Berea means home. It has always been my home. It will always be my home. I grew up across the street from my grandparents’ home and then I bought their house in 1981 and moved right in. That feeling of peace and protectiveness has always been present and has always been real. I have some of the same friends I had in elementary school in the 1960s, and we always say how family-oriented the town feels.
Berea-Midpark High School has an all-class reunion every July, and that’s where you see everybody. We reminisce about the good times, and the times when we behaved maybe not so good.
When my father passed away a few weeks ago, the outpouring of love from everyone in Berea was overwhelming. Everyone showed up, everyone called to check on my family, and everyone was just there for us.
People make assumptions about being a diverse person in Berea and how that might be hard, but there’s none of that. You wave to the police. You say hi to the business owners.
Everywhere I go, my family always says, “You know everybody!” I get to be a whole person here, someone who lives, works and enjoys life in Berea. — as told to Ken Schneck
Neighborhood Profile
2018 Total Home Sales: 145
2018 Median Home Sale Price: $145,000
Education Ranking: 34
Safety Ranking: 27
Berea Recreation Center
There’s more to the 32,000-square-foot facility than its pool, sauna, weight rooms, fitness studios and racquetball court. The rec center serves as a community hub, whether through fitness classes such as aquatic Zumba to jazz hip-hop or activities such as quilting for seniors. “It’s the big meeting spot,” says Byers. “The best part is, you don’t have to work out to socialize.” 451 Front St., 440-826-5890, cityofberea.org
Boss Chick N Beer
From the owners of Boca Loca Burrito Factory, Boss Chick N Beer flies in the face of your typical wing joint. These wings of a different feather get eight hours of brining before baking, chilling and taking a quick dip in the deep fryer. Sauce comes on the side, so as to not detract from the two secret spice blends that flavor these gems. “This is definitely my husband’s place,” says Byers. “He just loves it.” 120 Front St., 440-532-7660, bosschicknbeer.com
Coe Lake Park
Once an active quarry, Coe Lake Park features walking trails, tons of benches to linger on around the scenic waters, and a new pavilion, fishing piers and Berea sandstone amphitheater that debuted last July. On Friday nights, the peaceful spot amps up with the Live at the Lake summer concert series, featuring a full lineup of cover bands, food trucks and more. “Last year we went to every single concert,” says Byers. East Bridge Street and South Rocky River Drive, cityofberea.org
JoJo Carloni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
The new kid on the block finds its roots in traditional Italian cooking. Opened last April after relocating from Olmsted Falls, the 100-seat, family-owned-and-operated restaurant — Berea’s first sit-down Italian eatery since Bucci’s closed five years ago — offers generous portions made with fresh ingredients. “It’s the perfect place for a family meal or a girls’ night out,” says Byers. 627 W. Bagley Road, 440-235-8880, jojocarlonis.com
Tony K’s Bar and Grille
With a stone fireplace, bright red umbrellas, flat-screen TV and room for 200, the Tony K’s patio is Berea’s favorite summer hang. The sports-centric hot spot features a menu of classic burgers and fries alongside Mediterranean fare. “Friends you haven’t seen in ages will just come down and sit with you on that patio,” laughs Byers. 841 W. Bagley Road, 440-234-9700, tonyks.com
Rating The Suburbs: Tina Byers' Berea
She still lives on the street where she grew up and cherishes this West Side town's welcoming spirit and familial atmosphere.
