Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant sports scene, and engaging cultural attractions.
But beyond the bustling heart of this major city, Cleveland suburbs promise a tranquil, family-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing easy access to the city’s amenities.
Our focus is on highlighting these suburban communities, each with its unique flavor and allure, making them ideal places to call home in Ohio.
Look for Your New Home in These Cleveland Suburbs
With a diverse array of outstanding features, affordable housing, rich local attractions, excellent transit scores, and a low crime rate, the Cleveland suburbs have gained a reputation as great places to live.
The area boasts beautiful landscapes with ample green space for outdoor activities, diverse dining options, and a family-friendly environment. Its proximity to the central city also offers easy access to the thriving downtown area’s vibrant entertainment and employment opportunities.
Broadview Heights
Welcome to Broadview Heights, a bustling suburb in Cuyahoga County that blends small-town charm with big-city convenience.
With its short drive to a major shopping center—like Beachwood Place Mall—Broadview Heights provides its residents with a variety of entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Broadview Heights is also a short, 15-20 minute drive from Veterans Park, a park home to six multi-use fields, two pavilions with grills, softball fields, baseball fields, and 97.9 acres of land.
Housing Market
Broadview Heights offers a competitive housing market in the Cleveland suburbs with many beautiful homes. The median price reflects home value for the money, promising affordable living within easy reach of the city.
Local Amenities
Residents enjoy many local amenities, including numerous parks, a community center, and various dining options, from cozy cafés to gourmet restaurants. Proximity to Interstate 271 provides easy access to downtown Cleveland and other parts of Northeast Ohio—with plenty of great hiking trails.
School Zones
The Broadview Heights City School District has several excellent schools, offering an above-average public education with diverse learning options.
Community
The suburb boasts a rich history and a tight-knit community that gathers for annual events and festivals. With its low crime rate, Broadview Heights promises a safe and secure family environment.
Westlake
Known as one of Cleveland’s most affluent suburbs, Westlake offers an enviable lifestyle with its high-end housing, excellent school system, and many amenities.
Its prime location along the I-90 provides residents with easy access to downtown Cleveland, making Westlake an attractive choice for those who want the ideal of Cleveland suburbs without being far from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Housing Market
Westlake’s housing market offers luxury and affordable homes for sale. The real estate landscape here is dominated by beautiful homes catering to various budgets.
Local Amenities
Westlake is home to Crocker Park, an extensive shopping complex with many shops, dining options, and entertainment centers. Residents also enjoy access to numerous parks and green spaces, including the expansive Bradley Woods Reservation.
School Zones
With a top-rated school system, Westlake ensures high-quality education for its young residents. The Westlake City School District boasts several highly-ranked public schools.
Community
Westlake enjoys a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, with numerous events and gatherings fostering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Avon Lake
Located along the shores of Lake Erie, Avon Lake is an attractive Cleveland suburb offering a high quality of life and a strong community spirit.
A short drive along Interstate 90 provides easy access to downtown Cleveland, making Avon Lake a convenient home base for commuters.
Housing Market
Avon Lake is known for its charming suburban homes for sale, offering a diverse housing market for various price ranges. Avon Lake has something for everyone, from lavish lakeside properties to affordable family homes.
Local Amenities
The suburb is known for its lakefront parks, including the popular Miller Road Park. In addition, Avon Lake features the expansive Crocker Park for shopping and dining enthusiasts, providing its residents with a wealth of local amenities.
School Zones
The Avon Lake City School District houses several top-rated public schools, including the acclaimed Avon Lake High School, promising an excellent education for children.
Community
With its low crime rates and active neighborhood, Avon Lake is a safe and friendly place to raise a family.
Bay Village
Bay Village is a serene, family-oriented suburb in Cuyahoga County, known for its safe streets and excellent schools.
Its location along Lake Erie offers residents a scenic view and recreational activities, while its proximity to the city makes it a convenient suburb for those working in Cleveland.
Housing Market
With a range of homes for sale, from mid-century cottages to new builds, Bay Village offers a dynamic housing market. Its median home sale prices provide various options for families of all sizes.
