West 58th and Clark Avenue...decent area??? (Cleveland, Mentor: car insurance, home)

[Townes Van Zandt]

Originally Posted by badguykc

Toward the lake on the west side or east side (or both)? The only area of Cleveland I'm somewhat familiar with is the area around East 185th Street and Lake Shore Boulevard, but I'm not sure how much apartments in that area go for.

The 'near the lake' rule holds true throughout most of the city, but especially so in Collinwood. The part of North Collinwood that you're describing is a relatively safe, blue collar area. It's nothing worse than what you would come across in Erie. So if you're a city guy you will be fine.

It's probably just as cheap as the barrio--err, the Clark Ave neighborhood you were looking at.

Originally Posted by badguykc

As long as I'm close to 2 or 90 (my prospective new job is located in Mentor), west side or east side doesn't make a difference to me as long as it's located within Cleveland's city limits. I'm a city guy

Eh, it would still be a pain in the neck commuting from the west side to Mentor everyday. It's certainly doable but I would advise against it.

[badguykc]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

That area is actually decent. But that is all: decent. Not great.

You aren't going to get shot and probably not going to get robbed, but there are better areas that won't cost a whole lot more.

Can we ask what your rental budget is?

Well, I am looking to stay under $600/month (if all is included) or $425-450 if I pay all utilities.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by badguykc

Well, I am looking to stay under $600/month (if all is included) or $425-450 if I pay all utilities.

The Edgewater neighborhood in Cleveland is very nice, and it's still possible to find apartments there in your price range. And if you were willing to relax your "Cleveland city only" rule just a bit, Lakewood just to the west -- which is still very dense and urban -- still offers many apartments in the $450-$600 range, most of which include heat.

And both areas are very accessible to I-90.

[badguykc]

Originally Posted by ksu sucks

It's probably just as cheap as the barrio--err, the Clark Ave neighborhood you were looking at. .

I'm guessing this is your way of saying that there are minorities in the area?

[badguykc]

Originally Posted by andrew61

The Edgewater neighborhood in Cleveland is very nice, and it's still possible to find apartments there in your price range. And if you were willing to relax your "Cleveland city only" rule just a bit, Lakewood just to the west -- which is still very dense and urban -- still offers many apartments in the $450-$600 range, most of which include heat.

And both areas are very accessible to I-90.

I would consider any of the inner-ring suburbs, east or west. Oh, before I forget, I know someone on here will probably tell me to avoid East Cleveland so I'll save you all the trouble...I've already heard all the "horror stories" and researched that city. Aside from a LOT of boarded-up houses, EC doesn't really strike me as any kind of full-fledged "ghetto". Crime-wise, Avondale in Cincinnati and the South End of Columbus (and even the majority of the City of Erie) are MUCH worse in my opinion.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by badguykc

I would consider any of the inner-ring suburbs, east or west. Oh, before I forget, I know someone on here will probably tell me to avoid East Cleveland so I'll save you all the trouble...I've already heard all the "horror stories" and researched that city. Aside from a LOT of boarded-up houses, EC doesn't really scare me.

Well, gee, if East Cleveland doesn't bother you, then 58th and Clark ought to be fine.

[tribecavsbrowns]

Originally Posted by badguykc

I would consider any of the inner-ring suburbs, east or west. Oh, before I forget, I know someone on here will probably tell me to avoid East Cleveland so I'll save you all the trouble...I've already heard all the "horror stories" and researched that city. Aside from a LOT of boarded-up houses, EC doesn't really strike me as any kind of full-fledged "ghetto". Crime-wise, Avondale in Cincinnati and the South End of Columbus (and even the majority of the City of Erie) are MUCH worse in my opinion.

Well, you're wrong.

[badguykc]

Originally Posted by tribecavsbrowns

Well, you're wrong.

I never said that that wasn't the case. All I said is that East Cleveland doesn't meet MY classifications as a "ghetto". Now, East St. Louis, on the other hand...

Anyway, back on topic...I'm guessing that 58th and Clark isn't such a nice neighborhood. I'm leaning more toward the East 185th Street area. Working in Mentor, the commute would be easier. Plus I would be coming back to Erie on a weekly basis to visit friends/family, and having Route 2/I-90 right there is a plus as well. I thank you all for your opinions and help.

[LuvOrlando]

If that was all I could afford, I would live there. But if I could afford to live somewhere better, I would! It's not the nicest place, that's for sure.

But we do what we can with what we have. Maybe you live there for a while and then find something better!

It is kind of a hellhole, though.

Good luck with your search!

[Townes Van Zandt]

Originally Posted by badguykc

I'm guessing this is your way of saying that there are minorities in the area?

No, it's my way of making you aware of part of the culture in the area.

But yeah, if you're worried about minorities so much then perhaps Cleveland is a bad idea.