Cleveland—once hailed as the “Sixth City” because it was the sixth largest city in the U.S. in the early 20th century. A major part of this was due to its booming industrial might as a hub for manufacturing, shipping, and steel.
Today, Cleveland has traded soot-covered factories for world-renowned healthcare and gritty steel for gleaming museums. However, this transformation has not come without its growing pains.
Like any city in flux, Cleveland has both delightful highs and a few head-scratching lows.
So, if you're considering living in Cleveland, here are the pros and cons to keep in mind:
Pros of Living in Cleveland | Cons of Living in Cleveland |
Affordable housing | Declining population and shrinking neighborhoods |
World-class healthcare access | Harsh and unpredictable weather |
Cultural, art, and architectural richness | Limited public transportation options |
Outdoor fun and major league sports galore | Nightlife is not always lit |
Proximity to major cities and attractions |
Pros of Living in Cleveland
Cleveland’s prime location on Lake Erie and the convergence of several railroad lines made it a magnet for economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Even when the factories closed up later in the 20th century, Cleveland didn’t pack it in—it pivoted. The growth now accounts for some of the major pros of Cleveland.
Affordable housing
It's reasonable to ask, ‘Why move to Cleveland?’ The answer is simple: affordable housing.
Cleveland consistently ranks as one of the most affordable major cities in the U.S. You can buy a home here for what might get you a glorified closet in San Francisco or New York.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, you will find beautiful old homes, lakefront properties, and trendy downtown lofts at reasonable prices.
Average House Rent: $1,515
Median Home Value: $135,000
While some areas suffer from aging infrastructure or a lack of investment, your mortgage will likely be low.
Plus, the cost of hiring reliable Cleveland movers is often more affordable compared to larger metro areas. It makes the entire relocation process easier on your budget.
World-class healthcare access
The Cleveland Clinic, consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the world, is right here in Cleveland.
What does this mean for your medical and healthcare needs?
Cleveland's wide array of health resources means cutting-edge research, and you have access to specialized treatment. Even if your needs are just routine care, you’re covered.
Often, with high demand for services, as is usually the case, especially at the Cleveland Clinic, wait times for non-urgent care can be long.
However, Cleveland is under control, as the average number of physicians available per capita here exceeds the national average.
Cultural, art, and architectural richness
Do you love art, music, and grand old buildings? Cleveland understands your needs.
The Cleveland Museum of Art is free and world-class, and Playhouse Square, the second-largest performing arts center in the country, is also here.
You can also visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Orchestra, and many other attractions. Plus, the architecture of these places and the entire city is a mix of old-school grandeur and modern reinvention.
In other words, they are splendid, especially given the big-city experience without the sky-high price tag.
Outdoor fun and major league sports galore
If indoor events and activities are not your speed, Cleveland caters to your outdoor adventure needs as well.
Whether you're hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks, kayaking on Lake Erie, or catching a Guardians or Browns game, there's no shortage of ways to stay active and entertained.
But, honestly, living in Cleveland and being a Cleveland sports fan is not for the faint of heart. The teams are well-loved, but heartbreak is practically a local tradition.
You'll get used to it!
Proximity to major cities and attractions
Truly, Cleveland has most of what you need to live here comfortably. But once in a while, you may need to get out of town, and Cleveland makes it easy.
The city is a day’s drive from cities like Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, and Pittsburgh. Exploring Niagara Falls or the Appalachian foothills is also pretty easy here.
However, there are pros and cons of living in Cleveland, Ohio when it comes to this kind of access. While it’s near other cities, Cleveland is not exactly a central travel hub.
Flight options from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport can be limited compared to larger airports. Travel delays during winter are not uncommon.
Cons of Living in Cleveland
While much can be said about how Cleveland developed and came into prominence during the Industrial Age, those glory days faded. Like many Rust Belt cities, Cleveland’s population and even infrastructure dwindled during this time.
Consequently, there are cons of Cleveland associated with this decline, including:
Declining population and shrinking neighborhoods
Cleveland’s population has been steadily shrinking for decades, resulting in vacant homes and underutilized infrastructure.
Some neighborhoods feel half-full, and the urban scene is gradually deteriorating.
Although this leaves room for newcomers to shape the future of the city, there’s no denying that the work of revitalization can make living in Cleveland seem like a chore.
Harsh and unpredictable weather
Although Cleveland has all four seasons, winter can be unpredictable and harsh sometimes.
The lake-effect snow, bitter cold, and gray skies seem to last forever, and outdoor fun takes a seasonal hit during these times.
In February, for instance, the temperature can drop as low as 25°F. Spring doesn’t always arrive on time, and summer can swing between scorching and soggy.
Limited public transportation options
While more people in Cleveland rely on public transportation to get around than the national average, Cleveland's Regional Transit Authority, which operates the system, has limited coverage outside the main corridors.
If you don’t have a car, getting around can be frustrating. Also, some neighborhoods are downright transit deserts, which makes it even more challenging.
With this, is Cleveland a good place to live?
Well, if you live and work in the urban core, you can make transit work for you. There’s a growing bike culture and more talk of infrastructure investment. However, progress on the latter is slow.
Nightlife is not always lit
Cleveland’s nightlife scene is somewhat compact.
There are great bars, breweries, and music spots. However, these options can feel limited compared to bigger cities or even a few cities similar to Cleveland.
Some areas close early, and the scene is not as bustling during weekdays. The declining population and deteriorating infrastructure also contribute to this. With less diversity and social amenities to cater to the residents, the nightlife here is left wanting.
But living in Cleveland, you'll learn that what Cleveland lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. You will find local haunts where bartenders remember your name and patrons feel like friends.
There are also no long lines or velvet ropes, just good drinks and great vibes.
Conclusion: Should You Move to Cleveland?
A city with heart, hustle, and an ever-evolving story. It’s a place where you can own a home, get world-class medical care, and catch a sunset over Lake Erie all in one day.
But Cleveland is also a place where winters’ bite, population loss casts a shadow, and public transit leaves much to be desired.
Living in Cleveland is clearly not for everyone. For those who value authenticity over flash and resilience over perfection, Cleveland might be the next chapter in your book.
After all, Cleveland may have lost some steam, but it never lost its soul.
