Best Suburbs Near Cleveland

Located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is very popular for its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene. It is also known as The Forest City and is home to renowned institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a variety of professional sports teams. So if you’re planning to move to Cleveland, it’s important to choose the right suburb as it can impact the quality of your life, commute times, access to amenities, and overall satisfaction.

A well-chosen suburb can offer a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere while still providing easy access to the economic opportunities that Cleveland has to offer. To choose the best suburb, you need to consider some factors safety, education, etc. So if you want to know more about them, keep reading. 

Criteria for Evaluating Suburbs

Safety and crime rates

When choosing a suburb, safety should be your main priority as it can impact your life’s quality. That’s why it’s important to check local crime rates and trends to understand the security level of the area. You should always be looking for lower crime rates as it typically indicates a safer environment, which is particularly important for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.

School quality and educational facilities

If you are planning to move with a family,  the quality of local schools is a critical factor. Since it will decide the future of your kids, you must ensure they will get the best academic guidance. So research school ratings, student-to-teacher ratios, and the availability of extracurricular programs. And if you choose a suburb with highly-rated public and private schools, you will find more families with children there. 

Real estate market 

You should know about the real estate market of the suburb you are planning to move into as it will help you find a good property. Evaluating the real estate market involves considering affordability, property values, and the types of housing available. To get a better idea, you should look at things like property tax rates, medium home prices, apartments, and townhouses. A stable or appreciating market can also be a good investment for the future.

Amenities and lifestyle 

If you want to a high-quality, you must make sure your suburb has modern amenities. You should consider having easy access to parks, recreational facilities, restaurants, and shopping centers. Suburbs with a variety of amenities provide convenience and enhance lifestyle, catering to diverse interests and activities.

Commute times and public transportation options

If your lifestyle involves frequent traveling, then you should also consider commute times as they can significantly affect your daily life. You should evaluate the distance and time it takes to commute to work or school, along with the availability and reliability of public transportation options. If you live in a suburb with efficient public transit or proximity to major highways, then it can help you save time and reduce stress. 

Community vibe and culture

You should always live in a place with a positive environment. That’s why you must check the community vibe and culture of the place before you make a move. You should personally visit the suburb to gauge the friendliness of the residents, the presence of community events, and the overall atmosphere. If you have a welcoming community, it will be easier for you to adjust and feel at home.

Overview of Cleveland Suburbs

You will find many appealing suburbs around Cleveland. If you go southeast, Shaker Heights is renowned for its historic architecture, cultural diversity, and excellent school system. Lakewood is another good area where you can get affordable housing and proximity to the city center. If you want to go upscale, you should consider Beachwood as it boasts top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and a wealth of shopping and dining options. 

Further west, you have Rocky River, which is popular for its river views, beautiful parts, and active outdoor lifestyle. If you go south of Cleveland near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you will find Brecksville, which is known for its excellent parks, good schools, and safe, family-oriented environment. You can also opt to live in Solon if you need premium properties and want to live a high-quality life.

Shaker Heights

Established in 1912, Shaker Heights is known for its historic vibe and tree-lined streets. You will get a range of housing options here; the average median home price is $300,000. The excellent school system of this suburb makes it ideal for families with kids. You get access to various parks like Shaker Lakes Park and Lower Lake where you can enjoy recreational facilities and a variety of programs offered by the local recreation department. If you like shopping and dining, you can go to The Van Aken District. With convenient access to downtown Cleveland via the RTA’s bus routes and light rail lines, commute times typically range from 30 to 40 minutes, which makes Shakar Heights a desirable place to live.

Lakewood

Located west of downtown Cleveland, Lakewood is a vibrant suburb with urban charm and amenities. The housing market offers a mix of affordable homes and historic properties, with a median home price around $250,000. It features good schools such as Lakewood High School, so you can be sure your kids will get a good education. If you want to spend time in peace, you can go to Lakewood Park to enjoy stunning lakefront views and activities. 

Commuting is convenient with a short 15-20 minute drive to downtown Cleveland and access to public transportation. The community is friendly and has good venues like Mahall’s 20 Lanes and The Root Cafe, making it perfect for everyone.

Rocky River

If you’re looking for a place with scenic river views and strong community spirit, you should consider Rocky River.  Founded in the early 19th century, this place has become a good spot for people to settle in. Since the housing market is robust, you can find charming historic homes and modern developments, with a median home price of around $320,000. It also has recreational facilities such as Rocky River Reservation and Bradstreet’s Landing where you can take your family for picnics. You get easy access to public transportation, which makes commuting convenient. Along with this, there are many good educational institutions, which makes it ideal for families with kids.

Beachwood

Known for its top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and excellent amenities. Beachwood is an affluent suburb that was established in the early 20th century. It has a diverse housing market, so you can easily find spacious single-family homes and luxury condos, with a median home price of around $350,000. Since it is served by the highly acclaimed Beachwood City School District, you can have excellent educational facilities for your kids. You can go to spots such as Beachwood City Park and the expansive Beachwood Family Aquatic Center to enjoy a good time with your friends and family. Commuting to downtown Cleveland takes about 20-30 minutes and you get access to various events throughout the year.

Westlake

If you need a place with a rich history and suburban comfort, Westlake can be a good place for you. The housing market offers a range of options from affordable family homes to luxurious estates, with a median home price of around $330,000. This city features various top-rated schools such as Westlake High School and you also get access to reputed private institutions like like St. Bernadette School. Residents can go to popular parks like Crocker Park, which features shopping, dining, and entertainment. With convenient access to major highways and public transportation options, the commute times to downtown Cleveland are moderate. Since it boasts a strong community vibe, you will feel at home here.

Brecksville

Brecksville is another charming suburb with a family-friendly environment. The housing market offers a range of options, from historic homes to modern developments, with a median home price of around $350,000. You get access to excellent schools, including Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School. If you want to enjoy some outdoor activities, you can go to spots like Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Brecksville Reservation. Commuting is convenient, with easy access to major highways and public transportation options. To foster community strength, the city hosts various events at Brecksville Community Center, which makes it easier for you to make new connections.

Comparative Analysis

Pros and Cons of Solon and Beachwood

Pros of Living in Solon

• You will get access to top-rated schools
• The neighborhoods are safer
• The shopping and dining scene is diverse

Cons of Living in Solon

• The cost of living is higher
• Moderate commute times

Pros of Living in Beachwood

• The real estate market is strong
• You will get diverse housing options
• Excellent schools

Cons of Living in Beachwood

• Higher medium home prices

Additional Considerations

When you’re choosing a suburb, you should also consider its future development and growth prospects. It’s important to have information regarding the ongoing projects as it can offer increased property values and enhanced living conditions. Apart from this, you should know about the impact of local government and policies. If a suburb has effective and community-focused initiatives, then it can significantly improve the quality of your life. 

One great way to know about the living conditions of a suburb is by directly asking its residents. Testimonials from residents provide valuable insights into the everyday experiences and community atmosphere that are impossible to know with online information.

Conclusion

Cleveland offers everything that one needs to live a quality life, from modern amenities to a comforting environment. However, it’s important to choose the right suburb to build a good lifestyle. You have many options such as Westlake, Beachwood, and Lakewood but choosing the best suburb near Cleveland depends on your preferences and lifestyle. If you are not able to make a choice, then think of factors like commute time, school quality, housing prices, and community vibe.

Since each suburb offers something unique and lifestyle benefits, it’s important to prioritize what matters most to you and your family. You can also visit and explore the suburbs personally to get a feel for the neighborhoods as it will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect place to call home near Cleveland