Cleveland isn't so bad, at least it's not Detroit.
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10/19/2019
I grew up in the Suburban Detroit area, and relocated to Cleveland after college. I have now lived here for 25 years!
I have seen many positive changes to my city in 25 years, the most exciting thing for me personally is the tremendous support of the arts, and artists in Cleveland. We have the 2nd highest # in USA of operational theaters (only NYC tops us). We have an annual International Film festival, and a film culture that makes CLE a popular place for Hollywood to film on location. There are large competitive grants available for creative types, as well as non-profit collaborative studio spaces. In summer months, you can find a free outdoor music concert somewhere in town almost every day if the week.
Another positive experience I have had in Cleveland is how generally friendly people in town are to one an other as neighbors, or visitors from out of town. There is not much racism in Cleveland, generally, and suburbs both East and West side of City are racially blended.
The cost of living is low, allowing a higher standard of living for more people. We also enjoy world class health care facilities thanks to the Cleveland Clinic, and Case Western Reserve University Medical School.
Negative things I've experienced in Cleveland are corruption in the police department, and criminal justice system. A large homeless population, and some higher crime areas within the city, or close by in some "inner ring" suburbs. It is unwise to leave valuables in vehicles, especially if they are visible. Thieves have been known to break windows to steal loose change left in the driver's console.
The Lake Erie beaches have improved a lot over recent years. There was a time when the public beaches were very dirty, and didn't have lifeguards. Now the beach I used to avoid for safety reasons when I first moved here (Edgewater Beach inside the city limits) has been redeveloped into a wonderful, family friendly summertime destination!
Lyric | Cleveland, OH