Planning a trip to Cleveland, what should I watch out for? (Lakewood: middle-class, violent crime)

[intronauter]

Been reading some somewhat disturbing things about how dangerous Cleveland can be & was hoping someone here could offer some advice.. So here's the trip:

Just coming for a Saturday show at the Agora on 5000 Euclid Avenue, will be staying overnight ~somewhere~ and are coming from Canada [Ontario plates on the car]

So, what should I be concerned about? Neighborhoods to avoid getting there? A good [safe] place to stay the night? How is the club itself?

Thanks!

[reretarff]

Don't listen to whatever you hear. Cleveland is doing good things to it's neighborhoods right now. Just like any other normal city, Cleveland has it's sketchy neighborhoods.

Anyways, if you're just going to the Agora, then staying downtown would be your best choice. Downtown has most of the things to do in Cleveland, have more and better hotels, and have a lot of good bars and restaurants.

[SteelCityRising]

We're visiting Cleveland tomorrow, and I feel as if all of this hoopla everyone hear's about how "dangerous" and "scary" Cleveland is should be largely disregarded. The vast majority of violent crime in ANY city---not just Cleveland---isn't random in nature. Middle-class tourists driving through won't be fearing getting caught between gang crossfire on a regular basis. It's largely young African-American males targeting other young African-American males in socioeconomically disadvantaged inner city neighborhoods to settle drug-related debts, turf disputes, etc. A gangster or criminal won't want to just randomly kill a Canadian tourist family for sport.

[intronauter]

Well that's a lot more encouraging than what I've been reading here and there... thanks guys.

Probably will want to take in the R&R Hall of Fame & that submarine as well before we leave.

Any recommendations for a [reasonable] hotel downtown?

-thanks

[Cleverfield]

Originally Posted by intronauter

Been reading some somewhat disturbing things about how dangerous Cleveland can be & was hoping someone here could offer some advice.. So here's the trip:

Just coming for a Saturday show at the Agora on 5000 Euclid Avenue, will be staying overnight ~somewhere~ and are coming from Canada [Ontario plates on the car]

So, what should I be concerned about? Neighborhoods to avoid getting there? A good [safe] place to stay the night? How is the club itself?

Thanks!

I live in what some would consider to be a "dangerous" neighborhood of Cleveland and have never had any problems. I think the rumors about the dangers of this city have been greatly exaggerated. People see it's mostly African American, and they automatically assume it's bad. Not the case. Really there are only a few neighborhoods I would tell you to avoid completely (Glenville, Buckeye, East Cleveland), and you will be nowhere near them. Otherwise Cleveland is no more dangerous than any other big city.

Another potential area for hotels is University Circle (the university, hospital, and museum district). From there you can take the 24 hour Bus-Rapid line straight to the Agora. Two hotels in that area are Double Tree Tudor Arms, and a Mariott, both of which are new (the former is in a beautiful renovated 1930's building). As for Downtown, check out Aloft, Holiday Inn Express, or if you're on a tight budget, Comfort Inn.

[intronauter]

More good news - thanks Cleverfield

[teacherdad]

Have a great time! We visit from CA each year via Amtrak. Stay in Solon (cousins), but then go downtown to Hall of Fame, Stadiums, etc. This year I want to see Lakewood area and western parts. Chagrin Falls (Popcorn Shop) is a must IMO.

[bjimmy24]

You'll be absolutely fine, as long as you don't go to Glenville at 1:30 am trying to sell drugs.

[Urban Peasant]

I had the same concerns prior to visiting Cleveland last Fall but these guys pretty much nailed it. Cleveland's downtown is very safe as is University Circle. I stayed at the Glidden House, a modestly priced boutique hotel in the middle of University Circle, which is very nice. The Agora venue is midway between Downtown and University Circle so both locations are fine for hotels and you can either drive or better yet take the bus rapid transit Health Line (the rapid transit system also serves the Rock Hall). Other than Downtown, take a trip to Ohio City, Shaker Square, or nearby Asiatown (Cleveland's Chinatown) if you have time for some great eats.

[costello_musicman]

For Downtown:

https://m.ihg.com/hotels/holidayinne...eldetail/cleoh

Also, private room at the Cleveland Hostel is a good out of the book idea:

The Cleveland Hostel