Living in Cleveland, OH

Are you considering relocating to Cleveland, Ohio? Follow along as we discuss the essentials of life in Cleveland.

Cleveland, Ohio, has been a highly sought-after city for a long time now. It is currently Ohio's second-largest city and has so much to offer to its residents and visitors. You will notice Cleveland's beautiful landscape, architecture, and sunsets.

This city is perfect for those looking to settle down in the town. Cleveland is full of things to do, like museums, lakes, restaurants, nightlife, and so much more. It is also known as the home of rock and roll. Here you will find the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which has become a staple to the city.

The population of Cleveland is currently at 365,367 residents. Please keep reading this guide to learn why people are moving to Cleveland, Ohio.

Here are the seven things to know about living in Cleveland, OH.

Cost of Living

There is a misconception around people assuming large cities are expensive to live in. However, that is not the case for Cleveland. Its overall cost of living is 6 percent lower than the national average. This is great for those looking for an affordable city to settle down in. 

Another critical factor to take into account is the price of purchasing or renting a home. The cost of housing in Cleveland is 17 percent less than the national average. Other things that are good about the cost of living in Cleveland are its average utility costs, and transportation are also lower than the national average.

Everyone's definition of an "affordable city" is different depending on each person's circumstances. Deciding what you can afford comfortably depends on your budget and what you are willing to spend on things like groceries and housing.

The only downside to Cleveland's cost of living is the price of groceries. When living in this city, you may notice certain items are more expensive than others. Cleveland's grocery prices are 5 percent higher than the national average. Let's break it down more so you can envision what to expect. 

Source: Payscale

Real Estate Market

When considering relocating to a new city, knowing about the real estate market is essential. Living in Ohio has been highly desirable for those who are relocating to a new state. So far this year, 2023, Cleveland has had the second-hottest real estate market in the nation. It came in second, right behind Charlotte, NC. 

Even though the real estate market is booming, Cleveland home prices have decreased by nearly 21 percent compared to last year. The median sale price of a home in January 2023 in Cleveland was $90,000. This is one of the main reasons why people are flocking to Cleveland's affordable homes.

Overall, the competition in Cleveland in the real estate market is not terrible. Some homes still receive multiple offers, but the average home sells for 5 percent below the list price. On average, homes sit on the market for around 42 days before they go under contract.

If you'd like to move to Cleveland, please contact us today to connect with a local Real Estate specialist. Realtors are there to provide advice and guide you through your home-buying process so it goes as smoothly as possible.

Job Market

Overall, Ohio is a great state to move to for getting a new job. However, like every other state, certain cities are more of a job magnet than others. Cleveland, Ohio, is one of those cities that has a decent job market. When moving to a new area, getting a job is usually at the top of the to-do list. 

Cleveland is known for its manufacturers like Ford Motor Company and ArcelorMittal Steel. It is also home to three professional sports teams, bringing in more jobs and tourists to help the economy. 

Cleveland's unemployment rate is around 6.8 percent, higher than the national average. However, Cleveland's job market has slightly grown over the last year. Even though the job market is not insanely crazy, it still has plenty of job opportunities within the city. 

When relocating to Cleveland or trying to find a job, it is essential to know what the salary may look like. The average income for a resident is $17,436, which is significantly lower than the national average of $28,555. The median household income is around $26,000, almost less than half the national average.

Those numbers may look low, but if you compare them to the cost of living in Ohio, these salaries are acceptable. 

Perfect Place for Families

If you are seeking a place to move to and settle down with your family, Cleveland is the perfect city for that. It is full of fun parks and playgrounds for young kids, lakes and beaches for a day outdoors, and plenty of museums for families to enjoy.

Cleveland is also known to be one of the safer cities to live in the state. Over the years, they have also been recognized as a great place to live and raise a family in the country. Not only is it a safe place for your family, but living in Cleveland gives you access to entertainment, excellent education, and affordable healthcare options.

Here are some ideal places for families to enjoy:

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: This museum includes seven levels of displays to explore, read and interact with.
• West Side Market: A large establishment that is full of local vendors for you to explore and try.
• Cleveland Zoo: This 183-acre zoo is perfect for families on a nice, warm day. They have over 3,000 animals and more than 600 species.
• Cleveland Botanical Garden: They have Hershey Children's Garden for young kids to explore and learn.
• Edgewater Park: Here, you will find 9,000 feet of shoreline for families and friends to enjoy. They also have boating, paddle boarding, and more for you to want.

Cleveland is also known to have great family neighborhoods. If you are considering moving to Cleveland, here are some top communities that are perfect for families.

