Above: Cleveland is right on Lake Erie, giving residents and visitors ample choice for fishing and water sports. Below: Shaker Heights is a well-known suburb of Cleveland, with castle-like estates on tree-lined streets
MIKE FERRANTE 21 Mike Team of CENTURY 21 HomeStar Solon, Ohio Where are you located?
The 21 Mike Team covers all of northeast Ohio, greater Cleveland and Akron areas. How would you describe the area? What are the things that would attract people to live there?
We have a great cost of living—housing is very affordable. Folks from overseas and out of state are often amazed at the relative mansions with land that they can buy within their budget. Our area has some of the finest homes around. For example, Shaker Heights is a well-known suburb of Cleveland with gorgeous, castle-like estates on tree-lined streets. Moreland Hills, Hunting Valley, Waite Hill—these are all suburbs known for their expansive estates and enormous homes. And, in contrast, Cleveland proper still has homes selling for $30,000 and less. What style of homes are in the area, predominantly?
While we have some areas of historic homes, most of greater Cleveland is what I’d characterize as suburban. We have a huge number of post–World War II bungalows, Cape Cods, and ranches. Additionally, we have areas of gentrification, like Ohio City, Tremont, and Gordon Square, where homes are being torn down to make way for modern houses and luxury townhomes. What is there to do in and around your area?
Northeast Ohio has more than its share of parks, golf courses, and other green space. We’re right on Lake Erie, which is considered to be the best fishing lake of the Great Lakes, especially for walleye. We have three pro sports teams—even more if you consider minor leagues. We have a theater district second only to New York City, and we have an abundance of bars, 14
