Lakewood shows well. So does Cleveland.

[Valerie Molinski]

Friends of mine were in town on Sunday. They lived in Seattle (Fremont) for 15 years until they decided they had enough- he quit his job, she sold her independent bookstore, and they sold their house. They are currently on an epic road trip around the country (started at end of May, down the west coast, through the southwest, Texas, New Orleans, and TN to Ohio) before they head back out west to try out San Francisco for a year.

They are big into music, so decided to swing up here and check out the Rock Hall. I got in touch with them on Sunday afternoon and offered my house for them to stay. They accepted, but first went to East 4th for dinner, where they had a "really excellent meal" at Greenhouse Tavern.

They could not get enough of our house, the street, the neighborhood, the city of Lakewood. They now understand why we picked up and moved here too. They could not believe the quality (and prices) of the houses and the amenities and beauty of the city. Unimaginable to them. As I drove them down Lake, Clifton, many side streets, Detroit, etc... my friend remarked "I always see houses like these and think, if I could ever afford something like that and dream about it. I cannot believe they are here and you can buy something like this." They loved Lakewood so much. The only thing they wondered was why we dont have lake access in a city called "Lakewood," which I found funny.

They have been everywhere. They are now in a position to move anywhere. They are not easily impressed. But Lakewood and Cleveland blew them away. The quality of life, the possibilities, the food scene we are currently cultivating here, everything. I tried to get them a good breakfast on Monday morning, but the breakfast places are closed on Mon mornings! So, we ended up at the Root cafe for some coffee and a pastry and they loved that too.

I am not lying when I tell you that they are looking into the area now and has made their shortlist to re-locate.

I just wanted to share this for all of us who get negative about this area- know that this place has a lot going for it. We have issues, but so does everywhere else. What they saw is why I came back to this area as well. It's a great place. It can be hard to appreciate our own backyard for what it is until you see it through an outsider's eyes.

[Justine Cooper]

I do not feel surprised your friends feel that way. When my sisters visit from California or Chicago or brother from Philadelphia they always comment on Lakewood-the houses for the money, the small businesses, the lake, the easy access to anywhere. I love our street too-everyone is friendly and keeps their yards up and I feel very safe here. If we ever do move down south I will miss all of that and the architecture of these old houses.