Shore
THE WEST SHORE
The Good Life on a Great Lake
Welcome to the West Shore: The sweet spot just west of Cleveland and east of the gateway to Sandusky’s tourism zone. Comprising Lakewood, Rocky River, Westlake and Bay Village in Cuyahoga County, the northeast section of the West Shore is residential but not sleepy. These picturesque shoreline cities are vibrant, family-focused communities offering the stability of strong civic leadership, along with entrepreneurial spirits that make the West Shore both a great place to live and a destination to visit.
Historically, Lakewood and Rocky
River were originally part of Rockport Township. The area’s fertile soil supported farms, orchards, vineyards, greenhouses and nurseries. Clay deposits encouraged the production of brick and tile. Rockport was one of Cuyahoga County’s 19 townships created in 1819. Rockport was divided into near-equal east/west parts by the Rocky River, with Lake Erie to the north and Dover Township to the west, later to become the cities of Westlake and Bay Village. The lakeshore of Dover Township became a popular destination for wealthy Clevelanders after the Civil War. The entire
township was a major grape-producing region in the late 1800s; the second-largest shipping point for grapes in the United States.
These days, public beachside parks and private clubs offer glorious lake views with scenic picnic areas, swimming, fishing and boating, plus winding trails, ballfields and so much more. With its quaint shops, delicious eateries, recreation facilities, arts centers, live entertainment venues and excellent school systems, the West Shore offers stable, family-friendly neighborhoods along our Great Lake.
HUNTINGTON BEACH IN BAY VILLAGE
PHOTO COURTESY CLEVELAND METROPARKS
LAKEWOOD
Just west of Cleveland, Lakewood is known for its stunning waterfront homes overlooking five miles of lakeshore, historical homes along tree-lined streets, neighborhood parks offering inspiring views of Lake Erie, bustling business districts, reputable restaurants reflecting the a lively cultural scene.The city’s culture is reflected in its numerous parks, and excellent schools, recreational activities and time-treasured destinations.
FAST FACTS
• By some estimates, Lakewood is the most densely populated city in Ohio and the third-largest city in Cuyahoga County (after Cleveland and Parma), with a population of nearly 52,000 within its 5.53 square miles.
• With over 180 miles of sidewalks, Lakewood is considered Ohio’s most walkable city.
• 75% of Lakewood’s 12,000 workers are employed by small businesses; 100 small businesses have opened or undergone major renovations over the past four years.
Sources:lakewoodoh.gov, localwiki.org, realtor.com
A FEW PLACES TO VISIT
Malley’s Chocolates. (malleys.com)
A sweet destination for kids’ birthday parties or any happy gathering,
Malley’s has been crafting rich, iconic chocolates since 1935 and serving their famous homemade hot fudge, caramel and marshmallow sauces with fresh roasted and salted nuts atop 25 flavors of ice cream for generations.
Apple Jax Toys (applejaxtoys.com) thrills kids of all ages because it specializes in both vintage and contemporary playthings, from classic action figures and plush toys to board games, puzzles, comics, outdoor play gear and more.
Paisley Monkey (paisleymonkey.com) It offers unique gift items for infants, children and parents from games, clothes, toys, puzzles, books and more.
Winterhurst Ice Arena (winterhurstice.com) has been a premier ice sports facility in Lakewood since 1976. A community cornerstone, it offers a wide range of ice skating activities and programs for all ages and skill levels. The arena features two full-size ice rinks for public skating, figure skating, hockey leagues and private rentals.
“Visitors to Lakewood can expect an authentic experience. Our businesses are local, many in historic buildings. Our parks are inviting for all ages. Our festivals elicit joy and a sense of community. From spectacular views of Lake Erie to the Sanctuary Museum in Birdtown and everywhere in between, visitors are sure to fall in love with Lakewood. ”
— Ian Andrews, Executive Director at
LakewoodAlive
PARKS & RECREATION
Lakewood is sprinkled with a generous number of neighborhood parks that offer playgrounds, tennis courts, ballfields and picnic tables. But chief among them is the gracious 31-acre Lakewood Park (lakewoodoh. gov) including the Kid’s Cove Playground, that has adapted equipment and plenty of spaces to explore for ages 12 and younger. It also features a lakefront promenade and all-purpose trail along with a live concert stage, skate park, ballfields, an outdoor pool and lots of educational and cultural programming. The Summer Solstice Steps along the shoreline provide a dramatic view of sunsets overlooking Lake Erie.
