Cleveland Park Area (Central, Gray: real estate, crime, how much)

[csualum33]

I'm a 31 year old single guy looking at a place on North 7th right across the street from Cleveland Park. I love the area and really like this place, but am concerned about the safety in the area. I've read the previous posts, but haven't seen anything fairly recent. Any input on the area as of now would be appreciated.

Ben

[Carol McCullough]

Originally Posted by csualum33

I'm a 31 year old single guy looking at a place on North 7th right across the street from Cleveland Park. I love the area and really like this place, but am concerned about the safety in the area. I've read the previous posts, but haven't seen anything fairly recent. Any input on the area as of now would be appreciated.

Ben

The safety has only improved with time. Crime in the area has dropped significantly--every year since 2002. I used to see drug dealing regularly. It is rare that I see it these days. The area near the park is actually very quiet.

That said, every one has their own opinion about what "safe" means. Is it the safest place in town? By no means. Do I fear for my safety? No. If you are accustomed to urban living and are prepared for it, then this could be the neighborhood for you.

It has a lot going for it: quality housing stock, a steady stream of investors and new home owners that are renovating and buying homes (even in these economic times), close to the city center, wide streets and sidewalks, an active neighborhood association and some really great neighbors.

Although it doesn't pertain to your situation, the local elementary school, Glenn Enhanced Option, has improved as well. If this continues (which I anticipate that it will: my son starts there in the fall) that will make the neighborhood all the more appealing an option and will help continue the steady significant increase in property values. That does have relevancy for you and anyone else considering an investment.

[csualum33]

Thanks Carol,

Is it safe to go for a run, bike ride, or dog walk at night?


Ben

[Pimpy]

Originally Posted by csualum33

Thanks Carol,

Is it safe to go for a run, bike ride, or dog walk at night?


Ben

Maybe if your dog is a pit or a rottweiler, but otherwise, I wouldn't do it. The area is improving but still has a LONG way to go.

[LisaGray]

Originally Posted by csualum33

I'm a 31 year old single guy looking at a place on North 7th right across the street from Cleveland Park. I love the area and really like this place, but am concerned about the safety in the area. I've read the previous posts, but haven't seen anything fairly recent. Any input on the area as of now would be appreciated.

Ben

Hi Ben!

Here is a great link that will tell you all about crime in Nashville and in specific neighborhoods! Metro Nashville Interactive Crime Maps

Hope that helps!

Lisa Gray

[Marilyn Bell]

Drive by the house at different times. I almost bought a house around there quite a few years back, and changed my mind when I did the afternoon drive by. I didn't even make it to the evening drive by. Also, crime maps give you good data, but also talk to a police officer in the area the next time you see one. They can give you a more personal perspective and give the lowdown on the nuisances, problem areas and that sort of thing.

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[yank283]

Originally Posted by Marilyn Bell

Drive by the house at different times. I almost bought a house around there quite a few years back, and changed my mind when I did the afternoon drive by. I didn't even make it to the evening drive by. Also, crime maps give you good data, but also talk to a police officer in the area the next time you see one. They can give you a more personal perspective and give the lowdown on the nuisances, problem areas and that sort of thing.

Moderator cut: deleted

But on another note, wonder how much that house you thought about buying years ago is appraising at now? If it was years ago I'm guessing you would have over 100% equity easy right now. I've lived in a similar area for a little over 3 years and my house is now appraising at almost 50% more than what I bought it for, even in this real estate climate. I have friends that bought in Bellevue and Antioch around the same time and they can't move because they owe more than what their house is worth now.

Also, the area I moved to has drastically improved in just 3 short years. Young families now frequent a nearby park that used to be more notorious for drug dealing. The East Precinct (in conjunction with the very strong neighborhood groups over here) has been nothing short of amazing. When you hear that crime in East Nashville has decreased by 20% each of the last 3 years, it's not a misnomer. You would know it if you lived here cause you would see it every day. Does the area have a way's to go? Sure, but with the development of the east bank of the Cumberland, gas prices that are starting to rise again, and more and more young couples and families moving here, I can only see this area becoming more and more desirable.

So, like Carol said, if your used to urban living it might be worth it to invest in a property over here.

[Marilyn Bell]

Don't forget about a really late night/early a.m. drive. It sucks to move in and realize you're sleep is disturbed at all hours of the night with traffic or whatever!

Also, a quick note about the East Precinct improvement. Yes, things have gotten much better, however a lot of what was covered in East is now handled by North, so the statistical data on how much East has improved is inflated due to that. I think it's safe, but others out there may just be looking at numbers and not realize they don't exactly tell the truth.

[csualum33]

Thank you all for your info. I did many drive bys at all times including late night and felt fairly safe. That is of course relative. Anyway, I decided to put in an offer, so I may be neighbors to some of you cleveland park people soon. Thanks again for all of the advice.

[Carol McCullough]

Originally Posted by Marilyn Bell

Don't forget about a really late night/early a.m. drive. It sucks to move in and realize you're sleep is disturbed at all hours of the night with traffic or whatever!

Also, a quick note about the East Precinct improvement. Yes, things have gotten much better, however a lot of what was covered in East is now handled by North, so the statistical data on how much East has improved is inflated due to that. I think it's safe, but others out there may just be looking at numbers and not realize they don't exactly tell the truth.

I don't think that this is accurate. The last time the boundaries changed was February 2004 and East took on neighborhoods that had been part of Central Precinct that absolutely did not help their stats (including McFerrin and Cleveland Park). Before that East didn't go South of Douglas in our area.