I'm reminded of my search for rental houses in the Cleveland area a few weeks ago.
I saw one advertised in the Plain Dealer as a "small ranch in Waite Hill." I wasn't familiar with Waite Hill, but I got my first introduction to the place when I followed the directions to find the place. Waite Hill turned out to be one of those "gentleman's country estate" type of towns; no commercial zoning, small colonial-style street signs lettered with a serif typeface, curbless streets with no sidewalks, and monstorous homes on massive lots. From the 2000 US Census:
Median family income: $134,041
Median house value: $367,400
Owner-occupied: 100%
Here's what Realtor.com has for
sale in
Waite Hill.
The "small ranch" was a 2,500 square foot (about 220 square meter) custom built brick ranch, much of which was dug into the hillside of the TEN ACRE LOT it sat on. Ten acres ... that area would fit 40 or 50 houses under R-1 zoning in most normal suburbs. This house was much smaller than the surrounding houses, though; it was probably the first one ever built in the village. Three bedroom, two bathroom, stone floors and natural wood paneling throughout, a fireplace in every room ... the place looked like a hunting lodge. The house hadn't been updated since it was built in the 1950s, but still, it was damn impressive.
The rent? $1,000 a month; a bargain considering the mortgage payments most Waite Hill residents probably face. It was at the top of my price range, but that didn't bother me. The fact that I'd be the poorest person living in the only rental house in Waite Hill didn't bother me. No, it was the thought of heating this mountain lodge, and plowing a long, long driveway that was at a 30 degree angle.