Nearly 400,000 people live in Cleveland right now. While there's not much of a chance that every one of those people will end up world-famous, Cleveland is certainly no stranger to celebrities. You'd be surprised at just how many rock stars, Hollywood luminaries, sports legends, and other notable figures called Cleveland home at some point. In fact, you might not even know that some of them ever lived here, like:
This daytime TV fixture and beloved host of Family Feud got his start performing stand-up on the Cleveland comedy circuit. Believe it or not, he spent some time homeless in Cleveland before he got his first big break hosting "It's Showtime At The Apollo."
One of the most iconic figures in the history of American comedy, the English-born Bob Hope emigrated to Cleveland at a young age, and based much of his early Vaudeville material on his childhood experiences growing up in the city.
Another legendary fixture in the annals of Hollywood, Newman started his acting career by appearing in plays like "Robin Hood" as a child growing up in Cleveland.
Although he's most famous as a Golden State Warrior, Steph Curry took his first jump shots on the Buckeye State. While his father, Hornets legend Dell Curry, would eventually move the family to North Carolina, Steph spent a fair amount of time here.
It's no coincidence that the birthplace of rock and roll is also the hometown of one of American rock music's all-time greats. While not every member of the Eagles is from Cleveland, we can at least lay claim to the band's legendary founder.
Before he was a staple of daytime television and the biggest proponent of alternative medicine in the country, Mehment Oz was born in Cleveland to Turkish immigrants. His path from Cleveland to Oprah to worldwide recognition is a fascinating story.
One of the most groundbreaking cult figures in the history of late-night comedy would never have made it so far were it not for the lifetime of experiences he had growing up in the Cleveland area.
A Clevelander through and through, this famous actor, game show host, and comedian was famously expelled from nearby Kent State University three separate times. From there, he joined the Marines, learned he had an aptitude for telling jokes, and the rest is (hilarious) history.
One of Hollywood's brightest stars, Halle Berry has done it all: from electrifying the audience as Storm of the X-Men to lighting up the screen as a Bond girl, Berry has brought classic Cleveland charm and grace to Hollywood.
This renowned rapper followed his "Pursuit of Happiness" out of a rough childhood in Shaker Heights to a position as one of the biggest rappers in the game.
While "The King" is most famous as a legend of Memphis wrestling and an icon of the South, he spent the bulk of his childhood in Cleveland, and has made multiple appearances to throw out the first pitch at Indians games over the years.
The star of "Empire" was born in Chicago, but spent the majority of his youth enduring a rough childhood in Cleveland. An abusive upbringing and poor conditions didn't stop him from becoming a beloved fixture of such films as "Crash" and "Hustle and Flow," making him one of Cleveland's finest exports.
Can you think of any other famous figures that lived in Cleveland? Tell us who you can come up with in the comments.
Cleveland most definitely has an unfair reputation. For decades people have been turning their noses up at what they saw as a declining Rustbelt relic. But what they don't know is that Cleveland is just as amazing as it's always been. With world-class institutions and entertainment, and national bests in many fields, we've got a lot more going on than we're ever given credit for. So here are the reasons why Cleveland is the most underrated city in the U.S. Once you have read about all the best things about living in Cleveland, you just might want to move here yourself.
The Cleveland Orchestra has been called the "finest orchestra in the country," and you only have to listen to them once to understand why. Whether you're into classical music or not, the CSO has something for you. Their repertoire is second to none, and the quality of the music is just outstanding. Are you a music lover and wondering "is Cleveland a good place to live?" If so, we can tell you the answer is a resounding "yes!"
2. We have the second-best art museum in the country.
After the Met in New York, the Cleveland Museum of Art has been named the best art museum in the country. The collection is world-class, and the CMA holds regular events for kids, adults, and families in order to get people involved in the arts. Plus, admission is free.
None of the experts thought the Cavs would win the championship. None of the experts thought the Indians would make it to the World Series. Skepticism and doubt came from all sides: no one thought Cleveland would excel. No one but Clevelanders, because we knew better. And just look at us now! Some of the best athletes in the US have been moving to Cleveland to improve our scene even more.
