10 Reasons Why Cleveland Rocks...

Ok, I should be working right now. In fact, if you're one of my clients and I owe you something, don't worry, you'll still get it on time. I just had to pause and respond to a survey that listed Cleveland as one of the 10 worst places to live and some of the discussion that followed. I'm not going to bother comparing Cleveland to other cities on the list - each has its own pro's and con's, and I don't purport to be an expert on Denver or San Diego. Instead, I'd just like to give you 10 reasons why Cleveland rocks my socks off.

The other reason I'm stopping to write this post right now is that I actually planned to write it before I even read George Nemeth's tweet. The other night I was talking to a friend of mine at a rehearsal. She is originally from another country (I apologize for not remembering which right now), and she asked me why I wanted to stay in Cleveland. It wasn't hard to explain at all, and I felt very inspired by our conversation when she told me she agreed!

These are also the 10 reasons why my husband and I will stay here, even though either one of us could do our job from basically anywhere in the country (and yes, that also has to do with the fact that our family lives here, at least on the days when we like living near them). Without further ado - here they are...

1. Regionalism

Cleveland Plus has it right! One of the things that makes Cleveland such an awesome place to live for me is our connection to a greater region. I actually live in Copley, Ohio, which is just north of Akron. Why, then, do I say I live in Cleveland? Because I'm in Cleveland constantly. I have clients in Cleveland (yes, I found some!) and friends in Cleveland. I'm a Cleveland State University Alumni (and a current student as of last week). I sing with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. Because Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown are so close to one another, I have a huge playground! I can perform as a musician in three major metropolitan areas and I can work in one and live in another. Because we have such a large group of people living in "Northeast Ohio" or the Cleveland Plus region, we have a huge local consumer base for our businesses, a large group of potential donors for our non profits and many businesses to fulfill our needs as consumers. Regionalism rules.

2. Accessibility

Say what you want about the traffic on Rt 77 (and trust me, I know, I used to drive it EVERY day), Cleveland is a completely accessible city. If you've ever fought the traffic in L.A., you know what I'm talking about. In Cleveland, it's feasible to live 40 miles outside the city and work downtown. It's also easy to attend a concert, find parking near the sports game and travel from the heart of Downtown to University Circle. And, if there's an accident on one of the major thoroughfares, you should be able to find an alternate route. I know a lot of people are afraid to travel to downtown, but don't be! I was terrified at first, but then, as an on-campus resident at CSU's Viking Hall, I became intimately acquainted with all parts of downtown, any 24-hour cafes/deli's/businesses in the area and all the great art and culture institutions. We also have "ride with a smile" trollies - come on - how cool is that? I love traveling around downtown using the bus system - it is so convenient.

3. 'Participate-ability'

I don't know if you've ever tried to get involved with the local government in a big city, but here in Cleveland it's not hard to do! Our Councilmen and even our Mayor are all fairly accessible. Beyond that, organizations around the city are practically beginning citizens to get involved. There is no "pay-to-play" here in Cleveland, or if there is, it hasn't affected me yet! Even though our leaders aren't perfect and our system (like most systems) has its flaws, I still believe that getting involved in the future of Cleveland is open to anyone through many organizations, whether governmental or non profit.

4. The Cleveland Orchestra

Ok, maybe this one is up so high on my list because I have had the wonderful privilege to sing with them, but still. We have a world-class orchestra here. People in other countries actually clamor over tickets to hear our orchestra. They sell out in Switzerland! When's the last time you got out to hear the orchestra? Even if you aren't a "classical" music fan, the orchestra does a lot of repertoire and invites so many special guest artists for performances. And, talk about accessible, lawn seats to Blossom are a steal! Because I took the initiative to participate in the wonderful, all volunteer, Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, I have met some of the preeminent musicians of our day. If you haven't heard them - do it now! They are doing a fully staged version of Figaro this spring - I recommend you get a ticket before they sell out!

(boy, I used a lot of exclamation points in number 4. I guess I really love the orchestra.)