Lakewood also provides access to the 2,572-acre Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation (clevelandmetroparks.com) from Rocky River Drive. Great for hiking, walking, jogging, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, or just tossing pebbles into the Rocky River, the deep valley is surrounded by steep shale cliffs. The first land purchased for Cleveland Metroparks—a
ASSORTED CHOCOLATES FROM MALLEY’S IN LAKEWOOD PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLEY’S CHOCOLATES
3.8-acre parcel purchased in April 1919—can be seen below from the lofty Stinchcomb-Groth Memorial close to the Rocky River Drive entrance. Not far from Lakewood is Edgewater’s Park The Lindsey Family Play Space, which has plenty of opportunities where kids of all abilities can play, climb and explore.
CULTURE/THE ARTS
The Beck Center for the Arts (beckcenter.org) is a hub of activity for art lessons, dance, theater performances, art exhibitions and other artistic programming.
For 48 years, the Lakewood Arts Festival (lakewoodartsfest.org) brings 165 local and national artists to downtown Lakewood every first weekend in August. Live musicians embellish the festive atmosphere. Proceeds help fund a scholarship and grants awarded to local organizations promoting the arts.
COMMUNITY ASSETS
LakewoodAlive (lakewoodalive.org) is a volunteer-driven organization that fosters and sustains vibrant neighborhoods in Lakewood. It administers a Housing Outreach Program to help homeowners with exterior maintenance projects ranging from yardwork to home repairs, and Small Business Support for Lakewood’s small business community. It also organizes fun community events, including the Lakewood Summer Meltdown, Light Up Lakewood, Lakewood Chocolate Walk, Spooky Pooch Parade, and the Lakewood Alive Porch Concert Series. Lakewood Public Library (lakewoodpubliclibrary.org) provides educational and enrichment programming for all ages, as well as cultural exhibits and a wealth of resources for research and enjoyment at its Main Branch on Detroit Avenue and smaller Madison Branch on Madison Avenue.
EDUCATION
Public Schools
One of the city’s major employers, Lakewood City School District (lakewoodcityschools.org) includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools and Lakewood High School.
West Shore
Private Schools Nearby Lakewood Catholic Academy (lakewoodcatholicacademy.com) parochial elementary school (consolidated from St. James, St. Luke, St. Clements and Transfiguration)
Padre Pio Academy (pioacademy.org) (grades k-12)
St. Edward High School (sehs.net) for boys in grades 9-12)
Lakewood Lutheran School (lakewoodlutheranschool.com)
St. Thomas Lutheran Early Childhood Center stcr.org
Menlo Park Academy (menloparkacademy.com)
Saint Joesph Academy (sja1890.org) all-girls Catholic high school Birchwood School of Hawken (birchwoodschool.org)
LIVING THERE
Waterfront homes, duplexes, historic houses, apartments and condos provide varied housing options in Lakewood. The median property value in Lakewood was $221,100 in 2022 with a 43.8% homeownership rate. In December 2024, the median listing home price in Lakewood was $270K, trending up 1.9% year-over-year.
Sources: realtor.com
ROCKY RIVER
Home to approximately 21,000 residents, Rocky River is conveniently located 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland and 15 minutes from Hopkins International Airport. Bordered by Lake Erie to the north and the Rocky River itself on the east, it is also a destination location for its boating, fishing and swimming at any of eight city parks and the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation. Quaint shops, local eateries, entertaining events and seasonal festivals lend to the vibrant community atmosphere.
