2023 Best Places to Live in the Cleveland Area

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  91 reviews

Former Resident: I’ve lived in shake heights for mostly all my childhood. I attended Woodbury, the middle school and grayed from shaker high school in 2019. I enjoyed my schooling through the years I believe the school district is top rated in the country. There are many opportunities and activities to dive into. Also a very diverse environment... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 29,197

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.58 out of 5  26 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in the Cleveland area for 35 years and moved to Pepper Pike 7 years ago. Pepper Pike is extremely beautiful, quiet, and the schools are highly rated. It is located near the best shopping on the east side of Cleveland--including the best grocery store that I have ever seen (Heinen's of Pepper Pike). Its phenomenal location is its greatest strength. It is minutes from the Cleveland MetroParks, scenic Chagrin Falls, major highways, great restaurants, and all of the big box stores. If you are moving to Cleveland, I highly recommend taking a close look at this suburb before making a decision to live anywhere else.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 6,743

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  106 reviews

Current Resident: I would like to see an increase in diversity and acceptance of culture. There are many types of people in this world, and communities like ours should begin to welcome diversity and change to create a hub of acceptance and growth!... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 24,070

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.63 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: We have lived here about a year and came from a very populated suburb in Ohio. S. Russell is "semi-rural"...so quiet, extremely safe, plenty of amenities close by, charming Chagrin Falls minutes away, and a fantastic, small school district. The only negatives would be lack of diversity and major chains are 25-30 minutes away. I found that the city council/board is very curious about residential attitudes, and they actually listen and vote the direction that the majority of residents wish. The police force is always present and have a positive impact on the community - the kids love them. I have no complaints - only positives about our experience here so far.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,962

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  81 reviews

Current Resident: Rocky River is a wonderful, tight-knit community, with easy access to everything you could want. I've lived here for six years now, and I've loved every second of it. the beautiful scenery provided by its multiple parks, and the view of lake erie offer a great place to grow up and live. There are some issues with this community though, though it is smaller and more connected, which separates it from other cities around it, it is largely known for the bubble that has been created around it, which in a sense can be a good thing at times. generally, Rocky River has provided me and my family with a safe and secure living, where we can do all the wonderful things we like to do in and for our community. it is a great city, and I will never forget it.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 21,515

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  112 reviews

Current Resident: We moved to Hudson from East Coast two years ago for work. Before we moved here, Hudson seemed like a nice town that is perfect for raising a family. After two years, I would say the experience is mixed at best, as our background doesn't fit the "majority" of the residents here. When we walk into a store, there will be people looking at us and the restaurant staff addressed the family as "you three". I had a similar experience in another part of the country but was certainly surprised by the same treatment here. In my humble opinion, the town is a "nice piece of land" for the majority and the attractive cover of the book doesn't quite align with its content, or maybe it does, but that only extends to "the majority". The town is certainly perfect for a certain group of people and so is the underlying intention that took us two years to fully comprehend. We still love First&Main, the parks, the restaurants, but we'll probably move to another city to make room for other people.... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 23,001

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.67 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: There's a lot of local stores nearby and there's a lot of space to walk around and hike. The local nature parks are beautiful and offer a place to cool down and explore while still being close to a city. A great middle ground between rural and city.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,436

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  36 reviews

Current Resident: We moved to Bay Village because of their amazing school district, but the sense of community and safety have made us fall in love with our little town. It’s wonderful living in a town that is so family friendly! The only downside is that it’s not exactly a cheap place to live. Real estate is expensive and offers beautiful lakeside home, but there is also smaller, ranch style homes for the low income families. Due to the lack of businesses in Bay Village, the property taxes are some of the highest in the county. With that being said, it is by far worth the expense to live in such a beautiful, happy, safe community. There’s no way else I would want to live!... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 16,051

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: Fairlawn is one of the best places I've lived. It is a very well kept area, people take good care of their lawns and the roads are in good condition. The atmosphere is a peaceful one, yet it is extremely convenient to a wide variety of shopping and restaurants. The city services are fantastic! Our neighborhood side street is plowed by 5:00AM when it we experience a heavy snowfall. The police force is courteous and helpful, and they do a great job of patrolling. I used to live in West Akron and the city services were practically non existent. The snow had to melt off of the street, regardless how much accumulation there was, the police would only come right away of there was a gang related problem, otherwise they would come assist you in two hours. The panhandlers would harass you at practically every intersection. Fairlawn, to the contrary, has a very good city government where reason prevails and the police genuinely want to help people. I believe this area will remain vital and vibrant for years to come!... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 7,697

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  69 reviews

Current Resident: Pros: Westlake is a quiet suburb with convenient access to downtown Cleveland. I moved here from the Northeast after I graduated college and took a job downtown, and I like the easy access via I-90. There is a strong business tax base, so residential taxes are very reasonable considering the public services we benefit from. The rec center and parks are amazing and serve as a gathering place for residents. Westlake has convenient access to Lake Erie, which was a major factor for me in choosing to move here. Westlake puts you within a 5-10 minute drive of Huntington Beach, with a beautiful view of the city skyline. I originally looked into Bay Village for this reason, but found Westlake to be more my crowd. Cons: Cost of living is fairly expensive, but you get what you pay for. The street plan is confusing with too many curvilinear streets and cul-de-sacs (yes, I realize this is intentional, but it's frustrating for a new resident trying to get a feel for where things are.)... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 34,049

