Hi,
My future wife and I are currently house hunting and would really like to find a house in Lakewood. My parents live off the western most part of Hilliard that is in Lakewood, and I lived with them for about half a year and loved it. I currently live out of state and have enlisted my parents to search for houses in the area, but they can only do so much. I have found a lot of neat houses online on streets farther northeast (e.g. wyandotte, Cohassett), but I am not sure which ones are worth looking at. We would prefer streets with all single family homes. If you could, let me know what you think would work. Thanks in advance!

Gosh, Dominic, I'm really wondering if this Springtime flurry of housing purchases, included your family?

Lots of folks offered input that I'm sure you found helpful.

Let us know the outcome!

Dont forget about the East end. There are a great deal of homes on the east end near the new rockport development. Alot of small restaurants and places to hear music, plus taxes are very cheap. The rockport development will bring some new business such as flower shops, deli's, boutique's, coffee shops etc. It is really starting to be the new hip place to be.

Well, I've lived in that neighborhood for nearly 20 years now, and I don't know where all those "shared driveways" are.

But not to quibble. The area is one of the quietest and safest in town. Yes, the lots between the park and the EAST side of Summit are small (isn't Lakewood unique? You not only have to look at the street, but the SIDE of the street)

But the houses are normal-sized and some would consider a small lot to be a low-maintenance positive (I don't even need a power mower)

I think what we can all agree on is that Lakewood has a fantastic diversity of housing---and offers good value, since you're not paying for z zip code.

quote:

Originally listed by Whiteline:

quote:

Originally listed by SunUp:
If you search North of Clifton Blvd, the lots sizes are much smaller and more shared driveway situations are found, however, you will be closer to Lake Erie.

Not to add any element of controversy here, but--SHARED DRIVEWAYS?

I live north of Clifton, and I have no idea what you're talking about here.

And while SOME of the streets have smaller lots (between LCA and Summit), the rest are quite roomy.

First let me say that we're speaking of a specific price range of home (approx $200k). The streets affected such as Rosalie & Abbieshire are amongst the smallest lots in Lakewood (approx 40'x 100' as compared to sizes on average streets of 50'-55'x 125'-150).

...and yes indeed, shared driveways (and an occasional shared garage-built across property lines) are very common in Lakewood in whole and on the smaller lot streets in particular. The aforementioned streets have about 32 homes each and I'm sure if you glanced up each driveway, you would note several per block where a single driveway splits to two rear garages. I haven't counted them specifically, but I'd guess at least 3 per block.

These are handled in the legal description of the homes (per the deed) as mutual easements with owners making shared decisions as to paving costs, snow removal etc.

Although we probably wouldn't build this way now, it was an excellent method allowing slightly wider homes (w/more sq. footage) on these prime pieces of property.

Another specific example is: Homes on the west side of West Clifton (from Clifton to Detroit) also have several shared driveway situations.

AND, in the Lewis/Parkway neighborhood and W.Clifton's east side, there are NO driveways, but have banks of garages (behind)for multiple homes accessed via small 'lanes'.

We are the most densely populated area between NYC and Chicago and have done a tremendous job of bringing new world amenities to our 100 year old homes.

Thanks for letting me further clarify this issue.

There is a very nice house for sale on Waterbury which I find to be a wonderful street. Decent size lots, and very friendly neighbors.
Our lot is over half an acre so we are lucky.

I am currently trying to sell a house in Lakewood (I got a new job in California and have to move). I live on Summit. It is a FANTASTIC street. The neighbors are great, there is plenty within walking distance. The unique thing about this area is that we have really deep back yards (0.270 acres)! My husband and I have loved this house. We have done some improvements such as building a 2 car garage, putting in central air, updating the electric, etc. The house has a large kitchen which is unique for the area. So, I have to point you out to my listing:

http://1252summitave.howardhanna.com/

quote:

Originally listed by SunUp:


If you search North of Clifton Blvd, the lots sizes are much smaller and more shared driveway situations are found, however, you will be closer to Lake Erie.

Not to add any element of controversy here, but--SHARED DRIVEWAYS?

I live north of Clifton, and I have no idea what you're talking about here.

And while SOME of the streets have smaller lots (between LCA and Summit), the rest are quite roomy.

I found my house by asking my real estate agent to occasionally run a multi-list and flag anything with a street address under 1100 (that would be north of Clifton). There are decent deals to be had now in a great neighborhood.

