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Moving to a new city is always challenging, and one of the biggest parts of that challenge is finding a place to live. Safety, school quality, convenience, and the style of available homes all factor into the decision, and it can easily be overwhelming for anyone looking to move. That’s why we’ve done the research to find the best suburbs in Cleveland. And by “we,” we mean Bellhop — movers in Cleveland and throughout the country (and beyond).
You’ve probably seen our guide on moving to Cleveland – which includes a short section on some of Cleveland’s most popular neighborhoods – but this list is a more in-depth guide on its suburbs, with information on what it’s like living in each of these areas.
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A Little About Cleveland
Most people probably think of Cleveland as a gritty industrial town with a skyline full of grey smokestacks, but Cleveland is emerging from the ashes of past economic concerns like a phoenix – beautiful, colorful, and ready to fly again. Luckily for anyone looking to relocate to Cleveland, others’ misperceptions can be your good fortune – the price of homes and the cost of living is lower here than in other cities that offer professional sports teams, cultural opportunities, and close proximity to an international airport (just 20 minutes!). Throw in great Cleveland schools, top-ranked hospitals, and immediate access to the shores of one of the Great Lakes, and you’ve got a primo destination for anyone looking to grow alongside the city that serves as their new home.
Below, we’ve highlighted the five best suburbs in Cleveland.
1. Lakewood
If you’re looking for a suburb that leans more toward the urban than the sub-urban, Lakewood is your best bet. At just 15 minutes from downtown (and just 30 by public transit), Lakewood is great for families, and young professionals alike. It may be a suburb, but it has a cooler vibe than most would expect. There aren’t many places that offer affordable home prices (the median listing price is just $250,000), houses with yards, and walkability via wide sidewalks to parks, restaurants, and bars.
What are people packing in to get? A walkable, affordable, artsy, restaurant-and-bar-packed place to call home.
What’s Happening in Lakewood
If you work up an appetite walking to the shores of Lake Erie, there’s no shortage of great restaurants to fill you back up. Palazzo serves up hearty Italian, Chef Carolyn’s jerk chicken will transport you to the Caribbean, and the Green Kitchen at Little Rose Tavern serves vegan fare with a side of live music. And if you’re looking for a little escapism, hit 16-Bit for a mix of arcade games and beer, or journey to The Side Quest for board games and brews.
Schools in Lakewood
One of the biggest benefits of putting down roots in Lakewood is its schools. In fact, the Lakewood district ranks in the top third of all public districts in Ohio. If you’ve got a particularly artsy kid, Lakewood High School was recently remodeled and expanded, with new band rooms, a media room, and even a black box theater. Horace Mann and Hayes elementary schools ensure a bright beginning for younger children.
2. Rocky River
What do you get when you combine great schools, safe streets, and beautiful homes, then drop that mixture on the shores of the Great Lakes, just 20 minutes from a major city? Rocky River, Ohio!
What’s Happening in Rocky River
If your family has ever been described as “outdoorsy,” Rocky River is the place for you. Rocky River Reservation winds along the Rocky River, and has scenic trails, meadows, wetlands, and waterfalls.
Emerald Necklace Marina in the middle of the Reservation provides opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, hiking, and fishing, plus an ice cream hut and café to cool off after all that exercise! When you’re too tired for outdoor recreation, there are plenty of upscale salons, shops, restaurants, and bars. Check out Gourmet Guy Café for a burger or Tartine Bistro for high-end European cuisine and be sure to visit Ohio Pie Company to scratch your itch for pizza.
With so many great parks, bars, and breweries and its lakeside location, Rocky River is great for anyone into bikes, boats, and beers! And if you ever want to pop into the city for a change of pace, it’s just a 20 minute drive and only 40 minutes by public transit!
Schools in Rocky River
Rocky River is home to the 10th best district in all of Ohio according to Niche.com and Public School Review has it in the top 5% for overall test scores AND graduation rate.
Homes in Rocky River
Anyone can find their dream home in Rocky River, but it will be especially easy for fans of Victorian and Colonial-style homes. With the median listing price at just $392,000, homeownership is more accessible here than suburbs of similar quality elsewhere.
3. Beachwood
This charming town is just 30 minutes east of downtown Cleveland – and less than an hour by bike! Beachwood is known for its safe residential areas, excellent schools, and shopping and restaurant scenes. It’s so popular, in fact, that it’s a favorite spot for current residents of Cleveland looking for a quieter place to live.
What’s Happening in Beachwood
Beachwood offers ample shopping options for such a small town, with over a hundred stores to choose from. It’s also no slacker on the restaurant front, and is especially known for its international fare and quality food scene. Check out Moxie, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city or Cedar Creek Grille for classic American dishes.
The area has outdoor amenities galore. The whole family can enjoy the parks, including the Beachwood Aquatic Center, League Park, and Acacia Reservation.
Schools in Beachwood
As if all these other attributes weren’t enough to sell you on living here, Beachwood’s school district is in the top 5% for both reading proficiency and graduation rate according to Public School Review and it’s one of the top 15 in Ohio according to Niche.com.
Homes in Beachwood
Beachwood is a highly desirable Cleveland suburb, which is reflected in the median listing price of $519,000.
4. Highland Heights
Highland Heights is just 25 minutes from downtown Cleveland and 6 miles from Lake Erie, making it a perfect best-of-both-worlds destination for young families.
What’s Happening in Highland Heights
With such a great balance of neighborhood feel, green space preservation, and unique local businesses, who wouldn’t want to live in Highland Heights?
Highland Heights residents enjoy attending regular community events, visiting breweries, learning about art and history, and dining in the restaurants (including some of the best pizza in the city). Highland Heights is also home to many public parks, with playgrounds, sports fields, courts, picnic areas, trails, and a community pool. And whenever anyone wants to head into the city, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
Schools in Highland Heights
Highland Heights is in the Mayfield School District, which is in the top 1% of Ohio schools for student body diversity and graduation rate according to Public School Review. Niche.com also calls it one of the top ten places to teach in all of Ohio.
Homes in Highland Heights
Highland Heights is obviously a highly desirable area, but the median listing price is under $400,000 – for now.
5. Avon Lake
Avon Lake is a true lakeside town, sitting on Lake Erie’s shore, and a true suburb of Cleveland, and just about 30 minutes from downtown. The area appeals to families because of its low crime rate, good schools, and a 96% graduation rate from the local public schools. With beautiful lake views, verdant flora (it was designated a Tree City by the National Arbor Day Foundation), and proximity to downtown, Avon Lake is a perfect place to call home.
What’s Happening in Avon Lake
Avon Lake is overflowing with outdoor recreation opportunities. Cast a line into Lake Erie, run through a park, or hit the links on a sunny afternoon. Boating, kayaking, and yoga are popular, and the more competitive residents can join an adult sports league.
If you’re looking to get all dressed up with somewhere to go, Nemo Grille, Bar Nova, and Cork & Barrel Wine Bar make for a delicious night on the town.
Schools in Avon Lake
Schools near Avon Lake include Westview Elementary School, Avon Lake High School, and Redwood Elementary School. Avon Lake is in the top 10% of Ohio districts in Public School Review and, according to Niche.com, is one of the 30 best places to teach in all of Ohio.
Homes in Avon Lake
The median home price in Avon Lake is just $339,000. Where else can you live in a town on the water for this cheap?
There you have it: 5 great suburbs of Cleveland!
We hope this guide to the best suburbs in Cleveland was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. Need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services in Cleveland!
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!
Good luck!
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