Finding Culture + Safety in Cleveland (Akron, Lakewood: apartments, to rent, condo)

[foreverNick]

My wife and I are both young professionals currently living in Cuyahoga Falls near Akron. Recently, I accepted a position working on the near West side of Cleveland (close to Tremont) and after a few months of the 40 mile each way commute I'm looking to find something closer to rent. My wife works in Twinsburg so we're ideally looking for an area that is reasonably convenient to both of our jobs.

Cuyahoga Falls like Mentor, Mayfield, and many other suburbs does offer a lot in terms of "big box" retail, restaurants, etc which is nice; however, my wife and I are looking to find an area with a bit more character and culture. We've researched East Side locations and South Side (Twinsburg, Sagamore Hills) areas and haven't been able to make a decision as of yet on where we'll find the most culture without sacrificing our safety.

Shaker Heights has been high on our list although with the recent beating which has received so much attention I wonder about safety. Also, around two years ago my brother was living in an apartment in Cleveland Heights on Euclid Heights Blvd. and was assaulted walking home one night. It's extremely frustrating because on the one hand I really like the independent restaurants, good libraries, art/dance offerings, etc of these inner ring suburbs but at the same time I don't want to worry every time my wife comes home from work that she'll get mugged walking into the building.

In terms of space/price we currently rent a 2 bedroom townhome with a basement so we're used to having tons of storage. Realizing that the same type of setup isn't common in East Side neighborhoods, we're looking for a 2-3 bedroom in the $750-$950/month range.

Can anyone provide advice/ideas on locations that might be a good fit for us?

Thanks,

-Nick

[costello_musicman]

On the eastside, i'd recommend looking into Little Italy (Cleveland) and Coventry (Cleveland Heights). Large apartments and tons of people/culture.

If you're willing to look westside, Lakewood fits your criteria as well -- dense population/city structure and plenty of culture.

On a side note, I think the Shaker Heights beating is more a media's dream for negative news.

[MABCle]

I wouldn't worry too much about the recent isolated incidents. The reason its gotten so much publicity is because it rarely happens in these areas. With where ever you are you should always keep your wits about you and pay close attention to specific behavior.

That said Shaker Square, which is actually in Cleveland proper as well as Cedar Fairmount, Coventry and Cedar-Lee all fit your criteria.

[timetakesacig]

I second the Cedar-Fairmount recommendation. I lived there for many years and never felt unsafe. There is a noticeable Cleveland Heights police presence and the residents are a polite, respectful, civilized bunch. I think it's the best place to live if you are of a person who values culture, critical thinking and 1920s architecture. I can't wait to get back there myself.

[twange]

I like those areas as well (especially Cedar Hill)but one very important thing to consider: job commute. Cleveland Hts is well know for being in a black hole in terms of freeway access. Your wife will have to get on 271 to get to her job in Twinsburg and if this is during rush hour...bad indeed. This will require driving down Cedar, Mayfield or Fairmount, which can suck. It will take her 40 minutes or more, so no real gain.

As for your commute, There's no real quick way across the city from east to west side by freeway, you have to go through it. If you live near MLK, that will get you to 90 but if it's during rush hour...Shaker Square might not be bad as you could take the Rapid to W. 25th(you'll have to transfer at Tower City). But again, I'm not sure where in that area you work, so you might have to walk a lot.

You'll have to weigh it out: commute vs. safety/price vs. fun. But realistically, you won't cut down much on commute. It actually might increase for your wife.

The best location in terms of convenience for both of you, would be around Independence, right near the Cloverleaf(where 480 and 77 meet), but this is a bit of a cultural wasteland. You could also look into Brecksville. Close to the highway and a very pretty area(but not very urban...)

