Moving to Cleveland – Your EZ Guide to Everything Cleveland, Ohio 

Are you considering moving to Cleveland? The North Coast is a fantastic Midwestern city to reside in, thanks to its diverse outdoor activities, world-class theater district, renowned healthcare system, and more. 

If you’re considering moving to the “Forest City” or are already living in Cleveland, this guide is for you. It includes all the tips and tricks to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Learn about the ins and outs of living in Cleveland!

Cost of Living and Population Growth

The CLE is surprisingly inexpensive compared to other cities near a large body of water, with a cost of living 23 percent lower than the national average. The cost of living index scores Cleveland an overall 72.6, where 100 is the national average. Housing is the most affordable category, while miscellaneous costs are the most expensive.

Cleveland’s rental prices are also 11 percent less expensive than the state average, and according to a recent study, Cleveland is America’s fifth most affordable city for renters!

Not to mention, if you’re looking to purchase a house, this Ohio city is ranked fifth on the top housing markets to watch, with a median home price of just $110,000 in January 2022.

Cleveland’s population has decreased for the seventh year, dropping to 372,624 people in 2020. Cuyahoga County has lost around 15,000 people since 2010.

However, from 2010 to 2020, the number of people aged 18 and older in Cuyahoga County grew by two percent. Despite this increase, the overall population of Cuyahoga County fell by 1.2 percent from 1.28 million in 2010 to 1.264 million in 2020. The increase in the working population is helping the area’s economic growth. 

The average age of a resident was 35.5.

Job Market

Cleveland has a long history of innovation in the manufacturing sector, dating back to the 1800s. Today it is the home of one of the world’s greatest medical centers and five Fortune 1000 company headquarters, with sectors ranging from finance to advanced manufacturing to food science.

The benefits of a strong local economy are substantial. Cleveland is already ahead of many hot locations in the south. By the start of the recession in 2007, per capita GDP in the Sun Belt edged $1,400 higher than that in the Rust Belt. However, since then, metros in the Rust Belt have outpaced those in the Sun Belt, an advantage of $59,073 to $54,604. 

Between 2015 and 2018, the Cleveland area’s per capita real GDP rose from $49,280 to $58,010, putting it in 70th place among 384 metros. Cincinnati was 81st; Columbus was 96th.

Key sectors are healthcare and life science, advanced materials and manufacturing, food industry, informational technology, and financial services. The top private-sector employers are the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, the Metro Health System, Key Corp, Case Western Reserve University, and Sherwin-Williams.

For 26 years straight, the Cleveland Clinic has been named the best hospital in America for cardiology and heart surgery. It consistently ranks as one of the best hospitals in the world.

The return to space exploration is great news for the fuel cell business and NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. 

Applied Industrial Technologies, Cliffs Natural Resources, and Sherwin-Williams Company are all headquartered in Cleveland. Cleveland’s Federal Reserve Bank is one of only 12 Reserve Banks in the United States, located downtown.

Climate

Cleveland, Ohio, gets 38 inches of rain, on average, per year. Cleveland also sees about 54 inches of snowfall per year, about 66% more than the national average. The region experiences lake-effect snow, giving it higher than normal amounts of snowfall. Precipitation is one reason why Cleveland’s climate is considered humid continental. 

The average high temperature is 82F, with lows reaching 66F in the summer and dropping to 22F in the winter.

Transportation

The Regional Transit Authority is a resource for those living in Greater Cleveland. Known as “The Rapid,” the CRTA includes bus and rail services that promise fast travel and timely departures. The rapid rail system is extensive and runs throughout the city—and their red line has rail services from Tower City Center to Hopkins International Airport every 15 minutes.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the largest airport in Ohio, with 450 daily departures to over 60 US destinations on 12 airlines. The airport has direct flights to 14 cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft.Worth, and Miami. 

Several interstate highways meet up in Cleveland. I-90 runs east-west while I-71 and I-77 drop into the heart of downtown. I-480 semi-circles Cleveland to help move traffic around. Just south of Cleveland is I-80, another east-west transportation network. 

Education

Cleveland City Schools is an urban school district. The district aims to provide education that is “research-based, data-driven, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate.” They are dedicated to providing grades PK3-8th grade with the arts integrated into core subject areas, preparing students for college readiness through the CITE program, increasing access to gifted coursework through the FOCUS program, and offering language immersion programs in Mandarin Chinese. 

Cleveland is home to several institutions of higher learning. This includes three colleges and universities ranked in “Best Regional Universities” by US News and World Report, including the top-ranked Case Western Reserve University.

