Jobs (Cleveland, Toronto: sales, condo, hotels)

[Vancity]

Hi there. I would love to get an opinion of the true unemployment situation in the Cleveland area. My wife and I areconsidering a move in the next couple of months, mainly to be near her family that has recently relocated there (andloves it by the way).

We currently live in what is known as the most expensive city in Canada, possibly North America (I am Canadian, sheis American). We have stable jobs, healthcare, and overall live pretty well,though there is no chance of us ever owning even a small house here. The best we can do is a 600 sq. foot condo for $350,000. I know that Cleveland is a cultured, diverse city that is also veryaffordable, so it is very appealing to us. However, we would be moving without jobs. We are both in the hospitality industry(she—sales/account management, me- restaurant industry). Of course moving, then finding out there isnothing for us is a huge concern. As it is, our expenses would increase considerably if we move (healthcare, car expenses and just converting our money would cost us thousands of dollars…)

We have already visited several times, so we know a bit about the Cleveland area. We just need to know if we are being naïve to think that we will find work and ultimately have that little house we dream of. This is a one-time shot, as I was approved for a visa and have limited time to enter the USA.

Thanks for any insight!

[L2DB]

I wouldn't think you'd have trouble (Cleveland has restaurants), but YMMV. Maybe look for and get a job prior to making the move?

[Cleveland_Collector]

I'm not sure of your exact requirements and qualifications, but there are a slew of new hotels slated to come online over the next 2-3 years (some within the year). My immediate thought is that there will be a high demand for your services very shortly. Also, we have many solid, high-end restaurants in the area. I doubt you would have much trouble finding work. As with any wise move, I would suggest putting out resumes and other feelers online.

[bjimmy24]

Cleveland has a lot of different restaurants and the market is pretty willing to give everything a shot. The city is poised to open several new hotels in the next few years. It's not a bad place for that kind of thing right now.

350k would get you a nice house in a nice neighborhood. It's much more affordable than Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, or any such cities.

[Vancity]

Yes, we are currently living in Vancouver, but are considering the move to Cleveland mainly because of family. We have been to visit several times, so are pretty aware of the good and bad (like any city). The weather isn't so much a factor--as dreary as it is there, I'm guessing it couldn't be worse than the Pacific Northwest :-).
We have sent a few resumes out to see what would happen, but we haven't really gotten any response. Just not sure if people with our skills are a dime a dozen... though I'm guessing not physically being there is a factor.

[Cali1976]

Physical presence for these types of jobs I'd imagine is important. I know one person who recently got a job at the new Hard Rock Casino outside the city, and another who's working at the new casino downtown. I'm sure you looked into those locations, but also maybe look at the hotels/restaurants around the Cleveland Clinic. There's an Intercontinental Hotel there (or at least there used to be), and a few high end restaurants catering to the docs and patients who come there from around the world.

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by Cali1976

Physical presence for these types of jobs I'd imagine is important. I know one person who recently got a job at the new Hard Rock Casino outside the city, and another who's working at the new casino downtown. I'm sure you looked into those locations, but also maybe look at the hotels/restaurants around the Cleveland Clinic. There's an Intercontinental Hotel there (or at least there used to be), and a few high end restaurants catering to the docs and patients who come there from around the world.

Of course the Intercontinental Hotel is still there.

[Urban Peasant]

Originally Posted by Vancity

Yes, we are currently living in Vancouver, but are considering the move to Cleveland mainly because of family. We have been to visit several times, so are pretty aware of the good and bad (like any city). The weather isn't so much a factor--as dreary as it is there, I'm guessing it couldn't be worse than the Pacific Northwest :-).
We have sent a few resumes out to see what would happen, but we haven't really gotten any response. Just not sure if people with our skills are a dime a dozen... though I'm guessing not physically being there is a factor.

Funny I always thought of Toronto to be the most expensive city in Canada. Anyways Cleveland weather is a lot like Toronto's, being another Great Lake City. You'll get all four seasons a year and both sunny and dreary days. Because it's somewhat on an eastern shore of a Great Lake, Cleveland can get more lake effect snow than Toronto, which of course is on a western shore. And like other posters said, it's more affordable than many other cities. Since you're from Canada, don't be afraid of the taxes because chances are, some if not all are still lower than Canada's, especially the sales tax.

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by Cleveland_Collector

Are you sure? Ever since we lost those charter flights from the former Yugoslavia, nobody really goes to the Clinic or UH anymore.

That's true, I'll double check and get back to you.

[bler144]

Originally Posted by Vancity

The weather isn't so much a factor--as dreary as it is there, I'm guessing it couldn't be worse than the Pacific Northwest :-).

It's a matter of taste more than anything. In NE Ohio you'll get more snow/cold/ice in the winter, and more heat/humidity in the summer. If you live outside the city proper may also have to get more used to bugs, particularly mosquitoes.

On the bright side though, you'll also get fireflies in the summer.

Personally I don't mind the weather in either the PacNW or Cleveland, but my s/o was a PacNW native and hated every minute of life in Ohio when we were there together.

But you'll want to trade in your winter rain gear for some thermals, a good coat/hat/gloves, and to be safe you probably want a place with a/c or central air. If you have chains for your tires (driving up to Whistler, say) you won't need those in the midwest, but you will want a set of all-seasons or snow tires. Jumper cables wouldn't hurt.

Likewise cloud/precipitation patterns are different. In the PacNW both are concentrated over the winter months, with summer/fall tending more clear and dry. In Cleveland there's little variation month-to-month, and heavy showers can come on quite suddenly, leaving you drenched.

I would recommend looking at a map and staying away from the areas with the worst lake effect snowfall, though.