Clifton Suites: Cheap Rent, Very Few Extras

Cheap Rent, Thin Amenities

Clifton Suites is priced for renters who care more about keeping monthly costs down than having a polished apartment experience. The listed one-bedroom is $825 for 411 square feet, with shared laundry and no advertised parking. That is a manageable rent for a solo renter, but the small floor plan and original condition leave little room for compromise.

The building has a useful location on Clifton Boulevard in Cleveland’s 44102 ZIP code, close to the city’s west-side neighborhoods and Lake Erie access. The listing shows the unit available now, but it does not provide a days-on-market figure, price-change history, utility breakdown, or confirmed transit details. Those omissions matter before signing anything.

Property Details

• Rent: $825 per month for the listed one-bedroom
• Layout: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
• Size: 411 square feet
• Building: Clifton Suites, an apartment building with studios through two-bedroom units
• Availability: Listed as available now
• Laundry: Shared laundry
• Parking: None listed
• Pets: The supplied listing data marks the property as not pet-friendly
• Condition: Original, according to the supplied property data
• Address: 11118 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44102

The advertised specials are unusually specific. According to the official Zillow listing, qualifying applicants may receive a reduced security deposit of $199, plus $250 off the first month when applying within 24 hours of viewing. A separate look-and-lease offer lists another $100 off the first month, with the listing showing expiration dates in early 2027. Confirm eligibility, timing, and whether the discounts can be combined.

The listing also shows a studio at $695 and other one-bedroom units starting at $825. That makes the studio worth comparing before committing: the extra bedroom may be useful, but 411 square feet is still a tight footprint.

Where It Wins

The rent is the main argument. At $825, this apartment sits below many newer Cleveland buildings that charge more for upgraded finishes, fitness rooms, package lockers, and private laundry. The move-in promotion could reduce the first month’s cost further, although the ongoing rent is the number that should drive the decision.

The location is another practical advantage. Clifton Boulevard connects several west-side Cleveland neighborhoods, and the address is closer to Lakewood and the lakefront than many downtown-oriented rentals. For a renter who works on the west side, drives, or spends weekends around Edgewater and Lakewood, the address may be more useful than a cheaper unit farther east.

• ✅ $825 monthly rent for a one-bedroom
• ✅ Available now, according to the listing
• ✅ Potential $199 reduced security deposit
• ✅ First-month discounts may total $350 if the offers qualify and can be combined
• ✅ West-side location near Lakewood and lakefront destinations

One detail many renters miss: a move-in special can make an apartment look cheaper than it really is. The useful comparison is the full lease cost, including recurring fees, utilities, parking, and laundry—not just the discounted first month.

Where It Falls Short

411 square feet is small for a one-bedroom. You are likely choosing between a proper living area, a work-from-home setup, and meaningful storage. Digital nomads should measure the desk space before applying; a laptop on a kitchen counter is not a workable office for everyone.

Shared laundry is a daily inconvenience, especially if the building has only a few machines. No parking is listed, which is a serious issue in Cleveland’s winter months. Ask whether street parking is permitted, how snow removal works, and whether residents need a city permit.

The supplied data also identifies the condition as original. That does not automatically mean poor maintenance, but it does suggest older finishes rather than a renovated interior. Inspect the windows, heating system, outlets, bathroom ventilation, kitchen storage, and water pressure in person.

• ❌ Only 411 square feet
• ❌ Shared laundry instead of in-unit machines
• ❌ No parking listed
• ❌ Not marked pet-friendly
• ❌ Original condition may mean dated finishes
• ❌ Required fees, utilities, and lease terms are not shown in the supplied listing details

Compared with a newer building such as The Edison in Cleveland, Clifton Suites gives up amenities and finish quality for a lower advertised rent. Compared with lower-cost studios, the one-bedroom premium buys privacy but not much extra living space.

Best Fit

Best for a single renter earning enough to cover $825 rent plus utilities, working on Cleveland’s west side, and owning few possessions. It also suits someone who can live without a car or has a dependable street-parking plan. The layout may work for a minimalist who needs a separate sleeping room but does not need a full home office.

Skip it if you have a large dog, need dedicated parking, work from home with two monitors, or expect renovated finishes. Couples should tour it together before applying; 411 square feet can feel much tighter once two adults, clothing, and kitchen supplies enter the picture.

Before paying an application fee, ask for the complete monthly ledger: base rent, utility billing, trash, renters insurance, laundry pricing, late fees, deposit rules, and renewal terms. Also ask how long the $825 price applies and whether the advertised specials require a specific lease length.

Final Verdict

Choose this if you are a solo, budget-focused renter who works or studies near Cleveland’s west side, owns little, and can handle shared laundry and street parking. Skip this if you need pets, private parking, a comfortable work-from-home area, or modern finishes. Clifton Suites may keep the monthly rent under control, but the small footprint means you are paying for affordability with convenience.

For a useful comparison, the The Carina Pittsburgh Review: Big Space, Missing Basics looks at a very different trade-off: more room, but its own missing essentials.