DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum So I've Decided for the Future...

I decided the other day, albeit randomly, that I'm going to save up money and move to Cleveland.

This came after just being tired of this small town (Jackson, MI) in this horrible state, where, although I know it's happening elsewhere, jobs are being cut every day. It's just been depressing here, and there's never anything to do. I've visited twice for a Browns and a Cavs game, respectively, and just decided Cleveland is it. It's a beautiful city with things to actually do, and I just have this idea there's better employment there given that Jackson is worst in the state of Michigan. It just seems like it's going to be a fun move for me and just something to look forward to.

That being said, I was just wondering where the best neighborhoods are at to find a place to live for cheap? I explored a bit on rent.com, but that's just a microcosm of what's out there. So why not ask you guys? Decent neighborhood would be nice, but I don't know the area really at all so I figured I'd ask you what's decent as far as being close to downtown. If I'm by myself, I can't go higher than paying 600 for rent with everything, so this might be a bit limited haha.

Any help you guys could give me in regards to the area would be appreciated. Good neighborhoods, things to do, local places to get some grub, places that are hiring, etc. I would just like some general info from people who actually know the area, because I sure as shoot do NOT.

Couple of questions if you don't mind..

What do you do for a living?

It's important because if your a factory worker, this isn't the place to be at the moment. Lots of our factory jobs are being cut just like everywhere else.

If your an CompTIA A+ Certified Tech with good people skills and some 3 or so years experience, you will have some better luck.

If your a Network Admin type with Exchange Server, SQL, Active server and other MS stuff and some creditials,, you should find gainful employment here with little difficulty.

If your a guy with Legacy Software experience,, you could be in good shape also.

And if your in the healthcare area,, we have some of the best to work for at UH and CC.

So what you do has a lot to do with whether or not this is a good place to be at the moment.

When you say cheap place to live,, I always think of Lakewood where you might find some decent apartment space in Duplex type buildings or above store fronts.. I actually know of a guy that has a small apartment to rent.. not really expensive.. 3 or 4 hundred a month I think is what he told me.

THere are inexpensive apartments all over the place. But as always, it depends on the level of amenities you are willing to live without.

Whatever you chose to do, I can say this, I love NE Ohio.. But I hate the cold so as soon as I can pull it off, I'm heading south.. But you are right about one thing, between the sports teams, the arts, Playhouse Square and many other things.,, NE Ohio has a pretty decent quality of life available for those that can find jobs.

Good luck

Well I just moved from Cleveland back in June and I can honestly tell you I do not miss Cleveland one bit. I live about 45 minutes from town though and still commute there for work.

If you want decent neighborhoods with easy access to downtown get a place in one of the western suburbs. Parma,Brooklyn,Parma Heights,North Olmsted,Rocky River. I know for certain you can get a decent one bedroom apartment in Parma for the price you are talking.

I would say stay out of the actual city of Cleveland but if you do go to far West Side. Get past West 130th,West 140th if you can.

I personally hate Lakewood,but some love it. It is a older,very congested inner ring suburb. Lakewood is the most densely populated city per square mile in Ohio.


KING

I spent a lot of time out around Shaw Avenue and St. Clair---great area!!!!

I spent a lot of time out around Shaw Avenue, Hayden Avenue, Noble Avenue, and St. Claire---great area!!!

East side dude. - Mayfield Hts, Cleveland Hts, Shaker Hts.

My bad.....I couldn't help myself.

At least I didn't steer him towards Kinsman, Buckeye, or Hough.

my girlfriend and i were gonna move back, but decided to start looking next year, when hopefully, the economy is better..

a lot of clevelanders i know don't like it there, but i tell you, when you leave, you miss it.

i love chicago, i really do, it's a fun place, but it's not like i'm downtown shopping on michigan avenue every day and hitting up all the restaurants downtown.

although i doubt i can play hockey 3-4 nights in cleveland, not as much ice there as there is here.

I was going to move to the area after taking a job up there, My wife and I really liked Strongsville.

I ended up not moving, but I did enjoy working up there (I work in IT).

Well, I have about two years working for a furntire company, albeit in moving furniture around. I figure with that, at some point, I could sell furniture and work in sales given my personality, passion for furniture and overall articulate manner and relatability to people in general.

