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Moving to a new city is always challenging. 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, and the convenience of location. It’s overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you. This in-depth neighborhood guide will examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with sneak peeks to popular destinations, as well as housing info and the best Cleveland schools in the area (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—movers in Cleveland and beyond).
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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 considered Cleveland a bad-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 National Geographic. And it won a spot on this list along with only two other U.S. destinations.
The city is peeking its pretty head out from layers of industrial tarnish and it’s starting to catch some attention. Why the shift? Over the past few years, city leaders have poured a ton of work into studying Cleveland’s past, addressing issues, and rebuilding its success from the ground up.
Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Cleveland’s Community Relations Board are working hard to acknowledge Cleveland’s need for growth, 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 wounds heal, residents of Cleveland and people throughout the country are noticing once again all that the city has to offer.
In Cleveland, you’ll find affordable living, some of the best schools in the state, top-ranking hospital systems, cultural diversity, great eateries and bars, and world-class art. The city boasts sporting events, concerts, museums, and outdoor recreation with the beautiful Lake Erie at Clevelanders’ fingertips.
We’ve highlighted the 5 best places to live in this transforming city.
Rocky River
Rocky River sits just west of Cleveland and along the banks of Lake Erie. It’s considered one of the top spots for families, especially families who love outdoor activities. Rocky River proudly features 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. The neighborhood’s Reservation has scenic trails, meadows, wetlands, and waterfalls. This tranquil oasis follows the twists of the Rocky River and features gorgeous views of 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 neighborhood 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.
Homes in Rocky River
This neighborhood has an array of housing options. Families from all sorts of financial backgrounds have found a cozy home in Rocky River. Its housing highlights, though, are the many beautiful lake-front Victorian and Colonial-style homes.
Tremont
If any area of Cleveland is booming, it’s Tremont. While Tremont is certainly family-friendly, this area defies cookie-cutter. Instead, you’ll find an eclectic mosaic of creative and local businesses, one-of-a-kind shops, and unique restaurants and bars. Pressed against the edge of the Cuyahoga River, Tremont sits directly downtown and blocks away from the Lake Erie shoreline.
What’s Happening in Tremont
Tremont has been called ‘deliciously artful,’ and if that unusual compliment is in reference to the neighborhood’s cuisine, we agree. Tremont is jam-packed with great places to eat and drink. A stroll around Professor Avenue will leave you bulge-bellied and blissful. Check out the restaurant notorious for the best brunch in the city, Lucky’s Cafe.
Locals and visitors alike find plenty to see amidst Tremont’s long list of independent boutiques and art galleries. On the second Friday of each month, Tremont gains quite a handful of visitors for its Walkabout Tremont event. Out-of-towners also love touring the Christmas Story House Museum and St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
Schools in Tremont
Schools in the area include Scranton Elementary School, Tremont Montessori School, and Northeast Ohio College Preparatory School among others.
Homes in Tremont
Tremont weaves its residential streets smoothly into the bustling areas of downtown. You’ll find beautiful Victorian-style houses and homey apartments in this area.
Lakewood
The city of Lakewood sits along Lake Erie’s shoreline, just 6 miles west of Cleveland. It’s a popular area for families, singles, millennials, and young professionals alike. This city offers perks like backyards, parks, and wide sidewalks.
But Lakewood’s vibes don’t match the calm, spacious, suburban feel of most other neighborhoods on our list. In comparison, Lakewood is full of energy and has the densest population of any city 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 has snagged a top-notch 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. Looking for world-class tacos? Look no further than El Carnicero (seriously.)
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.
Homes in Lakewood
Lakewood offers housing options in a wide range of styles and price points. The area’s charm comes from its many historic homes built in the early 1900s.
Ohio City
Ohio City is packed with amenities. This neighborhood sits snugly against downtown and warps along the Cuyahoga River. Now, with the development of the market district on Ohio City’s W. 25th Street, young professionals are clamoring to get in. Ohio City is where Clevelanders go for craft beer, and it’s home to some of the best restaurants in the city.
What’s Happening in Ohio City
In this hip neighborhood, there’s always something going on, especially on West 25th Street. This street is lined with popular dining and entertainment hubs that show off Ohio City’s signature artsy feel. The 100-year-old West Side Market is full of fresh meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies, baked goods, flowers, gifts, and crafts from over 100 locally owned and independent businesses.
Sample some of the best food in the area at Momocho, The Flying Pig, and Herb’n Twine.
For some of the best brews in the city, check out Great Lakes Brewing Company. Interested in more nightlife options? Check out TownHall, Forest City Shuffleboard, and the Speakeasy at Bar Cento.
Schools in Ohio City
Schools near Ohio City include Paul L. Dunbar School and Waverly Elementary among others.
Homes in Ohio City
Because of Ohio City’s location, you’ll easily find new apartment buildings and modern housing options. But the area also features a number of beautiful historic homes.
Detroit-Shoreway
Detroit-Shoreway has become a hotspot with the development of an arts district in the heart of this neighborhood, Gordon Square. The neighborhood is now packed with millennials and young professionals. And the new Battery Park development has added luxury and modern condos to the area’s more historic feel.
What’s Happening in Detroit-Shoreway
One of Detroit-Shoreway’s biggest draws is its many culinary attractions. The neighborhood offers countless coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. We suggest you visit Stone Mad (for Guinness-based drink concoctions) and Spice Kitchen & Bar (for dishes sourced directly from the owner’s family farm).
The neighborhood also has a great art scene and some of our favorite outdoor spots in the city. Tour the Gordon Square Arts District or visit 78th Street Studios during their Third Friday events. Walking and biking around Detroit-Shoreway is a breeze, and Edgewater Park and Beach sit right at the edge of the neighborhood.
Schools in Detroit-Shoreway
Schools near this neighborhood include Urban Community School, H Barbara Booker School, and Max S. Hayes High School among others.
Homes in Detroit-Shoreway
Detroit-Shoreway is full of many character-rich, older homes. But when it comes to this neighborhood’s housing, most of the attention is going to the recent $100-million development project of the beautiful Battery Park and the newly constructed group of green homes in EcoVillage.
There you have it: the best neighborhoods in Cleveland!
We hope this was helpful. If you’re looking for movers in Cleveland, don’t hesitate to reach out. We coordinate last-minute Cleveland moves, long-distance moving services in Cleveland, as well as other nearby cities such as Cincinnati and Columbus. Feel free to give us a call if you decide to make the move! and we would love to help.
Looking for more information? Check out our guides on the best up & coming neighborhoods in Cleveland, The best family-friendly neighborhoods in Cleveland, the best Cleveland Suburbs, Cleveland schools, and our guide to moving to Cleveland.
Good luck!
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