[TheProf]

oreverNick, I hope people, yourself included, don't overreact to the Shaker beating. Shaker is a very stable community with a very large -- even outsized -- police force. That said, it's a city; a close in suburb; "inner ring" if you will. Shaker Square is inside the City of Cleveland, but it's still a great neighborhood. As evidence -- classic old the Moreland Courts condo, the block-long colossus of inner-connected castles and brownstone buildings stretching from Shaker Sq to Coventry, is one of the most expensive, upscale buildings in the entire county... Do you think it would be so if Shaker was the next thing to Dodge City? Ditto many of the buildings along Van Aken, esp those overlooking exclusive Shaker Country Club... Shaker's got as diverse, artsy, wealthy and hip populace as practically any city in America. And, oh yeah, and there's a rapid transit system that connects downtown and the airport in 15/22 mins and less than an hour, respectively.

You can say a lot of the same things about Cleveland Hts, sans the Rapid, of course (although many Cleve Hts residents are w/in walking distance of the Shaker Rapid stops)... No place is perfect and there is SOME crime. But most crimes are of a petty, non-violent nature. Car break ins, for example. You think you'd be any safer on Manhattan's exclusive Upper East Side? Or even the trendy/bohemian (though expensive) upper West Side?

Just don't buy into the stereotypes and engage in the sad Cleveland tradition -- running away far out to supposedly safe Ozzie & Harriet suburbs where everyone looks alike.

[orion1778]

The Prof - Wow, one of the best posts I've seen on this board in a while. Very realistic assessment of the situation. It disappoints me to no end to hear people recommend the "Ozzie & Harriet suburbs" over the inner-ring because they live their lives in fear of everything.

I've found the outer-ring or exurbs to be incredibly boring. You can only eat at Applebees and Chili's and go to corporate mega-plex movie theaters showing only Hollywood's biggest, crappiest blockbusters on multiple screens so many times before you face overwhelming boredom. I guess it works for some people because they've honestly never experienced anything more hip, urban, or trendy, or when they do they don't know how to appreciate it because their super-suburban friends constantly tells them that its dangerous and unsafe. Its truly a shame.

[twange]

Clevelanders(as well as most Americans) seem to have bought into the suburban dream in droves. Exaggerated tales of scary crime-ridden neighborhoods have ruined the city's reputation and convinced people that they should stay away. The safest areas are the ones with people walking around. NYC is very safe. Why? Because people are out and about. Shaker, Cleve Hts and Lakewood are great inner-ring burbs and very safe. Is there an occasional problem? Of course. It's a city.

My parents live in Solon and the police had to shoot some guy dead a few months back...they showed up to question him and he came out like an old western hero, gun-a-blazin'. There's crime everywhere.

Personally, I would only live in the City of Cleveland or one of it's inner-ring burbs. They are totally under-rated and need people to claim them as their own. That's what will turn the city around. People.

[TheProf]

^Yes, though an East sider, myself, I forgot to mention Lakewood. Very nice, diverse and interesting inner-ring burb. Nice bohemian areas, fab old buildings, the amazing Gold Coast (we luuuuuv Pier W restaurant) and the Lake shore! Thanks for noting it, Twange...

[cmr24]

Nick,

First, I agree with TheProf and Twange. I have heard few complaints about the Coventry/Little Italy area and it is definitly for young professionals. It is however close to East Cleveland where most of the violence occurs. I would encourage you to consider Coventry and Shaker, but you may get more bang for your buck on the westside (Ohio City, Tremont, Lakewood, downtown).

Personally, I'd encourage you to stay near where you're working. You WILL appreciate it in the long term. It sounds like you selected the East Side because it's inbetween Twinsburg and Tremont. You may want to still consider the westside as well. All these locations are near reliable Public Transportation and major interstates.

I've taken interest in the new construction in the downtown area, but it sounds like you need a little more space for your money. If you're considering buying and want a good return on your realty investment, Tremont/Ohio City is definitly your area. This is also where the Westside Market, diverse bars and restaurants. This location is one stop west of downtown on the Rapid (Public Transportation System in Cleveland). Definitly full of culture and very safe.

Also, Fairmount Properties is about to redevelop the East Bank of the flats which is located between downtown, Tremont, Ohio City, and Lakewood. You can't go wrong with this westside area!!!