Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a diverse city with an emerging economy, great job opportunities, outdoor and indoor attractions, stellar public education, and a vibrant nightlife. Affordable housing, warm Midwestern hospitality, and a close-knit community all add to the welcoming feel of Cleveland. In this guide, we’ll tell you more about this fascinating metropolis, helping you to make an informed decision on whether or not moving to Cleveland is right for you. If you decide to move here, our Cleveland self-storage facilities provide storage for the short-term, or long-term, until you settle into your new home. Our Cleveland storage units are also a great choice for families looking to create more space in their abode by clearing out clutter and depositing bulkier items.
City Overview
Cleveland has an extensive public transit system, known as “the Rapid,” which makes commuting throughout the city easy and quick. However, most locals do own their own car to get to places not connected by the Rapid line, or to commute during inclement weather. Cleveland is not the most walkable city in the U.S. However, some neighborhoods, such as Country Village, Ohio City, Downtown Cleveland, and University Circle, are better suited for a walkable lifestyle.
One of the perks of moving to Cleveland is that your dollar goes further, thanks to the lower cost of living, which is lower than the national average, with cheap housing balancing out the higher property taxes. You’ll likely save more on groceries, utilities, and transportation when compared to other metro areas such as Dallas, Austin, or Chicago. You get the best of everything that a big city has to offer when you move here, without breaking the bank.
Most Millennials associate diversity with larger cities such as NYC and LA, but Cleveland is not far behind, with more than 100 nationalities representing its population. The annual One World Day is a family-friendly event that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of this vibrant city.
With the best in class hospitals and healthcare centers in the entire country, you can rest assured that your health is in good hands when you move here. The Cleveland Clinic is among the top four hospitals in the U.S., providing excellent patient care for your healthcare needs.
Cleveland has had many nicknames throughout its history, the most popular ones being “America’s North Coast,” “The Mistake on the Lake,” and “Forest City,” which is one of the oldest known names for the city.
Real Estate Outlook
The affordable cost of housing in Cleveland makes owning a home a reality here, even for those with a limited budget. The median cost of housing is 250% less than New York and 66% less than Chicago. You can easily find a home under $100,000, with the median home value being around $68,000. Do remember that newly renovated homes with upscale kitchen and bathroom remodels may cost more. Your neighborhood choice will also influence the overall value of the home.
Renting is not expensive either, as you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for about $1,000 in the upscale neighborhoods of Hough, Industrial Valley, and University. If you’re looking for affordable renting options, opt for budget-friendly neighborhoods such as Kinsman, Woodlands Hills, and Jefferson. The average apartment size in Cleveland is about 803 sq. ft.
Cleveland Communities
The Cuyahoga River divides Cleveland into two halves, known as the East Side and the West Side. When choosing a neighborhood, you have both of these options, as well as places on the southern end. The East Side has older homes with a vintage feel. If you’re leaning towards new builds with contemporary finishes and easy access to freeways, the West Side neighborhoods are a better choice. We’ve put together a list of select neighborhoods to help you make an informed decision when choosing where you’ll live.
Solon
This East Side neighborhood is a top pick for families with school-age kids. Ranked among the safest neighborhoods in Ohio, this area has one of the top-rated school districts in the state. Houses are slightly more expensive, but it’s a great choice for a new family moving to the city.
Lakewood
Part of the Greater Cleveland area on the West Side, Lakewood is a densely populated suburb that offers several homes, condos, and apartments. There are many scenic outdoor parks in this neighborhood, and its proximity to downtown makes it a prime location.
Ohio City
If you’re looking for an energizing neighborhood with an urban feel, Ohio City is the place to be. There are many bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in the area, offering plenty to do. This neighborhood is popular with young professionals and families.
Whether you need temporary storage during your move or long-term space to keep your belongings, our Cleveland storage facilities are a great choice. There are climate-controlled self-storage units that will keep your goods in ambient weather. Choose from a variety of storage unit sizes and amenities to suit your personal requirements.
Things to Do
With world-class museums, beautiful parks, and several family-friendly attractions, such as the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, you’ll never get bored when living here. For art lovers, there’s the Cleveland Museum of Art, which is considered one of the top art museums in the nation. With a large collection of more than 30,000 art pieces from Egypt, Europe, Asia, and Africa, this museum also hosts special exhibits, music programs, and other events.
To experience the old charm of Cleveland, head to the West Side Market, Cleveland’s oldest public market. Buy fresh produce, succulent seafood, local fruits and veggies, dairy products, and homemade bread and pastries from more than 100 vendors. This local market helps you experience the rich food culture of the city while making it easy to shop for the freshest local produce.
Winter covers Cleveland in a blanket of snow, making it look stunning while giving you ample opportunities to experience winter recreation. There are several parks and areas that turn into wonderful snow resorts, offering a plethora of activities such as tubing, skiing, sledding, and more.
When summer arrives, the action shifts to the lovely beaches of Lake Erie, where you can enjoy several outdoor activities like hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, and more. The beaches of Cleveland facing Lake Erie are some of the best freshwater shores in the country, and the warmer months are the perfect time to soak in the balmy summer weather of Ohio.
Reasons to Move There
One of the top reasons young people want to move to Cleveland is because of its emerging job market and its reputation as an affordable destination in which to live and work. There are many jobs up for grabs in hot sectors such as IT, biotechnology, and manufacturing. With plenty of cutting-edge hospitals and healthcare centers across the city, there are jobs in the medical industry as well.
There is a lot of innovation happening here, especially when it comes to environmentally friendly food systems and upcycling programs. which earned it a spot on our list of America’s Greenest Cities. Local businesses like Great Lakes Brewing Co. use spelt from the brewing process to feed their livestock and also use old french fry oil to fuel the “Fatty Wagon,” to deliver their beer to the area pubs. Upcycle Parts Shop in St. Clair saves 25 tons of art and craft supplies from going to the landfill through its creative reuse initiatives touting 25 tons of reused supplies.
If you’re moving here with school-age kids, you’ll be happy to know that the city has reputable public schools that provide high-quality education. There are also several private and Catholic schools, giving you many options for your kids’ education. For higher education, the city boasts several top-ranked universities and institutes that are the best in the country. The Case Western Reserve University is a top-ranked research school, while Cleveland State University offers graduate programs in many disciplines.
Cleveland is also a foodie’s delight, with several eateries, upscale restaurants, bars, and local bistros serving up delectable dishes. The Polish Boy—a sausage sandwich native to Cleveland—is an iconic dish. It will surely rank among the tastiest sandwiches you’ll ever sample. Pair the Polish Boy with some locally-brewed beer for a delightful lunch that resonates with the wonderful vibe of Cleveland.
This city experiences all four seasons. Spring and summer are really nice here, with the cool winds of the lake tempering the hot sun for truly beautiful weather. Winter snow turns the city incredibly gorgeous, while fall envelopes Cleveland in rich colors of foliage.
Make your move to Cleveland easy and hassle-free by storing your goods at our storage facilities. Our friendly customer service team will be happy to answer your queries and show you around. We offer flexible hour access, making it easy to stop by your unit at your convenience. Amenities such as 24-hour video recording and well-lit premises give you added peace of mind when making a reservation.
Header image by David Lennon from Pixabay
