10 Things You May Not Expect When Moving To Cleveland
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Thinking about moving to Cleveland? That’s fantastic, and you’ll soon discover why the city is known as the best location in the nation. The city is overflowing with culture, great food, and a sense of community. The locals? Well, they’re some of the nicest people you’ll meet. You’ll discover all of that once you arrive. But, to offer a sneak peek of life as a Clevelander, check out these surprising things you may not expect:
People here have a different attitude than most metropolitan residents. In many big cities, people keep to themselves. However, Cleveland maintains charming Midwestern ideals that are deeply rooted in its local population. Strangers will often nod and smile in greeting to one another, and people hold doors open for others. Cleveland is refreshingly different from other big cities.
Yes, the city is vast, but it's known affectionately as Forest City for a reason. Though the name has been used to describe Cleveland since the 1830s, the nickname has persisted to describe our blend of modern society and heavy forestation. Our Cleveland Metroparks, which locals know as The Emerald Necklace, truly maintains an earthy feel throughout all of Greater Cleveland.
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Over the years, the lake has gathered quite a bit of bad press. From the legendary fire on one of its rivers to its recent algae blooms, many associate Lake Erie with negativity. The truth is that the lake is gorgeous, and its islands provide an incredible getaway that's only a short drive and a ferry away.
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Lake Erie unleashes a nasty amount of snow each year, focusing particularly on the snow belt. Lake effect precipitation will hit hard and fast, so seasons in Greater Cleveland may not seem to make sense. You can have summer in February and winter in April, so be prepared to adapt.
The Cleveland area is full of many natural wonders, but its beaches are likely the most startling to newcomers. These lovely little lakefront getaways are each unique in their own way, and locals and tourists alike enjoy stretching out on their sandy expanses in the summer months.
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A side effect of intense winters involves our roads, and the end result is not a pretty sight. Potholes are so vast in some areas that drivers find themselves all over the road trying to dodge them.
Across the State of Ohio, the average sales tax is roughly 7 percent. However, Cuyahoga County has a higher tax rate than Ohio's other 87 counties, charging an 8 percent sales tax. The good news is, though, that most foods are exempt from sales tax, except in the case in which it is being consumed on the premises.
I have heard all sorts of surprising stories from transplants to Cleveland. "I thought the Amish were a myth," confided one friend from the Western half of our nation. "Like a television archetype. I couldn't imagine the splendors of Ohio's Amish Country!" Though that was a funny revelation, one of the more heartbreaking ones from a different West Coast acquaintance was that she had never heard of a pierogi before coming to The Land. Here, the diversity of cultures is best reflected in our cuisine. As you may guess, we have a large population of immigrants from pierogi-loving countries.
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Ohio, as you may have heard, cusses more than any other state. Clevelanders in particular love to flaunt this special talent, and colorful "sentence enhancers" are used in frequent conversations.
Cleveland is a high energy city, and it seems there is always something going on. From concerts to parades to charity runs, there are many unforgettable opportunities to have a great time in your community. You just need a sense of adventure! A bit of cash never hurts, but there are always splendid free activities to check out.
Cleveland is a charming place, and you’re going to love calling it home. From its hipster hangouts to its family-oriented community atmosphere, The Land is as diverse as the people that live there.
Once you’re all settled into your new home, you should begin exploring the city. We’d recommend beginning with the breathtaking (and free!!) Cleveland Cultural Gardens.
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