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. If you’re planning to move to Cleveland, it’s important to choose the right suburb, as it can affect your quality of 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.
Pros and Cons of Cleveland's Best Suburbs
Every suburb on this list has genuine strengths, but none of them is right for everyone. Here is an honest look at each one so you can weigh what matters most to your family.
Shaker Heights
Pros:
- Stunning historic architecture and tree-lined streets
- Strong school district with diverse programming
- Deep cultural identity and established community
- Close proximity to University Circle and Cleveland
Cons:
- Older homes mean higher maintenance costs
- Property taxes are among the highest in the region
- Limited newer construction options
Lakewood
Pros:
- Most walkable community on the west side
- Affordable entry-level home prices
- Vibrant restaurant and arts scene
- Short commute into downtown Cleveland
Cons:
- Smaller lots and limited yard space
- Parking can be challenging in denser areas
- Less privacy than outer suburbs
Rocky River
Pros:
- Highly rated schools
- Charming downtown with genuine local character
- Beautiful Rocky River valley scenery
- Strong long-term property values
Cons:
- Limited housing inventory
- Prices reflect high demand
- Finding the right home can take time
Beachwood
Pros:
- Consistently top-ranked school district
- Excellent location along the I-271 corridor
- Strong commercial amenities nearby
- Well-established and stable community
Cons:
- Less walkable than inner-ring suburbs
- Feels more traditionally suburban in character
- Higher price point for entry
Westlake
Pros:
- Newer housing stock throughout the city
- Crocker Park offers strong retail and dining options
- Reliable schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
- Predictable and well-maintained community
Cons:
- Less distinctive character than older suburbs
- Further from Cleveland’s cultural core
- Can feel generic compared to inner-ring options
Brecksville
Pros:
- Borders the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Consistently high safety ratings
- Excellent schools
- Quiet, spacious, and well-maintained neighborhoods
Cons:
- Longer commute into Cleveland
- Limited walkability and dining options locally
- Less active street life than communities closer to the city
Conclusion
No single suburb is the best choice for every family. The right answer depends on what you are optimizing for, whether that is school quality, commute time, housing value, walkability, natural surroundings, or community character. Cleveland’s western and eastern suburbs each offer genuinely strong options, and the communities on this list represent the best of what the region has to offer across a range of priorities.
Once you have made your decision and are ready to move, Eyring Movers is here to help. We serve all of these communities and have been doing so since 1897. Request a free quote today and take the first step toward your Cleveland life, on your terms and on your timeline.
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