Once a giant magnet for people in the 19th and 20th centuries, Cleveland’s industrial and commercial powerhouse was a booming masterpiece.
But like most places that relied on railways for commerce, Cleveland has transformed. Sure, some factories are taking a nap, but the city’s embracing a vibrant new chapter.
With the cost of living 8% lower than the national average, Cleveland’s 361,607 residents have an advantage. However, neighborhoods are not created equal—some areas are a bit rough, while others are fantastic with good schools, affordable housing, and a safe environment.
So, grab a seat. Here are the 10 best areas to live near Cleveland where the magic happens.
Quick Overview
- Shaker Heights — Best Historic architecture
- Pepper Pike — Most Eco-conscious area
- Rocky River — Best Blend of City and Suburban Life
- Solon — Best Education Quality
- Bay Village—Most Natural Beauty Landscape
- Broadview Heights — Safest Cleveland Area
- Beachwood — Culturally Relevant City
- Moreland Hills — Excellent for Professionals
- Fairview Park — Most Family-friendly Area
- Hudson — Best Quality of Life
1. Shaker Heights
Shaker Heights is a family-friendly city located east of Cleveland in Cuyahoga County. The neighborhood boasts some of the best amenities in the area. Its 27,273 residents are mostly homeowners.
Moving to Shaker Heights puts you in an ethnically diverse area, with about 52% and 34% of the residents being white and black, respectively. If you’re looking for more diversity, you can also use any moving company in Cleveland, OH, to find a mix of Asian and Hispanic populations.
- Average Rent: $1,572
- Median Household Income: $96,494
- Median Home Sale Price: $374,000
- Places to Visit: Shaker Lakes, Shaker Historical Society and Museum
- Known For: Historic architecture
2. Pepper Pike
Although less ethnically diverse than Shaker Heights, Pepper Pike is sought-after for its peaceful neighborhoods, scenic parks, and top-rated private schools. As one of the best suburbs of Cleveland, Pepper Pike is excellent for retirees. It offers an idyllic retreat from the buzz typical of urban areas.
With only 2.5% of its 6,812 residents living below the poverty level, this suburb has more to offer than spacious homes. The violent crime rate (per 1000 residents) of Pepper Pike is an impressive 0.29, lower than the state median and a hurtling low from the national median of 4.0.
- Average Rent: $1,116
- Median Household Income: $198,438
- Median Home Sale Price: $730,000
- Places to Visit: Turtle Cove, North Chagrin Reservation
- Known For: Environmental stewardship
3. Rocky River
Nestled just a few miles west of downtown Cleveland, the Cuyahoga County suburb of Rocky River sits as a place for top-quality education. With the total education expenditure nearing $49 million, it has yielded excellent results as the district quality ranks better than 98.2% of all in the U.S.
Since it’s located along the shores of Lake Erie, Rocky River effortlessly blends natural beauty with urban convenience. Its crime and property rates are relatively low against the national median.
With a 1 in 1256 and a 1 in 138 chance of falling victim to violent and property crime, respectively, the area is pretty safe. Though 5.1% of its 21,346 residents live below the poverty level, the majority are homeowners.
- Average Rent: $1,310
- Median Household Income: $90,459
- Median Home Sale Price: $318,500
- Places to Visit: The Cowan Pottery Museum, Rocky River Park
- Known For: Excellent education quality
4. Solon
The list of top Cleveland suburbs to live in won’t be complete without the eclectic Solon neighborhood. Home to big-name employers such as Nestle and the Cleveland Clinic, it’s no surprise only 3.3% of its residents live below the poverty level.
Despite the expensive real estate value in Solon, over 80% of residents are homeowners. Solon is a great place to raise a family in a diverse area, even though it is white-dominated.
- Average Rent: $2,206
- Median Household Income: $128,470
- Median Home Sale Price: $340,800
- Places to Visit: Rollhouse, Kerem Lake
- Known For: Booming business environment and top education standards
5. Bay Village
If you prefer rural life, Bay Village is the ideal relocation destination. Bay Village has unique offerings; from attractive landscapes to unmatched tranquility. Loud music, construction work, and similar noisy activities before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. are not allowed.