5. 30 Universities - or "Why I love Cleveland State University"

Reason number five is all about education. There are over 30 Universities in our region. Not to sound partial, but my favorite is Cleveland State (With Tri-C as a close second). First of all, living in Cleveland you can go to a top private college or a wonderful state university - and live at home (or live on campus, I recommend living on campus if you to go CSU - it's a great experience). Now that I've given props to all the universities, let me tell you why I love CSU. I owe that University so much, I can't fit it all in this blog entry. I remember when I was a kid, I told my father that I wanted to go to Columbia University. Of course, back then I didn't realize how much money that really was. He wanted me to go to CSU, his Alma Mater, the University that had helped him put a roof over our heads. With all the negative things I'd heard about CSU, I told him I didn't want to go to that "stupid school." He passed away a few months later, and I didn't know how I'd get to school at all. I eventually went for an audition at CSU's music department and won a talent scholarship. I later received a Presidential Scholarship Award that covered all of my tuition. After on-campus jobs, becoming a student ambassador, serving as an intern, working on the student magazine and graduating with honors, I can honestly say that CSU is an AMAZING place to go to school. I attribute much of my success to my wonderful professors and the experiences I had there. I know my father would be proud. So to summarize - the educational opportunities in Cleveland are amazing and accessible.

6. A Metropolitan Feel Without an Elitist Attitude

I'm reminded of an article I wrote for the Plain Dealer a few years ago. To summarize: I went to a book talk where a French Author expounded on his experiences living in the Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore in Paris. I will never forget the Q&A where half of the audience (from Cleveland!) raised their hands and told their stories of sleeping in the bookstore and spending time with its quixotic owner. It drove home the metropolitan nature of our city and the wonderful connection we have to the world around us. After the talk, Martin Jurdine, the owner of the Barking Spider over near Case invited us for wine and conversation and we covered every topic from third-world politics to cheese making. I was never so proud of my city than the day I saw it through the eyes of an outsider, visiting to promote his book. 

7. Arts and Culture

This one is easy to explain. Playhouse Square, The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Cleveland Institute of Art, MOCA, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Botanical Gardens, The Cleveland Playhouse, Cleveland Public Theatre, Near West Theatre, Cantores Cleveland, The Tremont Art Walk, Doubting Thomas Art Gallery, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (even without the real induction ceremony), The Great Lakes Science Center, The Gordon Square Arts District, about 30 other small galleries that escape me right now, The Shafran Planetarium, Severance Hall, Karamu, Dobama, Opera Cleveland, The Cleveland Institute of Art, The Cedar Lee Theatre, The Capital Theatre, The Cleveland Cinemathique, Shaker Square, etc. Enough said. (But there are so many more I could have mentioned!)

8. Food

If Cleveland has anything, it's good food. Of course what might pop to mind first is Michael Symon, the region's newest superstar (who I love by the way), or Michael Ruhlman. You'd be right to think of them, their food is wonderful and they've done wonderful things to put Cleveland on the map. But when it comes to food, Cleveland has some of the best small and ethnic eateries in the country. Well, at least in my opinion. From Le Petite Triangle's perfect crepes in Ohio City to Mi Pueblo with it's authentic Mexican flair down on Euclid near University Circle, you can't go wrong. Some of my favorites include Siam Cafe, Seoul Hot Pot, Rincon Criollo, Mama Santas, and My Friend's Deli in Lakewood. Sure My Friends isn't necessarily cuisine, but it was always tasty and friendly at 2 a.m. when I was trying to write a paper on my lap top. Also, if you haven't eaten at Rincon Criollo and you like Puerto Rican food, you are missing OUT. Get there. 

9. Sports Angst

Sure we all complain about the fact that Lebron is our only hope, the Indians haven't won a World Series in 60-some years and - let's not even talk about the Browns. But, our sports angst has become our bond! Commiserating over our sports teams is part of our regional identity and even though it probably isn't as fun as bonding over winning every season, it will make it all the more special when we finally do win something. We are good sports fans here, we love our teams and we are crushed every time they lose. I would much rather live in a town with some serious sports angst than live in a town that has become apathetic about their teams. And, nothing is better than sitting in Jacob's Field - oh, shoot, Progressive Field, on a hot summer night with a cool breeze blowing in from the lake, rooting for the Tribe. It's pure magic I tell you.

10. Lake Erie and Natural Beauty in General

The lake should probably be higher on my list, but there are just so many great things, it's hard to order them properly :). Because we've all grown up with fresh water pouring out our faucets, we have no idea what an incredibly lucky thing it is to live next to a fresh water lake. Beyond Edgewater Park, which is very beautiful, and would be even more so if we took a little more responsibility about our littering and trash disposal habits, the lake offers so much more to the city. From boating and fishing to alternative power and lake-front real estate, Lake Erie is an awesome natural resource right in our own backyard. In high school I had the opportunity to visit a fresh water estuary of Lake Erie to do some scientific experimentation. I waded through the 40 degree water to collect wildlife samples and water samples for testing. I will never forget the beautiful sunset we saw over the lake that evening, or the night we spent laying in the woods near the estuary listening for screech owls. We may not have the Grand Canyon here in Cleveland, but there is a lot of natural beauty in our region. From the Cuyahoga Valley in the fall to our now-cleaner, burning river running right through the heart of our city, we have it pretty good when it comes to nature.

