Top 10 Best Cleveland Neighborhoods: Settling Down in Forest City

Moving to “Forest City” doesn’t just mean you’ll get to take afternoon hikes and spend evenings at the brewery. It means you’ll get to be completely immersed in culture and diversity — perfectly represented throughout the best Cleveland neighborhoods. Huge green spaces, like North Chagrin Reservation, sit mere minutes from nationally renowned sites like the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Playhouse Square. But that’s just scratching the surface of what Cleveland has to offer.

Cleveland’s diverse cuisine scene is also well loved and well known by anyone who considers themselves a foodie, though brew lovers have a place to call home, as well. There are a variety of restaurants and food trucks serving mouth-watering dishes all around Cleveland, and you’ll find quality craft beer throughout the area's growing brewery district.

The city of Cleveland is known for being a global center for medical research and healthcare, as well, and some of the most prominent medical institutions in the world can be found here, like The Cleveland Clinic, home to the Global Center for Health Innovation.

It’s no surprise that moving here means you’ll need to choose a space to call your own, but you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover the best Cleveland neighborhoods with a special focus on housing costs, schools, local culture, and things to do. 

Cleveland at a Glance

• Cleveland has a population of almost 363,000.
• Students and young professionals especially enjoy the great schools, local entertainment, and brewery scene, but there are perks for families and retirees, as well.
• The average home value in Cleveland is $107,300, compared to a state average of $227,800 and a national average of $356,600.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cleveland is $1,425, compared to around $1,300 in the state and $1,750 nationally.
• Cleveland is a great place to enjoy cultural activities, art, breweries, outdoor recreation, dining, and shopping.

The overall atmosphere of University Circle is very upbeat and appealing (especially for students and young professionals).
(Source: University Circle Inc. via Facebook)

1. University Circle

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
• Median home sale price: $337,000
• Great for: Young professionals, upbeat atmosphere, safety, culture, history
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 15 minutes

The University Circle neighborhood is full of prominent institutions, including Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Cleveland Institute of Art. The overall atmosphere of the neighborhood is very upbeat and appealing (especially for students and young professionals), and it’s quite affordable. You can also be confident about living in one of the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland, since it’s ranked No. 4 in the city, according to AreaVibes. 

The local institutions bring a strong sense of culture to the neighborhood with plenty of historical and cultural activities to partake in. Some local gems include the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The Crawford Auto Aviation Museum is another local institution that showcases the region's history with vintage automobiles. You may not need a car, though — a convenient public transportation system makes it easy to get wherever you’d like to go. 

2. Ohio City

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Median home sale price: $280,800
• Great for: Young professionals, families, dining, shopping, breweries
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 10 minutes

Ohio City is another one of the best Cleveland neighborhoods, located just a few miles from Downtown Cleveland and known for its interesting juxtaposition of historic homes alongside modern high-rises.

The area has grown in popularity due to the variety of bars, restaurants, and breweries popping up on every corner. West Side Market — where you’ll find unique eats and local produce — is a favorite among Ohio City residents, as well as Edgewater Park, which provides panoramic waterfront views of the city. You’ll also find beach access and a fishing pier there.

The area's center is West 25th Street, which is a commercial district and hotspot of the neighborhood. Residents especially enjoy stopping in at Mitchell's Ice Cream for their homemade frozen treats and enjoying some tasty beer at Great Lakes Brewing Co. 

Just across the bridge from Downtown Cleveland, the trendy Tremont neighborhood is one of the oldest in Ohio.

3. Tremont

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Median home sale price: $328,500
• Great for: Young professionals, families, cultural heritage, eclectic shopping, dining, historic architecture
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 10 minutes

Located in the middle of Cleveland, Tremont is an urban village that's growing and changing every day. It used to be a working-class neighborhood — home to immigrants from Germany, Ukraine, and Greece — and has since developed into quite the trendy place to live. It’s also ranked No. 2 for safety by AreaVibes, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland. 

As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Ohio, Tremont’s charm is evident in its many historic structures and eclectic shops, with a laid-back atmosphere ideal for a relaxing evening out. Some of the area's best restaurants include Martha on the Fly and the Prosperity Social Club.

4. Detroit - Shoreway

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Median home sale price: $232,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, unique architecture, culture, shopping
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 10 minutes

Detroit - Shoreway provides beautiful panoramic views of Lake Erie and the Downtown skyline. This area has become one of Cleveland's most popular entertainment destinations due to the success of its urban renewal. The neighborhood is just a 10-minute walk from West 65th - Lorain station, making it highly accessible via public transportation. It’s also just a 15-minute drive from the renowned Waterloo Arts District.

The area's cultural and shopping opportunities are popular with both locals and visitors. The Gordon Square Arts District is the main hub of the community that features art galleries and theaters.

Downtown Cleveland features a variety of attractions and activities, and it’s an easy place to get around by bike or on foot. 
(Source: Downtown Cleveland, Inc. via Facebook)

5. Downtown Cleveland

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Median home sale price: $298,600
• Great for: Young professionals, diverse architecture, walkability, entertainment, transportation
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: You’re there!

With a lively spirit and plenty of upper-class amenities, Downtown is one of the richest neighborhoods in Cleveland. This district features a variety of attractions and activities, and it’s an easy place to get around by bike or on foot. The Burke Lakefront Airport is also nearby for those who travel often.

