Best Places to Live on the Southwest Side of Cleveland

Thank you, Naima, for the ask. Discussing my hometown always brings back a flood of memories, especially when it comes to the southwest side of Cleveland. I will focus specifically on the best places to live here, considering work, drive time, and, most importantly, schools for kids.

Where to Start: Total Dependence on Work and Commute

When answering where it's best to live, it all depends on where you work and how much you can withstand the drive. Before retirement, my consulting job took me across 3.5 miles to 26 miles away. From Cleveland's Public Square, I moved to Montville Township in Medina County, about 26 miles southwest, but still within a 45-minute drive. The increase in driving distance was offset by the decrease in urban taxes and a more secluded living environment. My lawnmower now needs more attention, but the fewer trips to the city are more than worth it. Today, I mostly walk or use a golf cart.

Southwest Extremes: Strongsville, North Royalton, and North Olmstead

At the southwest extremities, you'll find Strongsville, North Royalton, and North Olmstead. Each offers a good balance of cost, city services, and peace of mind. These cities maintain excellent schools, making them suitable for families with children. Residents here enjoy the milder taxes and the sense of space in a nature-rich environment. If you plan to live here, be ready for older housing stock, but the commute to work and the city remains manageable.

Parma, Brookpark, and Fairview Park: Inner Ring Suburbs

Moving inwards, towards the city, you'll find the suburbs of Parma, Brookpark, and Fairview Park. These towns offer a mix of historical architecture and modern living. These cities boast well-engineered homes built after World War II, with smaller lots and more communal living. Parma, known as the sixth-largest city in Ohio, offers a vibrant community with excellent amenities and services. Be mindful that as you move west, you get closer to the airport, which might be a factor if you're sensitive to aircraft noise.

Berea: A Quaint Little Town

Berea sits nestled between Strongsville and Brookpark, and it's a charming town with its own identity, including Baldwin-Walace University. However, the proximity to Hopkins Airport means that there are occasional disturbances caused by air traffic, especially from the south. The town is still a great place to live, provided you can handle the occasional noise.

City Boundaries: Brooklyn, Kamms Corner, and West Park

Finally, we look at the southwest corner of Cleveland proper, including Brooklyn. I personally adore the Kamms Corner/West Park area and its surrounding neighborhoods. Many of these areas offer excellent examples of post-war housing and easy highway access. For those who need quick access to downtown Lakewood, this area is unbeatable. Brooklyn's south side and the rest of the town offer 60s houses and charming 30s-50s bungalows and side hall colonials, making them a beloved choice for many.

For my future moves, I am likely to stay in these areas, thanks to my son and his family, who are in the process of adoption. I need to be close to support them, so staying within a few miles of their home is ideal.

If you're interested in the broader Medina area, feel free to drop me a line. I would be happy to provide more information and even offer the use of my tractor for tours or projects!