The murals on the west and east sides of the Heights Center Building paint the picture perfectly. On the east mural, folks are lined up for the streetcar, waiting to take off in all directions. On the west mural, shops and stores within the building are illustrated. All the people coming, going and relaxing around this intersection today indicate that Cleveland Heights is truly a destination point and launching pad.
A guy like John D. Rockefeller could have chosen anywhere in the world to live, but he chose Cleveland Heights. The city is within close range of Cleveland, and it's also close to Lake Erie, but not close enough to get blown over by gusts of wind. The tree-lined roads give the town an appealing ambiance. The 46,121 people who live here are doing more than following in the footsteps of Rockefeller. The town, architecturally speaking, is an intriguing blend of the classic and the modern. That, in many ways, carries over to life here. In Cleveland Heights, you get history, modernity and beauty all at once. That, above all else, is what originally attracted folks like Rockefeller to the area.
Do you think Rockefeller came to the area without doing his research first? You should do your research first too. In many ways, getting a house or apartment rental in Cleveland Heights is similar to Cleveland, but some of the details differ.
Bungalows, two-family doubles, grand apartments, and mansions highlight the real estate market here. These are the signature pieces of property in Cleveland Heights, and have been for a long time. As far as property rentals go, few towns in the U.S. offer more historic homes. A lot of the housing in Cleveland Heights was constructed in the 1910s and 1920s, and a good portion of the houses you'll tour will be from that era.
Bungalows
Bungalows here are mostly one or one-and-a-half story houses. These cute little houses are located throughout town and are available to buy as well as lease. Overall, houses account for just under 60 percent of the units here; you will have more rental choices with detached, one-unit homes.
Two-Family Doubles
If you are looking for duplexes for rent, you will not have any trouble, as two-family double homes total more than 1,200 in Cleveland Heights. Although these colonial-style homes are no longer being built, they are still popular among renters and are not usually owner-occupied.
Grand Mansions
Mansions, especially those in proximity to Mayfield Road and Taylor Road, are typically owner-occupied but do spice up the town with a mixture of architectural designs.
Grand Apartments
Grand apartments, which were also mostly erected in the first half of the 20th century, offer renters another exciting option, as these complexes by Euclid Heights Boulevard are quite stunning. Altogether, apartments and condos account for about 30 percent of the housing units here, so you have ample choice.
Important Info for Renters
Cleveland Heights has a higher rental occupancy rate than the state of Ohio, at 42 percent. Additionally, the market has always had a healthy flux of open homes, so finding a house or apartment for rent is not incredibly difficult. You'll find that May and June are times when lots of leases expire. If you search during the middle of spring, finding a pad will be easy. If you come at the beginning of summer, you may be too late, as most openings are taken before June. Another time to look is during late July and early August, as some leases expire when August ends. The late fall is also a good time because some rental agreements end when the year does. January through March sees less action, but this is the period when you'll discover the best deals as the market is rather dead during these months. If you give yourself one to two weeks, you should be able to get what you need, especially if you are searching for something in managed complexes like Cleveland Heights Apartments or Belvoir Center. If you aren't in a rush, allot yourself a few more days to ensure you make a good choice. You don't want to move into a place on a whim only to discover later that the location does not offer the convenience you need.
A Quick Tip
Over 56 percent of the homes in Cleveland Heights were built before 1939. While many of these homes were masterfully designed and have stood the test of time, some issues could exist with the property, and landlords won't mention these in their listing. Unless you specifically are looking for apartment or condo rentals in a managed community, you should check to make sure the appliances are working and the structure is sound. Overall, the chances of you dealing directly with an individual owner are much higher here than in nearby Cleveland. Before signing a contract, look through the house with the landlord and note any issues; that way, you will not be held responsible for any prior damages.
Getting the Contract Finished
Things you need to prepare, in addition to paying one month's rent and a security deposit upfront, include: a credit check, residence history and references from previous owners. There is a possibility a background check will be performed. Application fees and Realtor fees may also be involved. On top of all that, you should be 100 percent clear on what bills are included and what you must pay each month. You probably won't find an all-bills-paid apartment, but most owners throw in free water or heating to attract potential renters. Do note that most of the time, landlords just want to know you are going to give them what's owed every month. Just make certain you have the extra stuff ready to show.
Within this city of 8.13 square miles, there are several iconic, time-honored neighborhoods that possess a sizzling mesh of tradition and modernity. That's the beauty early developers like Patrick Calhoun envisioned. Within those various sections of town, you not only get different styles of housing, you also get different paces of life.
Coventry Village: The most happening part of town, Coventry boasts a great art and music, cuisine, and niche shopping. Good restaurants and bars include Hunan of Coventry, Winking Lizard and Tommy's Restaurant.
Mayfield Heights: Near Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights offers bungalows, large houses and apartments. It's a charming area that is mainly residential. A few mansions here have been recognized as national landmarks.
Cedar Fairmount: Specialty shops, dining locations, and all sorts of historic housing define this neighborhood. The Heights Center building is situated here.
Cedar Lee: Here residents can take in a show at the Cedar Lee Theater, grocery shop at Zagara's Marketplace, drink a beer at Bottlehouse Brewery and enjoy the fresh air at Cain Park.
Grant Deming's Forest Hill: This used to be Rockefeller's stomping grounds, and it offers spots like the Cumberland Park and Pool, City Fresh Farm Food and Dobama Theater.
Euclid Heights: Like many of the historic neighborhoods in town, this area is within walking distance of stores, bars, restaurants and public transit. Here you'll find nice apartments, duplexes and houses.
Noble-Nela: North of Mayfield Road, this area is near bus stops on Noble Road and close to Dennison Park and convenience stores. A lot of bungalows and two-family houses are available here.
Caledonia: Near Caledonia Park and East Cleveland, this area contains lots of bungalows and is mainly housing.
Oxford: A good number of bungalows line the streets of this neighborhood. It occupies the northern section of Cleveland Heights and is mostly residential.
By moving to Cleveland Heights, you are moving into a historic city that is an exciting mesh of the old and the new. If you want to experience what life was once like, a walk through historic residential streets will leave you wanting to snap photos. Spots like Coventry Village and Fairmount Taylor feature many unique stores and innovative restaurants. What's best about Cleveland Heights is that you can choose your own way of getting around. Walking, taking the bus and biking are all very convenient modes of transit. Parking can become a nuisance, so only get a car if you need it for transportation within greater Cleveland. The most notable thing about Cleveland Heights is the architecture. Judging by all the action at places like Ensemble Theater, Cain Park and Severance Town Center, it looks like the people are ready to roar into the future. If you move to Cleveland Heights, look back, then forward.
