From D.C. to Cleveland (Lakewood, Westlake: apartments, to rent, lofts)

[doby&5]

My husband, who has been offered a great job in Cleveland (downtown), and I are seriously considering moving to Cleveland. We're tired of the congestion and fast pace of D.C. and have heard both positive and negative comments about Cleveland but more on the positive side. I'm from western PA and am familiar with Cleveland from high school field trips to the Art Museum and from a visit to the Cleveland Clinic a few years ago. If we decide to move, can you suggest a good neighborhood close to downtown and the cultural activities that is safe and quiet? We're in our fifties and plan to rent our house in D.C. (just in case) so we would like an apartment in Cleveland since retirement is only about 7 years away. Also, just how bad are the winters?

[costello_musicman]

Hello and welcome,

Can you be a little more specific with what your looking. Right away I think West Park on the westside may be up your alley or maybe even the Gold Coast in Lakewood What else are you looking for?

- Apartment building or house
- how close to downtown? ever considered looking for apts there?
- Walkable
- Lakefront?
- Yard?

Any more specifics will help us give a better recommendation. good luck on the move!

[lbsunsets1]

I'm not familiar with downtown apartments, but I can say there are nice condos and apartments in Westlake that would be a short commute to downtown. If your husband didn't want to drive down there, there is a park-n-ride in Westlake where you leave your car and take the bus downtown - works great! Also, the west side area has good shopping, parks and easy access to Lake Erie.

As for winters - they can be very snow filled, but the west side of town, close to the lake as Westlake is, has MUCH less snow than eastside suburbs and southern suburbs!

Good luck and welcome to Cleveland.

[firefightermom]

Having lived in both DC and Cleveland, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Regarding winters, it will be much worse than what you are used to...lots of snow, especially on the east side because of the lake, and mostly gray skies. The great thing is that the roads are usually well taken care of, and things never shut down because of the fear of snow, like things tend to in the DC area.

[doby&5]

We have considered living downtown but are open to any area. As far as type of housing, we'd like maintenance-free, so no yard, which is why we are considering apartments or townhomes with very little yard. Lakefront would be good but is that close to downtown? Sorry for my ignorance. Westlake sounds nice, especially with the transit. I will definitely look into that.
Thank you for your kind responses.

[doby&5]

Firefightermom: Thanks for that info! As you know, D.C. is paralyzed with an inch of snow so we were a little concerned about the roads and how we would manage getting around. I'm actually looking forward to living in Cleveland. My recent experience at the Cleveland Clinic was so positive. Being from western PA, very near to Ohio, it would almost be like home with people that are a little more down to earth but with the culture and amenities of a city.

[costello_musicman]

Originally Posted by doby&5

We have considered living downtown but are open to any area. As far as type of housing, we'd like maintenance-free, so no yard, which is why we are considering apartments or townhomes with very little yard. Lakefront would be good but is that close to downtown? Sorry for my ignorance. Westlake sounds nice, especially with the transit. I will definitely look into that.
Thank you for your kind responses.

OK that's a little more info, thanks! Sounds like you may want to look into:

Tremont -- less than 5 min from Downtown. Older area with some neat apts. For example (Tremont Place Lofts, Cleveland Ohio Apartments higher end) Sense of community there in Tremont if you get involved.

Lakewood Gold Coast -- highrise apts along the Lake..about W. 117th st. Great views of the Downtown.

Downtown -- Wide ranging types of properties and areas. Your husband could even walk to work if he wants! Here's a good breakdown of the areas: Neighborhood Profiles

Also, here's a great Apt opening up soon: Welcome | The Residences at 668 - Apartments in Cleveland

Little Italy -- LITTLE ITALY CLEVELAND - Little Italy an urban neighborhood

Shaker Square -- Shaker Square in Cleveland, Ohio - welcome


Those are my recommendations.

[doby&5]

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions and links. Based on what I've read about Cleveland and know from personal experience, I think this will be a good move for us. You'll probably hear more from me with other questions about Cleveland life. My best to you all.

[HopeToComeHome]

As someone who did the exact same move 2 years ago from DC to Cleveland I can tell you, from experience, it was DEFINITELY the right move! Yes more snow, but it is cleared so quickly and efficiently (compared to DC) that it will hardly hinder your commute or weekend plans.

My family and I are happy to put up with the grey skies of winters because the rest of the year is fabulous! No more crazy hot humid summers like in DC. Ugh. I hated those! It can get humid here but nothing NOTHING like in DC.

Welcome! And best of luck with your move!

[costello_musicman]

Good luck with your decision/move.

Let us know if you have any questions about any areas in Northeast Ohio!