Moving to Cleveland, OH

The Sixth City was once one of the most influential large cities in the US.  In 1920, it actually broke from its nickname, becoming the fifth largest city in the US.  Since then, Cleveland has seen a steady decline in its status, but its population has continued to grow, and the city has developed different industries to remain highly influential.

Today, Cleveland is a popular destination for businesses and entrepreneurs, because and it hosts a many conferences from various fields.  It also attracts vacationers, who come to the city for its famous destinations.

Cleveland’s Layout

Cleveland is located on Lake Erie in northern Ohio.  However, the city itself is on higher land than the lakeshore (by roughly 100 feet).  The surrounding area is generally flat, forested land with a number of minor and major rivers and waterways, including the Cuyahoga River, which splits the city.

Greater Cleveland includes the cities of Elyria and Akron and is home to over 2 million people.  The city is divided into a number of neighborhoods, including Downtown, location of the financial district and civic buildings, the Flats, location of industrial buildings and trendy restaurants, and a number of up-and-coming residential neighborhoods, like Fairfax and Edgewater.

Positives of Moving to Cleveland

Performance Arts – Cleveland offers its residents Playhouse Square, the second largest theater center in the US, and the Cleveland Orchestra, one of the best in the world.  Cleveland has also been the setting of many major motion pictures, including Major League, and it is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Food & Beer – Cleveland offers both blue-collar and bourgeoisie cuisines.  Residents can attend a fish fry of lake perch or a high-end steakhouse on any given Friday night.  Also, the city is home to Great Lakes Brewing along with a few other local breweries, making for a solid beer scene.

Sports – Cleveland hasn’t seen a championship franchise in many decades, but that hasn’t stopped it from being a fervent supporter of its professional teams, including the Browns (football), Cavaliers (basketball), and Indians (baseball).  All its teams play in quality, modern arenas.

Medical – Cleveland has one of the best hospitals in the nation: The Cleveland Clinic.  It has also dedicated itself to the biotech industry, making it a place to consider for any one engaged in the research or business side of the industry.

Transit –Regional Transit Authority has created bus and train systems that, together, make one of the most-efficient transportation systems in the states.

Negatives of Moving to Cleveland

Weather – Cleveland, like Chicago, not only suffers from cold winters, it suffers from Lake Effect.  Lake Effect occurs when condensation from the lake gets frozen in a passing snowstorm, then gets and dumped on land (Cleveland) as additional snow.  The city also gets hit by severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hot, humid summers.

Downtown Lacking – Cleveland is not known for having a vibrant downtown, despite its many attractions.  Residents hope that the city will develop into a more widely enjoyable area, but for now they need to know where to look to find unique restaurants and shops.

Downtrodden Neighborhoods – Cleveland is seeing a revitalization of many of its traditionally under-served neighborhoods, but some still remain segregated and economically depressed.  Worse, the Cleveland public school system is widely derided as ineffective in these neighborhoods.

Thinking about moving to Cleveland? Talk to some Cleveland moving companies. You can find them here: Cleveland movers.