12 Best Cleveland Suburbs for Your Move to Ohio’s Forest City

Cleveland might be the second-largest city in Ohio (right behind Columbus), but it ranks first when it comes to beautiful landscape and architecture. It’s a great place to live with a variety of things to do, from museums and diverse restaurants to an abundance of outdoor recreation. And the best Cleveland suburbs offer great opportunities to further your education and career, as well!

Cleveland is known for many things. It has a large manufacturing industry, supported by companies like ArcelorMittal Steel and Ford Motor Company. It also hosts popular professional sports teams, including the Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), and Cleveland Guardians (MLB). 

In addition to being a safe place to live, Cleveland has been recognized as one of the best places in the country to raise a family, with top-notch healthcare options and educational opportunities available in the area.

The city of Cleveland also has plenty of delicious and unique restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, and there are over 40 breweries in the area (plus a brewery passport to access local discounts). 

It’s clear that Cleveland has it going on, but do its suburbs live up to the same hype? Our 2025 guide to the best Cleveland suburbs is here to help you find out.

Cleveland at a Glance

• Cleveland, Ohio, has a population of approximately 359,600.
• Lots of young professionals are attracted to Cleveland’s job climate, while students take advantage of the great schools.
• The average home value in Cleveland is $108,500, compared to $227,800 in the state and $355,300 nationally.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom in Cleveland is $1,425, compared to $1,275 in the state and $1,750 nationally.
• Overall, Cleveland is great for job opportunities, education, diverse cuisines, outdoor recreation, entertainment, and so much more!

12 Best Cleveland Suburbs

The best Cleveland suburbs give you easy access to everything the Forest City has to offer without sacrificing your peace and quiet. If you’re considering a move, one of these might be just what you’re looking for.

Shaker Heights is rich in historic architecture, friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and beautiful tree-lined streets.

1. Shaker Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $323,600
• Great for: Families, young professionals, tranquility, public transportation, outdoor activities, dining, shopping
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 23 minutes

Ranked by Niche as the No. 1 best place to live in the Cleveland area, Shaker Heights is considered by many to be the best suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. And it’s less than 10 miles from Downtown, meaning convenient access to I-480 and I-271, plus an easy commute to the city for anyone who needs it. This desirable community is rich in historic architecture, friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and beautiful tree-lined streets. 

This suburb boasts plenty of outdoor attractions and activities, including the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and the historic sites of the Shaker Historical Society. When you're in the mood to dine and shop, check out the suburb’s Van Aken District.

2. South Russell

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $543,700
• Great for: Families, tranquility, dining, outdoor recreation, golfing
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 35 minutes

Ranked among the top 10 suburbs to buy a house in America and the best place to raise a family in Cleveland by Niche, South Russell definitely makes our list of best Cleveland suburbs. While there are a variety of home styles in the area, houses are generally large with three or four bedrooms. And with some of the most expensive home values in the area, South Russell is considered one of the richest Cleveland suburbs.

Just minutes from Chagrin Falls (another suburb on our list), this quaint community in Geauga County is ideal for anyone who enjoys peace and the outdoors. South Russell Village Park is the main location for local residents to take a nice walk or hike. Other popular hiking trails include Kingfisher Way, Osprey Loop, and West Branch Trail. And just five minutes away you’ll find the Golf Dome — a year-round facility for golf lessons, camps, miniature golf, and batting cages (seasonal).

After an afternoon outdoors, pop into one of the many tasty Cleveland restaurants located nearby, including Kitchen on the Corner, The Sleepy Rooster, and Crumb & Spigot. 

3. Fairlawn

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,225
• Average home value: $284,400
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, dining
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 34 minutes

From Akron, head northwest and you'll arrive at the charming community of Fairlawn. Known for its beautiful surroundings, it’s by far one of the best suburbs of Cleveland — its Niche ranking as the second-best suburb to buy a home in the city doesn’t hurt either. This area's municipal park, Croghan Park, spans over seven acres and features a walking path, basketball courts, and tennis courts for residents who want to exercise or enjoy time outside.

Another popular park is Fort Island, located along Trunko Road. It features 60 acres of greenspace, complete with a playground for kids, basketball courts, and four tennis courts. It also houses the Fairlawn Resource Learning Center. 

When you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, you can find what you’re looking for at one of the area’s restaurants. From fine dining to casual eateries, some of the most popular spots in Fairlawn include The Rail, Burntwood Tavern, Beau’s Grille, Continental Cuisine, and Gasoline Alley. 

