Rating the Suburbs 2011: If you're into home improvement

Aurora

Fifteen homes were rehabilitated, and 18 received repairs such as new roofs thanks to an $829,000 grant from the government's Community Housing Improvement Program. "The appearance and the overall pride in the neighborhood is starting to go up," says Jennifer King, development expediter for the nonprofit Neighborhood Development Services.

South Euclid

The city's Green Neighborhoods Initiative is giving foreclosed upon homes a second chance by adding environment-friendly touches. With more than $1 million in grants, South Euclid has completed four home makeovers since 2009 with another one under way. "Anybody who walks through them feels they're outstanding," says housing manager Sally Martin.

Willoughby

Since 1992, 850 low-interest loans have been issued through the Cleveland Restoration Society's Heritage Homes Program to help maintain older homes in local communities. Willougby is one of the latest to join with 19 homes receiving assistance since 2010. "We really are trying to help people to remain in older neighborhoods," says Michael Fleenor,
director of preservation services.