Firstly why Cleveland, Ohio?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Cleveland
• State: Ohio
• Population: 372,624 people
• Cleveland’s quick summary would be Renowned for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, vibrant West Side Market, and the beautiful Cleveland Metroparks.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 40,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 44,000 annually
• Net Migration: -4000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 6,000
• Number of Homeless people: 7,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city offers job opportunities and cultural attractions attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Cleveland Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 47%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $52,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Cleveland is $62,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $10000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Cleveland’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 115 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,861
• Property Tax %: 2.27%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Ohio City
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Cleveland, Lakewood, Shaker-Heights, Cleveland-Heights, and probably could include Parma
• Avg. Age of Homes in Cleveland: 92 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Cleveland’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Cleveland are  Healthcare, Education, and Finance
• Cleveland Job Scene: strong job market in healthcare education and finance
• The General Tech Scene: tech hub known for strengths in health IT, manufacturing, and biotech industries
• Cleveland Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Cleveland: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 350 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 29

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Cleveland

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-90 and I-77 connect Cleveland to various regions
• Commute Time: 32 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on the 90
• Transportation Score: 57 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Cleveland: 300,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 16 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Cleveland: bmv.ohio.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 69 of 100
• Local Airport: Cleveland Hopkins International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Cleveland’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Cleveland is best described as experiences cold snowy winters and warm summers with substantial rain
• Winter Weather in Cleveland i’d describe as cold with snowy conditions
• Spring Weather in Cleveland can be described as mild with some rain
• Summer’s in Cleveland are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Cleveland is usually cool with bright weather
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 6 days in summer
• Days in a row in Cleveland below Freezing: 22
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality significantly impacted by pollution
• Cleveland Winter Air average air quality with significant urban pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Cleveland Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Cleveland 13
• While the number of trade schools inside Clevelands’s city limits are 10
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Cleveland Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Cleveland Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Cleveland only Doctors is about 700
• Local Hospitals here is  20
• Full-time Cleveland only Police Officers is about 1,600
• Crime Rate Index: 75/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Cleveland’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Cleveland’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Cleveland’s Water Quality Score: 66

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Cleveland

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 15 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: large city with a blend of cultural offerings and sports teams
• You might enjoy live shows at the Playhouse Square
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Cleveland  offers a dynamic nightlife with lots of bars clubs restaurants and live entertainment across the city

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Cleveland

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a vibrant dining scene with various international cuisines
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 150 scattered around Cleveland
• The Popular Sports Team is Cleveland Cavaliers
• Top Level Political Climate in Cleveland can be described as diverse urban area with a focus on social issues and equity
• Cleveland’s Longer standing religious establishment is St. John Cathedral

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Cleveland Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Cleveland has 90 Parks?
• Edgewater Park is Cleveland’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Cleveland Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-4pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cultural events, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Cleveland Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Cleveland can be described as urban pace influenced by culture and diversity with a vibrant arts scene
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Cleveland picnicking at parks attending museums exploring local art
• The Cities people commute to from Cleveland are Columbus 10 miles away Westland 10 miles away Franklin 12 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Cleveland or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on the 90. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Cleveland’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Ohio City is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Cleveland are Columbus 10 miles away Westland 10 miles away Franklin 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 75 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Cleveland has 22 days in a row below freezing and 6 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Cleveland people have an average (positive or negative) $10000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   7,000 homeless people living in Cleveland. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse urban area with a focus on social issues and equity could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Cleveland.

Retiree & Senior Life in Cleveland

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax assistance programs focusing on elderly assistance
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Westpark
• Cleveland Senior Center provides health resources meal programs and various activities for older residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Cleveland, Ohio?

If Cleveland, Ohio ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Cleveland, Ohio, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!