OLD DETROIT ROAD
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
“ Having been a resident for over 22 years, and raised five kids in the city, we found Rocky River to be a very close-knit, family-driven community, conveniently located. From the award-winning school system that encourages parent involvement to the city’s investment in parks, recreation and the arts, all is accomplished with reasonable taxes and a responsive services department. Quite simply, River has it all! ”
Bill Brink, Past Director, Downtown River Association
FAST FACTS
• 43% of all K-12 students in Rocky River attend private schools compared to the Ohio State average of 12%.
• Rocky River is safer than about 91% of all cities in the U.S. One’s chances of becoming a victim of crime in the area is 1 in 298.
• Over 12,000 people live within one mile of River Square shopping center on Detroit Road.
Sources: lakewoodoh.gov, localwiki.org
A FEW PLACES TO VISIT
Featuring numerous unique boutiques and restaurants, River Square Shopping Center and Beachcliff Market Square provide highly-rated shopping and dining experiences in Rocky River’s quaint historic district. Once Upon a Time Toys (onceuponatimetoys.com) This toy store, which is celebrating their 40th anniversary, has a large selection of toys, games, dolls, puzzles, puppets, crafts, and books.
Babycakes Children’s Boutique (babycakeschildrensboutique.com) From boys and girl clothes, books, gifts and more.
Westwood Country Club (westwoodcountryclub.org) is a membership-only country club offering a golf driving range and renovated colonial revival-style clubhouse. Members enjoy an Olympic-size swimming pool, kiddie pool, clay tennis courts, lounge patio, banquet facility, gazebo veranda, dining options, and events for all ages.
PARKS & RECREATION
Recreation in Rocky River spans the entire city with playgrounds, green space and fields throughout eight city parks (rrcity.com/city-parks). Here are few to explore.
Bradstreet’s Landing
featuring a 600-foot handicap-accessible fishing pier, a concession stand and bait shop, paved walkways, picnic tables and beach. A wooden footbridge crosses the creek to the eastern part of the beach, where kayaks and canoes may be launched.
Rocky River Park is a picturesque six-acre park on a 50-foot bluff overlooking the lake and a 175-foot pier, including a playground, picnic tables, grills and restrooms.
Rocky River Recreation’s Don Umerley Civic Center boasts a 12-lap indoor track, two full-sized basketball courts, fitness center, group exercise studios, indoor playground, on-site babysitting, aquatic center and more. Between the indoor aquatic center and the outdoor pool (Water Zone), a variety of swim programs are offered year-round. The Outdoor Municipal Pool features two large slides, a family slide and a variety of splash features all summer long.
the City of Rocky River” through a full calendar of special projects, events and programs for members and the public.
Wilhelm School of Dance
Hamilton Ice Arena (rrcity.com/ hockey-skating) is a year-round facility that hosts a variety of skating activities—including a premier youth rec hockey program—and serves as an indoor sports complex in the warmer months.
CULTURE/THE ARTS
Rocky River Historical Society (rockyriverhistoricalsociety.org) “promotes interest in preserving, discovering, and obtaining all that relates to the history, genealogy, geology, folklore and commerce of the area of
(wilhelmstudios.com) The professional staff of this premier dance academy offers instruction in Jazz, Tap, HipHop and Contemporary dance styles, as well as Cecchetti Ballet.
COMMUNITY ASSETS
Rocky River Public Library (rrpl. org) is an independent institution that “cultivates meaningful connections by providing information, inspiration and a welcoming place for contem-
CLOCK TOWER
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
plation and community” which has served Rocky River residents of all ages in various forms since 1877. The library also houses the Cowan Pottery Museum, which features over 1,200 pieces of a distinctive form of American art pottery created by R. Guy Cowan and his associates at the Cowan Pottery Studio in Lakewood (1913-1917), and in Rocky River (1920-1931).
Holiday Walk/Fest Come to this annual event that is the first Saturday in December. Kick off the holiday season with your family and visit downtown shops, do crafts, kid-friendly activities and more!
EDUCATION
Public Schools
Rocky River City School District
The district includes Beach Preschool, Goldwood Primary School, Kensington Intermediate, Rocky River Middle and Rocky River High.
