Job offer in Cleveland (Lakewood, Mentor: apartments, rentals, hotel)

[runnerguy45]

I was just informed that I have a offer for work in Cleveland. We currently live in a North Carolina beach and love it. We have moved 3 times in the last 5 years and do not want to move family again. I may just take the offer in Cleveland and commute back to NC every week or two. I don't know much about the taxes in Cleveland but would $80,000 be enough to rent a small apartment and fly back to NC every week or two ?

Anyone ever commute long distance ?

[NewToCA]

You should be able to find a small apartment in a decent area for around $400-$500. Ohio has a state income tax, on a joint return with $80,000 in income, I would imagine your taxes in the $2,500 range. In addition, Cleveland has a city wage tax, though I don't specifically know the rate generally it is 2% in Ohio's larger cities, without any deductions allowed against your wages.

I did the long distance commuting thing for about 9 months quite a long time ago, and don't recommend it if you want to retain a good family life. It gets real old, real fast.

[LewLew]

Did you apply for the job in Cleveland? Are you unemployed in NC? Are you making that money in NC? Those are things I would think about. Also, where in Cleve is your job? YOur family may like it as there is Mentor Headlands (look up Mentor headlands beach on YouTube), and there is Huntington Beach on the west side and lots of small private little beaches. However, I would have to say my favorite is Mentor Headlands. The park system (Cleveland Metroparks) is great. Cleveland is a great place to raise a family. I grew up in Shaker Heights, but Chagrin Falls, Geauga County, Pepper Pike, Solon, Westlake, etc are all great family oriented, nice areas as well.

You could easily find an apartment and commute back until you know for sure if you really want to move. However, my advice, in this economy would be either keep the job you have for a while, or take this one with the intent to stay. It's not the time to be testing the waters.

The schools, both public and private, are good in Cleveland as well. Be careful of doing research on "Cleveland" as with any larger metro area, it will all basically be stats of the city, and not the burbs.

Good luck.

[runnerguy45]

Don't have a job at this time, thats why I sent my resume all over, I guess the other concern is everyone who interviewed wanted to know why I would move to Cleveland.

[airics]

decent apartment for 400-500? Where? It would have to b a studio

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by airics

decent apartment for 400-500? Where? It would have to b a studio

This was my source:

Lakewood Apartments

[airics]

lakewood is a decent area... $400 is smaller than a typical hotel room 390sf... wow!

[BelieveInCleve]

With a salary of $80,000 you shouldnt have much trouble finding a good apartment around Cleveland. Im not exactly sure what the taxes would be though.

A flight to NC shouldnt be that expensive, but if your flying twice a month or more its really going to add up. With your salary you should be able to do it though. If I were you I would probably look at the whole situation and your budget and really think it over before you decide anything.

Im positive that youll be able to find a place and a neighborhood in the Cleveland area that youll love though. Just search a little. Its a lot different than NC though.

[rippedoff0421]

I'm not sure of taxes, because I make half of what you'll be making but we do pay city taxes, which aren't too expensive. Since your currently not employed and the economy is pretty messed up...I say take the job. There are some nice affordable suburbs outside of Cleveland such as Shaker Heights,Strongsville or Lakewood. If you decide to commute and move into an apartment look in the downtown area, there's plenty of things to do at night and a studio or one bedroom apartment would be around $600 per month, look on craigslist.

[missmeli0501]

$80,000 is a ton of money to me. You could live really nicely on that alone in Cleveland. I would consider a full move because commuting will suck big time.