"This is where we walked / This is where we swam / Take a picture here / Take a souvenir / Cuyahoga / Cuyahoga, gone" -Cuyahoga by R.E.M..
Cuyahoga County is perhaps most famous for the Cuyahoga River, which once caught on fire, spawning the name of a beer from Cleveland's Great Lakes brewery and a novel set in the city on the north shore of Ohio. What is less known is that the area is home to many lovely cities, not the least of which is University Heights. Gothic architecture, green lawns, and acres of impeccably manicured gardens are seen in this area.
Moving to University Heights
The duplexes for rent nearby are commonly found in a gorgeous Tudor Revival style, lending the whole city an aura of country living in the middle of an urban environment. The Heights' proximity to downtown Cleveland provides access to the culinary delights of an up-and-coming food scene, with nationally recognized chefs, mixologists, and baristas delighting the palate. The Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame is nearby, and a bevy of music venues continue the area's tradition as a center of musical innovation, from the House of Blues to the Beachland Ballroom to the Cleveland Masonic Auditorium, all of which host some of the country's best touring musical acts, though local music is featured prominently as well.
It may be difficult to find a month-to-month lease in University Heights, so you should be ready to look for a place for up to a year. Yes, we said a year. Finding a place is hard, but the time it takes is well worth it. Also, keep in mind that many of the apartments for rent in University Heights are older, with wooden floors and character from days gone by, but along with this comes oddly proportioned doorways and corners; this means that your California king-sized mattress may not fit through the entryway of that beautiful new place you loved. In short: measure twice, move once (to adopt an old carpenter's maxim). The city is highly accessible from the nearby highways and from other cities east of Cleveland, making a move relatively easy, be it from within Cuyahoga County or across the country. Take care when pulling up your U-Haul, however, as many places don't have off-street parking.
Neighborhoods
To help you with your housing search, here is a description of the neighborhoods in the area:
South Belvoir Road: Wanting to move into a top neighborhood on a budget? South Belvoir Road may be for you. Studio apartments for rent may be found here, along with three- or four-bedroom houses, all for well below the area's average rent. The morning traffic can get loud around here, so if you're early to bed, early to rise, you may want to look elsewhere. Should you be a night owl, however: party on!
Warrensville Center Road: The "main drag," so to speak, Warrensville Center runs through the center of the city. A variety of apartment rentals may be found, depending on where you're looking. In the north, find the quaint places styled in the Tudor fashion, known for their character. In the south, find more affordable dwellings. If you like to ride a bicycle, this is the neighborhood to live in. University Square, on the other hand, isn't all that bike friendly. The bicycling laws in the area are somewhat out of date, but there is a push to create more bike-friendly routes, and Warrensville Center seems like a prime candidate.
University Square: Located along Cedar Road, at the north border of University Heights, University Square is densely populated with large apartment buildings, including many one-bedroom apartments for rent. This makes it affordable, and in a prime location, but as such it is more crowded than the rest of the city. It is perhaps the most convenient neighborhood, however, due to its proximity to public transportation, banks, and shopping. Target is nearby, as is Whole Foods, and if chain restaurants are your thing, this is the place in the Heights where you'll find them.
Meadowbrook Boulevard: Winding through the south side of University Heights is Meadowbrook Boulevard, a meandering residential street, lined with trees and featuring green lawns leading up to stately homes and buildings containing two-bedroom apartments and one-bedroom apartments for rent. It is a slice of suburban quiet rarely found in such proximity to the big city. Take a walk through the gorgeous side streets or drive to Interstate 271 or 480 for a quick trip into the city to catch an Indians' game at Progressive Field or a concert at the House of Blues. This has all the seclusion and quiet of the suburbs, with the convenience and fun of city life. Be prepared to spend a big nickel, though: rent can be high here.
Living in University Heights
In a place perennially recognized as a leading walkable neighborhood, you will find yourself a short stroll from shops, supermarkets, and the Cleveland MetroParks system. All that walking isn't the only thing healthy about this area; you also have access to healthy food. Get organic produce and high-quality meats from Whole Foods, in the north end of the city, or dine at Geraci's, an old-school Italian restaurant, where you may become addicted to the marinara. Life can't be all about sprouts and juice, so be sure to get a morning cup of java at Phoenix coffee and have an evening glass at The Wine Spot, both highly regarded establishments nearby.
Rust Belt Revitalization
Over the past few decades, Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs (University Heights leading the way) have committed to making the area a safe and inviting place to live. You can reap the benefits of that effort, and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of one of the nation's up-and-coming cities. If prefab suburban life doesn't appeal to you, with houses that all look the same and strip malls galore, grab up a slice of this suburb with a character and style all its own!
