Cleveland is truly a wonderful place to call home, but if you’ve never lived in a big city with Midwestern values, we have a thing or two to tell you. Every city anywhere in the world is bound to have misconceptions and rumors circulated about it, but as residents of one of the best cities in the world, we are here to dispel rumors and set the record straight. Allow us to be the first to offer a friendly “Welcome to Cleveland!” You are going to love it here in the best location in the nation.
- Yes, we know our river caught on fire.
Toban B./Flickr This region is known across the country for an unfortunate moment when the Cuyahoga River caught fire in 1969 due to excessive pollution. While that fire was featured in TIME Magazine, the photo featured on the cover was actually of a much more serious fire on the river that occurred in 1952. In fact, the river had caught fire many times prior to the 1969 fire that shocked the nation and ignited a passion for environmentalism, as pollution was once seen as a necessary evil that resulted from industry.
The 1969 fire urged the federal government to begin regulating pollution, and local advocates played a large role in the passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972. As you can imagine, the river is much, much cleaner, and now the epic fire is almost something of a local legend that reinforces the importance of being a green city on a blue lake. Oh, and the fire was legendary enough to be preserved as a beer… which you’ll definitely have to try.
- We’re really not the “Mistake on the Lake.”
Erik Drost/Flickr Seriously, you will see that Cleveland is actually a pretty cool place. A few of our neighborhoods have boppin’ art districts, and the city is overflowing with history and culture.
- Who said a big city can’t be beautiful?
Erik Drost/Flickr Cleveland’s scenery is purely amazing. From stunning architecture to a series of parks hiding amongst urban streets, there is something beautiful to entertain the eye everywhere you turn.
- If you’ve never experienced lake effect snow, get ready.
Erik Drost/Flickr Much of Northeast Ohio experiences lake effect snow. This unfortunate weather phenomenon drops excessive amounts of wintery precipitation all across Greater Cleveland, a process that is fueled by our Great Lake. Our average seasonal snowfall is around 68 inches, which is nothing when compared to practically-polar cities like Syracuse, NY, but it is still a formidable quantity. Have snow shovels and winter gear ready, because you will definitely need them.
- Cleveland and Ohio themed gear is a must-have.
Only In Your State Online Store We can’t explain it, but we will never own too many accessories that match our favorite region. In fact, we love Ohio clothing so much, we’ve even created our own! Check out the Only In Your State online store to see our cool new designs!
- The seasons here really do not make sense, so you’ll just have to accept that.
Nikki Rhoades I snapped this photo to summarize the unpredictable weather we experience in Cleveland. Earlier this year, after a refreshingly mild winter and a few stunning pseudo-summer days, Mother Nature had the last laugh. In April, she gifted a snowfall that accumulated up to 6 inches in some areas. Two days later, the temperature was pushing 80 degrees and Clevelanders were applying sunscreen.
- Cleveland hides the perfect cure for cabin fever.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr The Cleveland Metroparks feature more than 21,000 acres of nature preserves, reservations, and parks that you’ll love exploring. The Northeast Ohio wilderness is stunning in all seasons, and our amazing parks will bring out the adventurer in you.
- You will get used to all the construction, but…
Erik Drost/Flickr During Cleveland’s warmer months, the city undergoes an intense period of construction. Of course, it will be unpleasant at first, but we promise you’ll adapt.
- …If you need an escape from all the construction, swing by one of Cleveland’s serene beaches.
James E. Walker Jr./Flickr Locals know that Lake Erie’s beaches offer incredible views, but many newbies do not realize just how remarkable Cleveland-area beaches are.
- City deer are fearless.
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr When you encounter a deer in a heavily populated area, there is a high chance that it will be on a road. The deer may stand still, despite the loud honking emanating from your car. Or, as you are driving down a country road, they may run out and almost seem to target your car. That’s just how Cleveland-area wildlife says hello. But, in all seriousness, deer are everywhere, so use caution when you are traveling after dusk.
- Cleveland is the perfect location for ambitious day-trippers.
Ohio Sea Grant/Flickr Embark on epic adventures at Cedar Point or the Lake Erie Islands—both of which are only a short distance from Cleveland. Or, experience the best of the Midwest in our nearby small towns like Peninsula and Wadsworth. Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio offer diverse activities that will awaken the slumbering wanderer in you.