The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, awarded Cleveland the Gold Medal for Metroparks management in 2016. It's the fourth time we've held that honor since 1994. The Cleveland Metroparks offer all kinds of activities - from walking, hiking, and bike riding to magical Christmas train rides and medicinal plant workshops. They're home to the Cleveland Zoo and miles and miles of trails for you to explore.
According to historian and author Nat Brandt, it was a series of events occurring in Oberlin, OH, that catalyzed the beginning of the Civil War. The Abolitionist movement from Oberlin to Cleveland enraged pro-slavery sentiments in surrounding counties, cities, and states. One night, the townspeople of Oberlin and surrounding towns got together to free a runaway slave named John Price, who had been kidnapped by US Marshals. This Abolitionist jailbreak is credited as a breaking point that led to the beginning of the war.
Whether you're a staunch traditionalist or want to taste every food on the planet, Cleveland's burgeoning food scene has something for you. World-famous chefs like Michael Symon, Jonathan Sawyer, and Dante Boccuzzi are changing the food scene to include new and interesting local ingredients, as well as reinventing old favorites like BBQ. They're supporting local businesses and farmers in the process, and improving Cleveland's national and global image among foodies. In addition, there are local favorites like Slyman's that have been keeping every palate and budget in Cleveland happy and satisfied for years.
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7. We have some of the best healthcare in the country.
Cleveland Clinic was named the number two hospital in the country for 2016-2017 by the US News & World Rankings. It's ranked number one for cardiology and heart surgery in the US, and nine of its other programs were ranked top five in the nation. This is good news for both the general population, and anyone in Ohio wanting to study medicine or specialize in certain medical fields.
The cost of living in Cleveland is between 10% and 21% below the national average (depending on the region taken into account and the means of calculating averages). Much of this is due to the low cost of housing, which has yet to fully recover from the Great Recession. But saving money on rent and mortgages means that other things in life are also more affordable.
As someone who moved to Cleveland, I can attest: Clevelanders are some of the nicest people I have ever met. If you respect them and their city, they will welcome you with open arms. You'll have recommendations for cafes, bars, restaurants, bands, and activities before you ever have to ask anyone. You'll get hugs and handshakes and how-are-yous from people you barely know. You will never be left without an invitation of friendship.
Okay, so our winters are harsh, and our weather can be a bit unpredictable, but we get all four seasons. Warm summers for swimming in Lake Erie, beautiful falls to enjoy the Metroparks' colorful displays, chilly and snowy winters for the perfect white Christmas, and blooming green springs to bring all that color and vitality back.
Finally, we know why so many dystopia or apocalypse films are set in the Midwest: we might just be the final frontier! Jeff Opperman, Nature Conservancy's senior advisor for sustainable hydropower, suggests that in the United States, Cleveland will be the city that is "most resilient/least vulnerable to climate change." Its geographic and climatic position means it's relatively invulnerable to rising sea levels, increased temperatures, and an increase in natural disasters, and its proximity to the Great Lakes means a sustainable long-term fresh water source. So, while you might think those disaster movies would indicate that there are some weird things about Cleveland, they really show that it's disaster-proof!
William Bostwick, the author of 'The Brewer’s Tale: A History of the World According to Beer', states the Midwest was the original beer capital of the United States. The coasts have dominated the beer game for a while, but the Midwest has snuck up and taken over in recent years. Bostwick asserts Cleveland is currently leading the beer scene in the U.S. Even better is that you can still get an artisan or microbrew draft for under $5!
13. Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts district outside Manhattan.
The second largest in the country, and the largest outside Manhattan, Playhouse Square hosts some of the best theater, music, comedy, and dance in the country. It sees international acts, home-grown heroes, and traveling Broadway productions.
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14. The job market is growing and diversifying every year.
The job market in Cleveland is on the rise. While traditional manufacturing jobs are declining, jobs in other markets are steadily increasing. Each year since the Great Recession there have been more jobs, more job ads, lower unemployment rates, and a more diversified labor market. The health and technology sectors have experienced significant growth, as have the arts and recreation, education, and management.
These are 14 of the reasons Cleveland is the most underrated city in the U.S. What else would you add? Please let us know in the comments section. We are always happy to hear your thoughts!
If you are looking for even more fun things to do in this city, check out Airbnb Experiences. You'll find fun activities for every taste.
