Hey, I'm a college student here and Crime rate is something to consider -Cleveland sits at 1,020.8 per 100K. Has anyone dealt with this? Appreciate any input.
4 upvotes
30 Replies
Jeremiah Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 10 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Josiah Walker
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Jose Morgan
exactly what I was thinking
36 upvotes
Julian W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 29, moved here 7 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Westside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Denver, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
36 upvotes
Jose Hernandez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Judith M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Audrey Gomez
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Nova Clark
nah I disagree
32 upvotes
Cynthia A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
31 upvotes
Roman Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 5 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited shopping options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Ezra Turner
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Pine Hills area are excellent. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Jeremiah P.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Charlotte it's surprisingly good.
24 upvotes
Amelia Green
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from New York about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Lily Edwards
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Kathryn S.
wish I knew this sooner
20 upvotes
Benjamin Green
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Randy Y.
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Zoey Rivera
I'm a writer and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Chloe T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 35, moved here 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
17 upvotes
Isla
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 1 years. Moved from Phoenix for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Sofia Gray
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Isaiah Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 47, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Salt Lake City, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
11 upvotes
Hannah R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Atlanta it's tough.
9 upvotes
eleanor_runner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Natalie
I've lived in Greenfield for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- The healthcare scene is average
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Paisley C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Baltimore about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Victoria Parker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 1 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Matthew Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 2 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Noah W.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
1 upvotes
Jacob Baker
Bought a house here in 2019 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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