Hello, Just moved here 16 months ago and With a population of 368K, Cleveland is a mid-size city. Poverty rate is 25.2%, which is higher than I expected. Median household income is $39,187, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's a a mid-size city city with about 368K people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
55 upvotes
19 Replies
Elijah Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 36, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
37 upvotes
Aaron Brown
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
35 upvotes
Mason Garcia
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
Bennett
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
31 upvotes
brielle_mind
haha yep pretty much
29 upvotes
Aaliyah G.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
23 upvotes
Roman Adams
this is the way
20 upvotes
Joseph
lol so true
19 upvotes
Virginia L.
This.
15 upvotes
sebastian_girl
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Aaron Cox
facts
14 upvotes
Ezra Turner
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
13 upvotes
happy_katherine94
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community vibe is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Kennedy Cook
I've lived in Oak Park for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Wyatt M.
I work in retail here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Arianna R.
preach
3 upvotes
Adeline Gonzalez
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
2 upvotes
alice_mind
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 1 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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