Looking to leave Cleveland, any suggestions (apartment, home, weddings)

[drb85650]

Doubtful you'd like Arizona. And that is based upon your love of Cleveland, nothing here is like Ohio or the cities/towns there. We've no more than 2, maybe a touch of 3, seasons, very little greenery and no fall foilage to speak of. A friend of mine from Buffalo described our seasons as without rest, never knowing when to change pace for winter. Neighborhoods are stucco boxes, identical with tile roofs and block fences around backyards.
Our history (in Phoenix)is either quite recent(considering the age of the northeast area)or ancient. Old neighborhoods here are from the 1930's-1950's and could all fit into the area of Cleveland Heights! Other parts of the state have some history from the 1870's or so, but it's not much.
Be prepared for holidays in the 70's-80's, summers that start in March and go thru early November. Understand that daytime temps of 105-115' mean nighttime temps of 90-100 or so in the metro areas. And after your first summer, you too will be wearing a sweatshirt when it's a brisk 70' outside! Seasonal changes can be measured by whether you are still wearing shorts to go to church or put on levi's.
There is no sense of community here to speak of. Cultural diversity is limited to Mexican food. No Little Italy, no Tremont, no Ohio City. The "pumpkin" patches import them for the fall.
Negative? naw. Just consider all beforehand. The southwest desert vs. Ohio....not just geographic opposites, but in every part of life a culture shock.

[twange]

Born and raised in Cleveland but my wife and I sold our house and moved here to Austin, Tx. Austin is a very vibrant, open and progressive city that's growing and changing daily(city population of around 730K, metro area population of about 1.5 mil). A lot of folks from different areas are coming here which is making the city much more diverse and interesting. Compared to Cleveland, it has a smaller black population but much higher hispanic and Asian populations. Some long-time residents are unhappy about the influx of newcomers as it's no longer the cheap, funky little college town it used to be. But as recent transplants(almost a year and a half), we're finding it to be pretty awesome. Interesting, adventurous and sometimes odd but growing up into a real city(possibly like San Francisco was in its earlier years). It's going through some growing pains for sure - infrastructure is a bit behind the population - but there are some great things on the horizon like regional commuter trains and city streetcars.

As Texas' Capitol, Austin is located at the edge of Texas Hill Country and is blessed with the Colorado River which is dammed in several areas spanning about 80 miles which creates the chain of Highland Lakes twisting through the hills. There is a ton of outdoor recreation that you can take advantage of all 12 months:biking, boating, hiking etc. It's a pretty health focused city as well, with lots of organized monthly races(5k, 10k, etc....)

There is a lot of night life, particularly live music venues as well as an ever-expanding restaurant and club scene. The people are very friendly and open, and really seem to relish that quality. It is family friendly as well, with a lot of good schools and neighborhoods. Most of Central Austin is very expensive but has the most to offer. Of course this is open to debate depending on what you are looking for in a city. Many people enjoy living in the suburbs or other smaller towns outside the city. One thing you'll notice is that Austin does not have a circle of industrial wasteland surrounding the city. Until it's recent growth spurt, it was primarily a college and state government town. This means that there are beautiful, expensive neighborhoods right in the city's core, with lots of trees and parks(Austin has a lot of trees). There are several new condo towers in downtown which has increased the city's downtown residential presence.

The summers here are hot and long, though not as humid as Cleveland. You learn how to deal with it, just like folks in the north deal with long, cold winters. The big difference, is that there is MUCH more sunshine, which for me, has greatly improved my winter depression. The seasons are less pronounced but do exist. There is some nice fall colors (mostly golden) and the winter nights regularly get down into the 20s, with even an occasional snowfall or ice storm. For about the last 6 weeks, it's been between 68-80 with blue skies during the day, and upper 30s-mid 40s at night with clear, starry skies. Good stuff.

The economy here has slowed a little but still very good. Nothing like what is happening in Cleveland and other older manufacturing towns. Real Estate here is still very robust although it's not the seller's market it was the last few years.

