Lakewood Apartment Search (Cleveland, Riverside, Madison: apartments, condos, neighborhoods)

[bml1991]

I'm in my early 20s and will be starting a job in downtown Cleveland. I'm currently looking for a one bedroom apartment in the Detroit, Clifton, Lake, Edgewater area of Lakewood. I was wondering if anyone had any advice or suggestions of places to check out and most importantly places to stay away from. From what I've read from reviews of buildings in the area, my main concern is bug problems and buildings that are obnoxiously loud.

I am looking for something that is somewhat up-to-date. I know many of the buildings are "vintage," and that I do not mind, but there is certainly a difference between "vintage" and something that is just old and marketed as vintage so management never has to update it.

[Peregrine]

I know several Lakewood apartment dwellers. NONE have "bug problems".

I just asked my one friend. She said if you're cute, there are 2 1 bedrooms open in her building. It's "The Riverside" on Madison. It's the other side of Lakewood though, but don't let that stop you.

The building is owned by AIY properties. Decent "landlords" according to my friend.

The Riverside | AIY Properties

They have other properties too:
Featured Properties | AIY Properties

Another friend lives here and loves it. These are really nice.
Larchmont Lakewood - Adrian

[ECBeastor]

The new buildings in Lakewood are primarily condos down on the gold coast which is the high rises on Edgwater and Lake between Nicholson and W.117th. Some get rented out by the owners but most will be 2 bedrooms.

Some newer rehabbed buildings along Detroit. One that comes to mind are the units attached to the Armed forces recruiting offices by Summit and Detroit. I believe it's called Rosewood Place. Not positive if any of the apartments were created with the Armed forces career center but, take a look.

The apartments on Madison tend to be seedier and the big complex down on the western end of Detroit was outdated 10 years ago but in adds today the units appear to have seen some renovations recently.

Personally I'd try to look on some of the grand old buildings on Lake. They have large units with unique architecture and at a decent price. Something like this right by Lakewood Park (https://cleveland.craigslist.org/apa/4656533255.html) Places like these tend to be radiator heat and window unit A/C, but the location is prime and tenants are mostly young professionals.

Most 1 bedroom apts in Lakewood will be in old buildings. You'll have to scan the adds to see which have more modern updates.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by ECBeastor

The new buildings in Lakewood are primarily condos down on the gold coast which is the high rises on Edgewater and Lake between Nicholson and W.117th. Some get rented out by the owners but most will be 2 bedrooms.

To the OP: Keep in mind that the buildings the above poster is describing as "new" are actually 40 to 60 years old. And many of those units still have outdated kitchens.

You can find apartments in Lakewood, both "vintage" and "modern", that have been nicely upgraded, but it will take a bit of diligence.

[vinniecat]

My "vintage" (built around 1905) apt. has roach spray applied every three months, which was a real surprise when I moved in just 4 weeks ago. Considering the leaky steam radiators and the resulting mold and peeling paint/plaster, and windows that don't close completely, my experience has been very negative. You might google all of the property management companies to look for reviews of the company before you rent, something I very much regret not doing.

[Clevelander216]

Originally Posted by vinniecat

My "vintage" (built around 1905) apt. has roach spray applied every three months, which was a real surprise when I moved in just 4 weeks ago. Considering the leaky steam radiators and the resulting mold and peeling paint/plaster, and windows that don't close completely, my experience has been very negative. You might google all of the property management companies to look for reviews of the company before you rent, something I very much regret not doing.

hmmmm sounds like my old place. does this happen to be in university circle????

[kpl1228]

Edgewater Park Manor, 9829 Lake Avenue, next to West Blvd. Awesome. Park on Lake Avenue free in front of your building(!!!). Very reasonable rents. Great bang for the buck. Elliot Ness lived there. Bus a block away, the train a few blocks. Older Tudor building with gargoyles. Downtown in five minutes. Walk or bike to Edgewater Park, literally across the street. On site superintendent. Old classy building with upgrades. great neighbors. I miss it still. You'd be a fool to not at least check it out. Loved it loved it loved it. Lots of young hip tenants who work and play downtown and at the nearby cool neighborhoods, and just enough longtime tenants, older folks, to class it up. A real mix.
It is truly the perfect "young twentysomething" apartment building in Cleveland. I know you don't want old and run-down, but this ain't. It's just awesome.