Safest Neighborhoods in Cleveland: 11 Hotspots of This Abundant Lakeside City

Imagine this — you’re located on the shores of Lake Erie, surrounded by one of the largest park systems in the country, plus you have access to world-renowned healthcare. That dream becomes reality when you’re living in Cleveland, OH — especially when you take a peek at the city’s lively neighborhoods. It’s important to remember that it is still a booming metro, though, and, just like all large cities, it’s going to come with its fair share of crime. That’s why it’s important to locate the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland before you make the big move.

Cleveland definitely isn’t the safest city to live in. In fact, the city’s average crime rate is 186 percent higher than the national average, significantly higher than larger cities like NYC and Chicago — with crime rates 34 and 77 percent above the national average, respectively. But it’s important to remember that crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas, and it’s something you’re going to deal with no matter where you choose to move. That’s why it’s important to find safe pockets to settle down in the city. Luckily, our guide is here to tell you about 11 of the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio.

Safest Neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio

What are the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio? With areas that boast the city’s best qualities, along with relatively low crime rates, these are some of the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland.

Residents of Kamm’s Corners get easy access to fun local events like The Hooley (pictured above) and the Romanian Festival.
(Source: The Hooley on Kamm’s Corners via Facebook)

1. Kamm’s Corners

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $975
• Average home value: $222,000
• Great for: Families, walkability, Irish cuisine, diverse events
• Commute to Downtown: 17 minutes
• Crime rate: 60% lower than Cleveland average

Located in West Park, Kamm's Corners is one of the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland known for its suburban feel and walkability. Its main street, Lorain Avenue, leads to the historic post office and general store, which was constructed in the 1880s. Local businesses include a variety of Irish pubs, like P.J. McIntyre's Irish Pub, along with quirky shops like Starship Earth.

Check out neighborhood events, like The Hooley on Kamm’s Corners, or the Romanian Festival, which takes place over Labor Day Weekend at St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral — the oldest Romanian Orthodox parish in the country. 

2. Downtown

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Average home value: $319,300
• Great for: Young professionals, walkability, entertainment, variety of cuisines
• Commute to Downtown: You’re there!
• Crime rate: 60% lower than Cleveland average

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Downtown Cleveland is a walker’s paradise, home to many of the area’s young professionals. It’s perfect if you love active nightlife and don't want to rely on your own car to get around.

The local Civic Center District is a hub for entertainment, boasting easy access to the JACK Cleveland Casino. The Gateway District is full of sports fans, as evidenced by the events happening at Rocket Arena and Progressive Field (home of the Cleveland Guardians). Those looking for a great meal or a good show should head to East 4th Street, the vibrant surroundings of The Flats, or one of 10 stages in Playhouse Square. 

No matter where you’re venturing, residents of Downtown Cleveland can feel safe when they’re out and about, as this neighborhood has 60 percent less crime than the city overall

Edgewater is home to the stunning 240-acre Edgewater Park and its beautiful shoreline.
(Source: Cleveland Metroparks via Facebook)

4. Edgewater

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $900
• Average home value: $178,800
• Great for: Young professionals, beautiful scenery, renters, local events
• Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes
• Crime rate: 55% lower than Cleveland average

With good public transportation and 55 percent less crime compared to the rest of the city, Edgewater is one of the safest areas in Cleveland, Ohio. While most people know of the 240-acre Edgewater Park and its beautiful shoreline, just west lies lovely homes lining Clifton Boulevard. Dubbed one of the busiest streets in Cleveland, it’s home to great dining options and a buzzing nightlife scene.

A whopping 71 percent of residents are renters, making it perfect for newly arrived young professionals and families still searching for their forever homes. Spend the day at the beach, head over to Earth Bistro Cafe for easy eats, and then end the night at The Hawk or No Class — both low-key local favorites with plenty of drink options to boot.

Once summer hits, the neighborhood comes to life. Check out the Cleveland Metroparks Summer Concert Series at Edgewater Park, the Ohio Viking Festival, and Yoga Fest.

5. Detroit Shoreway

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $246,000
• Great for: Families, young professionals, easy downtown access, theater, public transit
• Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes
• Crime rate: 45% lower than Cleveland average

The Detroit Shoreway neighborhood has a variety of characteristics that make it great for families and young professionals, including a strong sense of community and easy access to Downtown Cleveland. 

There's also a vibrant arts and culture scene in the Gordon Square District, with galleries, theaters, and trendy eateries. Some of the most popular theaters are the Black Canvas Theatre, the Talespinner Children's Theater, and the Cleveland Public Theatre. It’s also home to Capitol Theatre — the only historic movie house on the city's west side.

You’ll find different types of historic homes and trendy lofts in the area. Residents can rely on public transit and infrastructure, as there are many bike lanes, buses, and RTA stops. Forty-five percent less crime takes place in this neighborhood than in Cleveland, so you can feel safe both on and off transit.

6. Ohio City

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,050
• Average home value: $173,800
• Great for: Families, young professionals, walkability, shopping, art, cuisine
• Commute to Downtown: 7 minutes
• Crime rate: 37% lower than Cleveland average

Ohio City is one of the safest Cleveland neighborhoods, with 37 percent less crime than the rest of the city. It’s known for its array of beautiful historic homes, walkability along West 25th Street, and the number of young professionals living there. Shopping, local art, and great cuisine are some of the area’s best qualities.

