Moving to Cleveland-Working at Cleveland VA (Lakewood, Cleveland Heights: apartments, lease, condos)

[civilize3]

I'm moving to cleveland in August. I'm 34 and looking for an active, safe, community close to the Cleveland VA. I would like to live close, maybe downtown. I'd prefer not to commute far to work. I dont have children and love sports, outdoor activity, nightlife, and downtown life. However, I'm not sure if downtown is safe. I'm looking to rent for around $650-$700.

thanks for your help

[Boffo]

Downtown is safe except for a few sketchy areas. You probably don't want to live in the Reserve Square area as that area has had its fair share of problems (E. 12th), but the Warehouse District (W. 6th-W9th) and East 4th (E. 4th) street entertainment areas are very safe. Unfortunately, East 4th street is at 100% capacity right now so you're going to have a hard time finding a place but they are just finishing some more units so more will come on the market soon. East 4th Street is also right next to Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field. Here is the website for more info East Fourth Neighborhood - Cleveland, OH
You may also like the Warehouse District which also has a large residential base. The district is full of many different restaurants and clubs. Historic Warehouse District: District Life
As far as non-downtown neighborhoods you might like are Little Italy in Cleveland and Coventry and Cedar-Fairmount in Cleveland Heights. You may also want to check out residences in University Circle. In my opinion, University Circle is the next up and coming residential neighborhood in the city with all its job growth. Developers are currently building more residences but one place I do know of The Triangle Apartments, The Triangle - Cleveland, OH | Associated Estates Realty Corporation. This building is actually on the border of Little Italy and University Circle so might be worth checking out. You should also find out if you qualify for the Greater Circle Living Program that has various discounts if you live and work in University Circle. You can find out more here. Find a home in University Circle
Hope that helps. There's a lot more that could be said about each of these neighborhoods so feel free to ask anymore questions that you may have.

[civilize3]

Thanks for the help, so are you saying that the reserve square apartments are a no go? Not safe, it seemed like a great place to live from someone who lives in Dallas

[Boffo]

The problem with Reserve Square is that there isn't a lot going on in that area after work, so walking around may be somewhat risky. However, with the creation of the Avenue District and more residents moving in everyday it may become better. I would recommend the Avenue District but most of the units are condos or townhomes that are very expensive. East 4th and the Warehouse District are active areas where you will feel safe at all times of the day. If you do live in Reserve Square then you are probably going to find yourself driving to and from wherever you are going that night. But like I said I'm expecting the neighborhood to really improve with the finishing up of the Avenue District. Honestly though, if I were in your situation I would go with the Warehouse District. Their apartments seem to be in the range you are looking for and its around all the city's nightlife and food scene which I think you will enjoy.

[Nickmast]

Check out the Lakewood area. There are many places to rent out there for very cheap and is much safer than living downtown. It also has a "college" type bar scene. Good luck with your new found job. Hopefully you can help clean up that dirty place they call VA Hospital.

I see you are moving from Dallas? I actually found this website doing research for a possible move to Dallas/ Fort Worth area.

[michael75065]

Your leaving Dallas for Cleveland. I am from Irving TX and I love Dallas/ft worth and most people from up this area are moving south.

I hear the flats and downtown are dieing is that true.
Can anybody let me know.

What is Garfield Hgts like used live there when I was 15 years old. I hear lot of the suburbs are not doing that good near Garfield heights. Just Wondering.



Michael75065 from Painesville Township

[michael75065]

whyb are you moving just wondering. I like Irving, Bedford , Hurst and Euless and Coppell and Grapvine areas in my opinion. I got transfered up here.




Michael75065 From Painesville Township
I miss it down there also like Denver CO.
Cleveland could be much better. It's more like Detroit.
To much politics and blights and lousy leaders and taxes.

[delia575]

Wow, except that I am 33 not 34 your original post could have been my own! I too am moving in late August to work for the VA. I will be stuck in Brecksville tho initially until we all move up to Wade Park. I am looking for a place closer to Wade Park so I don't have to relocate after Brecksville closes!

[costello_musicman]

Originally Posted by michael75065

Your leaving Dallas for Cleveland. I am from Irving TX and I love Dallas/ft worth and most people from up this area are moving south.

I hear the flats and downtown are dieing is that true.
Can anybody let me know.

What is Garfield Hgts like used live there when I was 15 years old. I hear lot of the suburbs are not doing that good near Garfield heights. Just Wondering.



Michael75065 from Painesville Township

Michael, Downtown has been increasing in population about 10% a year. Have some basic knowledge of Cleveland before you through out these blind statements.

In regards to the flats, It is true the East Bank of the Flats are knocked over, still waiting on Wolstein to move forward to rebuilld his big $$ project. West bank is doing just fine.

Sorry, Just had to say something....
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Back to the topic on helping civilize3!



For working at the VA, I'd look into:

Shaker Square
Little Italy (have to drive around and look for "For Rent" signs)
Downtown
Coventry (Cleveland Hts)
Cedar/Fairmount (Cleveland Hts)
University Circle...Triangles Apts, etc


My brother has lived in Reserve Square for 2 years, and has had no problems. He likes it there and and is renewing his lease again.

You'd probably have to spend closer to $800 a/month nowadays for something good downtown. But if you have any questions, I know a lot about downtown. Just ask.

Good Luck!