Cleveland blends nature and city together, hence its nickname as “The Forest City.” From lakefront pockets with historic charm to lively, tree-lined districts filled with entertainment and local art, renters can find spaces that feel welcoming from day one.
As each neighborhood has its own rhythm, character, and community, there are countless options. Below, we highlight the best neighborhoods in Cleveland based on atmosphere, amenities, rental availability, and overall livability.
The five best neighborhoods in Cleveland for renters are:
Detroit-Shoreway
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cleveland: $1,294/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Detroit-Shoreway: $839/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Detroit Shoreway: 513 square feet
Why Detroit-Shoreway is good for renters
Enjoy easy access to Lake Erie when you rent in Detroit-Shoreway. Its location near Lake Erie makes for quick trips to the beach at Edgewater Park for plenty of outdoor time. The bustling arts scene in the neighborhood is anchored by the Gordon Square Arts District, which is surrounded by nightlife, dining, shopping, and even more cultural attractions. And while the neighborhood has plenty to do, it’s not far from the additional opportunities in Ohio City and Downtown Cleveland.
Keep in mind
Detroit-Shoreway has been rising in popularity so competition might get tougher.
Edgewater
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cleveland: $1,294/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Edgewater: $858/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Edgewater: 553 square feet
Why Edgewater is good for renters
For true lakefront living on Lake Erie, Edgewater is the place to be. A short walk takes you straight to Edgewater Park and Beach where you can enjoy fun in the water and spectacular sunsets. Besides the waterfront charm, the neighborhood also boasts popular restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as convenient connections to downtown via US‑20 and local streets.
Keep in mind
Edgewater is a neighborhood with history, so there are many older apartment communities.
Kamm’s Corners
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cleveland: $1,294/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Kamm’s Corners: $832/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Kamm’s Corners: 537 square feet
Why Kamm’s Corners is good for renters
Kamm’s Corners offers a suburban feel with city access. I‑71 and I‑90 can get you to the heart of Cleveland in jiffy but there’s plenty for everyday life within the neighborhood. Grocery stores and restaurant chains are only a short drive away, so you don’t have to go far from home. In addition, there are countless green spaces along the Rocky River for all kinds of outdoor fun including golfing, fishing, sports, and hiking.
Keep in mind
Kamm’s Corners tends to feel more residential and spread out than Cleveland’s urban core. This is great for a peaceful lifestyle but less nightlife centric.
Old Brooklyn
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cleveland: $1,294/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Old Brooklyn: $687/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Old Brooklyn: 557 square feet
Why Old Brooklyn is good for renters
One of Cleveland’s longest standing neighborhoods, Old Brooklyn provides a mix of historic charm and modern features. Local businesses and well-known eateries inhabit landmark buildings while community events fill the streets and parks. Attractions like the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo give residents even more to do. With I-480, I-71, and US-176, commutes into the city are a breeze.
Keep in mind
This neighborhood is undergoing redevelopment so you may see a lot of change in the coming years.
Buckeye-Shaker
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cleveland: $1,294/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Buckeye-Shaker: $1,072/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Buckeye-Shaker: 670 square feet
Why Buckeye-Shaker is good for renters
This leafy neighborhood of Buckeye-Shaker has the best of both worlds with a strong sense of community and an unparalleled shopping and arts scene. It’s home to two of Cleveland’s most popular shopping districts: historic Shaker Square and the Larchmere Arts District — both offering boutiques, galleries, eateries, and local events. With such popular destinations, the neighborhood is built for walking with tree-lined streets, parks, and well-maintained sidewalks.
Keep in mind
Buckeye-Shaker is on the outskirts of Cleveland, so it takes longer to get downtown, especially during high traffic times.
Ready to Make the Move?
If Cleveland has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re seeking a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s December 2025 reports.
FAQs
Is Cleveland a good place to live?
Yes, Cleveland is a good place to live for renters who want a mix of city life, lakeside recreation, and diverse neighborhood personalities.
What's the average rent in Cleveland?
The average rent in Cleveland is about $1,294/month for a one-bedroom apartment, as of December 2025. Rents in Cleveland are quite affordable as you can get a three-bedroom apartment for under $2,000 a month.
Is Cleveland an expensive place to live?
Cleveland is quite affordable compared to many major U.S. cities since the average rent is 21 percent lower than the national average rent of $1,632/month. The cost of living is also 7.1 percent lower than the national average, making for a cheaper lifestyle across the board.
What salary do you need to live in Cleveland?
According to Apartments.com’s cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods/services in Cleveland is around $72,000 per year.