- There is actually a lot to do here.
Erik Drost/Flickr Believe it or not, Cleveland is full of epic activities that cater to guests of all ages. And, many activities, like a visit to the spectacular Cleveland Museum of Art, won’t cost you a dime!
- You will fall in love with this city.
Erik Drost/Flickr Try as you will to resist it, Cleveland will capture your heart. This spectacular city is truly unique and it will feel like home faster that you think.
Cleveland has its ups and downs, but the city is truly a fabulous place to call home. It dazzles in every season, and the people that already call it home are friendly and helpful. Welcome to the best location in the nation, you’ll truly love it here!
Toban B./Flickr
This region is known across the country for an unfortunate moment when the Cuyahoga River caught fire in 1969 due to excessive pollution. While that fire was featured in TIME Magazine, the photo featured on the cover was actually of a much more serious fire on the river that occurred in 1952. In fact, the river had caught fire many times prior to the 1969 fire that shocked the nation and ignited a passion for environmentalism, as pollution was once seen as a necessary evil that resulted from industry.
The 1969 fire urged the federal government to begin regulating pollution, and local advocates played a large role in the passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972. As you can imagine, the river is much, much cleaner, and now the epic fire is almost something of a local legend that reinforces the importance of being a green city on a blue lake. Oh, and the fire was legendary enough to be preserved as a beer… which you’ll definitely have to try.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Seriously, you will see that Cleveland is actually a pretty cool place. A few of our neighborhoods have boppin’ art districts, and the city is overflowing with history and culture.
Cleveland’s scenery is purely amazing. From stunning architecture to a series of parks hiding amongst urban streets, there is something beautiful to entertain the eye everywhere you turn.
Much of Northeast Ohio experiences lake effect snow. This unfortunate weather phenomenon drops excessive amounts of wintery precipitation all across Greater Cleveland, a process that is fueled by our Great Lake. Our average seasonal snowfall is around 68 inches, which is nothing when compared to practically-polar cities like Syracuse, NY, but it is still a formidable quantity. Have snow shovels and winter gear ready, because you will definitely need them.
Only In Your State Online Store
We can’t explain it, but we will never own too many accessories that match our favorite region. In fact, we love Ohio clothing so much, we’ve even created our own! Check out the Only In Your State online store to see our cool new designs!
Nikki Rhoades
I snapped this photo to summarize the unpredictable weather we experience in Cleveland. Earlier this year, after a refreshingly mild winter and a few stunning pseudo-summer days, Mother Nature had the last laugh. In April, she gifted a snowfall that accumulated up to 6 inches in some areas. Two days later, the temperature was pushing 80 degrees and Clevelanders were applying sunscreen.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
The Cleveland Metroparks feature more than 21,000 acres of nature preserves, reservations, and parks that you’ll love exploring. The Northeast Ohio wilderness is stunning in all seasons, and our amazing parks will bring out the adventurer in you.
During Cleveland’s warmer months, the city undergoes an intense period of construction. Of course, it will be unpleasant at first, but we promise you’ll adapt.
James E. Walker Jr./Flickr
Locals know that Lake Erie’s beaches offer incredible views, but many newbies do not realize just how remarkable Cleveland-area beaches are.
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr
When you encounter a deer in a heavily populated area, there is a high chance that it will be on a road. The deer may stand still, despite the loud honking emanating from your car. Or, as you are driving down a country road, they may run out and almost seem to target your car. That’s just how Cleveland-area wildlife says hello. But, in all seriousness, deer are everywhere, so use caution when you are traveling after dusk.
Ohio Sea Grant/Flickr
Embark on epic adventures at Cedar Point or the Lake Erie Islands—both of which are only a short distance from Cleveland. Or, experience the best of the Midwest in our nearby small towns like Peninsula and Wadsworth. Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio offer diverse activities that will awaken the slumbering wanderer in you.
Believe it or not, Cleveland is full of epic activities that cater to guests of all ages. And, many activities, like a visit to the spectacular Cleveland Museum of Art, won’t cost you a dime!
Try as you will to resist it, Cleveland will capture your heart. This spectacular city is truly unique and it will feel like home faster that you think.
If you’re ready for a big move to Cleveland, prepare yourself for the strange habits every Clevelander will defend to the death.
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