Pepper Pike has plenty of parks and green spaces, and beautiful homes to boot.
(Source: City of Pepper Pike via Facebook)

4. Pepper Pike

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $649,500
• Great for: Families, retirees, upscale communities, outdoor recreation, local events, shopping
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 30 minutes

Ranked the second-best place to live in the Cleveland area by Niche, planning a move to Pepper Pike means you’re settling in one of the best eastern Cleveland suburbs. Pepper Pike boasts a fair share of top-notch schools that appeal to families, including Orange High School and Moreland Hills Elementary School.

Situated just 30 minutes away from Downtown Cleveland, Pepper Pike offers residents an easy commute and easy access to everything the city offers. There are also plenty of parks and green spaces nearby for the kids to enjoy. This area has an array of upscale homes for sale, like the ones in Sterling Lakes, where residents enjoy ample yards in sizable lots.

Besides being close to some of the best golf courses in the state, Pepper Pike also has plenty of activities and recreational opportunities for its residents. Those who enjoy nature can take a break from their busy schedules and explore the trails of Pepper Pike Park, or enjoy one of the many community events hosted by the local Pepper Pike Civic League throughout the year.

When the shopping bug bites, take advantage of the shops at Eton Chagrin Boulevard, which feature a variety of high-end stores including Tiffany & Co., Lululemon, and Apple.

5. Hudson

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,025
• Average home value: $506,800
• Great for: Families, young professionals, job opportunities, outdoor recreation, local events
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 37 minutes

Hudson’s prime location, between Cleveland and Akron, offers residents numerous professional and educational opportunities. The historical buildings and plaques in this area highlight the region's past, and the city itself is divided into sections by the intersecting main roads. With a tight-knit community feel, Hudson is also ranked No. 3 on Niche’s list for the best places to raise a family in the Cleveland area. 

Hudson is well known for its engaged community environment and residents can look forward to events throughout the year — particularly in the summertime. Grab some fresh local produce at the Hudson Farmers Market, join the Home and Garden Tour, or enjoy music and festivities at Fun at First & Main. 

The city of Hudson has several parks. One of these is First and Main Green, located near City Hall and home to Summer Music Nights. Another local favorite is Barlow Farm Park, where the city hosts one of its most prominent events — the annual fireworks display. 

6. Bay Village

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $380,400
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, shopping, local arts and events
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 23 minutes

The Bay Village community is located west of Downtown Cleveland along Lake Erie's shoreline. It’s ranked among the safest suburbs of Cleveland by Areavibes and the top five best places to raise a family in the Cleveland area, according to Niche. 

In addition to its parks and recreational facilities, Bay Village also features easy access to Huntington Reservation, Lake Erie, and Cahoon Creek. The culture of Bay Village revolves around the arts, community events, and outdoor recreation. This region also hosts events at BAYarts — an arts campus within walking distance of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center and Huntington Beach.

There are a variety of shopping centers in this area to accommodate your retail needs. The area’s main ones include Dover Commons and Bay Village Square, along with a more upscale shopping experience at Crocker Park.

Lakewood is located on the southern border of Lake Erie, just 15 minutes from Downtown Cleveland.

7. Lakewood

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Average home value: $267,800
• Great for: Families, unique history, outdoor recreation, schools, local businesses
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 15 minutes

Lakewood, OH, is a suburb of Cleveland located just 15 minutes from Downtown. It sits on the southern border of Lake Erie and is home to a dense population (50,000 people living in five square miles). Known as a “streetcar suburb” due to the streetcars that used to run throughout Lakewood, the historic homes and neighborhoods in this area have preserved their history wonderfully.

As the second-best suburb for young professionals in Ohio, according to Niche, there are lots of career opportunities in Lakewood. The majority of the city's workforce is employed by small businesses, but the nearby Cleveland Clinic also draws in many medical professionals.

One of Lakewood’s notable neighborhoods is Birdtown, a former factory district that features worker's cottages and duplexes dating back to the 19th century. You’ll find several green spaces in the city, including seven pocket parks, five neighborhood parks, and one dog park. The largest is Lakewood Park, which features a skatepark, sand volleyball courts, a bandstand, and other recreational facilities.

The city's schools are regarded as some of the best in the state and offer students a variety of programs and facilities. The Lakewood City School District currently has an A rating from Niche.

Many of the city's small businesses draw in customers from the surrounding Cleveland area. Locals recommend trying Goodkind Coffee, which serves house-roasted coffee, while Barrio Tacos is another popular choice.

8. University Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Average home value: $258,500
• Great for: Students, young professionals, families, local events, dining
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 25 minutes

Originally named Idlewood Village, University Heights adopted its new name in 1925 to pay homage to the local John Carroll University. 

