I grew up in Cleveland and all my family still lives there. I enjoy going home about 3 times a year and always enjoy it. If the weather wasn't an issue, I would move back. Westlake, Rocky River, Lakewood, Avon, Avon Lake are all really nice suburbs. You can live out in the burbs and commute downtown easily. You can park and ride on the rapid. The downtown area has loads of restaurants and a new stadium and arena for sports. Good luck to you.

Well, after reading all these awful replies, I'm sure you must be dreading your move. I'm even hesitant to respond...but I will! I've lived in Cleveland a long long time. And there's a reason: I like it!

Now, I believe your original post said you were moving from Chicago. If you're looking for comparison, don't. Cleveland is a small industrial city with the bulk of the population living in the suburbs and few people living downtown.

That said, the neighborhoods just east and west of Cleveland are the best parts of the city. I'm a west-sider and I love the Tremont/Ohio City area. Here you'll find an ever-growing list of galleries, bars and restaurants. Nowhere near the density of those wonderful Chicago neighborhoods, but fine places nonetheless.

On the east side of town, check out Cleveland Hts. (I saw East Cleveland mentioned in an earlier msg - probably a mistake, it's a really rough neighborhood). Cleve Hts has the Coventry area, with several apartments, homes, restaurants, shops. Little Italy is also nearby and would be a fun place to live. Both are near University Circle, the location of Severance Hall, our wonderful art museum and many other museums.

The low cost of living and non-existent traffic are big benefits of Cleveland. Proximity to the freeways and airport are best from the west side, but if you're coming from a larger city, any commute will be a piece of cake.

Don't fret...there are lots of 20-somethings in Cleveland, living in Lakewood, Cleve Hts, Tremont/Ohio City and downtown (in the warehouse district). You'll find plenty to do, and your lower cost of living will leave you with some discretionary income to spend doing it!

I dunno - the replies don't look too negative to me, just realistic. Cleveland is what it is, and has its good points as well as its bad. Just like anyplace!!!! Heck, even I don't HATE it here - and I'm trying to leave town!