Safe Suburbs of Cleveland (Akron, Parma: rental, condominium, homes)

[themom51]

I need to move to either the Cleveland or Akron area in order to take advantage of my Kaiser health plan now that I am retiring. Any suggestions for safe but INEXPENSIVE housing, senior or otherwise, in either area? Which neighborhoods should I avoid? Really can't afford much more than $500 for rent. Thanks for any help you can give.

[Boffo]

I don't know too much about the Akron area, but in the Cleveland area, one city that sticks out in my mind is Lakewood. Lakewood has many rentals, both apartments and houses, and is very safe. Lakewood has a lot of college kids and yuppies, but there is still a large elderly population in the city as well. And you should definitely be able to find something that fits your price range.

[buckeye1]

If you're looking in Lakewood, there are "affordable senior apartments" at the Westerly complex which includes the Barton Senior Center on site. www.westerlyapartments.com

Also check the Commodore Club apartments on the western end of Lakewood near the Detroit Road bridge over the Rocky River - 1 br's are small but rent for under $500.
Commodore Club Apartments For Rent in Lakewood, Ohio - Apartment Rental and Community Details - ForRent.com

In Cleveland's Edgewater neighborhood, there are several apartment buildings - Clifton House/Clifton Park are at 114th and Clifton and have nice sized one bedrooms. Clifton Park & Clifton House Apartments Cleveland, OH - Apartments for Rent in Cleveland Ohio

All of these options have elevators and are very convenient to public transportation via RTA.

[Tangy]

Strongsville and Berea also are affordable and have good location to stores, Dr, busineess etc

[Beavercreek33]

To the OP, I liked Westlake, Rocky River, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Brecksville, Olmsted Falls, and Brook Park. Cleveland has all kinds of suburbs, theres a lot of variety.

[louflum]

Hello,

I am also new to the Cleveland area. I'm looking for a good place to buy a house within about 30-35 minutes of downtown (I'll be working on 9th street close to the lake). I'm looking to spend about 150-175k for a house in a very safe, more small-townlike area. I hope to find one on a larger lot - maybe a half-acre or more. I've been reading some of the other posts and think I would prefer being west or south, where the drive appears to be a little less to downtown. I don't care for trendy areas especially but prefer a little more space. I also would like to be not too far from bus lines, though maybe that's asking too much.

Thanks, Lou

[green24]

I would recommend that you look at Strongsville! Strongsville is very safe, and has that small town feel, but with the big city amenities! Strongsville is only about 25 minutes from downtown Cleveland! The RTA bus line, I-71 and I-80 run right through Strongsville. So whether you take the bus, or drive, it is an easy commute to downtown! Most of the existing homes sit on larger lots, and can be found in your price range!

Here is a house listing I found on the Howard Hanna website, that I think might interest you! 3Bedroom, 2Bath house in Strongsville, nearly 4 acre lot, Barn with loft, Shed, backs the Metroparks, and is close to public transit for only $165,900. Howard Hanna MLS # 3027302

Good luck!

[louflum]

I will put Strongsville on my short list. I'm considering communities from Westlake on south to Brecksville. I may eventually look also at east communities as I get to know the area better.

Thanks, Lou

[Peregrine]

Check out North Royalton also louflum.
Small town feel close to everything. Passed a law about 10 ears ago that all new homes must be built on at least a 1 acre lot. Buddt just bought an amzing (but not huge) house that is right off a main road and it is so crowded with trees you can't seem it from the street. Very cool.

[Cleveland_Collector]

Seven Hills, Independence, Brooklyn Heights, Broadview Heights, Brecksville...hell, even Southern Parma is fine... These are all the best for proximity.