Cleveland residents probably know Westlake from Crocker Park, the sprawling, mixed-use shopping, dining and entertainment plaza. But there’s more to Westlake than retail. As Realtor Dawn Balog of Russell Estate Services, who has been selling homes in the area for nearly 20 years, puts it, "This city is impeccable. They're constantly developing in Westlake. And don't forget the award-winning schools!" With a top-rated school system, a community that gathers for holidays and farmers' markets and homes at various price points, this neighborhood about 20-miles from downtown Cleveland has something for everyone. "Crocker Park is the mainstay of the city," says Realtor Mary Frances Weir with RE/MAX Crossroads, who specializes in selling homes on the Westside of Cleveland. This modern, trendy, mixed-use plaza is home to over 100 retailers, from national chains like Gap and Lululemon to local shops like Cleveland Clothing and Apricot Lane Boutique. Folks can grab groceries from Trader Joe’s or Market District or eat out at one of Crocker Park’s various restaurants. Condado Tacos is a popular spot with colorful murals and creatively named foil-wrapped tacos. When it’s nice out, the restaurant opens a wall extending to an outdoor patio area. Graeter’s is a great dessert option, making ice cream using a small-batch French pot process. Crocker Park also has family-friendly entertainment, like escape rooms, an indoor trampoline park and a movie theatre. Cyclebar and Esporta Fitness are great exercise options. American Greetings and Travel Centers for America is headquartered here, and there are apartment, condo and townhome housing options around the mall. In addition to shopping and dining, Crocker Park hosts community events. Weir says, “There are farmers markets and seasonal festivals, like the enormous holiday lights display." The farmers market is outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter. The Holiday Street lights display illuminates the plaza with festive decorations. In January, The Annual Crocker Park Ice Festival showcases elaborate ice sculpture designs. Locals can shop from local vendors or listen to live music on the East Park stage. There’s a variety of housing options in Westlake. “When it comes to newer construction, Westlake is the largest luxury market on the west side,” says Weir. There are comfortable subdivisions where wide, walkable roads wind around grassy medians and well-maintained green lots. Sprawling New Traditional and modern Craftsman-style homes in these areas typically cost between $500,000 and $1 million. “There’s also a middle market with homes from the 1960s to 80’s, mostly of Cape Cods and modest ranch-style homes. There’s also an array of mid-rise condos and 55-plus communities,” says Weir. An older home on a neat, flat lot with sidewalks connecting residential roads will run buyers around $400,000, with condo options in the $200,000 range. Near Crocker Park are apartment, condo, and townhome options to rent or buy. Students are zoned for the Westlake City School District and can attend Westlake Elementary School. Then, they can attend Dover Intermediate School before Lee Burneson Middle School. They can finish their public education at Westlake High School. All these schools get A grades from Niche. Westlake High School's extracurricular activities bolster students' interests, offering programs like Model UN, Business Club and Pre-Med Society Club. "Westlake is also known for its recreation center," says Balog. The Westlake City Recreation Center has running tracks, a fitness room, an aquatics center and a fishing pond. For an outdoor experience, Clauge Park is a resident favorite. Visitors can wander a trail past the duck pond, get the family together at Clauge Cabin or hit the extensive outdoor pool area, which features water slides, a lazy river and built-in water effects. On the Fourth of July, the city’s fireworks display occurs here. For a larger outdoor experience, part of Bradley Woods Reservation runs into Westlake. Visitors can hike trails through swamp forests, go fishing at the pier or picnic. The Lakewood Country Club, a private club with an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, is also in the area. Locals can reach downtown Cleveland using U.S. Interstate 90 for about 20-miles. To avoid driving, they can catch a train at Clauge Parkway Station. When it’s time to fly, Westlake is about 7-miles northeast of The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. And in case of emergency, St. John Medical Center is about 2-miles south. Learn more on the Westlake city guide.