Westlake, OH

Native American tribes enjoyed the heavily forested Westlake area for hundreds of years before European settlers arrived, using the land for hunting and the occasional camp. In 1811, a small group of pioneers cleared the forest for homesteads and incorporated the town. Agriculture was the primary industry in the area until the years after World War II. The completion of Interstate 90 in 1976 paved the way for businesses to move in, transforming Westlake into a booming suburb.

Westlake residents enjoy a thriving cultural scene, anchored by the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council, which hosts annual events such as the Community of Fine Arts Show. The Clague Playhouse keeps residents entertained with a regular lineup of plays. Although Westlake does not house any museums, the nearby Rose Museum and the Olmsted Historical Society provide year-round exhibits.

A variety of mid-range and upscale restaurants cater to Westlake residents. Whether you're in the mood for a spicy Indian biryani or a traditional steak, the perfect meal is available at any hour. The majority of the neighborhood's restaurants cluster near Interstate 90.

When you're in the mood for a classic American meal, the hearty steaks at the Cabin Club hit the spot. Westlake residents rave about the lobster bisque and the blackened bleu prime delmonico at this upscale steakhouse, which is headed by Executive Chef Tony Sledge. For an inexpensive and authentic lunch, stop by Mezza Mediterranean Cuisine for the shish tawook wrap or the hummus gyro. Don't forget a side of the fresh, house-made tzatziki sauce.

The chicken vindaloo and the rogan Josh at Cafe Tandoor get high marks from local diners, who love the authentic spice combinations. Despite the humble strip-mall location, the restaurant gets regular mentions as the "Best Indian Food in Cleveland" by local media outlets. Stop by at midday to take advantage of the varied lunch buffet.

Westlake features a quiet nightlife scene. Low-key dive bars and family-friendly bar/restaurant combos are the late-night options. For a livelier evening, head into downtown Cleveland. On weeknights, join the locals for a cold pint of Smithwicks at Hooley House Sports Pub & Grille. At the 80s-themed Time Warp Bar, you can enjoy live music by local bands while you down ultra-cheap drink specials. Rent the bar's Infinity Room for private parties; it features video games, bowling, a pool table and big-screen TVs.

Residents of Westlake depend largely on cars to get around, particularly during the cold Ohio winters. Much of the neighborhood is not walkable; it has a walk score of just 21. Part of Hilliard Boulevard features a dedicated bike lane, and a few other roads offer safe biking options.

Several cab companies serve Westlake, but you must call in advance for a pickup. Uber also provides car service in the area. Bus lines 25, 55F and 49 stop in Westlake, providing connections to downtown Cleveland and the Rapid Transit train.

If you prefer to get around in your own car, ample free parking spots line the streets. The city prohibits street parking between 3 and 6 a.m. and advises that residents do not park on the side of the street that contains fire hydrants. Interstate 90 and Highway 20 run through the north and south edges of the neighborhood, providing quick connections to Cleveland and points west.

Westlake includes a variety of free parks. One of the most heavily used spaces, Recreation Center Park, covers 86 acres and houses four separate park areas: Clague Park, Bradley Nature Park, Tri-City Park and Roman Park. Local fitness enthusiasts enjoy a year-round running trail and tennis courts, while families make use of the kid-friendly playground and a stocked fishing lake. Clague Park hosts a variety of annual events, including Fourth of July fireworks and a Memorial Day dedication service. At Crocker Park, residents come to the Music in the Park Summer Series and the Liberty Fest. Residents can bring dogs into all parks as long as they are leashed.

The cost of living in Westlake is higher than the Cleveland citywide average. The increase is due almost entirely to the neighborhood's housing costs, which more than double those in Cleveland. With an average rental rate $841.83, Westlake does not provide many bargains for renters. If you're planning to purchase, expect to pay a premium.

Daily costs in Westlake tend to be about the same as prices in the rest of the city. Residents pay an average of $4 for a pint of beer at one of the neighborhood's dive bars. If you want to take the bus into downtown Cleveland, a one-way ticket costs $2.25. Gas prices in Westlake come in at about 10 percent lower than the national average.

The Crocker Park shopping center forms the heart of commerce in Westlake. The complex holds a gym, a movie theater, a Trader Joe's grocery store, and a number of nationwide brands such as Apple and Gap. The neighborhood does not provide much in the way of high-end designer shops.

Make the short drive to Polish Pottery on Detroit Road to find unique decorative items, each imported from Poland. The cozy showroom displays pieces in easily accessible positions, so you can examine items before buying.

At Kleinhenz Jewelers, customers enjoy a personal alternative to big-box jewelry stores. The family-owned and operated store carries a carefully curated stock of jewelry, watches and gift items; don't miss the Waterford crystal pieces or the elegant RaGar jewelry boxes.

When you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind end table or vintage buffet, check out Antique Corner on Center Ridge Road. The compact store overflows with antiques, and the staff also provide repair services.

When your refrigerator needs to be restocked, join the locals at Trader Joe's, Giant Eagle or Marc's. Get bulk spices and freshly made samosas at Rimi’s Indian Bakers’n Grocers & Gifts, an international store that imports Indian cooking staples. From April to December, locals shop for fresh produce and wander through the urban garden at the North Union Farmers Market.