Cleveland is a great place to live in the Midwest

Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland has a rich history, a booming job market, excellent education options, and some of the best neighborhoods in the Midwest.

If you’re considering a move, Cleveland should be near the top of your list, and here’s why:

Neighborhoods for Every Lifestyle

North Collinwood, Cleveland, OH

Cleveland has a variety of great neighborhoods, each offering a distinct personality and lifestyle.

Whether you’re looking for trendy, family-friendly, or historically rich areas, Cleveland has something for everyone.

  • Ohio City is one of Cleveland’s favorite urban neighborhoods. Known for its walkability, diverse food scene, and vibrant arts culture, Ohio City is home to the famous West Side Market, breweries, and a thriving community of young professionals and creatives.
  • Tremont, just south of downtown, is a hub for artists, foodies, and history buffs. Victorian homes line the streets, and the neighborhood is packed with galleries, indie boutiques, and top-tier restaurants. It’s a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
  • Lakewood is technically a suburb but is popular for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and access to the lake. It has a progressive vibe, great parks, and a strong community spirit.
  • Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights offer suburban peace with an urban edge. These east-side neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets, historic homes, and some of the top public and private schools in the region. They’re ideal for families and professionals looking for quiet living within striking distance of city life.

Discover more great places to live in Cleveland at www.niche.com

You may also like to read: How to Choose the Best Neighborhood. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new neighborhood in which to live.

Top-Rated Schools

University Circle, Cleveland

For families, access to quality education is a top priority. The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) has seen steady improvements over recent years, with investments in STEM programs and new school buildings. But many of the best public schools lie just outside the city limits in the surrounding suburbs.

  • Solon City Schools, located southeast of Cleveland, are consistently ranked among the top public school districts in Ohio and the U.S. The district excels in academics, athletics, and extracurricular offerings.
  • Bay Village, on the city’s west side along Lake Erie, is another suburb with excellent public schools, including Bay High School, which is recognized for strong college prep programs and a supportive learning environment.
  • Rocky River and Avon Lake also stand out for their top-performing schools, community involvement, and student resources. These districts offer small class sizes, high graduation rates, and strong test scores.
  • For families considering private education, Cleveland is home to prestigious options like University School, Hathaway Brown, and St. Ignatius High School, which are all highly regarded.

To see ratings of schools in Cleveland, you may wish to visit www.greatschools.org

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good School. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new school for your kids.

Thriving Job Market and a Strong Local Economy

Louis Stokes Medical Centre

Cleveland’s economy is diverse and growing, with job opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, finance, tech, and education.

The city’s location makes it a logistics hub and supports a range of industries.

Healthcare is the mainstay of Cleveland’s job market. The world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals employ tens of thousands and continue to drive innovation and growth in medical research, treatment, and technology.

These institutions attract professionals from all over the country and provide plenty of opportunities for career advancement.

Manufacturing remains key in the regional economy, especially in aerospace, automotive, and materials engineering.

Companies like Lincoln Electric and Sherwin-Williams offer stable, well-paying jobs and career development.

Cleveland’s technology sector is on the rise as well. Startups and innovation centers are fueling growth in software development, data analytics, and biotech.

The JumpStart Inc. initiative and local universities such as Case Western Reserve University are helping to build a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and skilled tech professionals.

The city also has a growing finance and insurance sector, with Progressive Insurance, one of the country’s largest insurers, headquartered in the Cleveland suburb of Mayfield Village.

See a list of the best places to work in Cleveland at www.cleveland.com  

You may also like to read: Moving for Work. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of relocating for a job.

Low Cost of Living and High Quality of Life

Detroit Shoreway, Cleveland

Cleveland’s cost of living entices many to relocate here. Compared to cities like New York, San Francisco, or even Chicago, Cleveland is remarkably affordable.

Whether you’re renting or buying, housing costs are low.

The median home price in Cleveland is significantly below the national average, making homeownership more accessible for many people. Rent prices are also relatively low, especially in neighborhoods further from downtown.

Utilities, groceries, and transportation are equally affordable. Many residents commute by car, but public transit is available via the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which operates buses and rail lines throughout the metro area.

The city also boasts a wide array of free or low-cost entertainment and recreation options. From concerts at Severance Hall, home to the Cleveland Orchestra, to walks through the Cleveland Metroparks system, there are always budget-friendly things to do.

You may also like to read: Is it Better to Rent or Buy in a New City? It often makes sense to rent in a new city before choosing where to put down roots, so in this guide, we look at the pros and cons of renting and buying in an unfamiliar city.

Cultural Attractions and Natural Beauty

Cleveland is a hub of arts, culture, and outdoor recreation.

The city’s University Circle area has many world-class institutions, including the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and MOCA Cleveland.

Music lovers will adore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while sports fans are well catered for with the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians all calling the city home.

Outdoor enthusiasts love Cleveland’s lakeside location. Edgewater Park and Lake Erie beaches offer boating, swimming, and fishing, while Cuyahoga Valley National Park, just 30 minutes away, features hiking, biking, and breathtaking scenery.

The Cleveland Metroparks (a.k.a. “The Emerald Necklace”) offer more than 23,000 acres of trails, golf courses, nature centers, and picnic areas circling the city, perfect for nature lovers.

You may also like to read: 10 Benefits of Moving to a New Place. In this guide, we highlight 10 great reasons to move to a new place.

Is Cleveland a Good Place to Live?

While Cleveland has faced economic challenges in the past, it’s a city on the rise.

Investments in infrastructure, education, and the centre of downtown are reshaping the city into a dynamic place to live, work, and play.

Residents enjoy the best of both worlds: big-city amenities without the big-city price tag or stress.

Cleveland is a city rich in character, economic opportunity, and quality of life.

With very appealing neighborhoods, excellent schools, abundant jobs, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life, Cleveland is a great place to call home.

If you are looking for an affordable, culturally vibrant community, Cleveland is a city worth considering.

For more information about Cleveland, visit www.thisiscleveland.com

Good luck with your move, and be sure to check out our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.

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