The cost of living may be higher than in some suburbs of Cleveland, but only 4.5% of its 15,880 residents live below the poverty level. A majority of them are homeowners as well. Bay Village is a white-dominated neighborhood and safer than 81% of U.S. cities.
- Average Rent: $2,187
- Median Household Income: $118,816
- Median Home Sale Price: $537,500
- Places to Visit: Huntington Beach Reservation, Lake Erie Nature and Science Center
- Known For: Excellent outdoor attractions
6. Broadview Heights
You have yet to visit one of the best areas to live near Cleveland if Broadview Heights is off your list. Think affordable housing units, low crime rates (0.1 against 4.0 national median), and quality schools.
That’s Broadview Heights!
Its 19,635 residents make up a family-friendly area that has a mix of different ethnic groups or races. Plus, it has some of the most delectable meals you’ll ever eat.
- Average Rent: $997
- Median Household Income: $97,902
- Median Home Sale Price: $290,000
- Places to Visit: Broadview Brewing Company, The Boneyard
- Known For: High number of college graduates
7. Beachwood
Beachwood is an urban settlement in East Cuyahoga County. It reportedly got its name from the Beech trees that were abundant throughout the city.
Known for its high education quality standards, its district performs better than 96.9% of all U.S. school districts, with an average of 13 students per classroom (against the state average of 17).
Family and pet-friendly, Beachwood is rated as Cleveland Magazine’s Best Place to Live. Although violent crime in Beachwood is low, its 13,788 residents take extra measures to protect their property. Property crime is significantly higher (32.71) than both the state (17.83) and national (20) medians.
- Average Rent: $1,793
- Median Household Income: $105,346
- Median Home Sale Price: $425,000
- Places to Visit: Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground Park, The Maltz Museum
- Known For: A rich cultural history
8. Moreland Hills
Moreland Hills is a small village in Cuyahoga County inhabited by only 3,466 people. Despite being a rural area, Moreland Hills is great for professionals as most of its workforce is in white-collar jobs.
Over 90% of residents are homeowners, which is not surprising given the employment rate of 56.1%. The major employing industries are education services, manufacturing, and finance sectors. Families thrive here because education is good and the village is safe.
- Average Rent: $1,790
- Median Household Income: $199, 279
- Median Home Sale Price: $594,500
- Places to Visit: Forest Ridge Reserve, Highland Park Golf Course
- Known For: Scenic landscape
9. Fairview Park
Fairview Park is one of the best Cleveland suburbs, with a dense population of 16,885 people. It is a small community with a laid-back atmosphere, but it’s still great for professionals and families.
Most of its residents own their homes, and the violent and property crime rates (0.71 and 5.69) are lower than both the state and national median. It simply means there’s a 1 in 1407 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 176 chance of falling victim to a property crime.
- Average Rent: $1,127
- Median Household Income: $76,027
- Median Home Sale Price: $270,000
- Places to Visit: The Salvage Yard Resale Shoppe, Bain Park
- Known For: Lots of outdoor recreational areas
10. Hudson
Being a suburb of Cleveland in northern Summit County, Hudson is home to 22,917, which is understandable.
The quality of life is high, and the school has a great public school system. Even though 3.4% of its residents live below the poverty level, the city offers many opportunities to level up.
Crime rate is abysmally low, less than the state and national medians while boasting a safety level higher than 78% of U.S. cities.
- Average Rent: $2,281
- Median Household Income: $160,280
- Median Home Sale Price: $570,000
- Places to Visit: Hudson Spring Park, Hudson Farmers Market
- Known For: Its Historic Downtown
Wrapping Up—The Best Areas of Cleveland
Before deciding the best areas to live near Cleveland, consider your lifestyle preferences and access to basic amenities.
For urban energy, Beachwood is a great choice. The rural dwellers will delight more in laid-back towns like Bay Village and Moreland Hills.
But if you prioritize receiving the best quality of education in Cleveland, Rocky River and Solon are top-notch options suitable for you.
