What is your opinion of University Heights? (Cleveland, Akron: for sale, foreclosure)

[Flee to the Cleve]

Hello everyone! New to the forum so please bear with me.

I am a recent college graduate from Kent State and looking to stay in the area (I know, I am one of the few ).

This is what I am looking for:
Walkability
Sense of community
Close proximity to shopping/restaurants/nightlife/entertainment
Safety
Short drive to Downtown Cleveland
Urban feel


After doing some research and exploring, it seems that University Heights would a good fit for me and within my price range for a house.

My questions are:
Does this area fit what I am looking for?
Is University Heights a safe area?
Is the area stable (Considering current market conditions)?
What are your personal opinions of the area?
Are there any areas that I should avoid?

I have lived in Cleveland outer-ring suburbs all of my life, and including college if you include the Akron area as well. My knowledge of the inner-ring suburbs is not quite as good so any insight would be most appreciated!

[CortlandGirl79]

^You're not alone! I grew up outside of Youngstown, attended college in the area, and i plan on staying here too. Good luck w/your search.

[xanthines]

I live in neighboring Cleveland Heights and know several people in the Uni Hts.

I'd say it has what you're looking for in general and is pretty safe. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say the housing market is stable as there seem to be quite a few houses for sale or in foreclosure. More so than Shaker/CH. However, you could snag a pretty good if you're looking to buy!

I'd suggest finding some place closer to Lee Rd since there are some nice bars and restaurants. Melt is opening soon at the corner of S Taylor and Lee, as well.

-X

[Flee to the Cleve]

Thanks for the info.

I am mostly worried that if I purchase a home there, would it appreciate in value over a few years or would it go in the opposite direction. Another concern is will University Heights remain a safe, desirable location in the years to come

Cortland Girl, have you found anything yet with your search?

[xanthines]

Because of it's proximity to Case and John Carrol I think Univ Heights will always remain at least OK. That's just my opinion, but I think it makes sense. As for house buying, you could look very carefully and try to buy a short-sale or foreclosed house. If you get a decent one, you're almost guaranteed to at least break even and will probably make a little money. It just depends on how much you pay for it and how much improvements it needs. It's definitely not for the feint of heart!

[costello_musicman]

This really is a buyers market right now...you should be able to get an amazing deal. good luck!

[CortlandGirl79]

Originally Posted by Flee to the Cleve

Thanks for the info.

I am mostly worried that if I purchase a home there, would it appreciate in value over a few years or would it go in the opposite direction. Another concern is will University Heights remain a safe, desirable location in the years to come

Cortland Girl, have you found anything yet with your search?

I'm not really searching. I live 15 minutes north of Youngstown in my hometown. Right now i have a job that doesn't really pay very well, so the only thing i'm searching for is a new job in the Mahoning Valley or Western Pa.

[JR_C]

I have friends who live in U. Hts. (on Saybrook) I've only visited once, so I'm far from an expert, but my first impression is that it's not that urban, and takes a little while to drive downtown. (it took us almost a half-hour to drive downtown) I noticed people walking around, and there are sidewalks, but I didn't get the impression that they were going somewhere; they appeared to be walking for recreation.

Don't get me wrong, it was a beautiful neighborhood with mature trees, nice brick homes, etc. I'm just not sure that this part of U. Hts. fits what you're looking for.

[Flee to the Cleve]

Thank you all for the info. I will have to look a little further into what it has to offer, but the housing prices in UH are so tempting to jump on. 100K can really buy you a lot.

[JR_C]

You know, I just looked at Google street view, Saybrook Rd. University Heights, Oh - Google Maps and the houses are closer together, and closer to the street, than I remember. I stand by everything else I said, but it is a little more urban in form than I remember.