As an eclectic city with a long history, Cleveland is bound to be home to some unique attractions and people in the world. We've been hiding our splendor from the world under the sarcastic guise of "The Mistake On The Lake," but it's common knowledge to us Clevelanders that our city is something truly special. In fact, locals could even argue that Cleveland is the most unique city in the country... and they'd be right. There are many things that make us a unique city, but these 12 items are perhaps the most noteworthy:
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1. We like to maintain a healthy amount of local lore.
From the tortured soul of Joc-O-Sot to the iconic "black tears" that streak down the Haserot Angel's face, there is an incredible collection of legends hailing from Cleveland's past. Generation after generation pass these stories down, preserving in them an aspect of our own culture that we don't even realize is important. Even in our most ridiculous legends are little pieces of what makes Cleveland so special, and we think that's worth keeping alive.
2. You can spot structures in our city that you aren't likely to find anywhere else in the world.
The Free Stamp is one of our most infamous structures, mostly because many Clevelanders look upon its existence with disdain. Regardless of our love-hate relationship with this iconic monument, we can admit that we probably won't encounter another giant rubber stamp during our travels.
3. Cleveland is the real birthplace of the Last Son of Krypton.
You may have heard that Superman was born on Krypton, but the truth is that he was born right here in Cleveland to the great minds of high school students writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster. It seems fitting that an All-American icon comes from a classic city like Cleveland.
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4. Cleveland has a history of aiming for the stars.
Cleveland's Glenn Research Center is one of ten places in the nation where NASA develops new technology for use in aeronautics and space exploration. Our own research center dates back to 1942, way before space travel was on the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' radar. Though this facility is fairly easy to overlook, it generates an annual $700 million in economic activity.
5. Holiday cheer throughout the nation can trace its roots to Cleveland.
Cleveland is the headquarters of American Greetings, the greeting card company that has brought people closer together for generations. Despite 112 years of business, the company remains family-owned.
No matter what you're craving, you can find it in Cleveland. From hot dogs piled high with Froot Loops to traditional pierogies just like your Slavic baba used to make, we've got a bit of everything you could ask for in a foodie town.
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7. Locals embrace the wonderfully weird with open arms.
We love a bit of kooky fun, and Cleveland is overflowing with epic places where we can indulge in the bizarre. From the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft to the Dittrick Medical Museum, there are plenty of places that effortlessly allow Clevelanders the opportunity to embrace the delightfully weird.
8. Cleveland is the birthplace and continuous home of rock and roll.
DJ Alan Freed is credited with using the term "rock and roll" as early as 1951 on local radio station WJW, making Cleveland the birthplace of a musical revolution. The presence of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame ensures that we celebrate that reputation and act as the modern home of the genre.
Pictured here is Margaret Hamilton, perhaps best known as The Wicked Witch Of The West. Hamilton was born in Cleveland in 1902 and grew up performing in the city. You may also recognize the name Jesse Owens, the Olympic gold medalist who first gained recognition while a high school track student here in Cleveland, or James Abram Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, who was born and raised in Greater Cleveland. And, of course, the city is also home to you and me, proving that Cleveland produces some unique and driven personalities!
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10. Cleveland has been influenced and shaped by cultures from all around the world.
Intercultural exchange is evident everywhere one looks, from the architecture to our cuisine. Cleveland is a city that loves to celebrate its roots, which have been immortalized in the Cultural Gardens of Rockefeller Park.
There is so much love, in fact, that the first Sweetest Day was celebrated here in 1921. During that celebration, the biggest celebrities of the day handed out candy to locals. Today, the holiday has more of a romantic connotation and is celebrated throughout the Midwest.
It's undeniable. We have a bit of everything here in Cleveland, and we truly adore our hometown.
There is no place in the world like Cleveland, and we wouldn't have it any other way. We love our zany city and everything that it entails, and locals adore that our city has a tendency to lean toward the unusual and bizarre. Life in The Land is fun, and our unique cityscape ensures that we are never ever bored.
For more on Cleveland's unique attractions, find out why it made the National Geographic Traveler's Best of The World list. When you visit, be sure to stay at some of the most unique accommodations that you'll find anywhere. From haunted hotels to a mansion stay at the sprawling Glidden House, Cleveland has it all. Cleveland rocks!