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  63 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Avon my whole life, and I am extremely grateful for all of the amazing opportunities it has provided me. It is a great place to live because there are many stores and businesses within walking distance, it is 15 minutes from Lake Erie and only 30 minutes from Cleveland, which is perfect for a quick city trip. The Avon Local School district has provided me with a lot of opportunity to grow as a student and prepared me well for college and careers.... Read 63 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 24,542

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: A very progressive city! It cares about their citizens! They continue to make changes and create more services for the better of their residents.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 5,202

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.46 out of 5  65 reviews

Current Resident: Ohio, what a great place. Broadview Heights is one of the places that make Ohio so good. Broadview Heights is a suburb of Cleveland. Broadview Heights is a rich area, that is bordered by other nice cities. That is what makes Broadview heights better in my opinion to the east side. The border cities of Broadview Heights are Brecksville, North Royalton, Hinckley, Richfield, Independence, Sevin Hills and Parma. All these cities are very nice. Broadview Heights has great schools, and a newly updated rec center that has a nice pool, and basketball courts. Broadview Heights also is home to the highest point of elevation in Cuyahoga County. Broadview Heights is a spectacular city.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 19,820

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  49 reviews

Current Resident: I have highly enjoyed living in beachwood since I have moved here and my expectations were blown away. Everyone has been so welcoming and nice here. There is a strong sense of community here that makes the city very special. It is a very diverse city and there is always something to do! Great place to live and visit!... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 13,806

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Excellent place, excellent people, excellent environment. The public school (Orange High School) is a very good place to send your kids.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,410

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: I love being a resident. It's scenic, beautiful and safe. A beautiful place to raise a family. I have lived here for just under 6 months and have been welcomed by neighbors. There is the convenience of shopping just under 4 miles of away, everything from the Fresh Thyme Market, Walmart and Target, Old Navy and more. The police are very visible and I am pleased with our decision to live here.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 2,189

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  108 reviews

Current Resident: Lakewood City Lakewood is a beautiful, diverse community. It is easy to walk anywhere you want to go. It has beautiful beaches and parks that’s enjoyable for the family. Night life, clean streets and different stores. I would recommend Lakewood to family with kids because of so much activities that’s here. Supermarkets, pharmacies and Emergency Rooms are in close proximity. It’s Affordable to live, pet friendly city with dog parks. Wonderful school district for all ages. Lakewood is a suburb of Cleveland with a population of 50,002. Lakewood is in Cuyahoga County and is one of the best places to live in Ohio. Living in Lakewood offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. Lakewood's Gold Coast features a large number of upscale high-rise apartment and condominium buildings. Clifton Park is the wealthiest neighborhood in the city. The downtown includes a large number of high-rise buildings. Madison Village, situated in southeast it’s beautiful.... Read 108 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 50,841

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Highland Heights my whole life. It’s a beautiful, peaceful neighborhood. Many young families live here, but also many people who have retired. There are nice, little restraurants nearby, a breathtaking golf course, and friendly people all around!... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 8,658

• Town in Ohio

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: I love almost everything about Oberlin. It's a safe, diverse, and vibrant community. The small town feel is truly magnificent with local restaurants, cafes, and shops. The public school system is one of the best, even having the 2022 Teacher of the Year!... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 8,253

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  49 reviews

Current Resident: Brecksville is surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park which provides extraordinary outdoor activities. The towns is exceptionally well maintained and managed, and people take great pride in their homes. The schools rank high at the national level. The city is only 20 minutes to downtown Cleveland and all its attractions. Have lived in the San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco areas and Brecksville offers as much, if not more, than the best suburbs in those regions.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 13,607

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: Safe and a great place too grow up! It has many things to do and everything is in walking distance. It could be more diverse, but the school is very good.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 4,156

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  139 reviews

Current Resident: I have been a resident of Strongsville for over 5 years, and it has been a great experience. The community is very welcoming and kind.... Read 139 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 46,187

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  71 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here my whole life. I grew up on the golf course. Aurora taught me a lot about skinned knees and growing pains as a youth, and now its schools are prepping me well to send me to college. Most recent alumni I've spoken to have said their workload is actually far less rigorous than it had been at AHS. Apart from its schools, it's filled with parks and places to relax. Anywhere you go you will find trees and wildlife and in some areas, sand and water. Aurora is truly my favorite place in the world to be, but then again I am a homebody. Anyway, it's great here and if you're considering moving, do it. If you have kids they'll grow up in a safe place with great schools, and if not you'll find a lot of exciting nightlife opportunities here or in the surrounding Cleveland area/downtown.... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 17,108

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  77 reviews

Current Resident: Ultimately, Twinsburg is a very diverse and unified community that focuses on key aspects of prospective progress. School spirit and students standing in solidarity with one another flourish here, and the complete love that everyone has for each other is substantiated in simple day to day things. The majority of people are extremely supportive of the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities, and all of these things are so important in future success and happiness. Twinsburg is a safe and fun place to be, and the schools here provide so many resources to prepare us for our futures, no matter what paths we consider taking.... Read 77 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 19,220

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: The neighborhood is pretty nice. The population is very diverse. This is a nice town to take a walk in. Many stores are nearby and within walking distance, so it is conveniently located.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A

• grade C+

• Population 13,950