Cleveland is the type of city to fall in love with, even if it doesn’t look all that fabulous from the outside. Living in Cleveland provides you with access to a rich cultural experience, world-class healthcare, a passionate sports fan network, and countless outdoor treasures. But, if you’re moving here, how do you get to know The Land?
To help you, let’s take a closer look at some of the most exciting places to live and explore to get a feel for what the city really has to offer. You might find that renting an apartment in Cleveland, overlooking the stunning lake, with Playhouse Square around the corner, and a foodie town surrounding you, could be the ideal place to call home.
What It’s Really Like to Live in Cleveland
Let’s be frank. It’s cold in the winter, and there’s nothing quite as annoying as lake effect snow to make the commute into the city challenging. However, snow days happen a couple of times a year (even for grown-ups), and there’s nothing quite as special as the blooms spring brings. Putting aside the weather, here are a few areas you’ll want to explore to get a real feel for this community.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Cleveland
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,239 | $585 | $2,427 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,469 | $490 | $5,000 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,771 | $475 | $6,270 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,614 | $695 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,162 | $1,100 | $10,000+ |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $3,225 | $750 | $9,108 |
| 6 Bedroom Apartments | $6,752 | $1,250 | $10,000+ |
A Metro Hub
Downtown Cleveland is a financial, entertainment, and cultural center. There are high-rise apartments and some luxury condos in the heart of the city, surrounded by towering buildings built with precision architecture in the late 19th and early 20th century. Most people don’t live in the heart of the city, but in one of the diverse neighborhoods surrounding it. Some of the most sought-after places to live on the West Side and East Side include the following:
University Circle
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,455 | $650 | $2,427 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,705 | $700 | $4,506 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,250 | $710 | $6,270 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,244 | $1,150 | $5,729 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,036 | $1,350 | $9,870 |
For a younger, hip vibe, choose University Circle. You’ll find numerous apartments and condos here, many of which are within walking distance of restaurants and shops. It’s also very close to Case Western Reserve University, The Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals. A slew of museums, research facilities, and government offices are located in this area as well.
Ohio City
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,365 | $930 | $1,926 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,847 | $875 | $5,000 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,297 | $845 | $6,200 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,644 | $1,000 | $6,755 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,045 | $1,500 | $7,548 |
Another modern community with a vibrant food scene, Ohio City is only a short drive from the Financial District downtown. It’s the ideal location for those who want more space and lower rental costs but a trendy vibe.
Kamm's Corners
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $814 | $725 | $854 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,136 | $750 | $1,995 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,596 | $915 | $3,315 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,348 | $2,348 | $2,348 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,127 | $2,500 | $9,220 |
Noted for its down-to-earth lifestyle, Kamm’s Corners is a family-friendly community with smaller homes, apartments, and townhomes. You’ll find good access to the downtown area along I-71, but also enough distance to keep costs lower.
Little Italy
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,711 | $900 | $2,399 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,914 | $800 | $4,242 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,230 | $999 | $4,299 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,750 | $1,500 | $2,050 |
Very much one of the most Italian-centered communities in the city, Little Italy has historic homes, townhomes, duplexes, and apartments for rent. You’ll also find it to be a very walkable community with a strong nightlife.
Edgewater
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $860 | $675 | $1,350 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,018 | $695 | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,383 | $925 | $2,200 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,450 | $950 | $2,400 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,700 | $1,700 | $1,700 |
On the West Side, you have Edgewater, a community noted for its position (yes, right on the shores of Lake Erie!) It’s also home to small- to mid-size homes, duplexes, and apartments. Although less walkable, Edgewater is easily one of the best places to live for outdoor enthusiasts, making it a special destination in the city.
These locations are all within Cleveland itself, though located throughout various portions of the city. If you drive a bit further out, either to the west or east, you have more fantastic communities to call home.
