If you are considering moving to Cleveland, OH, you may have several questions to ensure that it is a good fit for everyone in your family.
Not all cities are alike and it’s important to do your research beforehand so that you’re not surprised by the city’s culture, affordability, and services.
This pros and cons list is designed to help you with the decision about whether Cleveland is right for you.
Contents
Pros of Living in Cleveland
1. Job Growth
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has noted that Cleveland has positive job growth.
Some industries have seen labor shrinkage, but for the most part, those looking for jobs in Cleveland will have an easier time than many urban areas.
This is contributing to a growing economy.
2. Housing Availability
Rental prices depend on where you decide to live.
For a one-bedroom apartment just outside the city center, you’ll find pricing that is below the national average.
The same goes for two-bedroom apartments.
If you are looking to live within the city center, costs go up.
Still, most are slightly higher than the national average.
3. Access to Healthcare
Cleveland has a highly recognized healthcare system.
In fact, US News & World Report ranked it second in the nation.
Access to quality healthcare is important for all of your family members.
4. Active Food Scene
There are so many great restaurants to choose from in Cleveland.
The options are endless.
The offerings have also captured the attention of national media such as Time Magazine in recent years.
Whether you are looking for a family night out or dinner with friends, you’ll find something that everyone will love.
Also, prices tend to be more affordable than in other urban areas.
One thing not to miss is the number of bakeries in the area. Some date back to the early 1900s.
5. Bars & Nightlife
Cleveland is a great place to grab a drink after work with friends and enjoy time together.
If you’re in the mood, there are also many clubs to choose from that can keep the party going.
You may also want to check out the area breweries that have tastings and food options.
6. Cultural Options
Cleveland offers a wide variety of cultural options.
The Cleveland Institute of Art is an independent organization that has been operating since 1882.
The Institute allows students to learn, grow, and hone their artistic skills.
Another popular option is the Cleveland Museum of Art, which opened in 1913.
With rotating exhibits, there is always something new to see and learn about.
There are also frequent events so that everyone can experience the art within the collection.
If that is not your favorite, check out the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
The museum offers both artifacts on display, as well as outdoor exhibits with live animals.
Children will have a fun learning experience at the Children’s Museum in Cleveland.
The museum offers hands-on exhibits that spark creativity and problem-solving.
If you are a fan of the movie, “A Christmas Story”, you can visit the house where it was filmed.
The museum features memorabilia from the film and is decorated for Christmas.
Lastly, many people enjoy visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
There are events for annual inductions of performers.
When they aren’t doing the inductions, there are many performances to take advantage of, many of which are free.
The museum also has memorabilia on exhibit.
7. Sports for Everyone
From the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers to the NHL’s Cleveland Browns and the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians, sports fans will find a lot to interest themselves.
There is even the Baseball Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the sport and the history of its players.
8. Get Outside
There are many options to get outside and enjoy the natural world around the city.
Consider taking a hike through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Beyond hiking, there are also options to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on the river.
Campsites are available if you want to spend the night.
Another wonderful option is to head to Lake Erie.
If the forest is not your thing, then enjoying Lake Erie might be.
This is a massive body of water that offers a variety of water sports for everyone.
If you decide to move there, you can certainly buy a boat and rent a dock for use anytime.
If you are just checking out the area, there are boats available for rent.
This is the perfect place to spend some time fishing and just relaxing.
The other option is to swim in the lake or hang out on the beach.
Cons of Living in Cleveland
1. Housing Costs
For a larger family, housing costs may be too expensive.
A single person can find a one-bedroom apartment for a reasonable cost if they move to the edge of the city.
The cost for larger apartments and houses is much more expensive and above the national average.
Unless you have enough income, it may be difficult to find a place for a family.
2. Salaries Are Lower than National Averages
The national average salary is $70,245.
In Cleveland, the average salary is $60,000.
This can make it difficult to find housing, care for a family, and save for the future.
3. High Unemployment
Unfortunately, Cleveland’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average by several points.
This can make it difficult to get a job.
Got a job?
No problem, but if you are moving and thinking of looking, it may be difficult.
Many employers also have high turnover rates as the economy fluctuates, and they need to lay people off to cut costs.
4. Cost of Living
Compared to other cities in Ohio, Cleveland’s cost of living is much higher.