Downtown is a great place for sports fans, as well. This part of the city is close to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Progressive Field, and Huntington Bank Field. These facilities give residents easy access to major concerts and other events, not to mention professional sports teams (and games) like the Cavaliers, Guardians, and the Browns.

6. Edgewater

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Median home sale price: $155,500
• Great for: Young professionals, families, shopping, dining, transportation
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 10 minutes

It’s not hard to see why this diverse community is one of the best Cleveland neighborhoods. The aptly named Edgewater offers residents easy access to the beaches of Lake Erie and is bordered by Edgewater Park, a great spot for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnics. About 67 percent of the houses in Edgewater are renter-occupied, according to RentCafe, but you won’t have any issues finding a single-family home or condominium to buy if you’d rather own.

The area's main shopping and dining establishments are on Detroit Avenue and Clifton Boulevard, with an array of options available to check out. My Friends Restaurant is a local favorite 24-hour diner serving up a variety of scrumptious pies. For seafood lovers, Don’s Lighthouse Grille is a fine seafood restaurant that features crab cakes, calamari, and even steaks.

One of the most convenient ways for residents to get around Edgewater and the neighborhoods beyond is by using the Red Line that connects the airport to Downtown via Tower City Station. You can get to the airport in less than 30 minutes from here, and trains depart every 15 minutes. 

Kamm's Corners is a quiet neighborhood located less than 20 minutes from Downtown Cleveland.
(Source: West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development via Facebook)

7. Kamm’s Corners 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $900
• Median home sale price: $205,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, golfing, local festivals, shopping, dining
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 18 minutes

Kamm's Corners is a quiet area not far from major Cleveland attractions; however, this community has enough fun of its own going on!

Residents of Kamm's Corners have access to over 75 acres of natural beauty along the Rocky River, plus Mastick Woods Golf Course, a 9-hole course perfect for newer players. You’ll also find eight neighborhood parks with perks like baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and plenty of other amenities to keep everyone entertained.

Kamm's Plaza Shopping Center is the place where residents can go for all their shopping needs or to grab a bite at local restaurants, including Gene's Place to Dine and West Park Station. And you don’t want to miss the neighborhood’s annual Hooley, a street festival celebrating the area's Irish heritage. It takes place around Kamm's Plaza and is a great way to experience the community’s local art scene and all of its favorite food.

8. Goodrich - Kirtland Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Median home sale price: $66,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, foodies, Asian heritage, local events
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 5 minutes

The community of Goodrich-Kirtland Park — two miles east of Downtown — is known for its artistic and diverse elements. It encompasses AsiaTown, which is an extension of Chinatown. The region experienced a surge of Asian immigration in the 1860s, and the community still holds elements of the cultural influence from that time.

The area has numerous restaurants serving Asian cuisine, including the Li Wah Restaurant and Superior Pho. Koko Bakery is where you go when you have a sweet tooth, and they offer an array of menu items like bubble tea and sweet and savory buns.

The Cleveland Asian Festival takes place every May in Kirtland Park and is a great way to get involved with other residents of the community. It's a celebration of the area's past and present cultural connections, where people can watch dances, browse through vendor booths, and enjoy lots of great food.

One of the highlights of Old Brooklyn (for families, in particular) is the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which features over 2,000 animals from various species.
(Source: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo via Facebook)

9. Old Brooklyn

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $925
• Median home sale price: $147,900
• Great for: Families, dining, local attractions, shopping
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 15 minutes

Old Brooklyn has been a part of Cleveland's community for over 200 years and is located less than six miles from Downtown. Despite its challenges, such as abandoned properties and the ongoing remediation of brownfields, residents are building a better quality of life and future for the community.

Broadview Road is one of the highlights of the neighborhood, with numerous restaurants and businesses, like the popular coffee shop Rebel Reserve. The family-owned diner, Gabe's Family Restaurant, serves up American dishes, and the Old Brooklyn Farmers Market is your go-to for some of the best fresh produce, goods, and crafts in the community.

One of the highlights of the neighborhood (for families, in particular) is the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which features over 2,000 animals from various species. The facility also hosts fun events throughout the year, like the annual Wild Winter Lights display.

10. Buckeye - Shaker Square

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Median home sale price: $102,300
• Great for: Young professionals, families, dining, entertainment, outdoor recreation
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 15 minutes

The historic community of Buckeye - Shaker houses Ohio's oldest shopping district: Shaker Square. It's about 6 miles east of Downtown Cleveland and borders both Shaker Heights and Woodland Hills.

Shaker Square is known for its many shops and restaurants, like Zanzibar Soul Fusion with its soul rolls. That’s not all you’ll find, though. Shaker Square is also home to Atlas Cinemas and Dave's Markets, which is a local chain that carries a variety of food products.

Luke Easter Park features facilities like a swimming pool, basketball courts, and playgrounds, and is a popular place for residents to gather during the warmer months. The Zelma Watson George Recreation Center is also nearby.

PODS Can Help You Move to One of the Best Cleveland Neighborhoods

When you’re ready to relocate to one of the top Cleveland neighborhoods, make it a flexible move with PODS. Have a portable moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load your things at your own pace. Once you’re ready, your container will be picked up and taken to your new home in Cleveland. The best part? Each move has one month of storage built in, so you can unload on your time without feeling rushed.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.