Ohio City Safety (Cleveland, Lorain, Fairview Park: best neighborhoods, crimes, houses)

[saraperez]

We are moving to the Ohio City area of Cleveland in just a few weeks. Our kids will be going to Urban Community and are 13 and 9, boy and girl, respectively.

We will be living on the northern side of Fairview Park, about 4/5 of a mile to their school. We are considering them walking home from school in the afternoons. Is this a safe walk for them? I don't know which route they would travel yet; though they would probably travel south down 45th, then east on Lorain.

As I said I'm not very familiar with this part of the Ohio City neighborhood; is it mostly residential or business? Is it lighted? Would you let your 13 yo walk through this part by himself (with a cell, but without a parent?)

Either way they obviously won't be doing it until we get more familiar with the area but I wanted some upfront perspective! Thanks for the input.

[orion1778]

The general consensus on this board is going to be: no, it is not safe.

Then again, the consensus on this board probably also would have told you that with kids those age you should have chosen a cul-de-sak in a suburb, bought a full-sized SUV, and embraced the glory of suburban public schools.

Sometimes the answer is just what you think is best for your family; don't let those who don't even live in your neighborhood dictate how you live your life.

[tribecavsbrowns]

Orion1778, she didn't ask for your opinion of how other people live their lives. She asked if the walk was safe for her kids.

50th and Lorain, although a little wild at night, would not be much of a problem during the day. Although Ohio City is generally much better east of 45th and north of Lorain, your kids would still be in a fairly busy area before and after school. The gas station at 45th and Lorain does seem to be a bit of a problem (I always get hit up for change there; maybe someone who lives closer can elaborate). Overall, if you're comfortable moving into your house in Ohio City, you should be equally comfortable allowing your kids to walk to school. It's good for them.

45th is all residential, Lorain from 45th to 50th is a handful of small businesses and used-car lots. There is some street prostitution on Lorain (mostly farther west) if that bothers you, but it seems to be getting cleaned up. 50th straight up to Bridge or Franklin and back over to your house might be better now that I think about it. Those are nice streets.

[costello_musicman]

"Would you let your 13 yo walk through this part by himself (with a cell, but without a parent?"

My answer to this is honestly yes. Good luck with the move and if you have any questions about anything City related, feel free to PM me. The area is mostly residental.

[saraperez]

Thanks so much for the quick responses. I looked again on Google street view and Franklin to 50th seems like a great route.

Of course when we get there I'll be making sure that what seems matches what is.

I agree that there is alot of negativity about living in the urban parts of Cleveland, but I just usually ignore that and chalk those thoughts up to people that have different values than us!

Again, I really appreciate everyone's input!

Thanks again!

[Samir_Abdul]

nothing wrong with ohio city....i think its one of clevelands best neighborhoods.......

[BelieveInCleve]

It really depends on where you are moving from and what you are used to. If you are from any urban area with urban problems than that area should be no problem to you.

You also have to understand that a lot of the people on this board are from the suburbs and are suburban minded (no offense), and they want the complete best for them and their kids. Most wouldnt even consider moving to any areas in the city.

About that areas: From what I understand its not the safest area of Cleveland but its not the worst either. Ohio City is a fairly nice neighborhood now and it has cleaned up a lot. However since it is urban and its in the city of Cleveland, there will be some questionable people and serious crimes happening around there. If I had kids I think I would be okay living over there, but Im from bad areas. Bottomline you just have to look into the neighborhood and go there yourself before you can judge it. Ohio City is nice for the most part but there are some bad streets and some areas bordering the neighborhood arent good.

[orion1778]

Originally Posted by Samir_Abdul

nothing wrong with ohio city....i think its one of clevelands best neighborhoods.......

Having Saint Ignatius in the neighborhood has really helped Ohio City avoid falling into decay like many other once great Cleveland neighborhoods. Regardless of your personal opinion on the place (everyone seems to have one) they do really a good job promoting community service in the neighborhood (tutoring neighborhood kids, mentoring at-risk kids, donating to local shelters, etc). If they had moved to the suburbs in the 70s when the idea was pitched, I hate to think what Ohio City might look like today.

[olecramm]

Hello! I'm from Brazil and I'm going to spend 3 months in U.S (December to March) and I wanted so bad to go to Cleveland. I was checking the city on Google Earth and I didn't see anything wrong with the city (poor houses...), the city seems fine to me.
I recommend you chek out Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo or any big cities in Brazil, and you will see what real poverty is.
So I totally changed my mind about going to Cleveland, I'd like to know why these crimes happen? How often people can die during a rob or assault?
thanks
Sorry my english.

[Chef Boyardee]

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