Help me out ...Cleveland or Columbus (Grandview: apartment, neighborhoods, schools)

[Me1384]

Ok hi all! before I present my question I'll give you a little background so maybe you can help me more! I am a 22 soon to be college graduate from a small town in rural PA I also went to a small rural college in PA. I am an elite runner who hopes to continue chasing my running dreams after I graduate. I am in the process of applying to graduate schools ...my boyfriend works/ and grew up in the greater cleveland area but his work also has a branch office in columbus so I am looking at Cleveland State, Case Western, and Ohio State as the main schools I wish to attend. My boyfriend and I hope to live together while I am attending school. Now I still want to live in a place were I can feel comfortable and has nice places to run but I also am in the mood for a change. I really think I like rural areas but being as I never experienced a big school/city I would like to. I am sort of familar with the Cleveland area if I went to school there we would try to get an apartment in the subburbs. As for Columbus it seems cool but I've never been and the school seems big but awesome my bf brother went there so he's going to give me a tour soon. Ok now that I've rambled about stuff you probably do not care about here is my question? Columbus or Cleveland? What are the pros/cons, things to do, or any other advice about which of the two cities might be best for me would be helpful. Thanks a lot!!!

[Buckeye in SC]

When you say you are an elite runner, are you meaning olympic potential good or college scholarship runner good? what are your dreams? Do you still have college eligibility left? Columbus & Ohio State will be your best bet if you're thinking Olympics as they will provide exposure (Olympic gold medalist Butch Reynolds is an alumni) on a national stage.

As far as Columbus or Cleveland, I'm sure there are forums in either of the two cities forum that compare the 2. I like both cities, however, Columbus seems to be the more up and coming city w/a better economy. Has a greater concentration of white-collar workers than Cleveland. Cbus is a huge college city, pretty much everything revolves around the Buckeyes, but you're best bet will be to check out threads on each cities boards to really find which is the best place for you.

[Me1384]

yes when I say elite runner I mean olympic potential...I will not have any eligbility left I'm using my last year of track eligibiliy up this year (redshirted a year of track). Ultimately I wanted to go to Flagstaff AZ the running mecca to train however the college there does not have the degree I want and also my father who is a big part of my running career would be a 72 hour car ride away which may hurt my running more than the high altitude training could help it. I am aware of quite a few elite runners that came out of Ohio area and I know I can achieve my dreams anywhere I go. Its just that I am use to running on the back roads of rural (mountainous) PA. I know that Ohio is and will be different so that will be something to get use to. Thanks for the advice I will go poke around the two forums and maybe post this up in there ...again thanks!

[IonRedline08]

I have lived in Ohio most of my life, and would choose Columbus hands down over Cleveland. There is a lot more to do, especially for a young single person. Nicer area as well

[HuskerDu]

Most definitely C-bus. If you attend OSU, do not live on campus. Look for a place in nearby Grandview or Victorian Village and commute (or run).

C-bus is more like an overgrown town and Cleveland is a cold hard city.

[scioto]

I think Columbus would be a good fit too. There are some nice neighborhoods not to far from OSU, so your commute to school would not be bad at all. I would visit OSU and compare it to what you already know about Cleveland. Then pick which area/school you liked best. OSU and Case Western are both good choices. Best wishes in your search for Graduate School.

[Me1384]

Thanks for the advice everyone!!

[Ohiogirl81]

I'd say go with whichever grad school best meets your needs and goals.