Where is the best place to live in Cleveland?

We lived in Avon Lake previously and enjoyed it, but would like to be more on the east side this time. We're looking for a somewhat rural place with good public transportation to downtown Cleveland and good schools. Thanks.Where is the best place to live in Cleveland?
If you want a place that's somewhat rural, that has good schools, that's on the east side, you might consider Pepper Pike or Hunting Valley, especially in the latter case, if you have a lot of money. They are both served by the excellent Orange School District. Chagrin Falls also has somewhat rural areas and an excellent school district, but isn't quite as conveniently located for a downtown commute, especially by public transportation.



None of these areas have much in the way of direct public transportation to my knowledge.



However, as discussed in recent posts, you would have fairly easy access, especially from western Pepper Pike to the eastern most rail rapid park-and-ride station at Green Road/Shaker Blvd. in Shaker Heights.



Kirtland in Lake County has much park land and Holden Arboretum. Its school district is well rated, even though it is rather small. Kirtland certainly has rural areas. Someone who wanted to use public transportation could drive to a Laketran park and ride station (such as at Classic Stadium off route 2 in Eastlake) to take a bus downtown. Note however that Laketran's downtown commuting schedule is somewhat limited, and it differs among park and ride stations.



http://www.laketran.com/maps/express/



One advantage of Kirtland is that it would be relatively easy to participate in the many recreation classes and opportunities offered by the city of Mentor, which charges slightly higher rates to non-residents. Quick access to Holden also is an incredible educational resource IMO.



Willoughby Hills in Lake County is closer to downtown, has somewhat rural areas, and is served by the Willoughby/Eastlake School District. You need to check individual schools in this district as often the Willoughby schools, such as Willoughby South High School, have higher ratings than the Eastlake schools. Willoughby Hills also is served by Laketran park and rides.



BOL!
Personally, I prefer living closer to Lake Erie for its recreational opportunities (Mentor Headlands and even Presque Isle in Erie on the east side), Lake Metroparks (Farmpark for kids) and especially Holden Arboretum, but I'm an outdoors oriented person.

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Where is the best place to live in Cleveland?
Brecksville offers the easiest commute of the three communities that you mentioned, with an RTA bus line. It has a cute little downtown area, and the schools are well rated. Some housing lots are big, but I'm not certain you would consider it rural. The Metropark reservation there is very nice.

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Richfield has great natural beauty, certainly rural areas, and the CV National Park. It's top-rated by Cleveland Magazine. I'm not familiar with its schools. It's too long a downtown commute (nasty sometimes in winter) for me.

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Medina has perhaps the nicest downtown square in the Western Reserve IMO. The schools have a good reputation. Rural living likely a plus for you. Nearby retail opportunities are limited compared to other areas. Very long commute to downtown, likely only by car. Check everything out!!! BOL!!!

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Mentor has good schools and not far from downtown! You can find cheap apartment living as well as nice houses in Mentor! There's something for everyone! :)