Of course there are things we miss: older architecture and historic neighborhoods, the vastness of Lake Erie, Cleveland's close proximity to other major cities, pro sports and of course family and friends. But we've enjoyed visiting San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and many of the charming small towns in the area. We're only about 3 hours from the Gulf of Mexico and West Texas has some impressive scenery. As for sports, these days you can watch any game you want at just about any sports bar(if you don't want to pay for the networks). In fact, we watch Browns games at the local Backer's club with a bunch of other Clevelanders...it's a blast!...well, not this year

Texas continues to surprise me. I never saw myself living here but it really has a lot to offer. And it is so big that each region is vastly different. You can fit almost 6 Ohios inside Texas. As for politics, Austin is considered the most liberal and progressive city in Texas(but not as left as California) but even that is changing as Houston and Dallas are both turning blue. Changing demographics have altered the political landscape everywhere, Texas included. My impression is that it's fairly moderate here in Austin, although of course there are ideologues on both sides.

I know how hard it is to leave Cleveland. One of the greatest qualities of Clevelanders is their loyalty. But sometimes a change is good for the soul.

[newmex]

Spent the whole day delivering packages today in this nasty, snowy mess. Depressing mess. You can see it on peoples faces here...Definitely the sunshine has an effect on mood.
I will say this, I really did miss the Cuyahoga National Park. Not much else.

Really loved the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Sangre De Christo mountains in New Mexico. Not to mention the lack of traffic. When I go back out, I am for sure to get a motorcycle. Riding season is practically year round in the Southwest as opposed to spotty nice days in a 4 month stretch in Ohio, spending more time polishing your bike pining for a nice day. You can plan a picnic most anytime out west.

[twange]

Originally Posted by newmex

Spent the whole day delivering packages today in this nasty, snowy mess. Depressing mess. You can see it on peoples faces here...Definitely the sunshine has an effect on mood.
I will say this, I really did miss the Cuyahoga National Park. Not much else.

Really loved the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Sangre De Christo mountains in New Mexico. Not to mention the lack of traffic. When I go back out, I am for sure to get a motorcycle. Riding season is practically year round in the Southwest as opposed to spotty nice days in a 4 month stretch in Ohio, spending more time polishing your bike pining for a nice day. You can plan a picnic most anytime out west.

I feel for you folks. I did my time(39 years). Actually, I don't really mind the snow or cold for a little while...it's the lack of sun that bums me out. Here, when it gets gray, I don't really mind because I know that it will only be a few days here and there...not 6 months

[newmex]

One more thing...Out west you will not find as near the multi-ethnicity as you would here in Ohio. I missed it...but you will find that a lot of people out west are most likely from somewhere else. The secretary at the sign shop that I worked in New Mexico...her father was from Rittman, Ohio (Wayne County), where I'd owned a house for several years.

If you're young, you are flexible...you are not set in your ways, and adventure will take you. You can change it if you are not happy. As you get older you are more steeled in your ways, and want simplicity. It's more simple to go out and retire and enjoy life in a smaller, slower paced town, in consistent pleasant weather.

[clevelandman1977]

Originally Posted by dboldware

Im a married 27 year old who grew up in east cleveland and escaped for bedford. so i experienced inner city life and suburban life. I love progression and me and my wife have concluded that this is not where we want to raise our two daughters. Love this city, please believe, but it is not working. I want to get different opinions on where you all have been or experienced. We all grew up here so im looking for the opposite of ohio, or what we lack here, like weather and sites. i want some ideas. thank for the help and details are recommended

Tucson, AZ. They have a great city there. but beware. There are a lot of small companies there, so find the right job first.

There are a lot of new homes there and you will find a great deal in Rancho Sahuarita. Look up oon the internet Residios Jubilee @ Rancho Sahuarita. It is a great community to live in, especially with kids. They have everything you could dream of.

[whochrisporter]

I grew up in East Cleveland for 19 years, moved to Pittsburgh for school and been here for 3 years. In Pittsburgh I stay 3 minutes from downtown, but in a "diversed" hood. Pittsburgh is like that all over. One minute you are in a decent area, then the next street over, it looks like what the hell, and every neighborhood has a mix of whites, blacks, and asians.

I'm glad that I moved out of East Cleveland because I became so diversed in the music, clothing, and mindset areas. Of course age is also a factor since I'm 22. So moving from tall tees and baggy jeans to pea coats, button downs and fitted jeans was a big thing. Also moving from the typical rap music to more conscious hip hop and listening to other different genres (basically everything) was also a big life changer.

One thing I liked about Cleveland though is that there are a lot of clubs and the malls are relatively close to inner neighborhoods. In Pittsburgh, the clubs here are lame unless I go clubbing with a club entertainment group that I do work for. Also the inner city shopping here is trash. The good looking stuff are in 5XL while the large shirts are ugly. Want to hit up Aeropostle or something of that sort, the mall is a 40 minute drive almost by car on the freeway unless you are hitting 120 the whole way, but then again, Pittsburgh freeways are 50% smaller than Cleveland's wide 6-8 lane freeways.

