Cleveland might be home for some, but others eventually leave the Forest City. However, as these eleven things show, there are some things about Cleveland that stay in the thoughts of those who leave long after they relocate.
1. The Rapid really wasn't that bad.
The Rapid gets a bad rap. Cleveland's public transportation system certainly isn't perfect, but once you've waited in a Boston T station or crammed yourself into a subway train in New York, the Rapid will look like a walk (or a bus ride) in the park. And speaking of parks...
2. The parks in Cleveland can't be beat.
The Cleveland Metroparks network is truly massive, especially compared to the parks systems in other cities. With over 21,000 acres of beautiful greenery, there is no shortage of wide-open space in the great outdoors for you to enjoy the rare good weather days in Cleveland.
3. The weather in Cleveland really is crazy.
Cleveland's weather is unpredictable. You learn to dress in layers in case the heat begins to climb, and to leave the house with an umbrella even when the sun is shining. And once winter arrives, you might as well hibernate, because the Lake Effect lays waste to the city.
4. You'll miss Lake Erie.
The Cleveland waterfront is one of the city's best features. From the gorgeous lakeside sunsets to the hustle and bustle of the piers, Lake Erie makes the North Coast a great place to live.
5. The food in Cleveland was something special.
Every so often, you'll get a craving for some Cleveland delicacies. Any deli worth its salt could serve up passable corned beef, but you can only get the good stuff in Cleveland. And don't even try to order a Polish Boy anywhere outside the city.
6. Opening Day won't feel the same.
The Indians are more than a sports team in Cleveland - they're a way of life. And while you can catch a game online or on TV virtually anywhere, nothing comes close to replicating the magic of your first time filling the stands at the Jake. Roll tribe.
7. You'll have a hard time explaining your relationship with LeBron.
LeBron James is a controversial figure in the annals of Cleveland sports history. While King James brought us a title last year, talking about the dark four years when he jumped ship to Miami will be difficult once you're among fans from other cities.
8. You'll miss having so much culture right down the street.
The sheer number of museums, art galleries, venues, and other fantastic cultural sites in Cleveland is astounding. Whether you're in the mood for a rocking trip through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a walk through the fascinating paintings of the Cleveland Museum of Art, there's a ton to do and see that other cities simply can't match.
9. Going shopping was so much more fun in Cleveland.
The West Side Market and the Cleveland Arcade make shopping in Cleveland a special experience that you could never find anywhere else. The open-air ambience of the Market; the iconic Art Deco architecture of the Arcade; there's so much more to shopping in Cleveland than what you put into your cart.
10. The Cleveland nightlife is unforgettable.
There are so many outstanding clubs, bars, and other unique nightspots in Cleveland, from the historic East 4th Street district to the waterfront. A night on the town in Cleveland makes for a lifetime of memories, and you won't have much luck trying to recreate that magic anywhere else.
11. There's just no place quite like Cleveland.
No matter how far you move away or how long you spend out of town, Cleveland will always be a special place. The city is beautiful, the people are amazing, and the experiences can't be found anywhere else in the world. No matter how far away you've moved, the Forest City will always be home.
It just goes to show: you can take the Clevelander out of Cleveland, but you can’t take the Cleveland out of the Clevelander. Is there anything else you’ve thought of about Cleveland after moving away? Tell us about it in the comments!
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