Private Schools Nearby
St. Christopher School (scsrr.org) Catholic School from preschool through 8
Ruffing Montessori School Rocky River (ruffingmontessori.org) ages 3-14
Magnificat High School (magnificaths.org) Catholic girls’ school
Lutheran High School West (lutheranwest.com) for boys and girls in grades 9-12
Goddard School of Rocky River (goddardschool.com/schools/oh/ rocky-river/rocky-river)
LIVING THERE
In Rocky River, the homeownership rate is 70.5%. In January 2025, the median sold price was $363,500, which is a 3.7% increase from the previous year. In addition to single-family homes, housing options include apartments, condos and townhouses.
Sources:.realtor.com
WESTLAKE
Westlake has grown at a steady, planned pace over the past 50 years, transforming a rural landscape into a suburban one with a population of 34,000+. Westlake residents experience suburban convenience and community assets, with high home-ownership rates, low tax rates, excellent schools, and a wide array of restaurants, coffee shops and parks. Mayor Dennis Clough has been at the helm for 40 years. During his State of the City address last month, he said he is looking forward to another term so he can continue to oversee the city’s mission: “to enhance the quality of life by providing the highest level of service in an efficient and cost-effective way, so we get the most value.”
FAST FACTS
• Why was this city named ‘Westlake’ when it lies approximately one mile inland from the lakeshore? The exact origin of the ‘Westlake’ name remains a mystery but the community needed a name change due to confusion with another city named Dover in Tuscarawas County. One theory is
that ‘Westlake’ was already familiar to residents in the 1940s as one of its local telephone exchanges.
• Westlake in Bloom is an annual gardening and landscaping competition that invites residents, businesses and organizations to showcase their horticultural talents. Participants compete in a variety of categories, from window boxes to large residential gardens, to beautify the community through creative, sustainable landscaping.
Sources:cityofwestlake.org, rocket.com
A FEW PLACES TO VISIT
Family-friendly business of Crocker Park (crockerpark.com) with over 150 retail shops, restaurants, offices and apartments, plus a year-round lineup of fun, family-friendly attractions, festivals and other community events. The destination draws shoppers, diners and entertainment seekers with its dynamic atmosphere. Families enjoy places such as the Splash Pad, LEGO store, Regal Crocker Park with IMAX, and The Escape Game.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park (skyzone.com/westlake) is a big, bold indoor amusement park and high-energy event space for a birthday party or family-friendly entertainment where jumping, bouncing, climbing, dangling, sliding and running are encouraged.
WESTLAKE COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER PHOTO BY ESTELLE R. BROWN
West Shore
The indoor Urban Air Adventure Park (urbanair.com) is where kids of all ages (and kids at heart) can explore thrilling attractions designed for specific age and size ranges (Sky Rider, Ropes Course, Tubes Indoor Playground, Leap of Faith, Wipeout and more attractions).
Park, and Bradley Nature Park provide beautiful public spaces featuring baseball diamonds, pavilions, picnic areas, trails and wildlife areas.
Five Seasons Sports Club (fiveseasonssportsclub.com) offers an outdoor and indoor heated pool, , indoor and outdoor tennis, pickleball, pool deck entertainment and free childcare for members. Paramount Tennis Club (paramounttennisclub. com) tennis camps, clinics and youth and adult tennis lessons to members.
PARKS & RECREATION
The 86-acre Recreation Center Park (cityofwestlake.org) is home to the Westlake Recreation Center, while Clague Park, Roman Park, Tri-City
CULTURE/THE ARTS
Clague Playhouse Community Theater (clagueplayhouse.org) celebrates its 97th season in 2025 with live presentations of“OPUS,” “The HalfLife of Marie Curie” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Stocker Arts (lorainccc.edu/stocker) Near the West Shore communities, it has additional opportunities to see live shows, films, visual art and more.
