How Is Clevelamd For College Grads? (Cleveland, Euclid: apartments, house, find a job)

[XC_Runner]

I didn't start college yet and am only a High School senior, but where I want to live after college is an issue I am thinking about, and I maybe would even go to college in a place close by to my after college city. Cleveland is a place that has interested me. What I like about Cleveland is that:

-Cleveland is cheaper than other cities and is affordable.

-Good stepping stone city. Places where I would like to live such as San Diego or Houston are too expensive to start after graduating for me, but Cleveland would be a nice place to settle for a couple years.

-Seems to be an influx of new jobs in the area.

I think Cleveland would be a very nice place to start and use as a stepping stone. But people always say bad things about Cleveland.

So my questions are:

-How is Cleveland for a startup in computer science?

-How many people my age are in Cleveland?

Thanks for the help.

[teacherdad]

From what area are you coming? I see a lot of young people (college students) near Coventry and UHeights area when I visit. Downtown living seems to be more college grads with formal education degrees or retirees.

I used to say in the 80's that, "I'm going to Ohio for college," but stayed here in CA. CLE has more than LA to do and with no traffic in comparison and thus, I wish I had just followed my gut (I have family there).

I think you sound like a very mature high school student (my two boys are your age and rarely think ahead by 2-3 days).

Good luck!

[Cleverfield]

Cleveland has a lot of recent college grads. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a job with a CS degree (anywhere in the country frankly). Cleveland is a fun town for 20-somethings. We have many different cool neighborhoods with bars, galleries, restaurants, and activities; from W 25th, to Gordon Square, to Tremont, to Coventry, to Waterloo, to Downtown, to University Circle. I'm in my 20s and having an absolute blast with my friends exploring all the great things to do here.

[usernameunavailable]

I have alot of family in Dutchess County and I can tell you that there are alot of ex NYers who live in the Cleveland area (like myself) Cleveland is an amazing city for somebody in their 20s. The way I look at it is "Big city life for a small town price"

[TheProf]

Cleveland may not have the umpteen number of colleges as, say, a Boston, Philly or DC, but it's got enough and is a destination city for many students from the many colleges in Ohio and nearby states. Cleveland is, and will likely be for some time, a working man's/woman's town, but it the younger college-educated demographic has been growing considerably in recent decades, accelerating a lot in the last few years; with most young folks living in downtown, University Circle, Tremont and Ohio City, and Shaker Square, especially. The bars, clubs, arts, retail and many, many annual indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year (the 40th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival coming up in a week or so being one of them) keep residents highly engaged.

Cleveland is the "Best Kept Secret" for many students as a result of (usually dated; tired) bad-mouthing/trashing of the City. You may move here and find that Cleveland becomes your destination and not your "stepping stone." This has happened to lot of people who felt the same as you.

[XC_Runner]

1. Is Downtown Cleveland bustling with young people around the under 25 age range?

2. Is there a good amount of computer science jobs in Downtown?

3. Are there a lot of apartments in Downtown?

4. How safe in Cleveland?

5. Is there a lot of walking traffic in Downtown?

6. Would you consider Downtown Cleveland as a "stepping stone" city where it would be good for two-three years before moving on, or a city that would be good to settle in for a few decades.

[RaisedRustbelt]

1.)As a 22 yr old, there are a lot of millennials like myself, many of whom attend Cleveland State University downtown. Lots of student housing coming online as well.

2.)As for computer science I can't say much, but I've heard of a program called Tech Elevator that helps train/employ people in that field here in the city.

3.)There are a lot of apartments, but remember there is a 98% occupancy rate here. Waiting lists can be up to a year from what I hear. Tremont or Ohio City on the near westside might be a good second option.

4.)I think downtown is safe. I lived there for almost 5 years and had no problems. Streets like Prospect and Euclid I think are the safest. Like any city, however, you should be vigilant at night if you're by yourself. If you live near or on CSU campus, you can get a campus police escort for free if you're really worried about it.

5.) yes there is in the morning and lunch hours during the work week. Also if there is an event like a CAVS game, concert, convention, or something like that you see many people walking.

6.) Cleveland may be a good stepping stone for you, as for myself I'm already making a career here so I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. It just so cheap to live down here (for example street parking is free on weekends and after 6pm during the work week) and traffic is nonexistent compared to other major cities.

[L2DB]

Cart before the horse IMO.


Focus on finding a college you want to go to. So many things could change there that influence where you live after college. Namely, where you find a job. But also, if you meet someone in college and their impact on your post college locale.

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by L2DB

Cart before the horse IMO.


Focus on finding a college you want to go to. So many things could change there that influence where you live after college. Namely, where you find a job. But also, if you meet someone in college and their impact on your post college locale.

Tend to agree. I love Cleveland, grew up there, would love to move back. However, I did move back after college for a year and just did not find a job I wanted. I did find a job I wanted in Boston and I've been able to rise through a couple ranks and have doubled my initial salary from when I arrived here. I underestimated as a college student how important a job that pays and you like doing really is in the real world. Again, if I could have my job in Cleveland, I'd do it. But I have yet to see the same opportunities for me as of now. Could change as I get more experience though, who knows.

Some people might very well find the perfect job for them in Cleveland. Many people have, including my parents, who have lived there in the same house since the 70s and have no intention of leaving even for retirement. What's more important for a young person now in your shoes is to decide what you want to study, what skills to develop, and then go do it to the absolute best of your ability. Don't focus on the "where" yet. That will become more important when you have a job for a while, maybe thinking about marriage, aging parents, etc.