As a Lakewood resident and 15 yr professional Realtor specializing in my community, I would say the neighborhoods mentioned by many are prime areas. Your price range will purchase a very quality home in our community. Some of my personal favorites are Manor Park, the library block of Arthur, West Clifton, Grace/Clarence/ Cohassett neighborhood, and the area of Lewis/Waterbury/Chesterland/Parkway.

If you search North of Clifton Blvd, the lots sizes are much smaller and more shared driveway situations are found, however, you will be closer to Lake Erie.

In Lakewood, every block of each street is different and provides its own appeal.

To correct and add to previously noted information.... as of this moment, there are 198 single family homes listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service. In the price range of $160k-$220k there are 19 homes available.

(the previous poster noting 336 homes for sale, must have been including two and three-family homes in their numbers)

Certainly take into account your access to the great walkability of Detroit Ave downtown area, antique district, West end entertainment and access to the Metro Park. I, personally, live in the antique district and love being able to walk to many restaurants, retailers/businesses, and even great taverns for even greater burgers and a beer!

Also, as we do not offer any new construction (!) most homes are 'works in progress' so it will be necessary for you to determine your level of eagerness for some updating to occur. In my experience, most buyers that say they are looking for a fixer-upper, really just want to paint the bedrooms and not crash a kitchen! hahaha

With a little patience and a good Lakewood Realtor, I know you will find a great home to call your own.

All depends on your budget and what you want.

Lakewood fits almost every price range and anywhere you live is great for children.

The most expensive places are in the North and the West side of the city. With the North West (Clifton Park) being the most expensive as a total neighborhood. Whiteline mentioned Arlington and Overlook. He also mentioned his neighbohood on the North Side. Lee mentioned the beautiful homes on the South West Side of the City. There are lots of nice homes in both areas and lots of great deals.

If you love Victorian homes, some of the most beautiful homes in NE Ohio are in Lakewood. Grace and the surrounding areas are where you should look. This is an area in transition with people restoring these gorgeous homes. Some haven't been restored and depending on your skill and desire they can be purchased very inexpensively and you can fix them up yourself.

I am also a fan of Manor Park - big lots, nice homes, central location. West Clifton is another of my favorite streets. So is Parkwood.

The streets South of St. Eds I also find very lovely. There are a whole group of streets there.

A very nice neighborhood that is very friendly is Scenic Park. It abuts the metro parks. The homes are great deals in that area.

Well I have lived in Lakewood my whole 53 years and we presently live on Lakewood Heights Blvd. which is off of Riverside just South of the marginal. It is a beautiful part of Lakewood which many don't realize is part of Lakewood. When the highway was put it many streets were split and Lakewood Hts. was one of them. The other part of the street is over by Winterhurst. We are putting our house together and will put it back on the market probably within the next month. I would highly recommend our area, not just because our house will be on the market but it is a great family area. we have raised our three children here. All single homes and a park at the end of the street as well as the Metropark right around the corner. Let me know if you would like more info. Lee92855@cox.net

I'd advise you check out Google Earth. You can type in an address or street and get photos of the house and/or the surrounding neighborhood. Most of Lakewood has been photographed already.

I was relieved to find they photographed my house the day after I mowed the lawn. : )

Dominic this website will help I think. It shows houses for sale and recent sales in Lakewood
There are currently 336 homes for sale here.

Wow,
Thanks for everyone's input. I wasn't expecting such a great set of responses! We'll be up there next week and this really gives us a lot to think about and consider! Seriously, thanks again everyone!


p.s. Deek mentioned a good point, and that's what's our budget? If it helps, I think we'd be comfortable any where from the low 200's and down.

Well Dominic, there you have it. If you needed any assurance that your decision to make Lakewood your home was right on the money, you have got it. We Lakewooders (or is it Lakewoodites?) love it here. In fact, the only thing that Whiteline and Banshee have agreed upon in several years is how nice it is to live here in Lakewood.

Just to give you my two cents, take a look at the streets named Roycroft, Spring Garden, Rockway and Wayne. Mostly modest single family homes with three bedrooms. All four streets are in the western end of Lakewood on the south side of Detroit Ave. You can easily walk to restaurants, bars, schools, Lakewood's only movie theater, and the Beck Center (our only live theater aside from the schools). You are also less than a mile walk from the beautiful metropark between Lakewood and Rocky River.