So if you are like me, if you are not going to pittsburgh for school, don't come. Only come if you love the Steelers, have a vehicle, and love to drink beer and beer pong.

Now when my gf and I went to DC, we have a good time and we have a good feeling about moving there. The metro train is very fast (every 3 minutes), and the malls are very close. The clubs are good (come on now, Club Love is one of the most popular clubs in the nation), and the living is great. Bad things are the 9% sales tax and hanging around with politcians all day...lol. Also, people like to stare for a long time when walking around in the non downtown/shopping areas like the NE quad around Rhode Island street.

That was for a person with no kids...

With kids, I don't know if the school system is ok...it was relatively safe in DC. Didn't have any problems.
Pittsburgh is not dangerous either. Decent prices on houses. Don't know much about the school system since I didn't go to anything lower than college here. I would say live in the suburbs close to the freeway so you can just hop on and hop off. If not, you will be going up and down hills all day. But like I said before, Pittsburgh is ok, but I'm getting out of here after I finish up working at my job and school

Thats my take.

[bennmont]

I was born and raised in Cleveland. My husband and I relocated to Charlotte, NC in March and we've never thought twice about our decision. We still get 4 seasons but winter is very mild and short. Spring and fall are long and comfortable- we only had one month when it was rather hot and humid in the summer. Its a nice mix of southerners and people from other parts of the country. I work in an office with about 100 people and 5 or 6 other people were also from Cleveland. The biggest difference is that the sun is out almost everyday- it has made a huge difference in my mood and daily outlook. We are also in our 20s and there are so many young families in Charlotte, everywhere I look there are young children or pregnant women. Housing prices are similar to Cleveland (a bit more the closer to the city - yes people actually want to be close to the city!). We're two hours from the mountains and two hours from the beach, does it really get better than that? And- we have a winning football team! Good luck!

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by dboldware

Im a married 27 year old who grew up in east cleveland and escaped for bedford. so i experienced inner city life and suburban life. I love progression and me and my wife have concluded that this is not where we want to raise our two daughters. Love this city, please believe, but it is not working. I want to get different opinions on where you all have been or experienced. We all grew up here so im looking for the opposite of ohio, or what we lack here, like weather and sites. i want some ideas. thank for the help and details are recommended

And what happens when you move to the next nirvana and find out that well, it is not all that it is cracked up to be?

Life in N. Virginia sounded pretty exciting ... until you find out that the 8 mile commute takes 90 minutes EACH WAY, twice a day. And the Metro, like any public transportation system only services certain areas.

And SoCal seemed like heaven, until you find out that rent in a two bedroom apartment would buy a mansion in Cleveland. Oh, and you can live next door to a family and never meet them after two years.

And SoCal rent was a bargain compared to the monthly rent in my Manhattan apartment (400 Sqft) in a scary section of E. Harlem.

And heading out west is a blast ... until you factor in the trip or two or three home to attend funerals, weddings, etc. and to see the grandparents.

I have moved 12 times in the past 30 years and I have yet to find any place that does not have significant drawbacks.

Do your homework and make sure that you know what you are getting into.

[twange]

Originally Posted by jlawrence01

And what happens when you move to the next nirvana and find out that well, it is not all that it is cracked up to be?

Life in N. Virginia sounded pretty exciting ... until you find out that the 8 mile commute takes 90 minutes EACH WAY, twice a day. And the Metro, like any public transportation system only services certain areas.

And SoCal seemed like heaven, until you find out that rent in a two bedroom apartment would buy a mansion in Cleveland. Oh, and you can live next door to a family and never meet them after two years.

And SoCal rent was a bargain compared to the monthly rent in my Manhattan apartment (400 Sqft) in a scary section of E. Harlem.

And heading out west is a blast ... until you factor in the trip or two or three home to attend funerals, weddings, etc. and to see the grandparents.

I have moved 12 times in the past 30 years and I have yet to find any place that does not have significant drawbacks.

Do your homework and make sure that you know what you are getting into.

Well, your examples are rather extreme, no? NYC, SoCal, D.C. Pretty much the most expensive and potentially frustrating places to live in the country. Also, very dynamic.

Every place has drawbacks, including Cleveland. How significant they are depends upon the individual. And there's a difference I think, between moving away to experience something new and trying to find the "next nirvana".