If money is tight, and you have the option, you may consider other towns and villages in Ohio simply for the cost of living.
This not only includes rent and utilities but also other necessities like healthcare.
5. Poverty Rate
Cleveland has a high poverty rate, with the Census showing that about 35.2% of residents live in poverty.
According to government guidelines, this means that an individual earns less than $12,060 and a family of four earns less than $24,600.
The national poverty rate was 11.4% in 2020.
6. Public Transportation
Cleveland is known for having public transportation issues.
The root cause is blamed on underfunding.
That means fewer bus drivers and maintenance upkeep.
Fewer drivers mean fewer routes, which can make getting around more difficult.
Especially for those who depend on public transportation to get to work.
7. Crime Rate
Cleveland has the highest violent crime rate in the state.
The statistic is 16.86 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, while the state average is 3.06 for 1,000 people.
Property crime rates are even higher.
The average is 41.43 per 1,000 residents.
The murder rate is also higher than the national average.
Currently, it is 0.43 per 1,000 people, while the national average is 0.07.
Sexual assault crimes are also at higher rates than the national average at 1.05 per 1,000 residents against a national average of 0.38.
Robberies are also high in the city.
Assault rates are also higher than the national average.
The national average is 2.78 per 1,000 individuals.
In Cleveland, it is 11.10 per 1,000 people.
While these are not happy things to consider, if you are moving to Cleveland, they are things to think about.
8. Weather
Let’s face it.
Cleveland gets pretty cold in winter.
At times, the weather may be at 0° F and then drop into negative temperatures at night.
Winters mean days that don’t go above freezing.
This can be difficult to become accustomed to if you are from a more temperate climate.
Then there is a lot of snow.
Due to the city’s proximity to Lake Erie, Cleveland averages around 54 inches of snow a year.
This is called lake-effect snow.
Snowstorms can appear suddenly, bringing large amounts of snow in a short amount of time.
This can sometimes be disruptive to daily life.
It also means that during the winter months, there is a lot of snow shoveling going on.
Pros and Cons of Living in Cleveland, OH – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Cleveland | Cons of Living in Cleveland |
|---|---|
| 1. Job Growth | 1. Housing Costs |
| 2. Housing Availability | 2. Salaries Are Lower than National Averages |
| 3. Access to Healthcare | 3. High Unemployment |
| 4. Active Food Scene | 4. Cost of Living |
| 5. Bars & Nightlife | 5. Poverty Rate |
| 6. Cultural Options | 6. Public Transportation |
| 7. Sports for Everyone | 7. Crime Rate |
| 8. Get Outside | 8. Weather |
Cleveland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Cleveland Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many cultural opportunities in Cleveland?
Yes!
The city is known for its many museums and cultural institutes.
You can spend days exploring the many cultural museums in the city.
From art to aviation to baseball and other sports.
There is something for everyone.
There are also many concerts and outdoor events to enjoy music, food, and friends.
Is Cleveland safe?
The crime rate in Cleveland is high, so choosing where to live and where to go is important.
Some neighborhoods may be safer than others.
It’s important to do your research and know where you are deciding to live.
There are many areas that may seem safe during the day when you rent your apartment only to find out that it is not safe at all.
Again, dealing with reputable realtors and apartment locators can help.
Also, doing as much research as you can will help you find the right spot for you and your family.
Are there many restaurants and bars?
Absolutely!
Cleveland has a very active food scene that has caught the attention of the national media.
There are so many options to explore.
From high-end restaurants with the latest in culinary delights to neighborhood restaurants that serve up Ohio-style family cooking.
You’ll find it here.
The same is true with bars.
If you are looking for a higher-end place to celebrate with family and friends, there are options for you.
Also, if you just want to hang out after work with a buddy at a neighborhood bar, you’ll have many to choose from.
Are there many live sporting events in the city?
Yes!
You’ll be able to root for the local teams, whether it’s football, baseball, or basketball.
Sports are a popular pastime in Cleveland.
Is Cleveland affordable?
For most people, the most affordable housing is on the edge of the city.
Rental prices go up in the city center.
If that is an option for you, go for it.
Most people in the middle-income bracket may choose to live a little bit further away so that they can save money, be able to enjoy the many entertainment options and the restaurant and bar scene.
That is a personal preference but one that needs to be considered.