So these 10 reasons combined are what makes Cleveland rock! And there's one important reason that I didn't mention above. I love the people in Cleveland. We have spirit and spunk, peppered with a little self deprecating humor. I know that I could travel the World over and I would still miss the people in my hometown. Thanks for everything Cleveland, I look forward to living here and raising a family here! 

(As I finish writing this, I realize that these 10 reasons are missing a lot of the great things about Cleveland. I feel a follow-up post in my future.)

Comments

[Jennifer Thomas]

11. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
There are a myriad of organizations in Northeast Ohio that are actively assisting entrepreneurs at all levels and/or providing funding. To name a few in the general order of grass roots to more established: Cleveland Colectivo, Launchtown, IdeaCrossing, Entrepreneurship Education Consortium, Civic Innovation Lab, WECO Fund, Lorain County Community College Innovation Fund, Akron Innovation Campus, Glide, Jumpstart, MAGnet, Akron ARCH Angels, Northcoast Angels. Fill in anything I missed and start innovating!!

[Sarah Romain]

Julie, I love this post because I love Cleveland. However, you've forgotten some of my favorites -- the Westside Market is a remarkable thing to have sustained in Cleveland's economy. Also, right around the corner from the Market is Nate's Deli, which has the best Lebanese food in Cleveland. Also, think about all of the concert venues -- Grog Shop, Odean, etc. And the festivals during the summer -- Ingenuity and the Rib Cookoff. OH! and the Metroparks.....these are all things that are so native to this area and are great to explore. Keep up the good work here!

[Brad Whitehead]

Julie,

This is a great list! Thanks for the nod to our regional assets - it's what good for ALL of Northeast Ohio - our core cities, our suburbs and our rural areas. Regionalism doesn't have to mean no-growth sprawl; when done right, it means vibrancy in the urban areas, suburbs with sense of place, opportunity-rich smaller towns, and the cornucopia of choices that you highlight.

[Chris Thompson]

Love the top 10 list. #10 and #1 hit it best for me. I live here because I can catch a fish as long as my leg on the way to work and our region has assets -- from Youngstown to Wooster -- that I'm not sure I could enjoy elsewhere. Moved here in 1991.

[Sharon McMillan]

Fantastic post...you have me feeling so nostalgic for Cleveland! I'm not a native of Cleveland (my husband is from Akron and I'm Canadian) but we had the pleasure of living in Cleveland for many years. I love the sports teams there especially the BROWNS (can't explain that one) and have no problem with their win/lose record. That's probably because I'm from Toronto and we love the Maple Leafs who haven't won a championship since the 1950's!!

Anyhow, I wanted to thank you for promoting Cleveland's amazing concentration of universities and colleges. Kudos to you for your success at CSU! Your Dad was right ;-)

Our eldest is now attending one of Cleveland's (and the country's finest) post secondary institutions and we couldn't be happier!

[Michelle Gilbert]

Fabulous post! I agree with your whole list!

When I first moved here from Chicago, I told everyone, "Cleveland has everything Chicago has. Maybe we don't have 10 or 20 of everything, but we have it all, and it's all nearby, affordable, and accessible!" I still think that's true, be it a fabulous park system, great dining, ethnic neighborhoods, or the thriving arts community, of which I am proud to be a part!

Cleveland is small town and big city. It's easy to get involved and contribute. I'm so glad to see others who care so much!

[Noah St. John]

Julie, I found you on Peter Shankman's site - looks like we'll both be at his luncheon today.

When I travel around the country or the world doing seminars, people always ask me, "Why did you move to Cleveland?"

(I actually live in Norton, but I tell people I live "south of Cleveland" because that makes things easier.)

And I always reply: "Hey man, Cleveland rocks!"

Now I'll be able to point to your post and give them even more concrete evidence.

Thank you for pointing out many local resources I'd never even heard of.

Look forward to getting together and comparing notes.

And like your husband, I'm a huge Gary Vaynerchuk fan!

(Google "Gary and Noah in Cleveland" and you'll find videos of him in my car during his recent book tour :)

Great to connect. I plan to follow you on twitter.

Talk soon,
~Noah St. John
http://www.SecretCodeBook.com