From Florida to Cleveland.....Please provide advice (Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights: for sale, apartments) - Ohio (OH) - City-Data Forum

npall · 12-20-2007, 09:58 AM

hello there, I just interviewed for a company in Solon, if the job is offered I am considering moving to Cleveland.

I have a few questions, I am 30, single and would like to live in the city. I don't know anyone there so I'd like to be in a place where I can meet other young professionals.

I want to rent for the first year at least. I would like a 2br/2ba, the max of 1300 per month.

How is travel from downtown to Solon?
Should I consider the suburbs?
What apartments are nice, secure and close to shopping and dining.

Any other advice/tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mimi

creativemomma2 · 12-20-2007, 01:45 PM

Solon is a very nice suburb, about 25 mins from downtown Cleveland. There's really no direct route into Cleveland from there but you'll probably take 480 W to 77N. It's kind of an "L" into downtown.

Can't tell you much about meeting singles as that time is about 20 years past for me but you should easily find an apartment in that price range there. Solon is your basic suburb with its strip malls and restaurant chains but it's a close hop onto 271 which takes you in minutes to Beachwood and Cleveland Heights where you'll find lots of ethnic restaurants and more eclectic shopping.

There are apts downtown and there is a plan to build some expensive condos with a retail center but right now there's really not much downtown. I'd stick with the suburbs to start.

MABCle · 12-20-2007, 04:22 PM

Check your personal messages npall!

npall · 12-20-2007, 04:55 PM

I will check out the website..

BelieveInCleve · 12-20-2007, 09:57 PM

Downtown has a lot of apartments being built in and around it. If you want to move downtown there should be an apartment within that price range. But if you move to the city of Cleveland either stay downtown or move to the far westside, I wouldnt even think of moving or renting anywhere else in the city right now. Beachwood and Cleveland Heights are good choices and Solon is pretty nice.

ottomobeale · 12-21-2007, 04:47 AM

It could be OK for him to live downtown. He IS single so the crappy schools wont be a factor. Just a heads up that most city services in the city proper are lousy. As a single you probably wont need any of them tho.

BTW creativemomma2 nailed it dead on.

MABCle · 12-21-2007, 01:22 PM

Could you clearify what you mean by "city services"?

LewLew · 12-22-2007, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by npall

hello there, I just interviewed for a company in Solon, if the job is offered I am considering moving to Cleveland.

I have a few questions, I am 30, single and would like to live in the city. I don't know anyone there so I'd like to be in a place where I can meet other young professionals.

I want to rent for the first year at least. I would like a 2br/2ba, the max of 1300 per month.

How is travel from downtown to Solon?
Should I consider the suburbs?
What apartments are nice, secure and close to shopping and dining.

Any other advice/tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mimi

npall--- I grew up in Cleveland (Shaker Heights), and have lived in Florida for many years. I'm 33, not single, but married. Here are my thoughts.... depending on where you live in FL...I think Shaker Heights would be a good suburb for you to check out. Lots of professionals, and great duplex rentals. Coventry area is very close by, and is wonderful for young professionals. I think Solon is gorgeous, but you will find yourself bored. The commute from SH to Solon is quick..no highway involved, and actually quite pretty. You can DM me for more information....I have 30 something friends who still live in Cleveland. One thing though....buy a 4x4...you'll need it on Solon's hilly roads. Far cry from flat Florida with no snow!

larue · 12-31-2007, 09:19 PM

Hi npall ~
I just moved from Chagrin Falls, OH (5 miles east of Solon, OH) to Sandpoint, Idaho last month. I lived in Chagrin Falls village for 20 years and loved it. I own a condo in there ~ in fact, it's for sale ~ (I can give you details if you're interested)! I worked in downtown Cleveland for ten years and truthfully, the drive wasn't pleasant ~ lots of construction (orange barrels ~ urgh) and traffic tie-ups (if there's an accident, which there are plenty ~ it can ruin your morning or evening drive ~ big time ~) and add lots of time to the commute. In the winter months during snowy times, it can take over an hour one way. I don't mean to paint a bleak picture, but talking from experience, I would explore the areas closer to your place of work ~ time better spent on things you want or need to do rather than sitting in your car caught in traffic. Solon's traffic is constant ~ lots of sub-divisions equals lots of traffic. I was always happy I lived in Chagrin Falls because if I wanted to avoid the masses, I could shop there ~ it has almost everything you need ~ if I wanted to make a fast trip to the grocery store or Starbucks, I could make the trip in a matter of minutes. It's a convenient little town with lots of character and charm. The Chagrin River is directly across the street from my condo. River Run Park is next to the river. The park has a nice foot path and a dog corral. I could let my dog run in the corral and not have to be concerned she'd run off into the parking lot or road. It has a top-rated school system (4th or 5th in the state). My children attended Chagrin Falls schools from k thru 12 and were very prepared for college when they graduated. Good restaurants, unique shopping, foot community ~ you should definitely check it out. You can get a great apartment there for $1300 per month ~ that's probably on the high side for rent. As far as a vehicle with 4 wheel drive...I had one and I was glad I did ~ but it's not totally necessary ~ as long as you have newer tires and make sure your vehicle is maintained for winter ~ you'll be good to go! Northeastern Ohio certainly has it's challenges ~ but I enjoyed my life there especially in Chagrin Falls. There aren't many towns/villages like it. Idaho has been a wonderful change and I love it so far ~ lots more snow ~ but I'm loving that too : ) I'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have about Solon and the neighboring communities. I grew up in Aurora and attended Kent State University and worked in Solon for 10 years and Cleveland for another 10. Good luck with your job interview ~ hope they make you an offer.

ottomobeale · 01-02-2008, 04:53 AM

Lousy City Services:
The cops are unbelievably lazy.
City hall people stand around doing little/ nothing.
Schools are generally awful and the real focus is usually more on employing the maximum number of unionized adults at maximum wage.
Snowplowing is awful
I had a garbage strewn semi abandoned house next to me for 6 months.

Garbage was good.
Never had a fire so no idea on firemen.