Where are the best and worst parts of Parma (Cleveland: low income, section 8)

[Trombolii]

Were looking to move closer to Cleveland, from Canton. One house we like is in an area I'm unsure about. It's north of Snow rd, close to a not so hot looking appartment complex Midtown towers. There are other spots in Parma that we are totally comfortable with but I don't want to find out later we picked a spot within Parma that isn't very good.

I know I've heard of people talk about specific areas being less desirable but can't find those comments now.

Where are the places you'd avoid living if possible?

TIA

[1watertiger]

Originally Posted by Trombolii

Were looking to move closer to Cleveland, from Canton. One house we like is in an area I'm unsure about. It's north of Snow rd, close to a not so hot looking appartment complex Midtown towers. There are other spots in Parma that we are totally comfortable with but I don't want to find out later we picked a spot within Parma that isn't very good.

I know I've heard of people talk about specific areas being less desirable but can't find those comments now.

Where are the places you'd avoid living if possible?

TIA

Parma's less desirable neighborhoods are near Chevy blvd and snow rd or Chevy blvd and brookpark rd. because its lower class, low income government housing and tends to have some crime issues.. However all Parma has low violent crime.
Imo the side streets/neighborhoods along state rd (Ukrainian village) and ridge and snow area(polish village) are the best. Urban, walkable, good public transportation and safe.
The southern part of parma (pleasant valley rd) is typical suburban and newer but still has good public transportation.
The midtown apartment complex has had problems over the yrs. But the side streets/neighborhoods surrounding it are fine.
I have owned a couple of houses in parma and know the area well if you have any further questions.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by 1watertiger

Imo the side streets/neighborhoods along state rd (Ukrainian village) and ridge and snow area(polish village) are the best. Urban, walkable, good public transportation and safe.

Yesterday I read an essay about Ukrainian Village in a book I checked out from the library titled "Cleveland Neighborhood Guidebook" (edited by the staff of Belt Magazine). The author painted a very compelling picture of the neighborhood which gave the lie to the notion (shared by many) that Parma is "boring". I've never really explored that area on foot but now I want to do so based on what I read.

[october2007]

Originally Posted by andrew61

Yesterday I read an essay about Ukrainian Village in a book I checked out from the library titled "Cleveland Neighborhood Guidebook" (edited by the staff of Belt Magazine). The author painted a very compelling picture of the neighborhood which gave the lie to the notion (shared by many) that Parma is "boring". I've never really explored that area on foot but now I want to do so based on what I read.

Please give us a report once you've explored!

[Cleveland_Collector]

Originally Posted by Trombolii

Were looking to move closer to Cleveland, from Canton. One house we like is in an area I'm unsure about. It's north of Snow rd, close to a not so hot looking appartment complex Midtown towers. There are other spots in Parma that we are totally comfortable with but I don't want to find out later we picked a spot within Parma that isn't very good.

I know I've heard of people talk about specific areas being less desirable but can't find those comments now.

Where are the places you'd avoid living if possible?

TIA

The area north of Snow is largely fine. Midtown Towers are section 8, but little crime comes from them (lower income <> criminal). The worst area of Parma is its NW corner, but even it isn't really that bad. The NE corner is adjacent to Seven Hills, Brooklyn Heights and the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland. These are all safe and decent areas. The adjacent areas of Parma also have some nice little ethnic shops and bakeries. By and large, Parma is very low crime. The Parma police force is also notorious for strict enforcement.

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by andrew61

Yesterday I read an essay about Ukrainian Village in a book I checked out from the library titled "Cleveland Neighborhood Guidebook" (edited by the staff of Belt Magazine). The author painted a very compelling picture of the neighborhood which gave the lie to the notion (shared by many) that Parma is "boring". I've never really explored that area on foot but now I want to do so based on what I read.

This? The Opposite of Cool: Parma’s Ukrainian Village | Belt Magazine | Dispatches From The Rust Belt

I too have been somewhat interested in checking it out, but always forget about it. I think that's part of why people like it.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by bjimmy24

This? The Opposite of Cool: Parma’s Ukrainian Village | Belt Magazine | Dispatches From The Rust Belt

I too have been somewhat interested in checking it out, but always forget about it. I think that's part of why people like it.

Yep... that's the one.

[1watertiger]

Originally Posted by bjimmy24

This? The Opposite of Cool: Parma’s Ukrainian Village | Belt Magazine | Dispatches From The Rust Belt

I too have been somewhat interested in checking it out, but always forget about it. I think that's part of why people like it.

Try a piece of baked kielbasa at State Road Meats. Then up a few blocks is AC meats on the East side of the street there's a small brick building with the driveway and parking in the back. Buy a pound of the smoked sausage or a small smoked ham.
Also on the same side of the street up a few blocks is the Liev market. Definitely try the garlic ham, and they have some of the best small fresh rolls I've ever had. There are a bunch of cool stores like that and some bakeries. And if you happen to go in and catch one of the parents that speak broken English don't worry one of the kids are usually around to translate. LOL
State Road is my favorite Street in Parma . Besides all of the Eastern European and Ukrainian stores there is usually a bar every few blocks with a church and pizza joint mixed in. Definitely worth a short drive from downtown, Tremont, or Ohio City to explore for a few hours. 5minutes from the zoo also!
It's like Fleet Avenue used to be in Slavic Village

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by 1watertiger

Try a piece of baked kielbasa at State Road Meats. Then up a few blocks is AC meats on the East side of the street there's a small brick building with the driveway and parking in the back. Buy a pound of the smoked sausage or a small smoked ham.
Also on the same side of the street up a few blocks is the Liev market. Definitely try the garlic ham, and they have some of the best small fresh rolls I've ever had. There are a bunch of cool stores like that and some bakeries. And if you happen to go in and catch one of the parents that speak broken English don't worry one of the kids are usually around to translate. LOL
State Road is my favorite Street in Parma . Besides all of the Eastern European and Ukrainian stores there is usually a bar every few blocks with a church and pizza joint mixed in. Definitely worth a short drive from downtown, Tremont, or Ohio City to explore for a few hours. 5minutes from the zoo also!
It's like Fleet Avenue used to be in Slavic Village

I'm gonna have to do this thanks for the tips. I wish I could have experienced Slavic village before it went downhill, this sounds like a pretty good replacement though.