Pros and Cons of Living in Cleveland, Ohio: Everything To Know About the Rock ‘n’ Roll Capital of the World

Often considered the best place to live in Ohio, Cleveland is a vibrant cultural hub known for its affordable lifestyle, outdoorsy activities, and world-class entertainment. Home to a variety of distinct neighborhoods, there’s something for every demographic, whether you’re a family looking for a kid-friendly suburb or a young professional craving city life (Downtown, in particular, has seen quite an uptick in popularity). To help you decide if moving to Cleveland is the right move for you, we’ve compiled this list of the pros and cons of living in Cleveland, Ohio.

Fun Facts About Cleveland

• In 1879, Cleveland became the very first city to be lit with electricity.
• The first electric rail streetcar hailed from Cleveland.
• Playhouse Square in Cleveland is the second-largest performing arts venue in the U.S.
• The “Free Stamp,” which is the world’s largest rubber stamp, can be found in Cleveland’s Willard Park.
• Cleveland was originally “Cleaveland” — after General Moses Cleaveland — however, the official city name was changed to “Cleveland” to accommodate the masthead character limit of the newspaper at the time.
• Cleveland is also referred to as the “Emerald Necklace” — a nod to the city’s extensive system of nature preserves.

Living in Cleveland — FAQs

Q: What are the negatives of living in Ohio?
A: Harsh winters, limited public transportation, and the potential for flooding are some of the main disadvantages of living in the state of Ohio.

Q: Does Cleveland get a lot of snow?
A: Cleveland is known for getting a lot of snow in the winter, with February sometimes experiencing 10 inches of snow (or more).

Q: How much money do you need to live in Cleveland, Ohio?
A: What is a good salary in Cleveland, Ohio? A single person living in Cleveland should make at least $43,000 annually before taxes to cover basic living expenses. However, to live comfortably with enough to also splurge on hobbies and entertainment, pay off debts, and put some into savings and investments, you’ll need about $86,000 a year.

16 Pros and Cons of Living in Cleveland, Ohio

While there’s plenty to Cleveland that makes it one of the best places to live in Ohio, every city has its drawbacks. It’s essential to consider the entire picture before you decide to take the big plunge. We’re going to cover everything you should know — basic living expenses, housing, things to do, neighborhoods, the job scene, and more — so, without further ado, here are the biggest pros and cons of living in Cleveland, Ohio, to consider. 

In addition to its other perks, Cleveland’s affordable cost of living makes it a very attractive place to live.

1. Pro: The Cost of Living in Cleveland Will Get You More Bang for Your Buck 

While Cleveland is popular for its entertainment, outdoors, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame attributes, the city’s cost of living makes it even more attractive. The overall cost of living in Cleveland, Ohio, is 17 percent lower than the national average and less than one percent above the state average. Not bad for a big city!

Another area in which Cleveland’s affordability stands out is in the housing market. For example, the average home price in Cincinnati is slightly over $250,000, while in Cleveland it’s less than half that ($113,500).

2. Con: Cleveland’s Public Transportation Is Lacking Compared to Other Cities

Public transit is essential for many, but if you’re moving to Cleveland from another major metro, you might find the services aren’t quite up to snuff. The RTA operates public transportation in Cleveland, but it falls short of the level of service that's typically provided in larger cities. The limited frequency and overall range of its rail and bus services make it difficult for people without cars to get around efficiently, which can result in longer commute times.

In the summer, be sure to catch a live show at one of the city’s many green spaces. 
(Source: This is Cleveland via Facebook)

3. Pro: Cleveland’s Parks and Trails Offer an Outdoor Oasis

Out of all the pros and cons of living in Cleveland, Ohio, the outdoors is certainly one of the highlights. The Cleveland Metroparks system has over 300 miles of trails and eight lakefront parks. In the summer, you can enjoy one of the many Lake Erie beaches — including Perkins Beach and Edgewater Beach — or catch a live show at one of the city’s many green spaces. Oh, and don’t forget to explore the region's other natural wonders by taking a short ride to the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

4. Con: Safety Is One of the City’s Top Concerns

Cleveland’s crime rate can be a turn-off for some — we know, a safety rating of 1 on NeighborhoodScout doesn’t sound great — but hear us out. This number means that Cleveland is only safer than one percent of other U.S. cities (eek!). Still, it’s important to remember that crime in any city tends to be focused in certain areas. Cleveland has plenty of safe neighborhoods with lower crime rates, such as Old Brooklyn East, Kamm’s Corners, and University Circle.

5. Pro: Job Opportunities Are Not Hard To Come By

With Cleveland’s economy on the rise, there are plenty of positions that need filling, which means you’ll find numerous job opportunities in various sectors — especially in healthcare. Some of the most prominent employers in the city include University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic.

The city boasts several tech-related businesses, as well, such as BoxCast and Hyland Software. And there are even Fortune 500 companies that operate in the area, including KeyBank and Progressive Corporation, providing additional employment opportunities. 

If you’re not a fan of cold weather, Cleveland might be a tough place to settle down.