Local Amenities
Residents enjoy the vibrant downtown district and access to numerous parks, including the Cleveland Metroparks Huntington Reservation. It also boasts a community aquatic center and easy access to Lake Erie’s shores.
School Zones
The Bay Village City School District offers some of the best public schools in the region, ensuring quality education for your children.
Community
Bay Village is celebrated for its strong sense of community, annual events, and low crime rate, making it a safe and appealing place to settle down.
Solon
Recognized as one of the best places to live in the Cleveland area, Solon is a vibrant suburb with much to offer.
The suburb’s location near major roads offers easy access to downtown Cleveland, while its green spaces provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Housing Market
The Solon real estate market offers a mix of single-family homes and condominiums, catering to different needs and budgets. The housing options are diverse, ranging from affordable homes to luxury properties. This tends to scale the median home value in the area higher, although there are affordable gems in Solon.
Local Amenities
With numerous parks, entertainment districts, and a bustling downtown area, Solon offers residents many amenities. Residents can also enjoy dining options catering to various culinary tastes.
School Zones
The Solon City School District is one of the top-ranked in the state, featuring numerous excellent schools that offer a wide range of learning options for students of all ages.
Community
Known for its family-friendly environment and low crime rate, Solon is a safe and welcoming community where residents can enjoy a peaceful suburban lifestyle.
Brecksville
Brecksville is an affluent suburb of Cleveland, located in Cuyahoga County. Known for its beautiful landscapes and a strong sense of community, it’s a delightful place to call home.
With its easy access to major highways, commuting to downtown Cleveland or Akron is a breeze, making it a popular choice for professionals and families.
Housing Market
The Brecksville real estate market comprises beautifully designed homes that range from modest to upscale. Nestled amidst lush greenery, these properties present excellent home value.
Local Amenities
Brecksville is home to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and offers many outdoor activity options. The charming downtown area, filled with unique shops and restaurants, provides a friendly small-town feel.
School Zones
Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District is known for its excellent schools, providing quality education and diverse learning options.
Community
The community of Brecksville is close-knit and friendly, and its residents take pride in their high participation in local events and activities.
Beachwood
If you’re looking for a vibrant, bustling suburb, Beachwood could be your perfect match. This suburb is one of the most desirable Cleveland suburbs, offering an urban feel and tranquil residential areas.
Close proximity to Interstate 271 makes commuting to downtown Cleveland easy from these Cleveland suburbs, while the surrounding green spaces offer peaceful retreats from city life.
Housing Market
The Beachwood real estate market is diverse, offering everything from luxury condos for sale to single-family homes.
Local Amenities
One of the standout features of Beachwood is the Beachwood Place Mall, offering many shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The city also has numerous parks and an aquatic center.
School Zones
Beachwood City School District boasts some of the top public schools in Ohio, ensuring that children in the area receive an above-average public school education.
Community
Beachwood is known for its ethnic diversity and friendly atmosphere, creating a welcoming environment for all residents.
Rocky River
Rocky River, located in Cuyahoga County, is a suburb that blends small-town charm with access to big-city amenities. Its closeness to Lake Erie and the Rocky River Reservation make it an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Its convenient location, just a few minutes from downtown Cleveland, makes it an ideal suburb for those who want the benefits of city life without living in the central city.
Rocky River is well-known for its Summer Outdoor Concert Series, which has been staged for more than a dozen years as an annual celebration.
Housing Market
The housing market in Rocky River offers a wide range of options, from charming historic homes to modern condos.
Local Amenities
Residents can access excellent amenities, including numerous parks like the picturesque Rocky River Park. The city’s proximity to Lake Erie also offers residents beautiful lakefront views and recreational activities.
School Zones
Rocky River City School District is recognized for its excellent schools, promising a top-rated school system for residents’ children.
Community
Rocky River is a community-focused suburb with low crime rates and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Pepper Pike
Pepper Pike is an affluent suburb of Cleveland located in the charming Chagrin Valley. It is widely recognized for its peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere and natural beauty.
