Cleveland Was Named One Of The Unhappiest Cities In The Nation, And Locals Can't Help But Disagree
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 18, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
There’s nothing quite like big city life. The sights, the sounds, the food… it’s all fantastic here in The Land. We also have easily accessible public transportation and sports teams that keep locals spirited in every season. We enjoy beautiful architecture and exciting adventures around every city block, and Clevelanders can’t help but love our hometown. Cleveland is a big city with a small-town feel and it has enchanted countless locals and visitors alike. Despite all this, it’s been named one of the unhappiest cities in the nation. We strongly disagree.
This March, WalletHub released its annual list of the Happiest Cities in America... and Cleveland didn't perform so well.
This study took into consideration factors such as emotional well-being, income growth rate, and acres of farmland per 1,000 residents, among many other categories, and it found Cleveland to be one of the unhappiest cities in the nation.
This survey compared 182 of the largest cities in the United States on many in-depth factors, and Cleveland ranked at 178... way at the bottom of the list.
Ouch. The number one city in terms of happiness, according to this study, is Plano, Texas. Interestingly, several other Ohio cities ranked significantly poorly on the list. Toledo is the 181st city on the list, beating only Detroit, Michigan in terms of happiness. Akron appears at 168 and Cincinnati at 169.
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The findings are particularly interesting - and confusing - to Clevelanders, as locals know that our city is always abuzz with lively energy.
Cleveland is actually quite a spectacular place to call home. There's nothing like the friendly atmosphere of Cleveland, especially on holidays and summer nights.
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Cleveland is also home to the fourth-wealthiest art museum in the nation, and it's free to the public.
This incredible institution draws in nearly a million visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited museums in the world. Its collections are incredible and awe-inspiring, and many famous exhibits have visited this museum on national and international tours.
With four distinct seasons, our landscape in Northeast Ohio appears to be ever-evolving. Though winter can be a drag, the majesty of spring is well worth waiting for.
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Cleveland Metroparks, Lake Metroparks, Summit Metro Parks, and a large collection of city parks are all within driving distance of home, and each has a unique ecosystem. The natural world surrounding Cleveland is magical, and it offers a serene escape in the most pressing of times.
From our prestigious institutions to our ethnically-diverse neighborhoods, many unique cultures have shaped the personality of our incredible city. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are a seemingly endless monument to the ethnic traditions that influenced the city, and they are striking all year round.
...And over-the-top traditions are celebrated in a way that visitors can't help but love.
Have you ever celebrated Pączki Day, Chinese New Year, or the Feast of the Assumption in their respective neighborhoods? These traditional celebrations are kicked off with a uniquely Cleveland flair, making traditional holidays into unforgettable community gatherings.
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Though we've been (unfairly) called the "Mistake on the Lake," locals know that there's nothing like watching the sun rise or set over Lake Erie.
From our lovely landscape to the friendly faces that call this place home, there is an atmosphere of welcoming and hope in Cleveland. The city has become a haven for artist's over the years, and it has evolved to blend flawlessly with a number of diverse cultures.
Welcome to Cleveland, a place locals know as one of the happiest places on earth.
Are you surprised by the findings of WalletHub’s survey? What do you think adds to your happiness here in Cleveland? Share your thoughts in the comments!