5 Great Neighborhoods in Cleveland

By Doug Trattner, FrontDoor.com | Published: 10/26/2008

Cleveland's Tremont area is a good fit for those who enjoy the vibrancy of an urban community on the fringes of downtown.

1. Rocky River

Great schools, little crime, beautiful old houses and a short commute; if that doesn't add up to an ideal neighborhood, we don't know what does.

Flagship Neighborhood: Lake Road

River, as it is often referred to, is located 10 miles west of downtown, but this tranquil lakeside community can feel like a far-flung suburb. Median home prices fall in the range of $215,000, though lakefront homes can soar above $1.5 million. In addition to top-notch services and amenities, the city is home to one of the nicest parklands in the county. A sprinkling of upscale wine bars, restaurants and shops rounds out the assets of this charming burg.

The Neighbors: A homogenous mix of affluent families with two or three children. Wealthy empty-nesters call River home, too.

Also Consider: Avon Lake

The Neighbors: Very similar to those in River, only more new money than old.

2. Tremont

Tremont is not the location for everybody, that's for sure. But if you are independent of spirit (and children) and enjoy the vibrancy of an urban community on the fringes of downtown, Tremont may be just what the broker ordered.

Flagship Address: Literary Road

One of Cleveland's oldest neighborhoods is now dotted with some of its most contemporary townhouses as young couples and progressive empty-nesters choose to put down roots near the heart of town. The result is a landscape of contrasts, with stately old churches rubbing shoulders with sleek new condos and bustling bistros. Creative types who don't already live here visit monthly for the popular ArtWalks, when local galleries keep their doors open late.

The Neighbors: A wildly diverse mix of young professionals, blue-collar workers, starving artists and bachelor architects.

Also Consider: Ohio City

The Neighbors: Equally diverse, but with slightly fewer yuppies and slightly more blue-collar workers. Historic Jay Avenue is a short street of beautiful restored 19th-century cottages.

3. Shaker Heights

The schools have dipped a bit in recent years and property taxes are the highest around, but living in lovely Shaker Heights somehow makes it all worthwhile.

Flagship Neighborhood: Malvern

Areas of Shaker Heights are storybook beautiful, with tree-lined boulevards, stately old homes and children skipping down sidewalks to elementary school. This 1920s-era neighborhood was designed around a pair of light rail lines that still zip commuters back and forth to work. Homes range from million-dollar Tudor Revivals to affordable, but still finely built, Colonials. For those who prefer little to no maintenance, well-appointed new condos are springing up on reclaimed lots of land.

With both tranquil parklands and bustling Main Streets, Shaker is a self-sufficient community for families of every stripe. The largest farmers market in the region is held on Saturdays at nearby Shaker Square.

The Neighbors: Open-minded middle-class families, university professors, doctors and CEOs.

Also Consider: Cleveland Heights

The Neighbors: Liberal, Democratic and well-read. Residents here pay slightly less in property taxes than in bordering Shaker, but sacrifice some of the services and education.

NEXT: Chagrin Falls and Detroit Shoreway

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