Single woman in Cleveland (Parma, Cleveland Heights: apartments, rentals, houses)

[minnie81]

Hi there. I'm moving to Cleveland in June for my residency at Case. I'm a single woman in my late 20's and I basically know nothing about Cleveland. I was wondering what area would be best for my needs. I'm looking for a one bedroom apartment that's just near the hospital or near a rail station since I'm not planing on getting a car. I would prefer a bit of nightlife and culture, preferably near grocery shops and libraries, not too much crime. I have read through some of the previous posts and University Circle and Ohio City comes up. Aside from these areas, are there other places I should be looking into? I don't wanna pay too much, maybe less than 600 per month. I'm in Manila right now so I'm just relying on Craigslist. Any other websites you could recommend? Thanks a lot!

[LILTRKR55]

Parma is a beautiful little town

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by minnie81

Hi there. I'm moving to Cleveland in June for my residency at Case. I'm a single woman in my late 20's and I basically know nothing about Cleveland. I was wondering what area would be best for my needs. I'm looking for a one bedroom apartment that's just near the hospital or near a rail station since I'm not planing on getting a car. I would prefer a bit of nightlife and culture, preferably near grocery shops and libraries, not too much crime. I have read through some of the previous posts and University Circle and Ohio City comes up. Aside from these areas, are there other places I should be looking into? I don't wanna pay too much, maybe less than 600 per month. I'm in Manila right now so I'm just relying on Craigslist. Any other websites you could recommend? Thanks a lot!

Little Italy, Coventry, Shaker Square might all be ones to add to your list. You will find the most young people in those areas, Ohio City, University Circle. You'll find rent around what you want to pay...might be worth getting a roomie who also be doing a residency there. Sorry to break it to you, but a car is probably necessary. The rail system is great, but it doesn't go everywhere. However, if you stay in those areas, you'll be fine, can get around, have young people and some night life nearby. Check out www.shakersquare.net for a little info on Shaker Square. Also, look at Shaker Heights (where I grew up and where we are moving back to), they have some great rentals (duplexes and apartments for that money) The Rail goes right to where you want it to from Shaker, and also goes to the airport directly from Shaker. www.shakeronline.com will tell you more about the area, the zip codes are 44122 and 44120 if you want to search apartments. You can check out Little Italy (my cousin went to Case Law school, and resided in Little Italy over a bakery. Paid next to nothing) www.littleitalycleveland.com There are great eats, etc there, and lots of history. I'm sure you'll enjoy the area, and best of luck to you.

[minnie81]

Hey, thanks a lot for the great tips! I'll check out the websites you mentioned. I'm planning to use citywheels one in a while. They rent pout cars on an hourly basis. I guess I'll just try it out first, but if it doesn't work out then I'll just get a car. Thanks!

[Clevelander17]

Check out parts of western Shaker Heights (near Shaker Square), western Cleveland Heights (Coventry area), and Little Italy. All three areas have large populations of CWRU students.

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by Clevelander17

Check out parts of western Shaker Heights (near Shaker Square), western Cleveland Heights (Coventry area), and Little Italy. All three areas have large populations of CWRU students.

Quick question...someone told me to stay out of the southeastern part of Shaker, but that would be Sussex, which I find quite nice. Did they mean to say the southwest corner by East Cleve...south of Shaker Square?
Thanks.

[Clevelander17]

Originally Posted by LewLew

Quick question...someone told me to stay out of the southeastern part of Shaker, but that would be Sussex, which I find quite nice. Did they mean to say the southwest corner by East Cleve...south of Shaker Square?
Thanks.

They probably meant the southwest corner. The southeast part of the city borders Beachwood and Warrensville Heights and that area is just fine. The traffic at the Warrensville Center/Chagrin/Van Aken intersection is still a nightmare, though.

A few years back (probably about two decades), the City of Shaker Heights put up "barriers" on the all of the side streets along their southern border with Warrensville Heights. It was supposed to prevent people from cutting through the residential areas on their way to/from work. It was controversial at the time, and while I suppose it has served its purpose in that regard, it has also helped prevent a lot of the "riff-raff" from filtering over the southern border of the city from Warrensville Heights.

[minnie81]

Is Buckeye-Shaker a safe area? I looked up Shaker Hall and SHaker House apartments along Shaker boulevard and liked what I saw. They're both walking distance from Shaker square and the RTA. ANy opinions?

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by Clevelander17

They probably meant the southwest corner. The southeast part of the city borders Beachwood and Warrensville Heights and that area is just fine. The traffic at the Warrensville Center/Chagrin/Van Aken intersection is still a nightmare, though.

A few years back (probably about two decades), the City of Shaker Heights put up "barriers" on the all of the side streets along their southern border with Warrensville Heights. It was supposed to prevent people from cutting through the residential areas on their way to/from work. It was controversial at the time, and while I suppose it has served its purpose in that regard, it has also helped prevent a lot of the "riff-raff" from filtering over the southern border of the city from Warrensville Heights.

I remember that. My mother lived at Oliver House (right at the border, and on Warrensville Center Rd) about the time the construction was taking place. (man, time flies) My husband and I have picked out some houses we really like in the Sussex area. I like the Mercer area (north of Sussex and a little East bordering Beachwood. However, the homes have no character, so I can't fathom spending Shaker taxes, and living in a Beachwood style home. LOL) The Fernway area is nice, but I think the homes (for what they are) are slightly overpriced for this market. The next north section I certainly can't afford. I like the Coventry, Onaway area, but I hear it can be a little iffy in spots. Thanks for the advice..and sorry Minnie81 that I hijacked slightly.

Originally Posted by minnie81

Is Buckeye-Shaker a safe area? I looked up Shaker Hall and SHaker House apartments along Shaker boulevard and liked what I saw. They're both walking distance from Shaker square and the RTA. ANy opinions?

I believe for what you are looking for its fine there. As with any bordering area, just be street smart, and try not to be wandering out alone at night. If you are out late, take a buddy when walking...and just look around. Just remember that you are in a city. However, generally speaking, the area should be bustling in the evening, as Shaker Square is there. Try looking in Little Italy; I think you'd like it. This website might have some tips Little Italy Redevelopment Corporation - Residential Programs, Services and Resources I'm sending you an ad I saw via DM.