Surrounding Communities Near Cleveland for Renters
Take a short drive down I-90, I-71, or I-480 (you’ll get to know at least these three major freeways when you live here), and you have several other areas ideal for renters within a 20-minute or so drive into the city. If you’re looking to rent more for your money in Cleveland, check out these locations:
Lakewood
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $921 | $665 | $1,350 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,077 | $695 | $2,000 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,448 | $900 | $3,315 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,876 | $950 | $4,520 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,000 | $1,700 | $9,220 |
Right down I-90, Lakewood is a modern city with excellent culture, good schools, and larger homes. Many of the homes here are duplexes, giving you the ability to rent half a home with a backyard.
University Heights
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,259 | $710 | $1,580 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,568 | $625 | $3,585 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,034 | $950 | $5,050 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,906 | $985 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,977 | $1,595 | $10,000+ |
Just a few minutes from the city, University Heights (named such for John Carroll University within its borders) is more than a college city. It has a strong family-oriented makeup with numerous homes for rent of all sizes. You’ll find newer apartment complexes here as well.
Shaker Heights
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,420 | $650 | $2,427 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,672 | $625 | $4,506 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,044 | $710 | $6,270 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,635 | $985 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,216 | $1,350 | $10,000+ |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $2,794 | $750 | $9,108 |
This East Side city is more upscale, with larger homes, condos, and townhomes to choose from. Shaker Heights has a strong retail center, religious organizations, and quality schools.
Fairview Park
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,010 | $665 | $1,734 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,154 | $750 | $2,000 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,601 | $915 | $4,700 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,344 | $1,195 | $5,447 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,957 | $2,500 | $9,220 |
On the West Side, Fairview Park is a true suburban town with numerous residential areas, commercial sectors, and ample parks. Expect to find competitively priced rentals here, including single-family homes and apartments.
Rocky River
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $944 | $665 | $1,734 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,170 | $750 | $2,000 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,665 | $925 | $4,700 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,639 | $1,195 | $5,447 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,957 | $2,500 | $9,220 |
Another upscale community a bit further from Cleveland, Rocky River has some of the best of the Metroparks (the region’s national park system). It’s home to a family-first lifestyle with good schools, notable small businesses, and a walkable city center.
Which of these places will you call home? It’s hard to know until you get a feel for the community as a whole. Cleveland’s heart is certainly all about the modern high-rise communities, but around it are numerous exceptional communities with a range of choices to fit most needs.
Beyond Where You’ll Live: What You Have to Know to Live in Cleveland
Let’s say you’re in town visiting. Where do you go? What do you need to see? How do you become a local in the 216?
Cleveland’s Proud of Its History
Cleveland’s history is everywhere. You’ll see it in the old steel mills that still operate along the Cuyahoga River just outside of downtown. You’ll see it on the docks and the piers, along the shoreline walls, and in the incredible buildings in the heart of the city. It’s a city that’s full of grit, but not in a bad way.
It’s a friendly community, one that you can expect people to greet you as you walk along the streets. It’s the type of location where people expect you to hold open doors and be friendly to the person on the bus next to you. That’s part of the city’s good neighbor history.
There Are Stunning Destinations You Have to Know
Spend some time getting to know the city. If you want to feel like a local, you’ll need to be familiar with a few of these locations:
- The West Side Market: Easily one of the historic treasures here, this open-air and enclosed market features small businesses with fresh produce, bakery, and meats. Visit on a Saturday for lots of good food for the week.
- Playhouse Square: Whether you love comedy, theater, political conversations, or historical events, you’ll find shows here. Playhouse Square isn’t a single building, but has several large standalone theaters next to each other, and additional locations located around the block. Have dinner Downtown and then head out to a show.
- The Metroparks: The Cleveland Metroparks are the heart of the city’s natural beauty. It’s an extensive system that includes nature preserves, hiking trails, biking paths, the lake itself, and numerous winding rivers. Whether you want to splash in the water at Huntington Beach or hike the over 60 miles of trails, you’ll find a place to do it here. There are 25,000 acres of outdoor land to explore all year long.
- The Flats: It’s where the clubs, dancing, comedy, and some of the entertainment take place. The Flats are located right near the waterfront.
