12 Pros & Cons of Living In Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, Ohio, situated within the Midwest region of the USA, is the second-largest city in Ohio, with a population of over 360,000 people.

It’s situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie and is thought for its bustling downtown, historical landmarks, and sports teams. Being a serious metropolitan area, Cleveland provides quite a few job opportunities, cultural offerings, and entertainment options.

Nonetheless, like every city, Cleveland has its benefits and drawbacks when living there. From inexpensive housing and great healthcare to harsh winters and high crime rates, there are numerous pros and cons of living in Cleveland that potential residents should consider before moving.

MORE: 11 Pros And Cons Of Living In Columbus, OH

Pros of Living In Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio, is an incredible place to live for various reasons. From the thriving food scene to the abundance of cultural attractions, Cleveland has something for everybody. 

Cost of Living

Cleveland’s living cost is 6% lower than the national average. Housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation are all within your means.

You possibly can easily find a reasonable apartment or home to rent or purchase without exceeding your budget. Cleveland is a really perfect city for young professionals or families who’re starting and want to avoid wasting more cash.

Entertainment and Recreation

There are several entertainment and recreational activities available in Cleveland.

There are a selection of parks, trails, museums, theaters, and sports teams, akin to the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians. In case you are into to the art scene, Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Great Lakes Science Center.

The town also has beautiful green spaces just like the Cleveland Metroparks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Culinary Scene

Cleveland has a powerful food culture. It’s famous for its pierogies, corned beef sandwiches, and craft beer. So many delicious eateries, cafes, and restaurants are scattered throughout town.

The West Side Market, which has operated since 1912, is a must-visit destination where you’ll be able to easily find a wide range of unique foods to take back home and take a look at.

From the famous Michael Symon’s B Spot burgers to the grilled cheese at Melt Bar and Grilled, it’s inconceivable to be disillusioned by Cleveland’s food scene.

Job Opportunities

Cleveland offers a thriving employment market, with many job opportunities in various sectors, akin to healthcare, education, and technology.

Cleveland has various nationally recognized corporations like Sherwin-Williams, Progressive Insurance, and Key Bank.

There are also hotspots for startups, entrepreneurs, and freelance opportunities, making it an ideal location for many who want to start out a business or obtain a profession in certainly one of the multiple areas of employment.

Education

Cleveland presents its unique educational landscape. It’s home to a few of the most effective in-state and nationally recognized universities, which include Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll University, and Cleveland State University.

The Cleveland metropolitan area offers an array of quality school decisions for youngsters of all age groups, including high-quality private, public, and charter schools.

Healthcare

Cleveland is thought for its great healthcare system. The town has a few of the most effective healthcare facilities within the country, with world-renowned hospitals just like the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

There’s a wide range of health centers to pick from, offering quality medical care in multiple areas of experience, making it a compelling reason to relocate to Cleveland.

SEE: 13 Pros And Cons Of Living In Cincinnati, OH

Cons of Living In Cleveland

While town has much to supply, there are also some drawbacks to living in Cleveland

High Unemployment

Cleveland’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average, at around 3.8%. Despite town’s efforts to draw recent businesses and industries, many Clevelanders have struggled to search out regular employment.

The dearth of job opportunities has made it harder for residents to pay their bills, resulting in increased poverty rates in some areas of town.

Low Incomes

The median household income in Cleveland is around $33,000, significantly lower than the national average.

Many Clevelanders need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, and the high cost of living in some neighborhoods makes it even harder to get monetary savings.

You might be guessing it, the low wages make it harder for residents to afford healthcare, education, and housing, making on a regular basis life a struggle for a lot of.

Poverty

Cleveland has been battling a high poverty rate for a very long time. In response to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 29.3% of town’s residents live in poverty, in comparison with the national poverty rate of around 12.8%.

Many individuals in Cleveland struggle to make ends meet, counting on government assistance or food banks to get by. The concentration of poverty in certain areas of town exacerbates economic and social inequality and makes it difficult for residents to enhance their lives.

Crime

Cleveland Metropolitan has a 142% higher crime rate than the national average. While there was a decrease in violent crime lately, property crimes akin to theft and burglary remain prevalent.

Many residents feel uneasy about their safety, especially in certain neighborhoods. The town’s efforts to handle the crime issue include hiring more law enforcement officials and investing in crime prevention programs, but the issue persists.

Cold Winters

In case you don’t like cold weather, Cleveland will not be the most effective place for you. The town experiences harsh winters with temperatures that may drop well below freezing and snow that may pile up quickly.

The cold weather could make traveling, driving, and even moving around outside difficult. The snowplows and salt trucks work hard to maintain the roads clear, but sometimes it’s inconceivable to avoid a snow-covered commute or a winter backup because of icy conditions.

Run-down neighborhoods

Cleveland has some beautiful neighborhoods with historic homes and well-manicured lawns.

Nonetheless, town also has its share of run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained homes, buildings, and vacant lots. In some areas, abandoned homes and buildings pose safety hazards and attract crime.

The dearth of investment in certain neighborhoods exacerbates social and economic inequalities, with some parts of town affected by disinvestment, lack of jobs or services, and blight.

Conclusion

Cleveland is an attractive city that gives quite a few opportunities for people to grow and flourish.

Cleveland has so much to supply with its bustling economy, diverse population, wealthy cultural heritage, and breathtaking scenic locations.

Nonetheless, like all other city, Cleveland has its share of disadvantages, like extreme weather conditions and high crime rates.