Parma Heights, OH

Parma Heights officially became a city in 1956, although it operated as a village and a township prior to its incorporation. Population has increased significantly over the last 60 years, with Parma Heights growing from just 310 residents to more than 20,000 inhabitants.

Cassidy Theatre hosts live performances multiple times a year, and local residents can audition for parts in the plays and musicals. Residents learn about paintings and sculptures at the Cleveland Museum of Art, which sits approximately 15 miles from Parma Heights. The museum has more than 30,000 pieces of art.

Residents stock up on strawberry-infused desserts and hot dogs at the annual strawberry festival in Parma Heights. The city also hosts concerts each summer at various parks in the area.

When hunger strikes, residents of Parma Heights visit pizzerias, chain restaurants and Asian eateries on Pearl Road. West 130th Street also houses a wide array of restaurants, including Fratello's Pizza. Request the works if you want a little bit of everything on your thick-crust pie, and don't forget to order a rich, creamy plate of tiramisu for dessert. The locals say that Fratello's Pizza has speedy delivery drivers, which makes the pizzeria an excellent option for folks who want to dine from the comfort of their couch.

Dragon Gate serves generously sized portions of familiar Chinese-American favorites, including Mongolian beef and curried chicken. The restaurant has attentive servers and clean decor, and diners can eat inside or take their food to go.

Families mingle before church or after soccer practice at the Whip, a diner that first opened its doors back in 1940. Order a three-egg omelet with a side of grits for breakfast, or chow down on some homemade soup and a turkey sandwich during lunchtime. Patrons rave about the restaurant's whipped-cream-topped strawberry shortcake.

Jam to popular country hits and sip craft beers at Harry Buffalo, a modern bar known for its gluten-free menu items and Persian pork tacos. If you prefer a more casual setting with traditional appetizers, like chicken tenders and fries, visit Brew House Bar and Grill. Parma Heights does not have any large music venues, but folks often take a short drive to the nearby city of Brooklyn to visit Hooley House Brooklyn for live music and loaded tater tots.

Parma Heights makes it easy for folks to safely and quickly get where they want to go. The city has public transportation and bike lanes, and Uber's ride-sharing program services the area. Folks can also travel by foot, thanks to numerous crosswalks and sidewalks, or call to request a cab.

Drivers can typically park for free in Parma Heights, but keep an eye out for no-parking zones. The city does not allow any drivers to park on streets between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m, and some schools do not allow drivers to park near the premises during the day.

Traveling via bus costs between $1 and $3.50 per day, but riders can also purchase tickets for unlimited daily, weekly or monthly rides. Several highways, including OH-176 North, run in or around Parma Heights.

Families from Parma Heights have access to several well-maintained parks and pools, and residents from other cities can also use the facilities. Bring your pets and kids.

Most area parks have no entrance fee, but the Parma Heights Pool charges a small admission fee for guests who wish to swim. Expect to also pay a fee for some of the festivals, summer camps and sporting events offered by local parks. It is free to use the playgrounds, play basketball or baseball, or walk on the outdoor trails at all of the city's parks.

James Day Park invites residents to stop by for family movie nights during the summer, and several parks host outdoor concerts during the spring and summer. Head to the Smallwood Activities Center for family-friendly activities if rain threatens to disrupt your outdoor plans.

Residents of Parma Heights enjoy affordable rent, utilities and gasoline. Renters pay around $596 for a one-bedroom apartment, a price which is several hundred dollars cheaper than the average cost for a rental in Cleveland. Traveling to Cleveland via public transportation costs around $3, but frequent riders, students and senior citizens pay less for their tickets. A domestic draft costs approximately $3 at local bars, and residents can fill up their vehicles for prices that fall around 12 percent below the national average.

Fill your closet with fashionable pieces from Greenbriar Plaza Shopping Center, referred to as simply "Greenbriar Mall" by the locals. The area also boasts a Walmart, Kohl's, Macy's and Burlington Coat Factory. For those more interested in smaller and more local shopping, Parma Heights does not disappoint.

For discounted yet unique fashions, check out Seconds City, which reduces the price of its items by 1 percent every day. People into strategy games, including "Magic the Gathering", find a home at Gamer Haven, a spot that sells games and hosts tournaments.

Newcomers to the neighborhood in need of a tool kit or residents looking for the right tool and some DIY advice can head over to Andy's Hardware & Supply store. This spot copies keys, sells paint and offers just about all the specialty equipment any handy person needs to keep projects going and households running.

Fill your pantry with canned goods and spices from Save-A-Lot or Marc's. Folks in search of deals can find bargains on fresh produce and juicy meats at Acme Fresh Market. Stearns Homestead hosts a farmers market during the summer. When the weather gets cold, the locals head to Cleveland for the Downtown Farmers Market.