Affordability and revitalization stir a resurgence in The Land
For the country's 53rd most populous city, Cleveland punches above its weight on many levels, according to longtime locals. On the southern shores of Lake Erie, in northeast Ohio, the city has major and minor league sports, thriving art and music scenes and a growing metro parks system centered around waterfront activities. Innovative at heart, this city was the location of the first rock and roll concert, the birthplace of the Superman comics and the first city lit by electricity. Cleveland's manufacturing history dates to the 1800s, centered on iron and steel, oil refining, industrial chemicals and automobiles. Its position on Lake Erie helped companies bring in raw materials and ship out finished products through the Port of Cleveland, a vital container port still. Today, Cleveland's top industries are manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, education and research and information technology. The Cleveland Clinic, one of the world's leading medical centers, is headquartered here, as are five Fortune 1000 companies.
Cleveland's growing healthcare industry, low cost of living, big-city amenities, and a revitalizing downtown are drawing in new residents and flattening out the city's long population decline. The current population is still less than half of what it was in the 1950s. However, for the first time in decades, the number essentially stayed the same between 2022 and 2023, according to Census Bureau data. In 2024, it ranked number 40 on Resonance's list of the top 100 U.S. cities, thanks to its affordability and ingenuity. "I've had a lot of clients move here from other cities to work from home, and I think it's because it's easy urban living," says David Sharkey, President and broker with Progressive Urban Real Estate and lifelong area resident. "You can live in a city that has all the amenities you want, but you don't have to pay top dollar and you're not stuck in traffic. You don't have the issues those big cities have."
Tremont is located only minutes from lively and bustling downtown Cleveland.
Vintage bungalows and modern breweries in Ohio City
Cleveland's median price for a single-family home is $151,000. Although that number rose about 5% between 2023 and 2024, it's still less than half the national median price of $409,000. The city features 34 distinct neighborhoods, each with a unique vibe and history. From the hip and trendy districts to quiet residential communities, there are neighborhoods to fit many different lifestyles. Ohio City and University Circle are two areas fueling the city's population growth. Near downtown, Ohio City blends history and modernity, with 19th and 20th-century Victorian and bungalow homes. The lifestyle includes public art, outdoor activities and breweries. "We like it because it's extremely walkable," says Sharkey, an Ohio City resident. "We can walk to the West Side Market, which is a large public market, and I'm there two to three times a week to do our shopping." Four miles from downtown, University Circle features modern apartments and townhouses amidst vintage bungalows, Colonial Revivals and Victorians. It's home to the Cleveland Art and Natural History Museums and next to the Cleveland Clinic main campus.
The downtown area, home to eye-catching skyscrapers and Beaux Arts government buildings, became all but a ghost town by the late 20th century as residents left for the suburbs. Recently, city planners have turned things around downtown by renovating the city’s 10-acre Public Square and turning empty office space into apartments and condominiums. Today, it's a mixed-use area where residents walk around, try out a new restaurant and enjoy seasonal experiences such as summer splash pads.
Ohio City is home to the famous and historic West Side Market.
The Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the best art museums in U.S., resides in University Circle.
Great Lakes Brewing Company in Ohio City is one of Cleveland's best breweries.
Public Square resides in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
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Cleveland's Emerald Necklace shines with national parks and trails
Taking advantage of its location on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, Cleveland has a robust and expanding parks system. Cleveland Metroparks oversees 18 reservations, 100 hiking trails, eight lakefront parks and five nature centers. The system is known as the Emerald Necklace, with reservations linked together by 70 miles of paved trails, forming a crescent around the city. The Necklace will continue to grow, with $74 million worth of projects in the works until 2026. The system also contains a national park - 20 miles south of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is unique in its proximity to the city while maintaining a remote feel, with 33,000 acres of protected forests, rivers, wetlands and grasslands. There are many ways to experience the park, such as scenic byways and railroads, skiing, hikes, horseback riding and outdoor concerts. The aptly named Edgewater Park is a 147-acre green space with nearly 2 miles of shoreline, swimming areas, fishing piers and boat ramps. The Cuyahoga River famously caught fire in 1969 due to excessive pollution, debris pileup and oil. Stricter environmental regulations have helped improve the water quality, and today, competitive and recreational rowing teams are a common sight on the river.
Edgewater residents often spend a summer day at the beach at Edgewater Park.
Merriman Valley's outdoor enthusiasts utilize the O&E Canal Tow Path Trail at the national park.
Local rowing teams practice on the Cuyahoga River in West Bank.
The All Purpose Trail meanders through Lincoln Heights and offers unique views of Cleveland.
