Where should we start when considering Cleveland? Do we begin with Lake Erie catching on fire? Or maybe we should start with the Browns’ two losses to the Denver Broncos. We could mention the Indians (now Guardians) losing the World Series in the ninth inning of game seven. That’s how most of America thinks of Cleveland. But if you live here, if you have spent any decent amount of time here, what you find is a hidden gem of a city blossoming like never before.
The phrase “Cleveland: The Best Location in The Nation” was born in the 1940s when performed by Les Adair with the Vic Stuart Combo. The song detailed the city’s various amenities and quality of life. Those attributes still thrive today as Cleveland has become one of the best places to live in the US.
Cleveland is ranked 54 in the country by size and, due to recent events in our country, that turns out to be a good thing. When the pandemic hit, space became a commodity. Clevelanders were able to shelter in place because we aren’t on top of each other in Northeast Ohio. Places like New York City, where 7 million people live in 5 square miles, suffered due to lack of space.
So, let’s go over the amazing qualities of the CLE:
WEATHER
While Cleveland does get snow, it has so much more to offer. The changing seasons make Cleveland a wonderful environment to live in. Fall offers some amazing scenery and there is nothing like a cool Friday night high school football game. Cleveland offers beaches in the summer and skiing in the winter. No matter what kind of mood you’re in, Cleveland offers you a chance to experience it.
LOCATION
Cleveland is 500 miles from most of the United States. You can travel with relative ease to so many extraordinary places. The airport is easy to navigate and uncongested like larger airports. Cleveland’s location also offers catastrophe living, meaning it doesn’t have forest fires, floods, droughts, earthquakes, or hurricanes. It might get an occasional tornado, but those are far and few between. With climate change, Cleveland offers some of the safest living in the country.
“Winter is a small price to pay to not suffer from any disastrous weather,” says Nathaniel James who lives in Parma, Ohio.
SPORTS
Cleveland has five professional sports teams: Guardians (baseball), Browns (football), Cavaliers (basketball), Crunch (soccer), and Monsters (hockey). Most cities in the country don’t have five teams. So, if you want to support a major franchise, Cleveland is your city. We also have tons of college and great high school teams filled with tradition, excitement, and talent.
COST OF LIVING
Cleveland, and its cost of living, makes it an affordable place to live. Housing, energy, and quality of life are all above average for those who make Cleveland their home. For anyone who has lived on the west coast understands the struggle of finding reasonable housing. Cleveland’s cost of living index is lower than many US cities
COST OF LIVING INDEX BY CITY
San Francisco: 178.6
Los Angeles: 146
New York City: 128
Washington DC: 120.1
Denver: 112.1
Miami: 110.1
Atlanta: 100.3
Chicago: 100.1
Houston: 95.8
New Orleans: 92.4
Cleveland: 90
EDUCATION
The Cleveland School District has launched an initiative to meet the needs of the “whole” child that includes the three core principles of equity, partnerships, and quality schools as the most critical in developing high-functioning, responsive, prepared, and empowered students and citizens who will positively contribute to society.
THE ARTS
Cleveland has the second-largest theater district in the country. Second, only to New York’s Broadway, Cleveland attracts all the major touring plays, concerts, and artists. With Euclid Ave. sporting the largest outdoor chandelier in the world, your downtown experience is getting better and better. And don’t forget about the Cleveland Orchestra, Karamu House, and all of the amazing museums in the area.
“Cleveland offers a vibrant theatre district and arts culture, unmatched in the nation,” Solon resident Russ Klein said. “Cleveland certainly isn’t perfect, but aside from the winter cold, it’s hard for me to imagine living anywhere better.”
METROPARKS
Cleveland is called “The Forest City” for a very good reason. The “Emerald Necklace” of the Metroparks system connects all the parks throughout northeast Ohio. Since Metroparks took over some of Cleveland’s beaches, the experience of walking on our sandy beaches is second to none.
If you’re looking for a balance between working in the concrete jungle and finding peace in some green space, Cleveland’s Metroparks, considered THE parks system in the country, offers a great space to recharge your batteries.
FOOD
OMG, the food! What can be said about Cleveland’s restaurants? This past summer, outdoor seating was never better with the warm glowing nights and great patio dining. From the eastside to the westside and south, there are so many great places to dine. We quite often forget to explore some of these places: Tremont, downtown Willoughby, Crocker Park, Chagrin Falls, Little Italy — I could go on and on naming amazing places to enjoy sumptuous meals and gather with friends.
CRIME
Crime will always be present in any major metropolis, but relative to your location, Cleveland is considered a safe place to live. Much can be done to reduce crime in certain locations and Cleveland is working hard to create a diverse, crime-free environment for people to work, live, and thrive in.
ENTERTAINMENT
As Cleveland grows, it offers some great locations to just hang out and have fun. Whether you want to gamble at Jack’s Casino or party in the Flats, there is always something to do if you’re looking for something different and stimulating. The convention center continues to draw national businesses and between the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, CSU Convocation Center, House of Blues, Blossom, Cain Park, and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse events never seem to stop in Cleveland.
Obviously, there are better places to live depending on what your needs are. There are bigger cities to enjoy. But if you are looking for a big city with a small-town feel, Cleveland is the best location in the nation. So, enjoy our wonderful attractions and places to eat and enjoy the holiday season.
