Thinking of moving to Lakewood? Here’s what you should know.

Located on the cliffs along Lake Erie, Lakewood, Ohio, is an inner-ring suburb of Cleveland with a character all its own. The restaurant and bar scenes are well-established and most venues are locally owned. Along the main thoroughfares of Madison and Detroit Avenues, food and entertainment centers are expanding.

Who’s There?

The population of around 50,000 is diverse and includes long-time Ohioans, families new to the area and a sizeable gay and lesbian community A considerable portion of Lakewood’s population is young, with 24 percent of residents between the ages of 20 and 34. With a preference for local businesses and venues that host up-and-coming bands, these young people have infused the town with a contemporary vibe. Although a good portion of residents commute to Cleveland for work, the top job sectors in Lakewood are education, healthcare and the service industry. Lakewood Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic employ many locals, but the expansive Lakewood Recreation Department and the Lakewood Historical Society may be the most beloved local organizations.

What’s Around Lakewood?

Lake Erie provides a beautiful backdrop to the city, and it’s no surprise that the most enticing attractions are set along its banks. Lakewood Park boasts a 31-acre lakefront communal space with a pool, tennis courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds and a band shell where locals can enjoy free concerts on Sundays. The park is also in close proximity to the valley trails of the Rocky River Reservation. Lakewood’s six-square-mile radius is easily navigable on foot, though most residents rely on cars for transportation. Others use the city’s six public bus lines and two rapid rail stations. Lakewood’s Bicycle Master Plan was adopted in 2012, and has led to more bike corrals and shared lanes on the city’s streets.

What Do You Do In Lakewood?

In addition to Lakewood’s ample outdoor space, the bar scene has something for every adult, from dives to grilled-cheese bars to the elegant Pier W, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the lake. Block parties are another big draw. The city organizes several festivals, including the annual Lakewood Arts Festival and the Front Porch Concert Series at the Lakewood Public Library.

1617 Winchester Ave

11811 Lake Ave #1007

15631 Delaware Ave #UP

2080 Halstead Ave #2

1276 Fry Ave #DOWN

16808 Madison Ave #5

1603 Bunts Rd #2

1565 Newman Ave #1

1537 Lakewood Ave

1557 Alameda Ave

11720 Edgewater Dr

14520 Bayes Ave

2040 Waterbury Rd

1444 Alameda Ave

12900 Lake Ave

15629 Delaware Ave

15103 Lake Ave #3

13476 Clifton Blvd

2002 Chesterland Ave

1262 Westlake Ave #3

1352 Clarence Ave

1647 Bunts Rd

1623 Hopkins Ave #3

2299 Ogontz Ave

1530 Lakeland Ave

1437 Maile Ave

1451 Riverside Dr #5

(Undisclosed Address)

13817 Clifton Blvd #3

12700 Lake Ave