Cleveland's Hidden Gems: 05/18/12

Scorecard: Asiatown

Is this neighborhood appealing to live in?
Not a place for young people, but certainly a nice community.

What are the housing options?
There are single family homes and apartment buildings.

Hows the general safety of the area?
We felt very safe walking around during the day. Asia town runs between two main streets that are major thoroughfares in Cleveland.

Is there public transportation?
Yes, RTA buses.

Is there parking?
Yes, there were various parking lots along the main street. The nice cars stick out.

Is there a nearby public school?
We did not see a school nearby since Asiatown is a very small, isolated community.

Demographic of residents?
Asians, elderly people.

Whats the nightlife like?
None.

Local Restaurants?
There are many different authentic Asian restaurants in the area.

Activities?
None.

Green space?
None.

Shops?
In Asia Plaza there are many small boutiques with Asian- inspired merchandise. There was also an Asian supermarket in the center of Asiatown.

#1 Pho

-The restaurant serves Pho, a noodle soup dish in many different verieties

-The Pho was difficult to eat, but tasty and light

-The portions are huge

- Fast service

★★

#1 Pho Menu

Scorecard: Collinwood

Is this neighborhood appealing to live in?
No.

What are the housing options?
There are single family homes and apartment buildings. The housing improved the closer they were located to the school. Housing on the main street was not appealing or well-kept.

Hows the general safety of the area?
We did not feel particularly safe walking around during the day. We would nor recommend going to Collinwood alone.

Is there public transportation?
No strong presence of public transportation.

Is there parking?
Yes, there were various parking lots along the main street. The nice cars stick out.

Is there a nearby public school?
Yes, there is an elementary school in the heart of Collinwood.

Demographic of residents?
Lower income, mostly African American population.

Whats the nightlife like?
The Beachland Ballroom hosts many performers on the weekends. But that is the only place for nightlife that we observed.

Local Restaurants?
There was one cafe on the corner of the main street (The Cafe). Other than that there were no other restaurants. Archies bakery boasts great cakes, but they are only special order.

Art Cafe

Activities?
None.

Green space?
None.

Shops?
There were two record stores, a vintage stop, and Native Cleveland. Most stores do not open before noon.