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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched the best neighborhoods for families in Cleveland for you, so you don’t have to. You’ve no doubt seen our Cleveland City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Cleveland’s most popular neighborhoods.
This list is a more in-depth neighborhood guide meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Cleveland movers and movers throughout the country).
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A Little About Cleveland
Over the past few decades, Cleveland has lost a multitude of manufacturing jobs and over 100,000 residents. Most people were thinking (and still do think, actually) of Cleveland as a dud-egg, unable to recover and adapt to economic hits as other cities have successfully done.
But to our surprise, Cleveland is going through a beautiful and long-awaited metamorphosis. Today, Cleveland is considered one of the 21 best places to visit in the world according to the National Geographic and won a spot on the list along with only two other U.S. destinations. The city is peaking its pretty head out from layers of industrial tarnish, and it’s starting to catch some attention.
Why this shift? A ton of work has been put into studying Cleveland’s past, addressing issues, and rebuilding its success from the ground up. City leaders are working hard to acknowledge Cleveland’s need for growth and take steps to improve race relations and curb bias in the city – an issue that has plagued the inner workings of Cleveland for too many years.
As these bruises heal, residents of Cleveland and people throughout the country are noticing once again all that the city has to offer. Super-low cost of living, some of the best schools in the state, top-ranking hospital systems, cultural diversity, great eateries and bars, world-class art, sporting events, concerts, museums, and outdoor recreation with the beautiful Lake Erie at Clevelander’s fingertips. Sounds pretty awesome to us.
Below, we’ve highlighted the best neighborhoods for families in Cleveland.
Kamm’s Corners
Kamm’s Corners is the most bustling part of Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood. The area is popular among business-owners, young professionals, and especially families. But instead of it drawing the families that want quiet, keep-to-yourself streets, Kamm’s Corners invites adults who aren’t quite ready to give up on the fun shops, restaurants, bars, and events that more commonly are found in college towns, making it quite the spot for our guide to the best neighborhoods for families in Cleveland.
What’s Happening in Kamm’s Corners
This area is extremely walkable with a ton of ethnic restaurants, bars, pubs, and interesting local shops. Chains are not the common hub here, so each spot adds an extra touch of local flare to the neighborhood. Order a latte from the 24-hour Common Grounds, stop in at Carol and John’s Comic Shop, or peruse Cleveland Curiosities antiques and the area’s many boutiques.
Grab a beer at Working Class Brewery, and sample the eclectic cuisine at Bylo Gyro, Thai Elephant, or the popular Cap’n Taco stand. The massive, well-known West Side Market is just a short drive from Kamm’s Corners as well.
Schools in Kamm’s Corners
Schools near Kamm’s Corners include Constellation Schools, Valley View Elementary School, and Menlo Park Academy among others.
Solon
This city is about 20 miles southeast of downtown Cleveland. It offers the best school districts of Northeast Ohio and has held that high ranking for more than a decade. The area is also one of the safest places to live in the state, and over the past decade, has been recognized as one of the best places to live and raise a family in the country, which puts it as a must on our guide to the best neighborhoods for families in Cleveland.
What’s Happening in Solon
Solon has a nice range of activities and amenities, from outdoor experiences to community events to art and history. The Solon Recreation Department hosts lots of programs for kids in the community but also takes care to include and entertain the adults and senior citizen residents.
The beautiful Grantwood Golf Course sits adjacent to the Timberlake Recreation Park, which features a fishing lake and picnic areas. And the Solon Center for the Arts, located in the historic Old City Hall entertains and educates local families and offers classes in art, music, dance, and theater.
Schools in Solon
Some of the top schools in the area include Parkside School and Roxbury School among others.
Lakewood
Lakewood is great for families, singles, millennials, and young professionals alike. This inner-ring suburb does not match the calm, spacial suburbian feel of most other neighborhoods on our list. Though it does offer the perks of homes with yards, parks, and wide sidewalks. Lakewood is full of energy and has the densest population between NYC and Chicago.
What are people packing in to get? A walkable, affordable, artsy, restaurant-and-bar-packed place to call home.
What’s Happening in Lakewood
Just blocks from the waterfront, minutes from Edgewater Park, and a quick drive away from downtown, Lakewood is in a great location. For some of the best local eats, check out The Proper Pig Smokehouse, Melt Bar and Grilled, and Salt+. Visit 16-Bit for a mix of arcade games and beer, or pop into The Side Quest for board games to pair with your brew.
Schools in Lakewood
One of the perks of living in this neighborhood is its schools. The recently remodeled Lakewood High School, Horace Mann, and Hayes Elementary School are a few of the area’s top schools.
Rocky River
This neighborhood just west of Cleveland and right on the banks of the lake is a perfect spot for families – especially families who love a lot of outdoor activities. Rocky River proudly presents its beautiful homes, quiet and safe streets, and proximity to downtown’s action. Its highly-rated schools are ranked second in the entire state of Ohio.
What’s Happening in Rocky River
Most residents of Rocky River were lured into the neighborhood by its outdoorsy amenities. Rocky River Reservation has scenic trails, meadows, wetlands, and waterfalls. The reservation follows the twists of the Rocky River and features gorgeous views of the water-side cliffs.
Emerald Necklace Marina sits right in the center of the reservation and offers boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, hiking, and fishing opportunities, plus an ice cream hut and cafe. The area is also home to a number of upscale salons, shops, restaurants, and bars. Check out Tartine Bistro for some high-end European cuisine. Or pop by Burntwood Tavern for a beer or cocktail.
Schools in Rocky River
Some of Rocky River’s excellent rated schools include Rocky River High School, Rocky River Middle School, and Kensington Intermediate School among others.
Beachwood
This little city sits just 20 minutes east of downtown Cleveland. The area is well known and highly sought after by Cleveland-dwellers looking for a space to settle down. Beachwood’s vibrant community offers safe residential areas, excellent schools, and a great shopping and restaurant scene, making it an ideal choice on our guide for the best neighborhoods for families in Cleveland.
What’s Happening in Beachwood
Beachwood Place is a popular shopping destination right in this little city, with over a hundred stores and dining spots. Beachwood is also known for its excellent international fare and cuisine options. Check out Moxie, one of the top-rated restaurant in the city. Or Cedar Creek Grille for beautifully-plated classic American fare.
The area has a plethora of outdoor amenities and parks. Bring the family or enjoy some fresh air at some local favorites like the Beachwood Aquatic Center, League Park, and Acacia Reservation.
There you have it: the five best neighborhoods for families Cleveland!
We hope this guide to the best neighborhoods for families in Cleveland was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop.
Lastly, if you’re interested in any nearby cities with a good reputation, Cincinnati and Columbus are a couple that should be high on your radar. Feel free to give us a call if you decide to make the move!
Need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services!
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