where are the liberal, family friendly suburbs? (Cleveland, Euclid: to buy, theatre)

[TheProf]

Originally Posted by sheena12

There really are no "oppressively" conservative suburbs around Cleveland, and some are outwardly progressive.

Which is why we want to move there from where we live now.

Generally, I agree with you. But I seriously wonder about Medina. I've also had a Black friend who had serious racial issues in North Olmsted.

[216facts]

Originally Posted by TheProf

Generally, I agree with you. But I seriously wonder about Medina. I've also had a Black friend who had serious racial issues in North Olmsted.

I would say the Southwest burbs of Cleveland can get kind of oppressive or depressive as the case may be. This continues into Medina County for sure, places like Brunswick, Medina, even Wadsworth.

[TheProf]

.^let me correct myself... My friend had issues in Olmsted Falls, not North Olmsted. Similar name but very different sunurbs.

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by TheProf

Generally, I agree with you. But I seriously wonder about Medina. I've also had a Black friend who had serious racial issues in North Olmsted.

As a relative newcomer to NE Ohio, (I've lived here for seven years), I will defer to you. And North Olmstead? Really? That's terrible.

There are some very conservative areas in NE Ohio, however since the Youngstown Warren Columbiana area does not have it's own sub-forum, they are mashed together.

Trumbull is a conservative county. However, since I don't live in the country, where it's always more conservative, it does not affect us that much.
Political ideology of the residents is a sliver of why we want to move closer to Cleveland. We like the energy there, and the many opportunities that Cleveland and the Eastern suburbs offer. We also enjoy a little night life. There is just WAAAYYY more happening in Cleveland and even it's inner ring older 'burbs.

The Western Suburbs are very different. I am not putting them down, but they are absolutely better for some people. I have a friend who is originally from Long Island ? NYC, then lived in FL. She moved there with her husband, (can not think of the name of the city, but it's pretty and historic)

She and her husband - also from the east coast - want to move closer to a city, and to a more religiously (they are Jewish) and politically progressive and diverse area.
They have had some bad experiences.



Quick question - what are the suburbs South of Cleveland like? Any notable? I can't say that I know much about them.

[WRnative]

Originally Posted by sheena12

As a relative newcomer to NE Ohio, (I've lived here for seven years), I will defer to you. And North Olmstead? Really? That's terrible.

There are some very conservative areas in NE Ohio, however since the Youngstown Warren Columbiana area does not have it's own sub-forum, they are mashed together.

Trumbull is a conservative county. However, since I don't live in the country, where it's always more conservative, it does not affect us that much.
Political ideology of the residents is a sliver of why we want to move closer to Cleveland. We like the energy there, and the many opportunities that Cleveland and the Eastern suburbs offer. We also enjoy a little night life. There is just WAAAYYY more happening in Cleveland and even it's inner ring older 'burbs.

The Western Suburbs are very different. I am not putting them down, but they are absolutely better for some people. I have a friend who is originally from Long Island ? NYC, then lived in FL. She moved there with her husband, (can not think of the name of the city, but it's pretty and historic)

She and her husband - also from the east coast - want to move closer to a city, and to a more religiously (they are Jewish) and politically progressive and diverse area.
They have had some bad experiences.



Quick question - what are the suburbs South of Cleveland like? Any notable? I can't say that I know much about them.

Some great suburbs with very different characters: Solon (among best public schools in state, diverse), Hudson (great downtown with historic vibe), Richfield Village (Cuyahoga Valley NP), Peninsula (CVNP), Brecksville (Brecksville Reservation, very hilly), Broadview Hts., Orange Village (more affordable, great schools, Pinecrest), and Independence (great freeway access). Some are very walkable, some are not.

Buying the "Rating the Suburbs" issue of Cleveland Magazine is a great way to learn initially about these suburbs. As you pointed out, they generally lack the easy access to University Circle, Little Italy, Cleveland Hts. restaurants, downtown restaurants and pro sports offered by CH and Shaker Hts., especially with their superior mass transit. They typically offer better immediate access to natural areas, but are further from Lake Erie. Some offer much superior community recreational assets than others, perhaps reflected in tax bases. Some have more commercial development, industry, and therefore lower tax rates.

https://clevelandmagazine.com/at-hom...places-to-live

https://clevelandmagazine.com/at-hom...to-live-mentor

Cleveland Magazine generally rotates, not surprisingly, the same suburbs up and down their rankings each year.

[ohioaninsc]

I know one thing...I drive all over Shaker HTs, Cleveland Hts, Beachwood, and University Hts, and I do not see 1 single Trump sign but I see hundreds of Biden signs. We are definitely a much more liberal area on the east side.

[TechieTechie]

Can someone explain the difference in geography between West Park and Kamm's? Confused. Thx

[ship4u]

Originally Posted by ohioaninsc

I know one thing...I drive all over Shaker HTs, Cleveland Hts, Beachwood, and University Hts, and I do not see 1 single Trump sign but I see hundreds of Biden signs. We are definitely a much more liberal area on the east side.

In the last presidential election, 2/3 of Shaker Heights voters voted Democratic. That says it all, if you are looking for liberal community of folks.

[ship4u]

If you are looking for a safe place to live, look no further than Shaker Heights. The system of parks and lakes that were created in this planned community are outstanding. The city is kept immaculately clean and the forestry department keeps a close eye on tree maintenance and tree planting throughout the city which enhances the beauty of the city. Finally, the housing stock offers some of the most beautiful architecture anywhere and the streets are bicycle friendly.

[ferraris]

Originally Posted by ship4u

and the streets are bicycle friendly.

I don't really agree with this about Shaker. The street layout makes it difficult to get from neighborhood to neighborhood without using the main streets. There's some token bike infrastructure like "sharrows" and "bikes may use full lane" signs, but that really doesn't do much. The Lake-to-Lakes Trail and Shaker Median Trail are nice, but they're mostly outside of Shaker's borders.


I'm a former bike commuter and I haven't even bothered to buy a bike since moving here. I wouldn't even attempt cycling on most of Chagrin, Warrensville Center, Lee, Woodland, or Fairmount. I might give Van Aken Blvd or Shaker Blvd a stab, but I think the average adult bike rider would be uncomfortable on these roads too.