Cuyahoga County is in the northeastern part of Ohio and is one of the biggest areas in the state. It’s known for having different types of communities, exciting cultural spots, and a strong economy.
The county includes many cities, each with its own special features and history. Whether you like the busy city life in Cleveland or the quiet neighborhoods in the suburbs, Cuyahoga County has something for everyone.
Overview of Cuyahoga County
Before we talk about the cities, let’s learn a little about Cuyahoga County. It was created in 1807 and is named after the Cuyahoga River, which runs through the area.
The name “Cuyahoga” comes from a Native American word that means “crooked river.” This county has been important in Ohio’s history, especially during the 1800s and 1900s when it was a center for industry and business.
The county covers about 1,246 square miles. It’s next to Lake Erie in the north, Lorain County in the west, Medina County in the southwest, Summit County in the south, and Geauga and Portage counties in the east.
The area has a mix of everything—lakefronts, rivers, hills, and cities.
The Major City: Cleveland
Cleveland is the biggest and most famous city in Cuyahoga County. It’s the center of government, culture, and business in the area and is also the second-largest city in Ohio, after Columbus.
Cleveland was founded in 1796 and grew quickly in the 1800s because of its location by Lake Erie and close to important transportation routes.
Key Features of Cleveland:
- Cultural Hub: Cleveland has many cultural places like the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Cleveland Orchestra.
- Economic Powerhouse: Cleveland used to be known for manufacturing and shipping. Now, it has jobs in healthcare, technology, and finance.
- Education: Cleveland is home to colleges like Case Western Reserve University, known for its research and medical programs.
- Sports: The city loves sports, with teams like the Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), and Cleveland Guardians (MLB).
Other Significant Cities in Cuyahoga County
Besides Cleveland, there are many other cities in Cuyahoga County that add to the area’s variety and energy. Here are some of the important ones:
- Parma
- Population: About 79,000
- Overview: Parma is the biggest suburb of Cleveland and the seventh-largest city in Ohio. It has strong community ties, good schools, and a lively cultural scene, especially in its Eastern European communities.
- Highlights: Parma has many parks, shopping centers, and cultural festivals like the Polish Village Parade.
- Lakewood
- Population: About 50,000
- Overview: Lakewood is just west of Cleveland and is known for its dense urban environment, diverse population, and historic homes. It’s a popular place to live for people who work in downtown Cleveland because it’s close and has good public transportation.
- Highlights: Lakewood’s downtown area is full of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a fun place for nightlife and entertainment.
- Euclid
- Population: About 47,000
- Overview: Euclid is on the shores of Lake Erie and has a rich industrial history. The city has many parks and places for outdoor activities.
- Highlights: Euclid is known for its lakeshore parks like Sims Park and the historic Euclid Avenue.
- Strongsville
- Population: About 45,000
- Overview: Strongsville is in the southwestern part of the county. It’s known for its suburban community, good schools, and a busy shopping area. It’s often ranked as one of the best places to live in Ohio.
- Highlights: Strongsville has one of the largest shopping centers in the area, SouthPark Mall, and lots of parks and recreational areas.
- Solon
- Population: About 24,000
- Overview: Solon is in the southeastern part of the county and is known for its excellent schools, strong economy, and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s considered one of the best places to live in the United States.
- Highlights: Solon is home to many corporate headquarters and is an important part of the region’s economy.
Smaller Cities and Towns
Cuyahoga County also has several smaller cities and towns that each have their own charm. Here are a few:
- Bay Village
- Population: About 15,000
- Overview: Bay Village is a quiet, lakeside town known for its good schools and beautiful parks. It’s a popular place for families who want a suburban lifestyle close to Cleveland.
- Highlights: Huntington Reservation, a big park with a beach on Lake Erie, is a favorite spot for both residents and visitors.
- Berea
- Population: About 19,000
- Overview: Berea is known as the “Grindstone Capital of the World” because of its history in making grindstones from local sandstone. Today, it’s a college town with Baldwin Wallace University.
- Highlights: Berea has Coe Lake Park and a historic downtown that feels like a small town but with modern amenities.
- Broadview Heights
- Population: About 19,000
- Overview: Located in the southern part of the county, Broadview Heights offers suburban living with a bit of a rural feel. The city is known for its community events and recreational facilities.
- Highlights: The Broadview Heights Recreation Center is popular for sports and fitness activities.
- Westlake
- Population: About 32,000
- Overview: Westlake is a suburb west of Cleveland, known for its upscale shopping centers, nice neighborhoods, and good schools.
- Highlights: Crocker Park, an outdoor shopping and entertainment center, is a big attraction in Westlake.
- Garfield Heights
- Population: About 28,000
- Overview: Garfield Heights is a suburban city known for its residential areas and being close to downtown Cleveland. The city has a strong community feel and offers many public services.
- Highlights: Garfield Park Reservation is a popular spot for outdoor activities, with hiking trails and scenic views.
Population of Notable Cities in Cuyahoga County
| City | Population (Approx.) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 367,000 | Cultural hub, economic powerhouse |
| Parma | 79,000 | Largest suburb, vibrant cultural scene |
| Lakewood | 50,000 | Dense urban environment, diverse population |
| Euclid | 47,000 | Shoreline parks, historic Euclid Avenue |
| Strongsville | 45,000 | Suburban community, SouthPark Mall |
| Solon | 24,000 | High-performing schools, strong economy |
| Bay Village | 15,000 | Quiet, lakeside community, excellent schools |
| Berea | 19,000 | College town, Coe Lake Park |
| Broadview Heights | 19,000 | Suburban living with a rural feel |
| Westlake | 32,000 | Upscale shopping, well-maintained neighborhoods |
| Garfield Heights | 28,000 | Residential neighborhoods, Garfield Park |
Cuyahoga County Cities by Region
| Region | Cities/Towns |
|---|---|
| North (Lake Erie) | Cleveland, Lakewood, Euclid, Bay Village |
| West | Westlake, Rocky River, Fairview Park |
| South | Strongsville, Parma, Broadview Heights |
| East | Solon, Shaker Heights, Bedford |
| Central | Cleveland Heights, University Heights, Garfield Heights |
The Importance of Cuyahoga County’s Cities
Knowing about the cities in Cuyahoga County is important because it helps you understand the different communities that make up the county. Each city is unique, from the busy streets of Cleveland to the peaceful neighborhoods of Bay Village.
Understanding where these cities are located is also helpful for getting around. Whether you live in the county, are new to the area, or are just visiting, knowing the layout of the cities can make it easier to plan your day, commute, and activities.
Finally, if you’re thinking about moving to Cuyahoga County, knowing about the cities can help you choose the best place to live. Each city has different schools, amenities, and communities, so it’s important to know what they offer.
Final Views
Cuyahoga County is a lively and diverse area with a rich history and many different cities and towns. From the cultural center of Cleveland to the suburban feel of Parma and Solon, there’s something for everyone in this part of Ohio.
Whether you’re into arts, education, nature, or just looking for a great place to live, Cuyahoga County’s cities have a lot to offer.
This guide to the cities in Cuyahoga County gives you a peek into what makes this area special.
By learning about the different cities and what they have to offer, you can better appreciate the richness of the county and make informed decisions whether you’re visiting, relocating, or just exploring.