Vibrant and eclectic, Cleveland, Ohio is a fast-growing US city that thousands of people call home. Cleveland has an interesting history, a strategic U.S. location, and a unique mix of urban and natural landscapes. With Lake Erie to the north of the city and the Cuyahoga River running through it, it also offers residents a plethora of outdoor activities and adventures to experience.
If you’re considering moving to Cleveland, read on to discover the pros and cons of moving to the Forest City in 2024.
Pro: The Housing Market in Cleveland is Incredibly Affordable
There’s no doubt that one of the most attractive features in Cleveland is its incredibly affordable housing market. There’s no denying that, compared to most other major American cities, Cleveland offers much more home for your money. The housing cost index in Cleveland, which is an amazing 23.6/100, immediately tells you it’s one of the most affordable in the country. If you’re looking to rent, you’ll find a range of affordable apartment options all over the city.
Con: Long, Cold Winters are the Norm in Cleveland
While housing prices may be genuinely affordable, the winter weather in Cleveland leaves a lot to be desired. Its location in the northern US brings frigid temperatures, and the proximity to Lake Erie brings heavy snowfall in the winter months. The good news is that Cleveland is well prepared for winter with an infrastructure that’s designed to easily handle all of that snow and ice.
Pro: Cleveland’s Job Market is Growing Fast
Cleveland has a surprisingly strong job market that’s been steadily improving over the last decade or so. Today, it is an appealing destination for professionals in many different industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, education, and technology, among several others. One of the top hospitals in the United States, the Cleveland Clinic, is a major employer. There’s also a burgeoning tech scene in Cleveland that’s attracting many tech companies and startups to the area.
Con: Public Transit in Cleveland is Lacking
Cleveland does have a public transportation system, but it’s not nearly as extensive or convenient as systems found in other major cities. There’s bus and light rail service, but the coverage is limited, especially in many of the city’s suburban areas. In short, owning a car is necessary if you want to get around Cleveland efficiently. One good thing to note is that the traffic around the city is relatively manageable, so getting to work on time shouldn’t be a problem with your personal vehicle.
Pro: There are Many Family Friendly Entertainment Options in Cleveland
If you’re moving with a family or looking to start one soon, Cleveland is a great choice for you. The city has several beautiful parks and playgrounds as well as recreational areas to enjoy. That includes over 23,000 acres of nature in the “Emerald Necklace”, Cleveland’s Metroparks. There are a variety of family-oriented events and festivals hosted throughout the year in Cleveland. This city has a strong sense of community and family values.
Con: Cleveland’s Infrastructure is Aging Quickly
One facet of Cleveland that may be problematic is its aging infrastructure, which can pose challenges when getting around or finding a newer home. The city has a lot of older housing stock, and the reliability of public services is lower than most. Yes, the city is working on improving these areas, but it will take time and energy to address all of them.
Pro: Cleveland has Many Interesting and Engaging Attractions
From the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame to the storied Cleveland Browns of the NFL, there are plenty of things to do and see in Cleveland! There’s also the city’s theater district, Playhouse Square, which boasts the largest performing arts center outside of the Big Apple. The Cleveland Museum of Art is also a must see!
The city’s West Side Market is one of the best farmer’s markets in the northeast, and Little Italy is a charming and authentic area of the city. There’s also the breathtaking Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall, as well as the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
As for festivals and events, be sure to check out the annual Cleveland International Film Festival, showcasing independent films from around the world, as well as the Cleveland Asian Festival, which celebrates the diverse Asian culture in the city.
Con: The Schools in Cleveland Aren’t the Best
There are a whopping 180 public schools in Cleveland, one of the most in any US city. However, the city gets a D grade overall, which could definitely use some improvement. Two of the best public schools in Cleveland include Menlo Park Academy and Shaker Heights High School, both of which get an A. There’s also the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine, the #63 best public high schools in Ohio.
One important thing to note is that several prestigious universities are near Cleveland, including Case Western University. To their credit, the city does offer a large number of educational programs and resources, catering to professional development and lifelong learning.
Pro: Cleveland’s Communities are Highly Diverse
In downtown Cleveland, you’ll find a bustling urban environment with trendy restaurants, plenty of entertainment venues, and gorgeous high-rise apartments. Lakewood and Shaker Heights, however, offer a much more relaxed and family, friendly atmosphere, while Ohio City is historic and charming. With so many communities to choose from, it’s a sure bet that everyone will find a neighborhood that feels like home in Cleveland.
Safely Store Your Belongings in Cleveland with iStorage
Now that you have seen the pros and cons, you have a better idea of whether you should move to Cleveland in 2024. At iStorage, you can be sure that your belongings will be safe and sound when you arrive in the city. Our Cleveland storage units are clean, safe and secure, with 24/7 entry and on-site managers.
When you’re ready, you can easily reserve a storage unit in Cleveland online, and it will be waiting for you when you or your movers arrive. You can also store your car in Cleveland, OH, as well as many other items from your home, work or business. Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful time when you partner with iStorage Self Storage!