Looking for an affordable suburb offering good schools and outdoor adventure? Then, living in Eastlake OH might be the perfect option. Positioned on the banks of Lake Erie, Eastlake is a Cleveland suburb with a family-friendly atmosphere and access to amenities.
Development of the Eastlake area began in the 1880s as a place for wealthy Cleveland residents to build their summer homes. It was incorporated as a village in 1848 and again as a city in 1951. Its name derives from its position northeast of Cleveland on the banks of Lake Erie.
Living in Eastlake OH offers a welcoming community with scenic Lake Erie waterfront views and convenient access to Cleveland. Residents enjoy local amenities like Classic Park, home to the Lake County Captains, along with nearby cultural attractions. With a high homeownership rate and a family-friendly atmosphere, Eastlake is a good place to live.
Think this may be the perfect place for you and your family? Here is a complete guide to moving to Eastlake.
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Where Is Eastlake?
Eastlake is in Lake County within the Cleveland metro area, positioned on the banks of Lake Erie. Commuters living in Eastlake OH have many driving options. Ohio State Route 2 runs along the southeastern border of the city, and Ohio State Routes 238 and 91 both pass through it, offering a direct route to Cleveland and beyond.
I-90 also passes through the adjacent community of Willoughby offering additional transportation options for those living in Eastlake OH. The East Branch of the Chagrin River passes through Eastlake before emptying into Lake Erie. Chagrin River Park sits on the border between Eastlake and Willoughby. Other neighboring communities include Willowick, Wickliffe, Lakeline, Timberlake, Mentor, and Mentor-on-the-Lake.
It’s 18 miles or a 26-minute drive from Eastlake, OH, to Cleveland, OH.
Eastlake Population & Demographics
Census data shows that the population of Eastlake, Ohio, is 17,670. The number of residents living in Eastlake OH has actually decreased in recent years, dropping by 5% between 2010 and 2020. It has a suburban atmosphere with a population density of 2,737 residents per square mile.
Eastlake tends to be an older community, although there is a good mix of retirees, young professionals, and families living in Eastlake OH. In Eastlake, 23% of residents are over 65, 16% are under 18, and 15% are in their 20s. The median age is 46.3 years old, which is 20% higher than the rest of Ohio.
It isn’t the most diverse community, and 89.1% of residents living in Eastlake OH are white (88.3% white, non-Hispanic). However, 3.5% of the Eastlake, Ohio, population is Black or African American, 2.8% are Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% are Asian, and 5.9% are two or more races.
There is also a sizable Croatian community living in Eastlake, OH, and 2.9% of the Eastlake, OH population speaks Croatian. UFC fighter Stipe Miocic—who is Croatian—went to high school in Eastlake.
Other Eastlake Demographics
- 51% of residents are female and 49% are male
- The median household income is $62,510, which is about 10% lower than the rest of Ohio
- 93.5% of residents have a high school diploma, and 21% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 3.3%
Living in Eastlake, Ohio, is safe. The total Eastlake crime rate is 1,978 crimes per 100,000 people, which is about the same as the Ohio crime rate but 13% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate is 21% lower than the national average. At the same time, the property crime rate is 12% lower than the national average.
The Eastlake Police Department handles crime prevention, public safety, and law enforcement in the community.
Cost of Living in Eastlake OH
The cost of living in Eastlake OH is very affordable, a major draw for many residents. A good way to understand an area’s affordability is to reference the cost of living index. It juxtaposes how much it costs to live in a particular area against the US average, which is represented by 100. The COLI for the Greater Cleveland area is 91.4, indicating the cost of living in Eastlake OH is about 8.9% lower than the rest of the US.
The Family Budget Calculator by the Economic Policy Institute is another useful resource. It indicates that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids needs to make about $107,096 per year to afford the cost of living in Eastlake OH.
Typical Expenses of Living in Eastlake OH:
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.69
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $3.48
- Bunch of bananas: $0.72
- Hamburger: $5.56
- Loaf of bread: $3.98
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.27
- Visit to the doctor: $132.88
- Average Eastlake monthly utility bill: $190.47
Source: Payscale
Eastlake real estate is very moderately priced. Data from Redfin suggests that the median price of homes for sale in Eastlake Ohio is $175,000. That makes the typical price of homes for sale in Eastlake Ohio 58% more affordable than the rest of the country. The median home price per square foot of Eastlake, Ohio, real estate is $133.
Most residents living in Eastlake OH are property owners and 74% of homes are owner-occupied while 26% are rented out. However, tenants moving to Eastlake will find a few options as well. Rentcafe indicates that the average rent in Eastlake is $1003.
For those planning a move to Eastlake or wanting to spend time in the area before committing long-term, short-term stays and vacation rentals are also an option. Platforms like Hotala make it easy to compare hotels, resorts, and furnished rentals in Eastlake, giving newcomers flexibility while they explore neighborhoods and get a feel for daily life in the city.
The average apartment building in Eastlake is about 48 years old. 58% are garden-style buildings, 20% are mid-sized buildings, and 21% are high-rises with 50+ units. Rents start around $600 for a studio and go up to $3600 for five or more bedrooms.
A few popular rental communities popular among tenants living in Eastlake OH include Surfside Towers and Sussex West.
Eastlake Neighborhoods
Eastlake is full of fantastic neighborhoods offering well-maintained streets and affordable housing. While most areas have something to offer, some are naturally more desirable than others. Here are the neighborhoods to check out for those thinking about living in Eastlake OH.