The past full year, I have worked at a pizza place. I am a HARD worker. I have worked my up to $9.00 an hour (after starting at $6.75) based on my work ethic and willingness to learn anything in the kitchen as a whole. At some point, I would like to be considered for management in the pizza business. Maybe there is potential there, too. Am I, just given my drive, personality, and little experience, a candidate for management? I would like to hope so, but realistically, tell me the truth.

Another thought is, maybe I could wait tables somewhere. I'm very personable, articulate, and a hard worker, so I feel I could do anything. In the meantime, I'm working at general ed classes at community college. Something else to consider. Overall, I'm looking at, how can I make decent money and stay on top of school (online/in class scheduling) to get where I may want to be. I just know that given what there is to do in Cleveland and the excitement of moving my life forward that this is something I want to do. I will consider any input as far as that goes... This is a great discussion! I appreciate the feedback you all have left me thus far, guys...

My thinking is if you just randomly decided to move, you might as move where the weather is decent....no??

Ok Josh,, couple of things to ponder...

So you are not a factory worker,, that, at least for now is a good thing.

You seem to talk about furniture.. Retailers, furniture included, are having a rough time. But places that are Rent To Own are booming. Places around here like Rent-A-Center or Aarons seem to be doing strong business. So if you got the skills for people contact or if you just wanna deliver and set up stuff.. that's a possibility.

In terms of resturants, many many are hurting.. but I learned something the other day that shouldn't have surprised me, but it did.. McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy's seem to be doing rather well. Mostly McDonalds.

Today they pay thier counter people and cooks decent money and they offer benefits and managment opportunities..

So, if you are inclined to be happy with any of those type employment opportunities,,,

Come on down.. you will find work.

But Peen brings up a good point... why not go do a warmer climate? Just wondering!

Gotta go with Peen on this one.......I love Ohio but if I was just gonna up and move I doubt it would be north of Tampa........

I have to agree with both you and Peen as well. It sounds as if Josh doesn't have any baggage such as a wife, kids, etc... so he can basically choose anywhere he wants and to be quite honest there is numerous cities that offer much more then Cleveland and though I grew up in Cleveland I couldn't in my right mind recommend someone else to move there when I really don't find anywhere worth the while.

I would head to a big city, probably with a better climate, but I also like NY, Boston, and Chicago as well but either way I would head off to an area that is actually current in times.

Good luck in your move though and make sure you think it out, because though Jackson might be "boring" you right now, Cleveland isn't some sort of Mecca, and I think you can do better in choices if you broadened your ideas, but either way good luck with the move.

I agree with a lot of what folks are saying. One city you may want to think about is Columbus. The economy isn't too bad here, and your close enough to catch a game or two in Cleveland. Granted, it's not the most exciting place in the world either, but it's a good size city and the crime isn't too bad. The burbs also have good schools if you decide to settle down.

The down side is, well the weather isn't as good as it is down south. That's the biggest thing I miss from living down there.

Dude don't move to Cleveland because you like the sports teams. I would do some really good research first and make sure your making the right move. I wish I would have thought more before moving to Canada (to be with my wife). Though I like it here I would much rather be in Florida fishing than be shoveling snow. More than likely wherever you move you'll make a life....just don't live in regret dude.

Like others have said... do your research. Liking a city for it's sports teams is fine. But living there everyday can be a big wake up call. Think about the things that you really find important. Be it weather, outdoor activities such as fishing, skiing, dirt biking..., job market, housing, or what ever else it may be. Can you live with long cold winters? Hot, humid summers? A failing job market? Are there things to do outside of sporting events (after you've been to the R&R HOF once will you go back?).
I packed up and moved back in 2001. Granted I've only been to one Browns game since, I still see every game on TV. The remaining 36 weekends of the year I entertain myself with skiing, fly fishing, hiking etc... The things that really make my life what it is. All things I'd have to travel for if I still lived in Ohio.
Do some research. If you find NE Ohio truely is your calling, at least you'll know that you looked around before calling it home.

Agree with what others have said....don't rush it, do some research.

j/c I'd say go to whatever city gives you the best quality living for the profession you are in. And only you would know what is most important to your quality of living. Whether it is being near family, being near friends, job opportunities/stability, cost of living, entertainment etc.

You don't have to live in Cleveland to be a Browns fan. I live in Atlanta, and do just fine going to the bar and being rowdy with the other Atlanta Cleveland Browns fans there....

Unlike these other posters telling you to do this or that. I am going to tell you to "Follow Your Heart" bro. If you enjoy the Browns, Indians, and Cavs as much as I do I understand why you would like to live close to Cleveland.