Cleveland
Welcome to Cleveland! This often overlooked city is one of America’s hidden gems. Great art, music (They call it “The Rock and Roll Capital of The World”) business and nightlife can all be found in Cleveland – not to mention that it’s located right on Lake Erie. There’s a lot to love about this city whether you’re staying long-term or just visiting.
City Overview
Located just south of Lake Erie in Ohio, along the Cuyahoga river, Cleveland is the second largest city in the state, just after Columbus. Startups, the arts, and nightlife are all thriving in Cleveland – and more and more people choosing to live here every day. You can find great urban and suburban options in Cleveland – and it’s easy to commute into the city for work. It’s just a matter of deciding which part of Cleveland speaks to you.
Arts
The arts scene in Cleveland is top notch – Cleveland’s Playhouse Performing Arts center is the second largest Performing arts center in the country after New York’s Lincoln Square. Playhouse Square includes the playhouse, state, Allen, and Ohio theaters – that’s a whole lotta performance art. In addition to the many theaters, multiple performing arts companies are resident in Cleveland, including the Cleveland Playhouse and the Cleveland State University Department of Theatre and Dance. Music is also big here – The Cleveland Orchestra is considered among the top 5 in the United States. Severance Hall, where the orchestra plays, is often called America’s most beautiful concert hall. The Cleveland Museum of Art is a major American art museum – showcasing masterpieces from throughout history. The Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art displays more current work, with a focus on emerging artists from the Cleveland area. And of course, you can’t forget the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – try to catch one of the induction ceremonies!
Business
Benefiting from access to the Cuyahoga river, Lake Erie, and rail links, Cleveland is a major business center today. Cleveland is one of the top recipients of investment for biotech startups and research. In 2005, Cleveland was named an Intel “Worldwide Digital Community”. The city’s largest employer is the Cleveland Clinic, which employs 37,000 people.
Climate
Cleveland gets all four seasons in full force. So summers can be hot, and the winters are cold and very snowy.
Cuisine
Cleveland cuisine is unique, with lots of Italian and Eastern European influence. Swing by a food truck and ask for a “polish boy” (a sausage stuffed sandwich ). In addition to unique locale fare, Cleveland has all the dining options of any big city. The L'Albatros Brasserie + Bar is great for special events, offering a variety of fine dishes. For a beer, you can’t go wrong with the Great Lakes Brewing Company.
Demographics
Cleveland is 53% African-American, 37.3% White, and 2% Asian. The median income for a household is $25,298. The cost of living in Cleveland is 9.7% below the national average – so apartments for rent are more affordable here than in other big cities.
Historical
Film and history buffs alike won’t want to miss the Christmas Story House. The set of the classic film will transport you back to 1950s America and put you in the Christmas mood. Maritime history fans will want to check out the various steamboats and the USS Cod (a World War II submarine you can tour). Make sure to download the free Cleveland Historical app, which marks historical sites on your map and provides additional information about them.
Landmarks
West Side Market, Progressive Field (The Cleveland Indians play here), James A. Garfield Monument, Soldiers and Sailors Monument, FirstEnergy Stadium, Key Tower (Cleveland’s Tallest building), Old Stone Church (pretty much what it sounds like), Old Arcade, St. John’s Cathedral, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Nightlife
Cleveland’s nightlife has options for every mood. For great music, check out The Velvet Tango Room – there’s great Jazz and specialty cocktails here. For a historic feel, you can go to The Spotted Owl – this cocktail bar is located in a building from the 1850s. For beer, The Winking Lizard is your best bet – they have hundreds of taps. Clubbers enjoy The Velvet Dog – great DJs, drinks, and a rooftop patio can be found here. College party animals should consider apartments for rent in Kirtland, which is close to school and to many dive bars.
Outdoors
People who love the great outdoors will find plenty to keep them busy in Cleveland. All kinds of watersports can be enjoyed on the Cuyahoga river and Lake Erie – try kayaking, jetskiing, or even wind surfing! Backpackers will want to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park – full of lush forests, beautiful waterfalls, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Too cold outside? Enjoy great views of the park from the inside of a cozy train on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. When finding apartments for rent, nature lovers should look for something with a view of the river. You should also check out Edgewater Park – a good spot to spend a relaxing Sunday.
Shopping
If you’re food shopping, the coolest place in Cleveland is the West Side Market. This historic building was built in 1912 and offers all kinds of specialty food and cooking items. You should also check out the Old Arcade. For clothes shopping and dining, the Tower City Center has everything you need.
Transportation
Cleveland has a highly efficient public transportation system with lots of buses and trains, so you don’t need a car if you don’t want one. Cleveland is a car friendly city as well, but traffic can be heavy, so make sure to rent an apartment close to work.
Finding Apartments for Rent in Cleveland
There’s a big range to choose from in Cleveland. With Rentberry, it’s easy to find your perfect Cleveland pad. Want a great view? Search by amenities and select a balcony. You can also select a fitness center, pool, specific kind of kitchen, or anything else you need. Remember Cleveland traffic can be gnarly, so filter by neighborhood and find apartments for rent close to work. Cleveland is a happenin’ city and there may be competition to rent the best apartments, so stand out from the crowd and make a custom offer.
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Cleveland Neighborhoods
Downtown Cleveland
There's tons to do in Cleveland’s bustling downtown area. The heart of Cleveland’s business district, it’s the perfect place for young professionals to find apartments for rent. Cleveland’s famous Terminal Tower is here. There are also a variety of parks – great for playing frisbee on your lunch break!
Old Brooklyn
This family friendly neighborhood has lots of great houses and apartments for rent. Hungry? Zip down to Steve’s Hot Dogs for a quick fix.
Goodrich/Kirtland Park
Right next to Cleveland State University, Goodrich-Kirtland park is the best place for Cleveland’s students to find apartments for rent. There’s plenty of bars here – where you can blow off steam after exam week. Check out Chuck’s Place, or the Lopresti Union Club Bar for no-nonsense pub grub.
University Circle
Near Case Western Reserve University – this hood is Cleveland’s intellectual capital. There are thriving businesses, medical research centers, art centers, and amazing apartments for rent here. Hipsters, students, and business people all like it here.
Ohio City
Located just across the Cuyahoga River, Ohio City is one of Cleveland's most beautiful districts – full of cool Victorian homes, hip boutiques, and great breweries. This district is also known for its entrepreneurial spirit – so it’s a place for professionals to find townhouses or apartments for rent.
Detroit-Shoreway
Cleveland’s hipster capital – lots of beards and guitars here. If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby you can take improv classes here – Detroit-Shoreway hosts many of Cleveland’s theaters. Pet owners should look for pet-friendly apartments near Edgewater Park (a great place to walk the dog!)
Tremont
One of Cleveland’s oldest neighborhoods – full of historic buildings and old churches. You can even see the Christmas Story House and Museum here. Located just outside Downtown, Tremont is close to the action, and there are lots of affordable apartments for rent here. For an upscale night out in Tremont, you can go to Dante for delicious food, excellent cocktails and live shows.
Coventry Village
The most walkable neighborhood in Cleveland – which is good news considering it’s full of trendy shops and restaurants. You can find all kinds of quirky, cool knick-knacks in one of the many antique shops here.
Little Italy
Little Italy is the place to go in Cleveland for Italian food, great architecture, and cool shops. It’s so popular that you can even find walking tours of the neighborhood. The coffee here is particularly good. For tasty, casual Italian fare, locals go to Trattoria on the Hill – great spot for a first date.