University Heights...Too Good to Be True? (Cleveland, Warren: hardwood floors, insurance)

[jgrimes4]

I’ve lived in the Summit and Portage counties area for about 5 years now. I really like it here (especially Stow-Kent area) as it is a convenient local for visiting family in Warren and working in Cleveland and Solon.

I’m looking to buy this fall but I'm not looking to get eyeball deep in debt. I’m currently in the Streetsboro area, which is great because it’s close to 480 and the Turnpike, but to get a nice home here I would be paying at least 250-300K. In addition, all the newer homes in Streetsboro look exactly the same (boring).

I recently came across some absolutely beautiful and unique homes in University Heights and I could not believe the prices. A three bedroom house in Streetsboro would start at about 220K (being modest), but I found a BEAUTIFUL three bedroom two bath [plus hardwood floors ] for 160K in University Heights. Is this too good to be true?

I have no kids, so schools are not an issue. I have a professional degree as does my long-time domestic partner. I work in Solon and he works in Cleveland. Does anybody know if this would be a good location for us?

Thanks

[CleOHRcks]

My best girl friend who just got her residency at the Cle Clinic decided to buy in the area. House shopping with her, we saw good neighbors, and nice homes. It is a area that is close to downtown and universities, and such, but there is no freeway close to it. All the homes are 3 or 4 bedroom, with 1 (maybe 2, if your lucky) baths.

[bls5555]

Originally Posted by jgrimes4

I’ve lived in the Summit and Portage counties area for about 5 years now. I really like it here (especially Stow-Kent area) as it is a convenient local for visiting family in Warren and working in Cleveland and Solon.

I’m looking to buy this fall but I'm not looking to get eyeball deep in debt. I’m currently in the Streetsboro area, which is great because it’s close to 480 and the Turnpike, but to get a nice home here I would be paying at least 250-300K. In addition, all the newer homes in Streetsboro look exactly the same (boring).

I recently came across some absolutely beautiful and unique homes in University Heights and I could not believe the prices. A three bedroom house in Streetsboro would start at about 220K (being modest), but I found a BEAUTIFUL three bedroom two bath [plus hardwood floors ] for 160K in University Heights. Is this too good to be true?

I have no kids, so schools are not an issue. I have a professional degree as does my long-time domestic partner. I work in Solon and he works in Cleveland. Does anybody know if this would be a good location for us?

Thanks

I have driven around that area and can tell you it is really hit or miss. One block might be really nice while the next one over won't be near as nice. It really is hit or miss. Without kids and not having to worry about schools it would probably be fine. Best advice is to write down the address of that house, mapquest it and go check it out. It could be on a nice block but then the next block over might not be as nice.

Don't take my word as gospel though. I don't know details about the safety of the area, I have just driven around the area a couple times and those were my impressions.

[MABCle]

University Heights is a safe area, there's no doubting that. There are some good homes for good prices so its not too good to be true. This area is convienent to shopping and Downtown and University Circle and is built that you don't just have to drive to get everywhere.

[Misha]

Yes, you can find great houses in University Heights. However, you also might consider Shaker Square. In my opinion, location is great. You can find huge condos somewhere between 1500 to 3000 sq. ft. I was helping to buy a condo to one of my friend over there and I can tell you, they have some character. I do not know how to describe it but it is like you entering different world, away from boring, look-a-like houses.

[TheProf]

U. Heights is quite nice; mid-aged housing stock (most around 40-50 years old), educated, youthful populace (John Carrol Univ doesn't hurt); close to Beachwood Place, Eton and lots of high-end shopping (10 mins by car, tops)... Also, most of the city is within walking distance of the Green Line rapid transit -- 20 mins downtown with an easy connection to airport trains. ... tons of trees and close proximity to Shaker's famous lakes, nature center and, of course, fine old mansions...

[jgrimes4]

Thank you all...you've been most helpful. I am not only going to look into the University Hts area, but also Cleveland Hts and Shaker Hts. Thanks again!

[WHISPERGIRL]

yes university heights woul dbest suite your needs and lifestyle.

[StriderMatic]

I have a piggyback question for this thread - I have been told Shaker Heights is one of the safe places to live, but have also been told one of the adjacent areas (i.e. "on Chagrin") should be avoided. Likewise, how safe is University Heights, and are there any areas that are problem areas or should be avoided for safety reasons?

Also what is the deal with city income taxes (the one levied against residents, not property taxes) - do people who work in the city of Cleveland also have to pay these (if you live in University Heights or one of the bordering suburbs down there)? I think it would suck to have to pay even if you only live like 7 miles from where you work.

Thanks

[kerensa]

Yes, you have to watch out for local (rita) taxes. You will pay taxes to University Heights(where you live) and Solon/Cleveland(where you work). Also the school (property taxes) are pretty high, not as bad as Shaker but not as low as Beachwood, Gates Mills, or Mayfield. The school system is so-so, which may be an issue if you want to resell your house, as many people do have kids and will be looking at schools.

We actually have the same issue, and are looking for somewhere between Solon and Cleveland. The housing stock where we live now (Mayfield/Lyndhurst) is not nearly as nice or varied as Univ Hts/Cleve Hts/Shaker. But it's safer here and less taxes.

You might also consider Willoughby, there are some quaint older homes up there as well and both taxes and insurance will be lower than living in Cuyahoga county.