The community's annual Memorial Day Parade is a great family-friendly event, as children line up along the street to scope out the best spots for whatever treats are thrown their way. During the summer, University Heights hosts all sorts of outdoor concerts, as well as block parties where neighbors come together to enjoy food and other activities.

Family meals can be enjoyed at Pizzazz or at Geraci's Restaurant, which serves authentic Italian dishes. These establishments have recipes that were passed down from generation to generation and residents continue to enjoy them today.

9. Solon

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Average home value: $422,500
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, dining
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 25 minutes

Often thought of as a suburb with big-city convenience, Solon offers residents a tight-knit community, plenty of housing options, great outdoor recreation, and an impressive dining scene to boot. Your kids will also have access to quality education since the A-rated Solon City School District is Niche’s top pick for Cleveland’s best school district. 

One of the most prominent parks in the area is the Solon Community Park with its sand volleyball courts, baseball fields, and playgrounds. South Chagrin Reservation is also a great place to go for a picnic or hiking.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, 56 Kitchen — known for its locally sourced ingredients and meals — serves up New American dishes. Another popular restaurant is Simply Greek, which features a wide selection of Mediterranean fare. 

Chagrin Falls two iconic waterfalls, plus the Chagrin River, provide a tranquil setting for leisurely strolls.

10. Chagrin Falls

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $468,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, local attractions, shopping, tranquility, local events
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 30 minutes

Located in Ohio's Cuyahoga County, the village of Chagrin Falls is about 25 miles southeast of Downtown Cleveland. It’s highly ranked in the county, city, and state by Niche as a great place to live for retirees, families, and young professionals alike. Residents also get to enjoy a thriving downtown district and vibrant waterfront entertainment.

Downtown Chagrin Falls is known for its charming array of galleries, shops, and restaurants along the Chagrin River. The town comes to life during the holiday season, with events like the Lighting of the Greens (the town’s tree lighting event), Deck the Falls, and Chagrin Falls Window Wonderland.

We can’t forget about the waterfalls, though. It’s literally in the name. The area's two iconic waterfalls, plus the Chagrin River, provide a tranquil setting for leisurely strolls. The Park Community Center also serves as a venue for events. Other festivities you can enjoy throughout the year include Art by the Falls Fine Art and Craft Festival and Blossom Time Weekend. These activities regularly draw in visitors to Chagrin Falls’ vibrant dining and shopping district.

11. Rocky River

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475
• Average home value: $366,200
• Great for: Young professionals, families, outdoor recreation, community events, shopping, schools
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 20 minutes

The suburb of Rocky River is named after the body of water that flows through the community. You’ll find waterfront parks, historic homes with private beach access, and neighborhoods alongside commercial areas. Two strip malls border the suburb’s downtown district. The River Square Shopping Center and Beachcliff Market Square both have restaurants and large stores for convenient shopping options.

The education system isn’t anything to scoff at either. The local Rocky River School District has an A-plus rating on Niche and there are two dozen schools with above average ratings in the suburb.

One of the suburb’s best green spaces is Rocky River Park — a perfect spot to set out a picnic basket and throw a frisbee around with friends. And if you’re into live music, you’ll love the summer season when the park hosts weekly concerts for the community.

12. Westlake

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $389,200
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, shopping, recreation
• Commute to Downtown Cleveland: 23 minutes

The suburb of Westlake is known for its distinct suburban lifestyle. With great education, nightlife, and housing, it’s the perfect spot for families and young professionals alike. Westlake’s atmosphere also draws in a considerable number of retirees, as it’s ranked the No. 5 best place to retire in Ohio by Niche.

Crocker Park is a major commercial district in the northwest section of the city. It features over 100 stores and is surrounded by more than 20 blocks of pedestrian walkways.

During the winter, the mall features an indoor market, which allows residents to browse through vendor stalls while escaping the cold.

Although there are only a few parks in the city of Westlake, residents have plenty of options when it comes to staying active. One of these is the Westlake City Recreation Center, which features an aquatics facility and indoor running tracks.

PODS Can Help You Move to One of the Best Cleveland Suburbs

Ready to relocate to one of these great Cleveland suburbs? Make it a flexible move with PODS. Have a PODS portable moving container delivered right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? No problem! PODS can refer you to local packing and loading help to make your move even easier. Once your container is all loaded, it’ll be picked up and taken to your new home in one of the nicest suburbs of Cleveland. One month of storage is built into every move, so you can unload and unpack without feeling rushed.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; 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.