gay friendly areas in cleveland?? (Lakewood, Shaker Heights: foreclosures, big house, neighborhood)

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by jtmoney

Is this area you are talking about that is east of Lakewood in a different suburb, or is it still listed under Lakewood if I look up housing there?

The area east of Lakewood is not in a suburb, it's part of Cleveland proper (West 117th Street is the dividing line). The neighborhood itself is called "Edgewater" and is basically everything from West 117th down to West Boulevard or so, and north of Detroit. In looks, character, and "feel" it's pretty similar to Lakewood.

Keep in mind that if you buy in Lakewood proper, property taxes are higher there than in Cleveland and most other suburbs.

As far as whether Lakewood is "on the rise" or "going downhill", that depends on whom you ask. There have been some impressive signs of rejuvenation in Lakewood recently -- new upscale condos/townhouses, new schools, new YMCA, new library addition, new restaurants -- but some residents are increasingly complaining about "quality of life" issues on their blocks, disorderly conduct, etc. And, sadly, crime appears to be on the increase in Lakewood, or at least there have been several well-publicized incidents recently -- standoffs, shootings, etc. Even so, Lakewood's crime rate for both property and violent crimes remains well below the national average, and the police department is still very responsive and proactive.

What others told you about living in Western rather than Eastern Lakewood is a good general guideline, but not a hard and fast rule. There are streets on the eastern side of the suburb that are still very nice (we just recently covered that in another thread). If you decide to purchase a house in Lakewood, try to pick a street that is mostly owner-occupied single-family homes, and avoid the streets that have lots of rentals (usually "doubles", which are two units per house, one unit up, one unit down), as some of the rental properties appear to be the trouble spots nowadays.

As far as lake access, it's pretty much limited to Lakewood Park and Edgewater Park. Edgewater Park (which is actually in Cleveland) has beach access, whereas I don't think Lakewood Park does.

If you're willing to consider the East Side, Cleveland Heights is another suburb worth considering. It's very gay friendly (I think they passed some sort of Domestic Partner Ordinance in recent years) and very similar to Lakewood in character... plus you have the added benefit of being near University Circle's first-rate cultural institutions (art museum, Severance Hall, etc.) as well as the Cedar-Lee theater for foreign/independent films (it has no real counterpart on the West Side). On the other hand, you're pretty far from the lake there, and there's more snow in the wintertime due to its location in the "snow belt".

[newmex]

Originally Posted by twange

No, it's actually the City of Cleveland. It borders Lakewood on W. 117th. Make sure you look in the areas on that map, preferably North of the railroad tracks. South of the tracks gets dicey(funny how that works...)

If you look on that map, you'll see numbered streets north of detroit-116th to 102nd-that's where you want to look. Also the Gold Coast in Lakewood has some great apartments/condos that are right on the Lake. Look on Edgewater Ave just west of 117th.

My wife and I just left Lakewood over a month ago. Is it going downhill? Well, if you look at demographic data, it probably is...but that's the Cleveland area in general right now. If you want to be further out into the suburbs, you'll find communities that are "growing" but they won't have "gayborhoods" so-to-speak. I got the impression that you wanted a more concentrated alternative sort of area. I loved Lakewood, but it's a bit depressed. There are still lots of interesting shops/restaurants/people there but plenty of empty store fronts as well. The good thing is that there are a lot of great people who love the town, trying to make improvements there. Both these areas are really cool. Yes, the housing is reasonable and depending on your perspective, a nice little yard.

For a price reference, here's a pic of the 2000 + sqft (not including attic, basement or porches)duplex we just sold in August for $136500:

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You can find that house pictured for 40k cheaper in Akron, west of down town near Highland Square south of Market Street, with less of a burden than living in Cleveland. Take a look, seriously.

Baseball is not going to help C-town. Don't bank the local economy on it.

Go see the farm team in Akron, the Aeros, fun times. Brand new Art museum, main Library, Canal Towpath bike trail from downtown to Peninsula and points north.

Everything you want is there in Akron with less hassle.

I miss it.

Cleveland is less than 25 Min away from Akron up I-77 if you need to see a city spiraling in a toilet of overpriced real estate and poor schools.

Look at Akron...it does have a more pleasant appeal...there is a good scene for alternative lifestyle, you are not bothered, and it's not as grimy as Cleveland. There is several gay bars in Akron, band scenes, clubs..and you don't have to drive all over to get to a venue.

[xwideopenskyx]

Originally Posted by newmex

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You can find that house pictured for 40k cheaper in Akron, west of down town near Highland Square south of Market Street, with less of a burden than living in Cleveland. Take a look, seriously.

Baseball is not going to help C-town. Don't bank the local economy on it.

Go see the farm team in Akron, the Aeros, fun times. Brand new Art museum, main Library, Canal Towpath bike trail from downtown to Peninsula and points north.

Everything you want is there in Akron with less hassle.

I miss it.

Cleveland is less than 25 Min away from Akron up I-77 if you need to see a city spiraling in a toilet of overpriced real estate and poor schools.

Look at Akron...it does have a more pleasant appeal...there is a good scene for alternative lifestyle, you are not bothered, and it's not as grimy as Cleveland. There is several gay bars in Akron, band scenes, clubs..and you don't have to drive all over to get to a venue.

I completely agree!

[Road Map]

Your better off in Lakewood. The police response in Cleveland is horrible, I've waited hours for police to respond to a burglary call. Lots of hit and run crimes (car theft, etc) near Clifton, Lake and Edgewater because of the quick access to the Shoreway. Try the west end of Lakewood, closer to the lake. The RR tracks run through the middle of town, so keep this in mind when house hunting. Last time I looked there were 700 houses for sale here. Its a buyer's market. You might want to rent for the first year before deciding exactly which part of the city you want to be. Lakewood has a cool website. It has helpful links for looking up government info, etc. LakewoodBuzzdotcom. Good luck!

[newnurse111]

I agree with many of the postings....Lakewood and "Clifton Blvd is a nice choice" for more gay friendly areas. You might want to check the bar Twist. It is considered a gay bar but very trendy and cool. If you want to walk to the beach and be in a gay friendly neighborhood stick with areas around off of Clifton Blvd between W101 to W117. You will be able to drive or at least walk to the beach. Edgewater park is a fantastic park to swim, run, or bike in. The homes in this area can be very expensive or very affordable because this section of town has nice streets and bad streets. This area is very eclectic.

[twange]

Originally Posted by Road Map

Your better off in Lakewood. The police response in Cleveland is horrible, I've waited hours for police to respond to a burglary call. Lots of hit and run crimes (car theft, etc) near Clifton, Lake and Edgewater because of the quick access to the Shoreway. Try the west end of Lakewood, closer to the lake. The RR tracks run through the middle of town, so keep this in mind when house hunting. Last time I looked there were 700 houses for sale here. Its a buyer's market. You might want to rent for the first year before deciding exactly which part of the city you want to be. Lakewood has a cool website. It has helpful links for looking up government info, etc. LakewoodBuzzdotcom. Good luck!

I agree, but it's good to get as much info as possible. Here's some good Lakewood links:

The Lakewood Observer
Lakewood Ohio News, Events and Community Forum
Welcome to Lakewood, Ohio
City of Lakewood, Ohio

We loved it. My wife was born and raised there. Don't overlook other parts of Lakewood though...the "west of Bunts" is not an absolute.

[kobraboy]

We own a house on Franklin Blvd in Ohio City and there is a pretty good gay population and popular gay-friendly restaurants (Snickers) close by. It is a historic neighborhood with beautiful, old homes (sometimes next to not so nice homes) and is close to downtown Cleveland, with easy access to freeways.

[twange]

Originally Posted by kobraboy

We own a house on Franklin Blvd in Ohio City and there is a pretty good gay population and popular gay-friendly restaurants (Snickers) close by. It is a historic neighborhood with beautiful, old homes (sometimes next to not so nice homes) and is close to downtown Cleveland, with easy access to freeways.

Franklin has some of the best housing architecture in Cleveland but you're right, it's juxtaposed with some crummy areas. What's happening with the "Castle" these days? Still owned by an out-of-towner letting it sit after that fire a few years back?

BTW, Snickers is good, not to mention Cleveland Public Theater, Gordon Square, The Harp...

[kobraboy]

Originally Posted by twange

Franklin has some of the best housing architecture in Cleveland but you're right, it's juxtaposed with some crummy areas. What's happening with the "Castle" these days? Still owned by an out-of-towner letting it sit after that fire a few years back?

BTW, Snickers is good, not to mention Cleveland Public Theater, Gordon Square, The Harp...

The castle was supposedly bought by someone who wanted to convert it into a dining club. But not sure that's really happening. The person who is supposed to do this lives in the outhouse but is not really doing much. Not sure what the problem is - money??

Franklin Castle Club - Cleveland, Ohio

[Country Girl102492]

Thanks for the great information everyone! I was wondering the same question. While my husband and I are not gay, we are in our 40s, have no children and want to be in a "happening place." Lakewood seems nice, but maybe now we'll look in the W 116-102nd area because we want a big house and don't want to spend more than $200,000.