Willowick Park | A Moderately Priced Neighborhood With Views of the Lake
Willowick Park is a serene, family-friendly neighborhood in the heart of Eastlake. It offers moderately priced homes starting around $150,000 and gorgeous views of Lake Erie, perfect for growing families living in Eastlake OH.
Chagrin Lagoons | A Sophisticated Eastlake Neighborhood With Access to the Water
Chagrin Lagoons is an upscale neighborhood situated at the mouth of the Chagrin River. It offers gorgeous beachfront Eastlake OH real estate and its own boating club.
Surfside | A Well-Maintained Neighborhood In a Central Location
Surfside is a clean, well-maintained neighborhood near the Lost Nation municipal golf course that’s known for its beautiful parks and freeway access for commuters living in Eastlake OH.
Eastlake Weather & Climate
Eastlake has a humid continental climate, which means four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically stay between 23°F and 82°F, although it can get as cold as 9°F in the winter and as hot as 89°F in the summer. The best time to visit someone living in Eastlake OH is June through September.
If you plan on moving to Eastlake, get used to precipitation. It averages 37 inches of rain and 65 inches of snow every year, so make sure to bring a snow shovel!
Things to Do in Eastlake
Sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts alike will find a wide variety of fun things to do in Eastlake, Ohio. Residents living in Eastlake OH can find local businesses, retail outlets, restaurants, and grocery stores at the Great Lakes Mall, the Vineyards Shopping Center, and Shops By The Lake. Other than shopping, here are some of the best things to do in Eastlake Ohio.
Classic Auto Group Park
Baseball fans living in Eastlake OH should check out Classic Auto Group Park, aka Captains Stadium, a stadium and home of the Lake County Captains, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians.
35300 Vine St, Eastlake, OH 44095 (440) 975-8085
Chagrin River Kayak and Paddleboard
The Chagrin River Kayak and Paddleboard is one of the best things to do in Eastlake with kids and offers rentals and tours of the Chagrin River.
221 Erie Rd, Eastlake, OH 44095 (440) 477-0864
The Jump Yard
The Jump Yard is an indoor play center with an inflatable playground and party room. It is one of the best things to do in Eastlake for families with children 12 and under.
34675 Melinz Pkwy, Eastlake, OH 44095 (216) 316-0173
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Additional Attractions in Eastlake
For those searching for more fun things to do while living in Eastlake OH, the local Parks Department has a list of public facilities on its website.
Eastlake Restaurants
Food connoisseurs will be pleased to learn that there are a variety of delicious restaurants in Eastlake, Ohio. From Mexican cuisine to secret family recipes, here are the best places to eat in Eastlake.
Lagano Cafe
Lagano Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Eastlake, Ohio, if you’re in the mood for authentic Baltic cuisine with homemade specialties like cevapi and cabbage rolls.
36091 Vine St, Eastlake, OH 44095 (440) 452-3092
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El Pelenque
El Palenque is one of the top Eastlake, Ohio, restaurants for those craving Mexican food. You can expect delicious tacos, burritos, and other classic dishes, along with margaritas and beer, served in a comfortable setting.
35520 Vine St, Eastlake, OH 44095 (440) 946-1911
Anthony’s Family Restaurant
Anthony’s Family Restaurant is a laidback diner serving homemade specials, house-made soups, and all-day breakfast in a warm and familiar setting.
34931 Vine St, Eastlake, OH 44095 (440) 942-6622
Jobs in Eastlake
Living in Eastlake OH offers easy access to job opportunities in the community and Greater Cleveland. The largest industries in Lake County are manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. There are over 600 manufacturing companies in the county alone, and shipping on Lake Erie brings in about $3.5 billion in revenue every year.
It also has a thriving winery and nursery industry that is growing rapidly, creating more jobs in Eastlake, Ohio. Total employment of the Lake County Nursery Industry is estimated at over 1300 jobs with total annual estimated sales of around $87.5 million.
Notable employers in Lake County offering:
Living in Eastlake OH offers access to high pay career opportunities. Payscale shows that the average salary in the Cleveland area is $83,000 per year. From accounts receivable specialist to customer service associate, you’ll find plenty of great Eastlake jobs available. City of Eastlake Ohio jobs are also available for those who prefer to work with the local government.
Eastlake Schools
Great schools are another major benefit of living in Eastlake OH. It’s within the Willoughby Eastlake School District, which consists of two high schools, four middle schools, six elementary schools, and one preschool. There are two elementary schools in Eastlake: Longfellow and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Eastlake Middle School is also in the community and serves students in grades 6-8.
North High School is the primary Eastlake High School (South High School is located in Willoughby). It’s a well-respected school that serves about 1,200 students and ranks 347th in Ohio. It has a graduation rate of 94% and a student-teacher ratio of 21:1.
While there are no private schools in the community itself, Cornerstone Christian Academy and Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby are open to students living in Eastlake OH. A branch of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library serves the community.
Eastlake Statistics & Information
- Eastlake County: Lake County
- Eastlake area: 6.54 square miles
- Eastlake zip code: 44095, 44097
- Eastlake area code: 440
- Eastlake elevation: 620 ft
- Eastlake time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- The closest airport to Eastlake: The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is 30 miles away.
Eastlake OH Map
Use this map of Eastlake to explore more attractions, activities, and fun things to do in the community.
Find Out What Living In Eastlake OH Is Really Like
Looking to enjoy all the benefits of living in Eastlake OH for yourself? When it comes time to plan your moving day, you can depend on our dedicated Eastlake OH movers to make your relocation easy and efficient. Call (216) 641-6677 today for a free quote.