Housing Market
The Pepper Pike real estate market blends stunning luxury homes and beautiful mid-sized residences in these slightly pricier Cleveland suburbs.
Local Amenities
Among the attractions in Pepper Pike are The Country Club and Pepper Pike Club, both offering excellent leisure activities. Residents also enjoy access to numerous parks and green spaces that lend the city a serene atmosphere.
School Zones
Pepper Pike is served by the Orange City School District, known for its top-rated schools offering an above-average public education.
Community
Pepper Pike boasts a friendly and vibrant community with a strong sense of unity.
The suburb is located near Interstate 271, making it easy for residents to commute to downtown Cleveland while enjoying the benefits of suburban living.
Mayfield Heights
Mayfield Heights, in Cuyahoga County, offers a blend of residential comfort, commercial convenience, and excellent schools, making it an attractive place to live and raise a family.
Conveniently located near Interstate 271, the suburb offers an easy commute to downtown Cleveland. It’s also a short 25-minute drive from Cleveland’s Historic League Park—now a dedicated museum preserving the artifacts and stories of baseball’s past.
Housing Market
The housing market in the Cleveland suburbs of Mayfield Heights offers a range of options, from affordable condos to family homes, with good home value.
Local Amenities
Mayfield Heights has various dining options, retail centers, and numerous parks, including the Mayfield Village Community Park and Pool.
School Zones
Mayfield City School District serves the area, providing families with access to excellent public schools.
Community
The residents of Mayfield Heights enjoy a friendly community atmosphere characterized by a high level of civic involvement.
Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls is a picturesque suburb in Cuyahoga County, known for its historic downtown and natural beauty. It is one of the most charming communities in Northeast Ohio that radiates a “small-town” vibe.
With Cleveland only 30 minutes away, residents can enjoy all major city amenities while living in a peaceful suburban environment.
Housing Market
Chagrin Falls offers a housing market that includes everything from historic homes to new builds, falling pretty squarely in line with the expected median home value for the region.
Local Amenities
The village is home to an array of unique shops, art galleries, and dining options centered around the iconic Chagrin Falls waterfall. The area is also home to the famous Chagrin Valley Little Theater.
School Zones
Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District is one of the top-rated school districts in the state, providing students with an excellent education.
Community
The Chagrin Falls community is warm, inviting, and proud of its history and heritage.
Climate in Cleveland
The climate in Cleveland is characterized by its distinct seasons, each bringing its own unique charm.
Summers are warm and often humid, perfect for enjoying Lake Erie’s beaches or exploring the area’s numerous parks. The city comes alive in fall as the leaves change into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a picturesque backdrop.
Winters can be chilly, with snowfall that transforms Cleveland into a winter wonderland.
However, the city is well-prepared for snowy conditions, ensuring life continues onward—and you don’t get stuck in a treacherous commute.
Spring brings blooming flowers and warmer temperatures, signaling the arrival of outdoor festivals and events. The varied climate contributes to the rich lifestyle in Cleveland and its suburbs, offering residents a range of seasonal activities.
Culture, Dining, and Community
Cleveland suburbs boast a vibrant cultural scene that reflects the city’s rich history and diversity.
The city has numerous entertainment centers, including the renowned Cleveland Play House and the Cleveland Museum of Art, which feature collections from contemporary art to classic masterpieces.
Cleveland rivals any major city when it comes to cuisine—with its eclectic mix, offering up everything from traditional American fare to international dishes. Unique to the city is the mix of nightlife and entertainment districts that cater to every possible taste and age demographic—with plenty of regular community events.
Suburban communities such as Chagrin Falls, Bay Village, and Rocky River offer a more peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing cultural experience. These suburbs host many local events, from art festivals to community gatherings, promoting a strong sense of community.
The charming community of Shaker Heights, one of Cleveland’s earliest streetcar-accessible suburbs, is known for its history of diversity and ethnic richness.
This bustling suburb also offers numerous parks for outdoor activities, including the Shaker Lakes Park. If shopping is on your list,
Beachwood Place Mall, in the affluent “hub” of Beachwood, offers an upscale shopping experience.
