my nieces and nephews at Eton, playing giant size chess
Drunken summer volleyball at Whiskey Island
Salsa dancing at Ceviche
Lakewood Park in the summer and fall
Chagrin Falls
The dollar theater in Williboughi (always butcher its spelling) Hills
The glory years of W6 (04-07 or so)
Going to the Kos as a teen
Swing dancing at the Bohemian Center in Slavic Village

[ram2]

Originally Posted by twange

Yeah, those were great days for the Browns. It makes me sad that practically a whole generation sees them as one of the worst franchises in the NFL.

What happened to Bernie Kosar and the real dawg pound?