6. Con: Midwestern Winters Are No Joke

If you’ve never experienced a Midwest winter, you’re in for quite an experience. Cleveland’s proximity to Lake Erie, in particular, puts the city in a great spot for something called “lake effect snow.” This occurs when cold air moves across warm bodies of open water, and can result in up to three inches of snow an hour. It’s particularly common in the Great Lakes region. Basically, if you’re not a fan of cold weather, Cleveland might be a tough place to settle down.

7. Pro: Cleveland Is a Melting Pot of Culture

Cleveland’s diverse communities offer people a variety of experiences that are both inclusive and welcoming. Its neighborhoods, such as Little Italy and AsiaTown, host cultural events and festivals that celebrate their heritage.

The city's art galleries and museums, such as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art (where general admission is always free!), help enrich the area's cultural landscape. You can also check out other cultural events and festivals throughout the year, like the annual Dyngus Day celebration — a Polish tradition that honors the end of Lent.

8. Con: Outdated Infrastructure Is a Problem

Like many major metros, construction is something you’ll need to get used to in Cleveland. The city’s large-scale repair projects can take months at a time, meaning traffic, noise, and general disruptions. Although the city is working to address the issue, the projects can be a nuisance for residents who have to commute through Downtown to work.

Pizza lovers unite at Boom's Pizza, with offerings like the HOT STUFF + PEPPS with Calabrian chilies and hot honey.
(Source: Boom’s Pizza via Facebook)

9. Pro: The Food Scene Is Irresistible 

The city's food scene has grown significantly over the last few years, with local establishments offering a wide range of cuisines. Cleveland's ethnic communities are represented in its many neighborhoods, like Ohio City, Tremont, and Little Italy, which serve up authentic dishes from around the world.

Polish food has been a Cleveland staple over the course of the city's history. If you're looking for authentic Polish food, head to the Little Polish Diner or Banter for an amazing experience. Pizza lovers unite at Boom's Pizza, with offerings like the HOT STUFF + PEPPS with Calabrian chilies and hot honey. 

10. Con: Air Quality Can Fluctuate

In the past, Cleveland has had issues with poor air quality and has been particularly affected by smog, which can cause respiratory issues — especially for anyone with asthma. However, the city has made efforts to improve its air quality. Through the Clean Air Act, it has been able to allocate resources toward making the city a healthier place to live.

11. Pro: Local Universities Add Appeal for Students

People who want to earn a degree can feel comfortable choosing a school in Cleveland. With several top-tier institutions, you won’t find any shortage of options. One of these is Cleveland State University, which is located in Downtown Cleveland and offers a variety of degrees and programs, including master's, undergraduate, and doctoral programs. On the other hand, schools like The Cleveland Institute of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Art are ideal for students seeking a top-notch education in creative fields.

12. Con: The Nightlife Scene Might Not Be Your Cup of Tea

Does the nightlife scene tend to call your name? Cleveland might leave you wanting more. The city isn’t exactly known for its happening nightlife, but there are still events and places to enjoy on the weekend. With live music venues and clubs like Rumor Bar & Lounge and Forward Day + Nightclub nearby, you’ll have entertainment options during the weekend. You just shouldn’t expect to feel like you’re living in New York or Los Angeles when you step out your front door.

There are lots of great Cleveland neighborhoods to choose from without worrying about breaking the bank.

13. Pro: There are Perks of Affordable Living

Houses in waterfront communities typically fall into the higher price brackets, but the same can’t be said in Cleveland. This affordable lake city has a cost of living that’s 17 percent lower than the national average, with an average home value of just $113,500. Looking to rent instead? The average rent in Cleveland is around $1,550 for a one-bedroom apartment, so you can live in some of the best Cleveland neighborhoods without breaking the bank each month!

The Best Neighborhoods in Cleveland include:

Detroit is just two and a half hours from Cleveland, a totally manageable drive for a weekend away.

15. Pro: Close Proximity to Other Midwest Cities Makes for Fun Road Trip Options

Cleveland’s central location makes it easy for residents to travel to a variety of cities when they’re in the mood for a fun getaway. Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Buffalo are some of the cities you can easily drive to from Cleveland in under three hours. If you’re OK with driving a little further, Niagara Falls is three hours away, and Chicago is around five. If you’re not a driver, you can always fly!

16. Con: Property Taxes Can Vary Greatly 

Cleveland has a history of having some of the highest property taxes in Ohio, even though the overall cost of living is known to be more affordable than other popular cities. Cleveland is located in Cuyahoga County — the largest county in the state that also has among the highest property taxes. 

Moving to Cleveland, Ohio, With PODS 

If this list of pros and cons have got you excited to move to Cleveland, consider making your move a flexible one with PODS. Have a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading on your own schedule. When you’re ready, PODS will pick up your container and it will be delivered to your new Cleveland home. If you need more time, you can also store your container in a secure PODS Storage Center for as long as you want. One month of storage is included in the cost of every PODS move, so you don’t have to feel rushed.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.