• Edgewater
• Moreland Hills
• Tremont
• Kamm's Corners
• Old Brooklyn
• University Circle
• Glenwillow

Dining

Who doesn't love a good meal? Cleveland is full of some of the most unique and delicious restaurants. Most of these restaurants have been local favorites for many, many years now. They have all sorts of cuisines throughout the city, all with a unique spin on them to make them stand out from the rest. 

Here are some of the local favorite dining destinations in Cleveland, OH.

• IL Rione Pizzeria: This establishment is closed on Mondays and Sundays. Locals love this restaurant for its delicious pizzas and salads. Come to IL Rione and enjoy their unique, fresh pizzas with the toppings of your choice.
• Astoria Cafe and Market: This restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, and they have happy hour. Their menu consists of various charcuterie boards, cheese boards, and specialty boards, all influenced by Mediterranean-style cuisine.
• The Cleveland Bagel Company: Visit this establishment to enjoy fresh, hot malty-boiled, hand-rolled Cleveland bagels. These bagels are so delicious they have been featured in The Wall Street Journal.
• ALEA: Here, you will find modern, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. This unique establishment is perfect if you are looking for a delicious place for a date night.
• Bright Side: The perfect place for American comfort food that is good for your body. This restaurant gets its produce and meats from local, organic farms. Everything is made from scratch with the highest quality ingredients. 

Beer, Beer, and more Beer

Cleveland is home to more than forty breweries throughout the city. From large breweries to small ones, they have it all. If you want something to do on a nice, sunny day in Cleveland, visit some of their breweries on the water.

As Cleveland grows, more and more breweries are making their way to the city. This city is known for its Rock and Roll, but beer can be considered a close second. If you are looking for a delicious brewery with various beer selections, here are a few breweries to check out.

• Masthead Brewing Company
• Southern Tier Brewery
• Forest City Brewery
• Terrestrial Brewing Company
• Noble Beast Brewing Company

History

Cleveland, Ohio, was founded and created by Moses Cleaveland. Moses worked with the Connecticut Land Company and arrived in Cleveland to survey the land near the mouth of the Cuyahoga in 1796 to map the area. 

A fun fact about this city is the original name was spelled 'Cleaveland.' In 1832, they dropped the 'a' out of the name to shorten it for the newspapers. 

Cleveland didn't see much growth until 1832 when the Ohio and Erie Canal was finished. Later on, in the 1850s, more and more railroads were being built, which allowed the community to grow. As the years went on, Cleveland was known for transporting materials like lumber, copper, and iron ore. 

Since then, Cleveland has blossomed over the years and is now considered one of the best places to live or visit. 

Pros and Cons of living in Cleveland

Pros:

• Affordable cost of living. Most things in Cleveland are less expensive compared to the national average.
• Super affordable homes and a booming real estate market
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Good educational options
• Great place to raise a family
• Delicious restaurants on the waterfront

Cons:

• Unpredictable weather, predominantly cold for most of the year
• The cost of groceries is higher than the national average
• The job market is not booming with job opportunities
• Low average salaries

FAQ

Is moving to Cleveland a good idea?

Depending on who you ask, most of the time, the answer will be yes. It's the perfect city to relocate to if you are looking for a diverse urban area that is great for raising a family.

How much should you make to live comfortably in Cleveland?

To live comfortably in this city, for one adult, you should earn around $28,000 annually after taxes. For those with one child, earning a salary of $57,000 after taxes is ideal. However, every person's definition of comfortable and affordable differs depending on personal circumstances.

What do I need to know before moving to Cleveland?

Cleveland has so much to do within its city walls. You will find boats, beaches, beautiful architecture, tons of sports fans, rock and roll, great dining and brewery options, and so much more here.

This city is a relatively safe city to live in, which is why it has been ranked a great place to raise a family. The cost of living in Cleveland is also cheaper than the national average, which is an essential factor when deciding where to relocate.

What is the weather like in Cleveland?

The weather in Cleveland is usually chilly. The cold months in Ohio last a lot longer than the warm ones. If you want to move to a sunny, warm state or city, Cleveland, Ohio, is not the best option for that desire.

When moving to Cleveland, be sure to pack your warm clothes. They will be used a lot in this city.

Life in Cleveland, Ohio - Our Final Words

When moving to a new city, it is essential to do your research to see if the city will fit your lifestyle. If you plan on relocating, finding a job in Cleveland may be the only major struggle. Their job market is slowly growing, but most average salaries could be better for those who are used to the national average. But remember that the cost of living in Cleveland is less than the national average, so it evens out. 

Cleveland has so much to offer and is a great place to move to and settle down. They have many restaurants, family-friendly activities, breweries, museums, and more. It is overall a great place to live for young professionals, families, and retirees.

If you're considering moving to Cleveland, you can contact us today to get connected with a local Real Estate professional.