Some great suggestions on here.

Dominic, just know that streets with all single homes are going to be in the minority, but you'll find them if you pursue.

The neighborhood north of Lake Ave between Lakewood Park and Kenneth Ave. looks to be a very peaceful, secluded area. It my favorite place to take a walk on a summer's night. The Chesterland, Lewis, etc area between Franklin and Detroit is also a favorite of mine, with all the streets twisting downhill together and the houses set up on the hill. Some really big yards, though, on Manor Park.

I live on one of the tiny streets off of Riverside between Madison and W Clifton and it's great. Very quiet neighborhood, well-kept houses, nice people. It's probably an average-priced area with typical Lakewood homes. I also grew up in the Belle-south-of-Madison area too and find that to be nice as well (again, average priced).

quote:

Originally posted by Whiteline:
The neighborhood north of Lake Ave between Lakewood Park and Kenneth Ave. is fabulous. The further west you go, the bigger and more expensive the houses get. But on streets like Rosalie, Abbieshire, Cliffdale, and Sylvan, there are deals to be had. And virtually no rentals, if that's your concern.

The other area is the hidden neighborhood west of West Clifton. The streets are Arlington and Overlook. This is the best-kept secret in Cleveland--almost an island unto itself. A tad out of my league price-wise, but boy, what a gem!

I will second these areas as very nice pockets in Lakewood. Particularly the first area.

I live pretty close to these streets. Next time you hear a loud scream take a walk around, it's probable me reading your response to one of my posts.

Best Regards,
Banshee1

Our first house in central Lakewood was just fine, but we were looking to upgrade a little.

We asked our realtor to occasionally run a multi-list and flag anything with a street number UNDER "1200".

A street number under 1200 indicates a property north of Clifton. I had walked and biked every square inch of Lakewood and knew you just couldn't go wrong there.

Good luck. Lakewood is still a fabulous place to live.

I think a lot of it depends on what your price range is. Lakewood has a huge range...$50,000 if not lower to well over a million, and plenty in between. There are some similar priced housing in desirable areas and not so desireable areas...but having that rough figure would help to give you a better idea.

Manor Park (Clifton - Tracks), Arthur (Detroit - Hilliard; Madison - Delaware) and Lakeland (Madison - Delaware)

I prefer north of detroit

On Coutant the street has apartments, single and double family homes and there are several single family homes available

Take a look at French and Virginia on the south side of Clifton. Walking distance to just about everything, including Lincoln school. They both dead end at the railroad tracks so there's virtually no cut-through traffic. Streets are still brick-paved too.

Arthur and Lakeland, south of Madison. Large yards, brand new Hayes School. Walking distance to the new Junior High as well.

quote:

We would prefer streets with all single family homes.

Me too.

quote:

Originally posted by Coco:
Chesterland between Madison and Franklin is all single houses and there are a few for sale at this time. I've lived there for 8 years and I love it.

Same with Belle south of Madison, I love it there.
I grew up on Norton Avenue and you can't complain about that street either.

Chesterland between Madison and Franklin is all single houses and there are a few for sale at this time. I've lived there for 8 years and I love it.

OK, I'll make a pitch for MY area, too.

The neighborhood north of Lake Ave between Lakewood Park and Kenneth Ave. is fabulous. The further west you go, the bigger and more expensive the houses get. But on streets like Rosalie, Abbieshire, Cliffdale, and Sylvan, there are deals to be had. And virtually no rentals, if that's your concern.

It is a quiet, nice area, perfectly safe. Been here about 20 years and never heard a siren. I would recommend it to anyone (well, anyone I LIKED )

Also, if you have kids, this is the neighborhood for Lincoln school, one of the top-ranked schools in the area.

The other area is the hidden neighborhood west of West Clifton. The streets are Arlington and Overlook. This is the best-kept secret in Cleveland--almost an island unto itself. A tad out of my league price-wise, but boy, what a gem!

I live in your parents' area. As I was coming back from the Bin, I saw a couple houses on West Clifton and Riverside that looked very nice.

We live on Cohassett-it's a great mix of couples, families and older people. Some were even born in these homes and never left! It's the section between Franklin and Detroit. Lots of larger homes with 4 plus bedrooms.