The Cuyahoga Community College District provides courses on all levels, from vocational training to degrees at an associate level.

John Carroll University is a private Jesuit university that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the colleges of business, engineering, arts, and sciences. It also features an honors program for gifted students.

Case Western Reserve University is a private research institution that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the colleges of arts and sciences, engineering, medicine, and dental medicine. It also runs a joint-MD/Ph.D. program with nearby University Hospitals.

Cleveland State University is a public university that draws more than 14,000 students to its campus each year. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in dental medicine and business administration. 

The Cleveland Institute of Art is a prominent art school dedicated to game design, illustration, and an internationally renowned animation department. 

If you want to pursue a career as a professional musician, the Cleveland Institute of Music is one of only seven conservatories in the United States.

Real Estate

Cleveland is experiencing a real estate boom, with specific areas seeing home prices rise by 25% year-over-year. About half the residential real estate is renter-occupied, so real estate investors have a substantial opportunity.

In terms of apartment demand in Greater Cleveland, downtown was the undisputed king. Downtown accounted for a third of all apartment demand in the area in 2021. 

Cleveland’s real estate market was competitive in 2022, with some houses going under contract on the same day they were put on the market. According to Money Crashers, based on relative pricing compared to regional and national averages and prospects for further appreciation, Cleveland is America’s #1 best city to buy a property. It remains a more affordable area to buy a home.

The January 2022 median listing home price was $110,000, a 10% increase year-over-year. The properties ranged in price from $3,000 to $6.5 million.

Things To Do in Cleveland

There’s something here for everyone. Here’s how to make the most out of living in the “Forest City.”

The city has a rich multicultural tradition adding ethnic diversity and cultural festivals. Little Italy is populated with pizza shops and neighborhood festivals rooted in Catholic traditions like The Feast of the Assumption. Asiatown, nestled in the heart of the city and home to various authentic restaurants, is another prominent Cleveland neighborhood and hosts the yearly Asian Festival.

Cleveland is home to the country’s second-largest Slovene population and the historic Slavic Village, where the annual Pierogi Dash takes place. Cleveland has a large Black community. The Karamu House is the oldest black performing theater in the United States—it’s also recognized as the finest theater in the Midwest by Midwest Living Magazine.

Dining

The city of Cleveland has a thriving culinary sector. Cleveland is rated the seventh greatest food city in the United States by Time. Cleveland’s culinary scene will surely have something to satisfy your cravings with a blend of trendy new eateries and neighborhood classics. Michael Symon is a native of Cleveland, and he has several outstanding restaurants in the city.

Several cuisines are associated with the city and have been loved by generations of Clevelanders. These include Mitchell’s Blue Cosmo ice cream and Corbo’s cannolis. The classic Slyman’s Deli has been a Cleveland institution since 1963. 

As an immigrant city, it has districts with iconic food destinations. Take your pick between Little Italy, Slavic Village, and Asiatown. The pierogi, polish boys, and paczki, brought by generations of Eastern European immigrants, have become the most recognized Cleveland cuisine.

The West Side Market is an indoor market that is a must-see destination. You can get deli meat, fruit, or a complete meal from one of its in-house restaurants.

Cleveland’s beer scene is exploding right now, and there are so many options to have a brew. Great Lakes Brewing ships around the region and is a known Ohio beer. You can also discover several wineries and bars where you can enjoy a glass of wine.

Parks and Recreation

Cleveland is known as the “Forest City” because of its tree canopy and green spaces. Cleveland has 18 nature reserves, 100 hiking trails, eight lakefront parks, and five nature centers draped around the city’s edges. 

Hike through the peaceful sounds of a wooded river amid an urban wilderness at Euclid Creek Reservation. Explore forests, meadows, and marshes on Rocky River Reservation, where you can discover more. Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park to see impressive Cuyahoga Falls.

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens combines a recreational area and a place to reflect, drawing inspiration from the gardens’ namesake. At Squire’s Castle, explore an ancient castle perched in a contemporary park. Also, don’t forget to catch a concert on the lake or dine at Voinovich Bicentennial Park for some quiet.

Water Sports

If you enjoy swimming, boating, and other water activities, Cleveland may be the city for you. Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie, there are many possibilities to get out on the water. Go sailing and fishing on excursions from Wendy Park. Visit Edgewater Beach for swimming, boating, and beach volleyball. Amusement-seekers will enjoy the Euclid Beach Park & Wildwater Kingdom waterpark.