Residents enjoy wandering through the West Side Market's many stalls, filled with family-owned businesses serving up fresh produce, meats, and baked goods. Looking to indulge in the cultural scene? Check out the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Transformer Station.

Ohio City has plenty of great restaurants that serve delicious options, so the foodies can always find something new. Some of these include Larder, a James Beard-nominated Jewish Eastern European deli, and Juneberry Table, a neighborhood spot where brunch is the mainstay.

Riverside is home to the Glenn Research Center — a NASA facility that hosts yearly events for the area.
(Source: NASA’s Glenn Research Center via Facebook)

7. Riverside

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,280
• Average home value: $176,600
• Great for: Young professionals, families, travelers, shopping, entertainment, cuisine, diversity
• Commute to Downtown: 20 minutes
• Crime rate: 34% lower than Cleveland average

Rated the second most diverse neighborhood in Cleveland by Niche, Riverside has quite a lot going on. It’s one of the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio, and is divided into two regions. The southern portion of Riverside is dominated by the Cleveland Hopkins Airport, while you’ll find shops in the north, along with the Glenn Research Center — a NASA facility that hosts yearly events for the area.

The massive Great Northern Mall and its 120 stores sit about five miles away. Another popular establishment in the area is Grayton Road Tavern, which serves up an eclectic array of dishes, like lobster bisque and wings.

The Glenn Research Center features science-focused events that showcase its technological and scientific capabilities. In 2024, it hosted the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Ohio Regional Competition. 

8. Buckeye-Shaker

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
• Average home value: $115,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, public transit, cuisine, outdoor recreation
• Commute to Downtown: 20 minutes
• Crime rate: 22% lower than Cleveland average

Buckeye-Shaker is one of the safest suburbs of Cleveland. It includes the area's old Buckeye neighborhood and the nearby Shaker Square District. Both of these neighborhoods are connected to Downtown Cleveland through the city's light rail line.

Larchmere is a popular area in the neighborhood, playing home to all kinds of unique restaurants and bars, including Academy Tavern — one of the oldest bars in Cleveland — and Big Al's Diner.

Luke Easter Park is a favorite among local residents during the summer months (be sure to check out the swimming pool, basketball courts, and playgrounds!). If you want indoor fun, the Zelma Watson-George Roller Skating Facility is also nearby.

9. Old Brooklyn

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $870
• Average home value: $159,700
• Great for: Young professionals, families, shopping, cuisine, community events
• Commute to Downtown: 15 minutes
• Crime rate: 16% lower than Cleveland average

Old Brooklyn might have a homey feel, but it's only six miles south of Downtown Cleveland. It’s one of the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland, making it a great place to find quiet not far from the city center. You’ll even find a variety of long-standing establishments and restaurants. A few local favorites include Gus’s Family Restaurant and Charlie’s Dog House Diner.

The Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation is a staple of the area and is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community, and also hosts community events and improvement projects.

Der Braumeister is a local favorite in Jefferson, serving up pints and German Cuisine.
(Source: Der Braumeister via Facebook)

10. Jefferson

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
• Average home value: $145,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, shopping, cuisine, community events
• Commute to Downtown: 15 minutes
• Crime rate: 38% lower than Ohio average

The Jefferson neighborhood in Cleveland is a diverse community that many families and professionals call home. There are plenty of homes available despite its close proximity to Lake Erie and Downtown Cleveland — everything from two-bedroom bungalows and small ranch-style homes to larger Foursquares that date back to the 1920s.

You’ll have easy access to Interstates 90 and 71, making weekend vacations, day trips, or even a quick commute to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport a breeze. Don’t want to drive? No problem. Jefferson boasts a Walk Score of 82 and has been ranked the No. 12 most walkable neighborhood in Cleveland.

Community events and locally-owned restaurants abound in this popular neighborhood. For a rockin’ time, catch the annual Jefferson Rocks West Park concert series in Jefferson Park. Favorite local restaurants include George's Kitchen, which serves up classic American dishes, along with Der Braumeister, known for its German Cuisine.

11. Broadview Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
• Average home value: $360,400
• Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoors, history, cuisine
• Commute to Downtown: 22 minutes
• Crime rate: Safer than 92% of U.S. cities

What is the nicest suburb of Cleveland? That might have to be Broadview Heights (it’s certainly one of the safest Cleveland suburbs). The incorporation of this area in 1927 and its subsequent growth are the main reasons it became its own city in 1960, and the Broadview Heights Historical Society continues to preserve this region's past with its exhibits and educational events.

Nature lovers can find a variety of parks and community centers in this area, including the popular Greene Acres Community Garden. This organic operation includes more than 90 plots and 14,400 square feet of green space which might make you wonder why you didn’t start growing vegetables sooner.

The Wild Eagle Saloon and Boneyard Beer Farm are two of the area's most popular establishments that serve up all sorts of American dishes. If you’re more in the mood for margaritas and Mexican food, Cozumel is another local favorite.

Move to One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio With PODS

Make your move to Cleveland, Ohio, flexible with a PODS portable storage container. PODS will deliver the container right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading. One month of storage is included in the cost of every move, so you don’t have to feel rushed. PODS can even refer you to local packing and loading help to make your move easier. Once it’s loaded, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new Cleveland neighborhood or you can keep it in a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it.

Visit PODS online for a local moving quote or call (855) 706-4758 to speak to a pro about renting a PODS container for moving or storage.

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