AGENT INSIGHTS: MIKE FERRANTE

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,

restaurants, and nightlife, especially in downtown. Cleveland is a cultural melting pot, with various ethnic neighborhoods boasting amazing food and specialty shops (Slavic Village, Little Italy and Chinatown, for example).

How far is your town from the nearest major city?

We are located in a suburb of Cleveland called Solon. One of the delightful things about Cleveland is the fact that we have so many big-city amenities but lack many of the issues, such as hours of gridlock traffic. Even during rush hour, we can get to downtown in less than an hour—a drive that takes about 30 minutes during other times. Public transportation is abundant, but most people drive since driving is easy.

What are some of your favorite businesses and attractions in your region?

There are just too many to list. Besides everything I mentioned previously, here are some more favorites:

Tommy’s Restaurant, in a neighborhood called Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, has an incredible, eclectic menu that serves everyone from carnivores to vegans (we’re vegan in our household).

Cedar Point in Sandusky is an easy trip, and it’s considered one of the best amusement parks in the world—especially if you love roller coasters!

Little Italy is one of our favorite food spots, from fine and casual dining to the pastries and coffee at Presti’s Bakery.

Chagrin Falls is a gorgeous little town, named for the river and falls at its center, that is completely walkable. We’ll sometimes just take a ride there to walk around and grab a bite to eat. The town is known for its Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring.