Once again, this East Side suburb is the area's top-ranked school district. Add a top-10 median home price of $341,250, an active 2019 housing market and high diversity percentage and Solon is our No. 1 suburb for 2020.
2. Rocky River
A top five education rank and a 61.3% 10-year median home sale price increase helped last year's No. 4 suburb land once again in our top five.
3. Beachwood
Ranking third in education, this East Side suburb features a top-five median home sale price of $365,000 and a top-15 10-year median home sale price increase of 43.1%.
4. Westlake
In addition to top 20 safety and education rankings, this West Side spot has low taxes and, with amenities such as Crocker Park, is a favorite among Cleveland's top earners.
5. Broadview Heights
The second safest suburb on our list boasts the area's sixth-best education ranking and public amenities such as a splash pad, recreation center and a 10-year median home sale price increase of 70.7%.
6. Chagrin Falls
With an adorable downtown surrounding a waterfall, this East Side suburb features a second-ranked median home sale price of $417,650, a top-five school district and a top-10 safety ranking.
7. Hudson
Along with the second-best school district in the area and a top-15 safety ranking, more houses sold in this town of 22,287 than any other suburb in our top 20.
8. Bay Village
Last year's second best suburb is a walkable community tucked along the Lake Erie shoreline with a top-10 school district and a median home price of $285,000.
9. Highland Heights
This East Side suburb of just 8,396 ranks high in community services, median home sale price ($317,000) and 10-year median home sale price increase (42.4%).
10. Pepper Pike
One of Cleveland's safest suburbs sends its children to Orange City School District, which ranks No. 7 on our list.
11. Orange Village
Families hoping to send their children to Orange City School District can find slightly more affordable options with a median home price of $387,400.
12. Richfield Village
A former top finisher, this suburb pays the second lowest taxes in the top 20 while enjoying a high number of community services.
13. Brecksville
Ranking sixth in education and seventh in safety, Brecksville, which sends its children to Brecksville-Broadview Heights School district, also offers great access to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland Metroparks.
14. Avon Lake
The fifth safest suburb on our list saw 310 houses sell in 2019, the 15th most in the area, and has the 11th best school district.
15. Independence
This suburb has a 10-year median home sale price increase of 49.4%, great access to I-77 and I-480, 91% sidewalk coverage and amenities of a suburb twice its size.
16. Moreland Hills
Last year's No. 1 suburb is the safest in Northeast Ohio and sends its children to the No. 7-ranked Orange City School District.
17. Mayfield Village
Easy access to I-271 or state Route 91 gives this East Side town with a top-20 education ranking one of the area's quickest average commutes.
18. Bath Township
Home to LeBron James' mansion, this Summit County spot cracked our top 20 list this year by ranking 11 in safety and ninth in education.
19. Hinckley Township
Cleveland's third-safest suburb also has the 13th best school district in the area, low taxes and a 100% owner occupancy rate.
20. Avon
The city with 2019's second-most home sales in the top 20 is also among the cities with the lowest taxes, boasts a top-15 school district and features a top-15 median home sale price of $315,000.
*For a full breakdown of our Rating the Suburbs statistics, pick up a copy of the June print issue on newsstands now. Click here to find out how we calculate our annual rankings.
Editor's Column
How Neighbors Become Family — Editor Kim Schneider on why the places we live and the people who live there make a city what it is.
Best Places To Live
Five locals share their favorite spots and reasons to love their hometown.
Solon
This year’s No. 1 suburb offers more than just great schools. The East Side city is home to recreation, a diverse housing stock and local dining and shopping options. Read More >>
University Heights
A small, residential suburb, this East Side town attracts families with its charming homes, tree-lined streets, long-standing local restaurants and strong community spirit. Read More >>
Fairview Park
The West Side suburb has become a great place for young families and first-time homebuyers, but its plentiful amenities make it a community many choose to call home for years to come. Read More >>
Mentor
This East Side suburb offers history, recreation, an array of housing options and lots of spots for shopping, dining and more. Read More >>
Strongsville
This engaging suburb features seemingly endless shopping opportunities, a housing market growing in value and ample outdoor fun. Read More >>
Five locals share personal essays about what their cities, neighborhoods and homes mean to them.
Alicia Hansen's Independence
One of this suburb's main intersections has meant different things to the marketing and event professional during her life. Read More >>
Ashley Basile Oeken's Olmsted Township
The Engage Cleveland president feels more connected to her town after joining its early childhood parent teacher association. Read More >>
Dave Lucas' Cleveland Heights
The former poet laureate of the state of Ohio's howling story shows how wildly unique his city can be. Read More >>
Terri Libenson's Mayfield Heights
After some initial buyer's remorse, the author feels at home in the East Side suburb. Read More >>
Tiffani Tucker's Westlake
The 19 News evening anchor recalls how a call from her son's teacher is another reminder of her community sticking together. Read More >>
