Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Cleveland
So, you’re moving to Cleveland! Get ready to experience one of the nation’s undiscovered treasures—a vibrant, thriving metropolis with Midwest charm. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland has something for everyone— affordable housing, culture, lakefront parks and beaches, some of the best medical care in the nation, and a welcoming community.
Real Estate is Affordable
If you’re moving from a major U.S. city, you will be pleasantly surprised by the real estate market in Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs. Median housing prices, on average are an astonishingly 500% less expensive than New York and 240% less expensive than Washington D.C. In 2019 Cleveland received a top affordability score on Kiplinger’s list of 100 Largest Metro Areas. That means more money in your pockets to enjoy your new city and all it has to offer.
Cleveland Has That Small-town Feel
Cleveland has a spirit and a sense of community that you can’t find in larger cities. It’s the kind of place where people grow up and stay to raise their own families. Transplants, too, find Cleveland’s Mid-western charm irresistible. The scale of the city and its surrounding towns translates into a less hectic pace of life.
Gus Armbruster, who has lived in the Tremont neighborhood for the past six years says, “Cleveland gives you the amenities of a big-time city but without the headaches of traffic jams, high cost of living, and feeling like a small fish in a big pond."
Cleveland Metroparks
Living in Cleveland means the beauty of the nature is just steps away. The Cleveland Metroparks system includes 300 miles of trails and 18 parks and nature reservations. Some parks, such as Lakefront and Washington, are within walking distance of downtown.
Further out of the city, the Metroparks offer thousands of trails for hiking and biking and spectacular scenic views. Cleveland Metroparks is a nationally acclaimed park system that houses numerous golf courses, several lakeside parks, and the Cleveland Zoo, home to over 600 animal species.
Downtown Cleveland
Cleveland has seen a building boom in recent years. New construction of office spaces and newly renovated housing reflect the energy and vitality of this highly walkable city. From the downtown area, attractions such as the Science Museum and the Quicken Arena, home of the Cavaliers, are within walking distance. The Theatre District is the second largest in the country, trailing only New York City.
The recently refurbished Flats is a downtown indoor/outdoor market and dining area that borders beautiful Lake Erie. The Flat offers lakeside dining and a lively atmosphere for after-work hours or days off in the city.
Stroll along East Fourth Street to find shopping, aromatic coffee houses, craft breweries, and of course, to-die-for restaurants. Author and former Iron Chef champ, Michael Symon, has not one, but two destination venues on East 4thStreet. Symon’s Mabel’s BBQ is a Cleveland institution-don’t miss it!
World Class Health Care
Cleveland’s health care facilities are recognized worldwide as the pinnacle of quality and innovation. University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center is ranked nationally in many specialties in both adult and pediatric medicine.
Cleveland Clinic’s heart and vascular institute has been ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Reports for 25 years straight. Eight other hospital departments ranked in the top ten nationwide. Newsweek ranks Cleveland Clinic No. 2 in the world. People travel from all over the world to receive the stellar care offered by Cleveland’s hospitals.
Lakeside on Lake Erie
You may not think of Cleveland when you think of fun in the sun, but that’s exactly what you’ll get when you set your beach chair on one of Cleveland’s lakeside beaches. Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Reservation, which includes Edgewater Park and Whiskey Island, has thousands of feet of beachfront within the city. With sun and sand, beach volleyball and boating, Cleveland has been keeping its beachside paradise a closely guarded secret. Get ready to enjoy it right alongside your new neighbors.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
In case the Metroparks’ 300 miles of trails aren’t enough for you, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is only a half an hour drive away. The state’s only national park, Cuyahoga has 100 waterfalls within its borders, miles of trails, and plenty of scenic vistas for gazing at the beauty of the valley.
One of best ways to see the park is by hopping on the Scenic Railroad for a 3-hour round trip. You’ll see Lock 39, part of the historic Ohio and Eric Canal towpath. The towpath is accessible for walkers, bikers, wheelchairs, and strollers.
You Can Visit the House from A Christmas Story 24/7
Is your Christmas incomplete without A Christmas Story running all day on TV? Then head on over to The Christmas Story House and Museum, the famed home of Ralphie Parker and his Red Rider BB gun, for that warm holiday feeling. Brian Jones, a huge fan of the movie, bought the Tremont-area home in 2004. He took two years to painstakingly replicate the home to reflect the original set design and opened the doors in 2016 to neighbors and tourists alike.
You can tour the house and hide in the same kitchen cabinet that little Randy did. Stay as an overnight guest and use the bathroom where Ralphie had to wash his mouth out with soap. In true Cleveland spirit, many houses in the area cast an evening glow from a fishnet-clad leg lamp. Visit the museum across the street and take home your own sexy leg-lamp.
Die-Hard Sports Fans
Sports fans in Cleveland are a breed unto their own. Yes, they have the Cavaliers that have rewarded their devotion with playoffs and titles. The Cleveland Browns on the other hand leave a string of broken sports-fan hearts in their wake. That doesn’t stop Cleveland fans. They show up in freezing temperatures, paint themselves in team colors, and never lose faith. If you’re looking for a sports town, Cleveland is the place for you.
Home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
People travel from all over to visit the one and only Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Once you become a Clevelander, it will be right in your backyard. The Hall of Fame hosts special events and concerts throughout the year. Best of all, you’ll be within shouting distance for the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies—which have some surprisingly affordable tickets.
Whether you’re a sports fan, a foodie, a nature lover, or a rock-and-roller, Cleveland has so much to discover. In Cleveland you’ll find a friendly community, affordable housing, and plenty of places to kick back and enjoy.
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