Cities may often be where the jobs are, but city living doesn’t appeal to everyone. Making a home in suburbia has tons of perks – more space, a slower pace, a refuge away from the hustle and bustle. Cleveland is a wonderful city to work and live in, but many people don’t want to live within the city limits. And you don’t have to! You can still enjoy everything Cleveland has to offer by living in a nearby suburb. If you’ll be relocating to Cleveland but still want the suburban life, you’ll want to find the best Cleveland community for your lifestyle.
Suburbs are defined as residential districts near or adjacent to a city. These communities are less densely packed and offer a more relaxed lifestyle while still providing access to the big city within commuting distance. And just like the neighborhoods within the cities, suburbs each have their own appeal. Finding the right Cleveland neighborhood for you starts with figuring out what’s most important to you. Are you looking for more space and great schools for your kids? Do you want an urban feel without big city prices? Maybe you’re getting close to retiring and want to relax near luxurious amenities. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s something for you on our comprehensive list of Cleveland suburbs.
Beachwood | A Safe Oasis for Families
- Population: 11,786
- Median Household Income: $120,900
- Median Home Cost: $88,300
- Beachwood, OH Homes For Sale
Beachwood, Ohio is one of the best suburbs in Cleveland for families. It’s chock-full of parks and family-friendly activities, and commuting is a breeze. The average commute for residents in Beachwood is only about 20 minutes! There’s great shopping here too; between Beachwood Place and Pavillion Shopping Center, residents have everything they need. Beachwood families love sledding, walking the trails, and bringing their dogs to City Park West/East. It’s easy to spend a whole day at Preston’s H.O.P.E, a 60,000 square foot fully accessible playground. Most important for many families is the amazing Beachwood schools, including Hilltop Elementary School, Beachwood High School, and Beachwood Middle School. Beachwood is one of the safest Cleveland suburbs, with violent crime rates 84% below the national average.
Rocky River | Easy Commute, Endless Recreation, Suburb on the Lake
- Population: 20,211
- Median Household Income: $65,200
- Median Home Cost: $340,000
- Rocky River, OH Homes For Sale
Just west of Cleveland, on the bank of Lake Erie is the growing suburb of Rocky River. Living here offers commuters to Cleveland another easy drive, averaging less than 23 minutes. Rocky River’s proximity to Lake Erie not only offers real estate with water views, but endless swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. There is tons of greenspace too – Rocky River has ten city parks with playgrounds, trails, and sports fields. The city’s Recreation Center offers even more: indoor swimming, skating, community programs, and more. The best schools include the award winning Rocky River High School, Kensington Intermediate Elementary School, and Rocky River Middle School. In addition to all these perks, Rocky River is extremely safe. Crime in Rocky River is 87% lower than the national average. Looking for the best Cleveland community for kids? Rocky River is a young family’s paradise!
Shaker Heights | Diverse Historic Town
- Population: 27,773
- Median Household Income: $79,500
- Median Home Cost: $215,000
- Shaker Heights, OH Homes For Sale
To the east of Cleveland is the historic city of Shaker Heights. People of all walks call Shaker Heights home – families, young professionals, and retirees alike. It’s a diverse Cleveland community, with a demographic breakdown of 53.1% white, 2.2% Hispanic, 34.3% Black or African American, 5.9% Asian, 4.5% Mixed or Other races. Shaker Heights is a planned community built by the Van Sweringen brothers to serve Cleveland. The city is known for its beautiful Colonial and Victorian style homes, and strict zoning laws to keep the city’s identity intact. Recreation is easy in Shaker Heights too. The city is home to extensive parks, playgrounds, and lakes. Perhaps the best known is the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Commuters have it easy here, with just a 21 minute drive to Cleveland. Don’t want to drive? Shaker Heights also provides access to two of Cleveland’s RTA lines.
Solon | Vibrant, Affluent Community
- Population: 23,805
- Median Household Income: $97,000
- Median Home Cost: $329,500
- Solon, OH Homes For Sale
Slightly southwest of Cleveland is the buzzing community of Solon. Though cost of living here is 25% above the Ohio average, residents think it’s worth the expense. Solon has it all: arts and culture, shopping, great schools, and recreation are all within reach. This city is often ranked high on best places to live in Ohio, and boasts some of the best public schools in the United States. Families are drawn to the extremely highly rated schools, including Orchard Middle School, the award winning Solon High School, Dorothy E. Lewis Elementary School, and Grace L. Roxbury Elementary School. Residents love the programs and events provided by the Solon Center for the Arts, unwinding with 18 holes at Grantwood Golf Course, and shopping at the big retailers and local shops at Solon Square Shopping Center. Families love bringing the kids to the playgrounds and sports fields at the Solon Community Park. For a more relaxed experience, head to Timberlake Park for a picnic or a day of fishing. This is the best Cleveland suburb for families.
Lakewood | Big City Culture, Affordable Suburb
- Population: 50,866
- Median Household Income: $47,100
- Median Home Cost: $241,000
- Lakewood, OH Homes For Sale
Directly west of Cleveland is the buzzing city of Lakewood. Millennials are drawn to Lakewood for a big city experience without the hefty price tag. If you’re looking for a single-family home with a yard for your family, Lakewood might not be the best destination for you. It’s densely populated, and the larger lots are expensive.
Lakewood is a great Cleveland community for young professionals and singles who are into art, culture, and recreation. Residents love the Beck Center for the Arts, and events like the Lakewood Arts Festival. The walkable streets are lined with delicious restaurants, coffee shops, and locally owned stores and galleries. There’s also great outdoor spaces, Lakewood Park with its gorgeous waterfront views from the Solstice Steps, and nearby Rocky River Reservation. Another great perk of living in Lakewood? The urban vibe without city crime rates – crime rates in Lakewood are 43% lower than the national average. This is one of Cleveland’s best suburbs for young professionals and Millennials.
Pepper Pike | Slow Luxury Living, Wealthy Suburb
- Population: 6,150
- Median Household Income: $164,500
- Median Home Cost: $599,000
- Pepper Pike, OH Homes For Sale
Slightly southeast of Cleveland is the small, quiet city of Pepper Pike. With its slow pace and beautiful real estate, this city is attractive to families and retirees alike. Pepper Pike residents live the good life, enjoying luxurious amenities like shopping at Legacy Village or golf at the Pepper Pike Club. If you want to spend a fun day outside with the family, Pepper Pike Park is a favorite for playing by day or an outdoor movie at night! Pepper Pike is a well-educated community in which over 75% of residents have their Bachelor’s Degree or higher. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the schools in the area are well-rated. Some of the best schools are Moreland Hills Elementary School, Ballard Brady Middle School, and the award winning Orange High School. Crime is extremely low in Pepper Pike too – 78% lower than the Cleveland average, and 79% lower than the national average.
Map of the Best Cleveland Suburbs
Is your next job in Cleveland, but your next home in one of these nearby Cleveland suburbs? If you’re relocating to one of these great communities, let our highly trained Cleveland movers help! We’ll get you packed and moved without stress. Call us today for a free quote!