 Dog Friendly

Dog-friendly establishments are plentiful in Cleveland. There are several dog spas and dog parks. Edgewater Park has a waterfront dog park for your four-legged friends to cool off on those warm summer days. The Downtown Dog Park is a fenced-in space in the heart of downtown. Terrestrial Brewing Company is pet-friendly, and owners can bring their pups to sit on the porch.

Attractions

Cleveland is home to world-renowned museums like The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Take a trip back in time to the days of Elvis, Janis Joplin, and Madonna at this legendary museum. On the third floor, visit the Hall of Fame for a personal tour. If you “Rent the Rock” for a night, you may hold private events like a job party, conference, or wedding. 

The Children’s Museum of Cleveland rocks! Its interactive exhibits are broken into seven collections.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to one of the most successful breeding programs for endangered Asian elephants in the world. It is rated one of the Top 25 Zoos in the US.

Cleveland Botanical Garden features ten acres of outdoor gardens and a year-round greenhouse. The gardens showcase plant and flower collections, reflecting the diversity of the world’s regions.

Great Lakes Science Center, which has been recognized by the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, features interactive exhibits on science and technology. 

Take a William G. Mather Steamship tour. The former Lake Erie steamer is docked and restored as a museum ship.

Shopping

Cleveland offers a diverse shopping experience from big brand names at outdoor malls to unique ethnic and locally made arts and crafts.

The Galleria at Erieview offers more than 100 specialty shops and services, including Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Harry Winston at its two-floor shopping mall. 

The Beachwood Place Mall offers 150 luxury brands like Salvatore Ferragamo and Hermès alongside popular stores like H&M and Forever 21.

The West Side Market is a public indoor/outdoor market with more than 100 sellers selling unique crafts and decorations, unique foods, and clothing. The marketplace, which dates back to 1840, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the city’s first market in that regard.

The Arcade Cleveland is a two-story shopping complex in historic Victorian surroundings with two structures full of boutique, big-box, and one-of-a-kind shopping possibilities. The building is made up of two nine-story buildings connected to a five-story arcade lit by natural light through a huge glass skylight. The structure dates to the 1800s.

The 5th Street Arcades have been in operation since the 1890s and provide a wide range of goods, from shoes to jewelry, apparel, and specialty tea in a picturesque Romanesque setting. If you’re seeking high-end luxury shopping experiences, this is the place to go; it’s chock full of elegant boutiques and brand names.

Art and Culture

Cleveland is home to great art and culture. The Cleveland Museum of Art features a world-class collection that spans 5,000 years. The museum has over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces showcasing historical and contemporary exhibitions.

Playhouse Square is home to the second-largest theater district in the US. The Theater District is downtown and offers a variety of entertainment options, including live theater, concerts, circus performances, movies, and more. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience one of Cleveland’s many festivals like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade or the Art in the Village. Numerous great events are scheduled throughout the year.

The city of Cleveland has a storied history, and the museums throughout the city are devoted to celebrating it! Connect with history locally at the Cleveland History Center, which should not be missed.

Take a trip back in time at A Christmas Story House Museum, which is open all year but especially popular during the holidays! The Cleveland Museum of Art has eight changing exhibitions with works from several countries and periods.

Take a day trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the only contemporary art museum in Cleveland.

The Cleveland Museum of National History is another must-see, where you can learn about animals, dinosaurs, and evolutionary medicine. The museum is famous for its extensive collections spanning all countries and eras. The permanent collection includes art from Europe, Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Africa, China, South America, and the Ancient Americas.

The Cleveland Orchestra is considered one of the finest orchestras in America. Most concerts at are Severance Hall.

Sports and Sports Teams

Cleveland has an ardent fanbase for its local sports teams! The Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) play at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cleveland Browns (NFL) play at the “dawg pound,” or the FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cleveland Guardians (MLB) play at Progressive Field, known lovingly as “The Jake,” and the Cleveland Monsters (AHL Hockey) play at Quicken Loans Arena.

Moving to Cleveland

Moving to Cleveland is an exciting and rewarding experience. There are so many activities, sights, and things to do in the city along Lake Erie. 

Many people love visiting the city of Cleveland, but not many want to move here because they assume that it is too expensive or too crowded. The truth about moving here is that you can have a very high quality of life for a pretty low price point! 

 From the affordable housing market to cultural attractions and outdoor activities, you can find something that fits your lifestyle. It is easy to live in Cleveland and enjoy life here just as other major US cities.