So here it is. I get asked this question a lot. Not sure why, but people from someplace else assume I know a little bit about Cleveland, and Cleveland Real Estate, and Cleveland Neighborhoods. I often tell people from any place else, that you only need ask one question about a Clevelander to know everything about that person... "Where did you go to high school". This works so well as an identifier, because Cleveland is now and has always been about neighborhoods.

When I was younger than I can remember, we had nice neighborhoods everywhere in Greater Cleveland... each with its own unique character. Then every decade from the 50s until now, Cleveland has lost population. The natives saw many of these neighborhoods decline, as many who could fled for the suburbs.

Then something started to happen in around the 70s. People started coming back to a place called Ohio City. Then later, Tremont became wildly successful, and more recently a place called Gordon Square is becoming trendy... each for different reasons, but they are all building on the success of each other.

Real estate investors always wish they could be on the front end of these kind of trends, because when Ohio City was at the bottom, I bought the old family homestead for $7000. Today it is worth 20 times that amount. My wife grew up in Tremont... then known as the South Side. When she was young it was filled with Eastern European neighbors, then it got pretty scary. When the bullet came through the living room window... the family left the next day for West Park... a stable west side neighborhood. Now Tremont home values are through the roof! Tomorrow I pick up keys on a Tremont 2-family that will rent for $3000 per month.

So lately, I have been following a place called Slavic Village. This area just on the other side of I77 is not a west side neighborhood, but it is another area with roots similar to Tremont. And for investors, property values are still low, low, low. I have pulled together a few links and excerpts from "Slavic Village" articles, dating back a decade to when things looked hopeless... after all Slavic Village is known nationwide as ground zero for the housing crisis of the last decade.

Go ahead and read that "Can anyone save Slavic Village" article... then if you dare, take a look at the other more recent Slavic Village links I have selected. You will be pumped.

Bob Collett

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(note: I have not authored any of the following articles)

Can Anyone Save Slavic Village?

Once thought of as an up-and-coming neighborhood, Cleveland's Slavic Village has become identified with a few horrific crimes, including the death of a 12-year-old named Cookie. Now, it's on the brink with nearly 14 percent of all homes there vacant...

http://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/the-read/a...

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Can Slavic Village's Fleet Avenue become Cleveland's latest 'maker' district?

A new program from SVD will put business tools into the hands of local residents by teaming up with the Cleveland branch of the Women's Business Centers of Ohio, a division of the Economic Community Development Institute (ECDI). Together they'll bring six workshops on entrepreneurship to the neighborhood that will be free and open to the public. Each will center on topics such as legal processes, finances and accessing capital and networking and marketing. The series kicks off with a mixer at Seven Roses on Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/10/new_free_workshops_hope_to_tur.html

Mission:

Slavic Village Development works with and for its residents, businesses, and institutions to promote civic engagement, community empowerment, and neighborhood investment.

Vision:

Slavic Village Development is a forward-looking service-driven organization which honors its neighborhood’s resiliency, diverse cultural heritage, and inclusiveness. We are committed to building a community defined by its high quality of life, unique identity, and healthy and active living.

History:

Slavic Village is a community that enjoys a captivating, interesting history and a promising future. Our vision is a vibrant, healthy community which honors its resiliency, diverse cultural heritage, and inclusiveness. Today, with our unique neighborhoods – from the historic feel of the Warszawa district to the Mill Creek neighborhood’s family-friendly atmosphere — much of Slavic Village retains a tight-knit community feel attracts residents and visitors alike.

Located in the heart of Cleveland, Slavic Village is an excellent opportunity for young professionals and active families to live near some of the best recreational activities the region has to offer. Along with a vast network of green spaces, top-notch educational opportunities, and a housing market with plenty of options for home-buying, Slavic Village is a great place to work, visit, and play.

Slavic Village is reinventing itself. With a rich history, residents who value close connections to family and church, and a number of unique assets, its future is bright. With convenient shopping and countless recreation options, there is no lack of amenities to enjoy. And we are proud of our diversity, evident throughout the neighborhood. People of all ages, races and income levels, families, young professionals, and empty-nesters call Slavic Village home.

http://www.slavicvillage.org/

Slavic Village Recovery Homes

http://slavicvillagehomes.org/

Bob Collett

Cleveland, Ohio

3 Votes