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School choice in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the third-largest school system in the state, oversees 36,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district earns an overall C rating from Niche. The district implemented the Cleveland Plan in 2012, aiming to ensure each student can attend quality schools. It allows for school choice, with institutions specializing in STEM, arts, single-gender education, International Baccalaureate and Montessori education. Menlo Park Academy, a public charter school, is the district's highest-rated elementary school, according to Niche, which provides it with an A grade. Catering to gifted students, the curriculum moves at a faster pace and covers core subjects in more depth. The Cleveland School of Science and Medicine is the top-ranked high school in the district and earns a B-plus, preparing students for careers in STEM fields.
Several colleges and universities call Cleveland home. Cleveland State University is a 4-year college with various biomedical, engineering and energy research opportunities located in the Campus District . Case Western Reserve University’s four-year degree programs include engineering, biomedical sciences, social sciences and the arts.
Students living in the Playhouse Square can easily walk to Cleveland State University.
Students in the University Circle area can attend John Hay Early College High School.
Menlo Park Academy has earned an overall grade of A from Niche.
The Peter B. Lewis Building is an iconic architectural marvel in University Circle.
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Upscale retail at Crocker Park Mall
From downtown to the suburbs, shopping and dining hubs sit throughout the city. Downtown has historic arcades that now serve as shopping centers, like the Fifth Street Arcade, a prominent shopping destination with 25 stores and restaurants, including jewelry stores, boutiques and salons. Ohio City's West Side Market is Cleveland's oldest public market. It's open year-round and features 100 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal cheese and prepared foods. The waterfront Lakewood community has a collection of 1,000 businesses, with unique options such as Coven, selling crystals, tarot and essential oils. Further from the city center, Crocker Park is a go-to for upscale retail options. This outdoor mall has over 150 stores, including Anthropologie and J.Crew. Cordelia is the only Cleveland restaurant with a James Beard finalist at the helm. Chef Vinnie Cimino uses farm-fresh produce to craft the evolving, seasonal menu.
The West Side Market in Ohio City hosts over 100 local food vendors.
Walk around with friends and family at Westlake's Crocker Park.
Small businesses, like Mishi Lifestyle, support the majority of Lakewood's workforce.
5th Street Arcade features multilple restaraunts and boutiques near Playhouse Square.
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Asian Festival is a cultural celebration
Cleveland shows its strengths at annual festivals, sharing its rich cultures, music scenes and neighborhood identities. Cleveland is one of America’s melting pots. The Cleveland Asian Festival has celebrated the city’s Asian culture since 2010. The May event includes demonstrations and performances, a world marketplace and an Asian pop cover dance competition. The Reggae Fest highlights modern and traditional tunes from the genre, with vendors, food trucks and cold drinks over two days in May. In July, the Taste of Tremont festival showcases the Tremont neighborhood’s wide selection of top-rated chefs, art shops and local bands. The celebrations don't stop in winter, as residents head to downtown's Public Square for Winterland the first weekend after Thanksgiving. The event kicks off the holiday season with hot chocolate, live music and fireworks. Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also celebrates the city's musical past with memorabilia, exhibits and an outdoor concert series in the summer.
The Kwan Family Lion Dance
Team performs the opening act for the Cleveland Asian Festival.
Walkabout Tremont is a family friendly event held on the second Friday of each month.
The Cleveland Marathon route takes runners past many of Cleveland's most notable attractions.
Thousands gather at The Arcade in Cleveland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
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Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority serves the city and the suburbs
The city earns high marks for walkability and public transportation. In a 2023 report comparing different cities nationwide, the nonprofit Smart Growth America gave Cleveland the highest Social Equity Index score. This measurement combines a city's affordability, quality of transit access, and proximity to walkable areas for people of all backgrounds. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority serves nearly all the city's neighborhoods and suburbs. Park-and-ride bus routes allow suburban residents to park near home and ride into the city. The RTA also operates four rail lines around the city and suburbs. Cleveland drivers generally enjoy light traffic. Most residents live within a few miles of an interstate highway entrance, making for easier commutes to work. Interstates 90, 480 and 80 are the city's main east-west routes, while Interstates 71, 77 and 271 are the main north-south routes. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is 11 miles from downtown and is accessible by the RTA Red Line train. Cleveland healthcare earns international acclaim. In 2023, Newsweek ranked Cleveland Clinic the second-best hospital in the world.
Governor DeWine supports crime reduction in Cleveland
Cleveland is one of the cities with the highest crime rates in Ohio. According to FBI data, Cleveland’s reported property and violent crime rates are significantly higher than both state and national rates. In the city’s 2023 annual report, crime data reflected a 4% increase in major property crime between 2022 and 2023, and major violent crime rates rose by less than a percent. In 2023, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine pledged support to help the city police's efforts. Officials from various state agencies are partnering with Cleveland on a sustained violence reduction initiative targeting high-crime areas. Cleveland experiences four distinct seasons, and Lake Erie can produce heavy snowfall in the winter.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