Each suburb possesses its unique charm, be it the bustling suburb of Mayfield Heights or the family-friendly town of Solon, making Cleveland suburbs an excellent choice for those seeking a vibrant yet close-knit community.
What To Look for in a Suburb
When choosing a suburb, it’s essential to consider factors beyond mere housing costs and school districts.
Access to public transportation, shopping facilities, and local amenities should play a significant role in your decision, as they impact the quality of daily life. A suburb with a robust public transit system, like the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, can make commuting to work or accessing the central city easier and more sustainable.
The Cleveland suburbs are also home to many public schools offering learning options catering to different students’ needs. Avon Lake High School and Solon School District consistently receive excellent ratings, making them attractive family options.
Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium districts generally offer an above-average public school education.
A suburb with roads with sidewalks and minimal industrial activity often indicates a quieter, cleaner environment.This includes suburbs like:
- Bay Village
- Pepper Pike
- Westlake
- Broadview Heights
These communities, with their numerous parks and green spaces, are excellent examples.
Mayfield Village is another suburb that balances urban living and natural beauty. It is home to the North Chagrin Reservation, part of the extensive Cleveland Metroparks system, and offers numerous trails for hiking and biking.
Rocky River, known for its friendly town vibe and excellent schools, is another great choice. It’s close to the Rocky River Reservation and the Rocky River, which are often utilized for outdoor activities like hiking.
Additionally, consider the Cleveland suburbs’ population, as a stable population often indicates a more friendly and welcoming community. Whether you’re looking for a bustling suburb’s lively atmosphere or a charming township’s tranquil serenity, Cleveland’s suburbs offer diverse options to meet your unique needs.
Highland Heights, for instance, is perfect if you’re seeking family-friendly Cleveland suburbs with top-rated school systems and ample green space. Its central location also allows easy access to Interstate 271, connecting residents to Cleveland and other surrounding areas.
If you prefer a bustling suburb, perhaps as a young professional, East Cleveland provides busy city life with a vibrant downtown district and rich history, as it is one of Northeast Ohio’s oldest suburbs.
Remember, a local eXp agent is always available to guide you through finding the perfect home in your ideal suburb—they’re experts in helping you find a home tailored to your needs.
FAQs: Cleveland Suburbs
Here are some frequently asked questions about living in the Cleveland suburbs:
What is the best suburb of Cleveland, Ohio?
Determining the “best” Cleveland suburbs largely depends on personal preference. However, suburbs like Rocky River and Solon consistently receive high praise for their excellent schools, vibrant communities, and abundant amenities.
What is the most affluent suburb of Cleveland?
Pepper Pike is considered one of the most affluent Cleveland suburbs, with beautiful homes, lush green spaces, and a high quality of life.
What is the hip part of Cleveland?
Cleveland’s Ohio City is often considered the ‘hip’ part of the town. It’s home to West Side Market, numerous craft breweries, eclectic dining options, and live entertainment.
What is the #1 place to live in Ohio?
According to various surveys and rankings, Dublin, just outside of Columbus, often tops the list as the #1 place to live in Ohio. This is primarily geared toward families due to its exceptional school system, high quality of life, and thriving economy.
Is it worth living in Cleveland?
Yes, living in these Cleveland suburbs or surrounding communities can offer a high quality of life at a lower cost compared to many other major cities. The area offers excellent schools, a great cultural scene for those interested in the arts, and a friendly community. It is definitely a great place to call home.
There You Have It: Cleveland Suburbs
From the family-friendly suburb of Solon to the affluent and picturesque Pepper Pike, the diverse range of Cleveland suburbs offers something for everyone.
The area’s excellent schools, vibrant communities, and affordable housing make these suburbs a top choice for those looking for a new home in the Cleveland area.
While Cleveland is historically known for lower median home value compared to the national average, there are pricier areas like Westlake—which is why it’s ideal to work with an agent to find the best deal for you or your family within your budget.
Ready to make the move to Cleveland Suburbs?
Start your search for properties on eXp Realty, or contact a local eXp agent for expert guidance. Remember to sign up to receive alerts and notifications of new property listings as soon as they come on the market.
