The city of Cleveland is shaking off the rust and rightly claiming its spot in the limelight after decades of waiting by the sidelines. Sure, the city’s NBA and MLB teams have both reached the championships in the last sixth months, but that’s not the only reason for Forbes to call Cleveland America’s hottest city right now. Here are a few reasons why the city deserves the attention it’s getting, and perhaps why you should pack your bags and plan to visit the Sixth City.
Move over Silicon Valley – it’s becoming a business and tech hub
The Cavs and Indians aren’t the only underdogs to claw their way up to the top. The city has had a long-term plan to make itself a hub for start-ups and tech firms. Earlier this year, Cleveland-based non-profit JumpStart offered $500,000 for women and minorities to move their businesses to Ohio, which should attract start-ups toward the city in particular. Plus, events like Tech Week, which brings in tech innovators and entrepreneurs from all around the country, show that the city is serious about investing in technological innovation and luring talented young people to call it home.
Its art & music scene will make sure you get cultured
While giving the world artists like Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson and being home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame may be enough bragging rights for any city, Cleveland has a lot more surprises in store. The Cleveland Orchestra is rated as one of the finest in the country, and frequently makes it to the top 10 in international rankings as well. The city’s Playhouse Square is the largest theater district in the US outside of New York’s Lincoln Center. Also, The Cleveland Museum of Art was recently ranked as the #2 museum in the country, AND is one of just 7 museums in the US where you can see art by Pablo Picasso.
Its culinary scene is expanding … and so will your pants
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Always known as home to a cultural hodgepodge of laid back bites like Polish boys (a kielbasa on a bun, covered in fries, slaw, and barbecue sauce), pierogis, and corned-beef sandwiches (Slyman’s serves up the best!), Cleveland is now getting rave reviews and recognition for innovative chefs who are serving up exquisite dishes. James Beard award-winning chefs and native sons like Michael Symon and Jonathon Sawyer are turning up the heat on other cities with their innovative creations at restaurants like The Greenhouse Tavern, Noodelcat, and Lola.
It has some amazing places to connect with nature
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Parks and hiking areas aren’t the first things that come to mind when you think of Cleveland. But in 2015, Cleveland Metroparks was a National Gold Medal Award Finalist for “demonstrating excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and agency recognition,” once again highlighting the city’s long-term planning and foresight. The Cleveland Metropark Zoo is also on zoo fans’ list as one of the best and most enjoyable to visit.
Getting around is a piece of cake
Known as “the Rapid” by locals, the city’s public transportation system is frequently rated as one of the best in the country, and is perfect for those who want to be in a city where you can get by without a car.
The people
Yes, they still faithfully love their Cleveland Browns, will frown at you if you’re a Michigan State fan, will turn their noses up at jokes about their city – but, at the end of the day, the easy-going, fun-loving people of Cleveland are what make it an awesome place to visit.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Have you been to Cleveland recently? Are you a proud Cleveland native who wants to share stories about your city? Let us know in the comments below![/perfectpullquote]