- The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: It's The heart of the music industry and the perfect place to visit if you want to see collections for all types of music.
Cleveland is diverse, and these few destinations are just a slice of what you’ll find here. As a true big city, it’s home to plenty of amenities that will keep you busy throughout the year.
Cleveland Sports
There’s always the conversation of Cleveland’s professional sports teams to think about when moving here. If you’re a football fan, the Cleveland Browns will become the frustration of the winter months for you. The Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team and the Cleveland Guardians baseball team are strongly supported as well. It’s also a city that cheers for the minor league teams. Most communities have both club sports and youth sports programs.
Beyond the big sports programs, you’ll find even more ways to stay active here. Softball, track, and golf are big sports programs. You also have the city’s growing rugby leagues with organizations like the Cleveland Crusaders and Cleveland Rovers. The Cleveland Monsters are the city’s professional hockey team.
Cleveland’s Diverse Job Market and Economy
One of the most important considerations when making the move to Cleveland is where you’ll work and what the local economy is really like. In short, it’s a mix. Much of the community works in the service industries, but there are over 197,000 small businesses located in the Cleveland area, according to the Greater Cleveland Partnership. About 46% of people working in the city work for a small business.
Numerous large businesses exist in and around Cleveland. Some of the largest industries include:
- Healthcare: The Cleveland Clinic, a world-recognized hospital, medical, and research center, has a sprawling campus that spans 170 acres with several hospitals, research centers, and administrative buildings. University Hospital Systems and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital are also located in the city.
- Financial Services: The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland is at the heart of the industry, but numerous banks and lending institutions exist here. KeyCorp and Progressive Corp. are headquartered in the city. Huntington Banks, Riverside Company, and MAI Capital Management are other large financial institutions.
- Manufacturing: Though Cleveland's roots are in the manufacturing industry, it is still one of the competitors in the steel and manufacturing industries.
- Education: The city’s educational systems are impressive. In higher education, the city is home to several notable educational facilities, including Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University.
Other Fortune 500 companies that call Cleveland home include:
- Sherwin-Williams
- Parker-Hannifin
- Travel Centers of America
- Aleris
- American Greetings
- Applied Industrial Technologies
- Eaton
- Forest City Realty Trust
Finding work in Cleveland can be filled with opportunities. Don’t overlook the surrounding cities in Cuyahoga County, which offer additional employment opportunities.
Cleveland’s Culture
You can’t really know Cleveland until you explore some of its treasured cultural destinations. As you think about the wide range of opportunities to learn about history, people, and the region itself, make it a point to visit these locations:
- Cleveland Museum of Art: Easily a major American art museum, there are over 60,000 works here.
- Cleveland Botanical Garden: Quite the expansive exploration of all things nature, this destination is a great learning experience.
- Great Lakes Science Center: Located right on the waterfront, this science center is all about hands-on experiences and has rotating exhibits.
- USS Cod: Sitting right on the docks, the USS Cod is an incredible look at what living and working on a Navy ship was like during the wars. Go inside to see it all.
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History: A diverse exploration of the history of the world, this museum is also geared towards hands-on experiences.
Once you enjoy these locations, get out your calendar and be sure you explore some of the annual festivals and events that the city is so well known for. For example, the Cleveland International Film Festival happens each year. Over Labor Day weekend, sit at the waterfront and watch the Cleveland National Air Show. Bundle up and head to the WinterLand hospital display lighting at Public Square to see the massive tree lit. There are also numerous festivals nearby, including the Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy, the Tremont Greek Fest, and the Polish Dyngus Day.
Feel Like Your Cleveland Yet?
There’s plenty to love about Cleveland. Whether you simply want to find the best apartments in Cleveland to rent close to Downtown or you’re after a family-friendly community where baseball and soccer practice are every Saturday morning, there’s a community here right for your needs. Take some time to explore the city by just driving around. Ask questions, and soon you’ll feel like Cleveland really is your home.
