Midwest - College Grad Moving to Cleveland - Where to Live?

I'll be moving to Cleveland in January, and I'm trying to find the best location that fits my style. I'm looking for an apartment to live in for at least a year.

I'm a recent college graduate and I want to be in a place where I can meet people and also get involved in cultural activities, especially music. I considered a few places in the heart of downtown (Statler Arms or Bingham Apartments) but I'm not sure about the safety around there. I also want to be close to the water and possibly get into rowing or kayaking.

I'll only be in Cleveland on weekends and one week a month. Also, I'd like to live no farther than 30min away from the international airport and Independence, where I'll be spending some time. My housing budget is up to around $800/mo.

I'd really appreciate any advice anyone can give! Thanks!

I grew up in Cleveland, and the first thing you'll learn is West Side vs. East Side and never the twain shall meet. I grew up on the West Side, so I'm a little biased. Each side has it's own personality.

Anyway, living downtown is not like it is in other cities. Yes, there are some good restaurants and bars, but it's very quiet. You'll have to drive to get groceries, but you'll be very close to the Flats and the waterfront.

Although it pains me to suggest it, you'll be closer to Independence if you live pn the East Side, preferably in Cleveland Heights because you'll be closer to the highways you need to get to Independence, which is a southern suburb. You don't want to live there as a young single. Cleveland Heights is a hip, progressive suburb with a lot to offer and all kinds of housing. I don't know what the going rate for apartments is there right now, but I remember looking at the paper (The Plain Dealer) when I was home this summer just to see an apartment would cost, and I think you'll be OK at $800/month for a one bedroom.

Hope this helps.

I'll only be in Cleveland on weekends and one week a month. Also, I'd like to live no farther than 30min away from the international airport and Independence, where I'll be spending some time. My housing budget is up to around $800/mo.

I'd really appreciate any advice anyone can give! Thanks!

Try Lakewood. You'll be 20 minutes from the airport, near the lake, and able to find a small apartment foe $500-600.

i'd say Cleveland Hts as well (being an east sider, that's my bias). Look at the Coventry area, lots of appts and duplex houses. easy walking to restaurants and shops. close to university circle with the museums and orchestra.

Lakewood (near west side) would be a good second choice for a young professional's scene, but less convienient, IMO, as far as location.

P.S. Welcome to FT!

Thank you all for your replies! I'm definitely looking into Coventry for now...

Yes, again to Cleveland Heights. One thing you might want to consider is half of a two family. It's a bit bigger than an apartment. They can be found in Cleveland Heights and in Shaker Heights. An advantage to Shaker is the rapid (light rail). You can transfer to the Cleveland line and go to the airport. Driving is more convenient, but no parking to worry and the Cleveland line goes straight to the terminal.

Coventry is cool, lots going on.

I miss Cleveland.

you will get lots of good ideas.

Tremont....10-15 minutes from either the airport and independence, Just south of Downtown.

Full of great bars and restaurants, arguably the best food scene in Cleveland.. I just moved from there, was paying $600 for 1/2 a house (950 sq ft) with off street parking.

Ohio city just west of downtown...a little further from Independence, but it has rail service to the airport. Also many great bars and restaurants


I would strongly suggest Tremont and Ohio City...Conventry and Lakewood are great locations (as are downtown, University Circle, Tyler Village, shaker square, little Italy, and West park) but for proximity to both the Airport and Independence I think Tremont is your best bet.

I would also suggest visiting this site

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php#2

Try www.city-data.com/forums & look for the Ohio forum. They will have a ton of info

I lived in that area for many years, although now I live in Lake County.

Lakewood is also OK.

Lakewood is a tad cheaper and more diverse.

I would never live downtown. I work there, I know.

If you do, get a CC license. Trust me.

berea is another possibility and close to CLE. lots of college-age folks live there, too. and did i mean it's cheap? :D

living downtown, while it can be fun as a student, is not at all close to CLE or Independence.

I'll be moving to Cleveland in January, and I'm trying to find the best location that fits my style. I'm looking for an apartment to live in for at least a year.

I'm a recent college graduate and I want to be in a place where I can meet people and also get involved in cultural activities, especially music. I considered a few places in the heart of downtown (Statler Arms or Bingham Apartments) but I'm not sure about the safety around there. I also want to be close to the water and possibly get into rowing or kayaking.

I'll only be in Cleveland on weekends and one week a month. Also, I'd like to live no farther than 30min away from the international airport and Independence, where I'll be spending some time. My housing budget is up to around $800/mo.

I'd really appreciate any advice anyone can give! Thanks!

I'd love to see what the OP chose and how that worked out. Since it sounds like lots of flying in and out, my own recommendation now would be Detroit-Shoreway, Tremont or Ohio City. Good for weekends.

This is an older post, but I second Lakewood. Good place all around