Manhattan couple moving to Cleveland (maybe?) - need advice about urban areas in Cleveland (Lakewood: hotels, house)

[Dfleenor]

Hello,

My wife and I (no kids) currently live in Manhattan, NYC. We live here mostly b/c she is visually impaired and doesn't drive. We rely heavily on the public transportation and our ability to walk places. We enjoy certain aspects of the urban lifestyle, but miss the big sky and green grass. We'd like the best of both worlds - an urban lifestyle with close access to nature.

I am interviewing for a job at the Cleveland Clinic, so we are thinking of moving there. I hear certain areas have an urban feel. Do you know of any good areas where we could live so she could use public transportation or her own two feet to get around for daily tasks like grocery shopping, dry cleaning, etc? We're in our late 30's and like to stay physically active so the more bicycling and walking the better for us. We don't plan to have kids, so school districts are irrelevant.

Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
David

[5Lakes]

I would look into Ohio City. It has all of the amenities you need and is connected to the Cleveland Clinic area by rail transit.

Other areas to consider would be Little Italy, Shaker Square, or the Coventry neighborhood in Cleveland Heights. Lakewood is also good, but not as convenient to the Cleveland Clinic.

[bjimmy24]

Unquestionably the University Circle/Little Italy area. Best public transportation access in the city, tons of urban amenities, close to the Cleveland Clinic. You could bike to the Clinic every day down Euclid Ave's bike lanes. Beautiful areas to walk- Wade Oval/Lagoon, Cultural Gardens, Lakeview Cemetery, and you could walk up to the Coventry area too. Not too far from Shaker Lakes either. Red line rapid can take you downtown and to Ohio City pretty quickly. Both rapid stations that serve the area are also getting refurbished and the area in general is definitely on the upswing. Developments happening really really quickly.

Also, if you're used to Manhattan prices, you'll really appreciate that even in one of these more expensive areas, it's still nothing compared to what you used to pay.

There are other good areas, like Ohio City (Also pretty urban and exciting) but I really think for you, you should focus on Little Italy/University Circle.

[costello_musicman]

I'd recommend Little Italy/University Circle as well. Well connected to public transportation, close to Cleveland Clinic, and overall a very cultural and unique area. Constantino's Market is a staple for the area for groceries.

Are you looking to buy or rent??

[Cleverfield]

Look into Shaker Heights. Good public transportation, lots of nice parks, and an older more urban feeling suburb. It's really a very unique and beautiful area with a mix of spectacular 1920s mansions to charming colonials, to 2-families. The rapid, our light rail, runs two lines through the city, which both go Downtown and there is a bus that goes to University Circle. I think it offers what you're looking for, it has the best of both worlds.

[Dfleenor]

Originally Posted by costello_musicman

I'd recommend Little Italy/University Circle as well. Well connected to public transportation, close to Cleveland Clinic, and overall a very cultural and unique area. Constantino's Market is a staple for the area for groceries.

Are you looking to buy or rent??

Thanks for the suggestions! We would be interested in buying.

[Dfleenor]

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughtful replies. This is REALLY helpful. We'll be visiting for a long weekend in June, so we may look for a hotel in the Little Italy/Univ Cir area based on your recommendations. That would give us a chance to try it out and get a feel for the place. Thanks again!

[exit18b]

Very similar to Montclair, NJ but closer to Cleveland. Your commute to the Clinic will be a breeze from Shaker. With the Rapid trains and walkable neighborhoods, your wife should be able to get around.

[CHEFJASON911]

For hotels check out the new Courtyard Marriott or for a bed and breakfast check out Washington Place Bistro & Inn. Great location, walkable and lots of public transportation.

[SWOH]

Also, you might want to consider staying at the Glidden House too. I've stayed there myself - very nice place, there is a conscious effort to make it still feel as though you are a guest in an early 20th century mansion!

And it's very walkable - right in University Circle on Case Western's campus, next to Little Italy, the Cleveland Clinic, and the rapid. Good luck on the decision!