Rating the Suburbs: Colleen Fritz's Moreland Hills

I love Moreland Hills. It’s my sanctuary.

You’re removed from everything in this serene atmosphere, but you’re also close to all the things one needs to do, plus shopping, access to freeways — it’s the perfect location.

The reason we chose to live in Moreland Hills was the schools, which are fantastic. Most of Moreland Hills goes to Orange Schools, but we are on that eastern edge that goes to Chagrin Falls. We never felt removed because, where we live, we can walk to Chagrin Falls.

Even though it’s not a typical community that has sidewalks and the blocks are more spread out with each lot having a 2-acre minimum, our neighborhood has a real sense of community.

I came from a family all about nature, and I wanted to pass that along to my kids. Moreland Hills offers lots of opportunities to go hiking and just get out in nature. We’re just surrounded by these beautiful neighborhoods and wooded areas. It’s very stress-free.

Like I said, it’s my sanctuary. — as told to Dillon Stewart

Neighborhood Profile
2018 Total Home Sales: 43
2018 Median Home Sale Price: $550,000
Education Ranking: 5
Safety Ranking: 1



Flour 
At Moreland Hills Towne Center, one of the city’s only commercial centers, located at the corner of Chagrin Boulevard and SOM Center Road, Flour is a Fritz family favorite for a casual Friday night dinner of flatbread pizzas and pasta. “A couple of my kids have ended up doing their homecoming dinners there,” says Fritz. “It’s become a favorite for things like that.” 34205 Chagrin Blvd., 216-464-3700, flourrestaurant.com 

Luna Bakery & Cafe 
The only thing that beats bumping into a familiar face before work is coffee, baked goods, belly-filling crepes and breakfasts. Luckily, Fritz finds all of it on her journey with a quick stop at the bakery between ML Tavern and Flour. “It’s very conveniently located to get a cup of coffee or pastry on the way to work,” she says. “And it’s just a friendly, casual atmosphere where you see people you know all the time.” 34105 Chagrin Blvd., 216-672-3600, lunabakerycafe.com 



The Polo Field 
Adjacent to the northernmost point of the South Chagrin Reservation and along the Bridle Trail, the Cleveland Metroparks’ Polo Field makes a scenic horsey stop when the Hunter Jumper Classic, with its jumping Cleveland Grand Prix as its main event, takes over the small town in July. “All of a sudden that whole space is just taken up with these giant tents for the horses and a lot of traffic is going in and out, which, usually it’s very quiet there,” says Fritz. “That’s always been a special place, even when I lived in South Euclid, to just go and walk the Polo Field. It’s just very peaceful.” 41324-44998 S. Woodland Road, clevelandmetroparks.com 

Potts Pier 
Installed at Forest Ridge Preserve in 2014, this wooden pier overlooks a small catch-and-release pond near Moreland Hills Community Garden that’s stocked with largemouth bass and blue gill. “We go up there occasionally when the kids are here, and Moreland Hills always keeps it stocked with fish,” says Fritz of the pond, maintained by the city and Western Reserve Land Conservancy, which is headquartered in Moreland Hills. “All the families and kids get together for Community Kids Fishing Day, and the police department provides the poles and tackle boxes and teaches the kids to fish.” This year’s fifth annual event comes June 15. 3800 Chagrin River Road, morelandhills.com 



South Chagrin Reservation 
A runner, Fritz finds peace on one of a few 3- to 8-mile loops that start at her house and traverse the rugged trails of this 1,500-acre state park. “In a matter of minutes, I can be in the park, running along dirt trails in the woods alongside the Chagrin River, past trees and wildlife,” Fritz says. “I go for a run, and just sort of unwind. That’s my ‘me time.’ ” Chagrin River Road, clevelandmetroparks.com