When searching for apts, did anyone looked at actual houses/duplexes?
Those who have hunted - what were the best areas, or best things you saw?
Areas to avoid? I have the "east Cleveland = die" warning fresh in my mind from the tourism vid XD
Here's some info, off the top of my head. I'll write more if I have a chance to really think about this and look at a map in more detail:
QUALIFIER (to anyone looking in the area): I have lived here (in Coventry) for a number of years. This is my perspective, but may be very different from others, including those currently attending CWRU-SOM/CCLCM. Of course, you should do your own research, etc. Hopefully, though, I've offered up some places to start looking for those who might be stuck. On a final note, as with all cities/neighborhoods, there are great places to live that are not in any of these neighborhoods and there are crappy places to live in the neighborhoods I've listed.
Caveat Emptor (I think that's appropriate in this context.)
There are Duplexes (side by side and up/down) on Hampshire Road (from Hampshire Lane to Overlook/Euclid Heights intersection). There are multi-unit houses in Little Italy. There are houses with rooms to let on Edgehill from Kenilworth to Overlook intersection. There are also scattered houses on Overlook (near intersection with Edgehill) and on the south side of Mayfield (from Coventry to Kenilworth). These are all on the north side of Euclid Heights Blvd. If you're worried about the neighborhood, I woud focus on Little Italy, Overlook/Edgehill, Coventry Village, Cedar/Fairmount (although I know less about the houses, here).
Throughout these neighborhoods, you will find the 1920's style apartment buildings. Some of these buildings have been converted into condos, while others have apartments for rent.
Most of these neighborhoods are fairly close to the SOM: either a very short drive or walking/biking (if you've got 15-30 minutes to spare, it's nice outside and you don't mind a fairly steep hill.
For reference, I think the Waldorf is on Overlook (the other side of Edgehill) and The Triangle is on the corner of Mayfield and Euclid. North of Euclid, near the hospitals/SOM is mostly University Circle - lots of museums and cultural spots - not much residential until you get a little further away.
I don't know what the rent is at the Waldorf/Triangle, but current rents (for a 1BR/1Bath apartment) appear to range from about $500-900, depending on location, landlord and amenities (ie. heat/water/electricity/cable/internet/phone/roof - okay, I'm kidding about one of these things). Some are furnished - most are not. Also, most of these places are in the 44106 zip code, which is shared by both Cleveland and Cleveland Heights.