Relocation to Cleveland (Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Westlake: apartment, renting, crime)

[Geegoo]

My fiancee and I are moving to Cleveland for a job at American Greetings, that I just accepted. I've only been to Cleveland once. Basically the airport and then American Greetings for the interview a couple months ago. We have been living in Minneapolis, MN for the past 8 years.

We are looking for a few ideas on areas to live. American Greetings is located at, One American Road, Cleveland, OH 44144.

My fiancee and I are both into the arts, and would love to have the convenience of shops, parks and night life near by. We also would prefer an older more established community. Not big on shopping centers, and chain restaurants. More of a village type feel. Not sure if we will be renting or owning right away but would prefer owning. One area that I have looked at online is Lakewood. Seems like it has some of the attributes that we are looking for. If any body has some more ideas or input that would be great! Thanks.

[chartbury]

Hi there, One of the best things about Cleveland are its old inner-ring streetcar suburbs, historic areas and artsy hangouts like Tremont and Little Italy. Add to that the Cleveland Museum of Art -- one of the nation's best -- and University Circle and you have one of the best lifestyles in the northeast. If you want great public schools look at Shaker Heights -- gorgeous architecture, parks, sidewalks, great city services and a short drive (or train ride) to all Cleveland amenities. Cleveland Heights is similar but the schools and city services aren't as great (it does have Cain Park for music and art festivals though). Lakewood is also historic and community-minded but with slightly less pizzazz than the Heights. All three are great options though.

Good luck!

[gtsurfer05]

Have fun working at American Greetings. You'll enjoy it if you like being treated poorly

[jicle]

Cleveland Heights would be GREAT for you! It has a village feel and is close to the city. No crime really. When I read your post, I thought of Cleveland Heights.

[gtsurfer05]

Cleveland Heights is going down hill. Try someplace like Lakewood instead, that is still relatively decent.

[Geegoo]

Great! I appreciate the input. We will look into those areas. It is nice to be able to get some local view points. I'm thinking renting is our best bet for a relatively painless way of relocating and in turn getting a chance to get familiar with the area. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[chartbury]

If you're thinking of renting, the Shaker city website has a list of approved apartment companies and landlords. It's a great place to start your search! City of Shaker Heights - Home (It's where we found our first rental!)

Best of luck!

[tjohio]

I am sorry that they have told you Cleveland Heights. I would suggest otherwise. Anything that ends in Heights in Cleveland right now is having big problems. Westlake has Crocker park and is near american Greetings but not as old artsy. Independence is a great city and you can get to work and to Cleveland Heights quickly. Lyndhurst and Beachwood are still really nice and border Cleveland Heights.

[superceleb]

You may want to check out Tremont if you haven't already found something. The housing stock has character and you get a real neighborhood feeling. Tremont tends to be on the artsier side. There are quite a few galleries, as well as some of Cleveland's best restaurants and nightlife (it tends to be more low-key than say downtown).

Also, the second Friday of every month they hold a gallery walk which is pretty fun: Tremont Art Walk

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by Geegoo

Great! I appreciate the input. We will look into those areas. It is nice to be able to get some local view points. I'm thinking renting is our best bet for a relatively painless way of relocating and in turn getting a chance to get familiar with the area. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm going to 2nd, 3rd and 4th all the Shaker Heights recommendations. High taxes, but well worth every single penny. Home prices (compared to where I am) are still fair. Schools are fantastic (public, private and university level).