Westlake Historical Society (Clague House Museum) (westlakeohiohistory.org) preserves and promulgates the history, historical artifacts and structures of Dover/ Westlake with educational programs for children and adults, fostering historical research, and providing social and service projects.
COMMUNITY ASSETS
The Westlake Center for Community Services (cityofwestlake.org) primarily provides services and activities for older adults, but the whole community is welcome to the café and other assorted services. Its robust Recreation Department provides many opportunities for the entire family, with 200 unique free/or low-cost programs, classes, games, entertainment and activities throughout the year, garnering 67,000 visits annually.
UH St. John Medical Center (uhhospitals.org) Now affiliated with University Hospitals, this full-service hospital includes an emergency room, trauma center and surgical specialities. It also sponsors a full calendar of community outreach events.
A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF CROCKER PARK IN WESTLAKE PHOTO COURTESY OF STARK ENTERPRISES
PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTLAKE RECREATION CENTER
Westlake Porter Public Library (westlakelibrary.org) is a true community hub, fulfilling its mission to “provide an inclusive environment that fosters learning, community growth, and connection in an ever-changing world” through a wide array of programs, resources and opportunities for all.
EDUCATION
Westlake has both public and private schools, including early learning programs, schools for students with learning differences, and online schools.
Public Schools
Westlake City School District (wlake.org) is a public school system with Westlake Elementary School (PK-4), Dover Intermediate School (grades 5-6), Lee Burneson Middle School (grades 7-8) and Westlake High School (grades 9-12).
West Shore
Private Schools Nearby
For the 2024-25 school year, there are 11 private schools serving 1,554 students in Westlake.
Private schools in Westlake include St. Bernadette Elementary School, (stbern.net), St. Paul Westlake (stpaulwestlake.school) and Westshore Montessori School (westshoremontessori.org)
Julie Billiart Schools Westlake (juliebilliartschool.org) is a school for
students with learning differences in grades K-8.
Westlake Academy (wlakeacademy.org) is a tuition-free early learning school for grades EK-2
Higher Education
Westlake Campus - Cleveland State University, (csuohio.edu)
Cuyahoga Community College
Corporate College West Cuyahoga Community College
Westshore Campus (tri-c.edu)
LIVING THERE
Westlake has many housing options, from single-family homes for purchase to apartments and student housing for rent. The median home sold price in Westlake was $379,000 in January 2025, up 4.7% from last year. The homeownership rate is 72.1%.
Sources:.realtor.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF STARK ENTERPRISES
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF WESTLAKE
BAY VILLAGE
Beautifully set along five miles of Lake Erie’s wooded southern shore, the City of Bay Village blends the convenience of its west side location with the tranquility of an almost totally residential community. Founded in 1810 by Joseph Cahoon of Connecticut, the city still maintains its historic New England flavor, both in its architecture and community lifestyle, rich in recreational and cultural opportunities along the lake. With patriotic bunting gracing white picket fences and flags festooning elegant entryways, it’s fitting that Bay Village is sometimes called Hometown USA.
FAST FACTS
• Bay Village covers 7.05 square miles, of which 2.49 square miles is water and 138 acres is parkland.
• The barn of Bay Village’s founding Cahoon family was built in 1882. Later converted to a community center, it is still in use today as Bay’s Community House where public events are held, including the annual holiday celebration.
• Ida Marie Cahoon was the granddaughter of Joseph Cahoon and the last surviving member of the Cahoon family. In 1917, she bequeathed the family home and 115 acres of land to the Mayor and Council of Bay Village in trust to be “forever used as a park for the citizens and Village of Bay” and to be named Cahoon Memorial Park. The home is now Rose Hill Museum and genealogy library in Cahoon Memorial Park. Sources:.cityofbayvillage.com
BAYARTS KIDS CLASS. PHOTO BY MARISSA SIEBERT
A Few Places to Visit
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center (lensc.org) connects visitors to the natural world through informal science education. Enjoy live animal displays, wildlife rehabilitation services, a public access planetarium, a nature-based preschool and a park setting along the shores of Lake Erie.
BAYarts (bayarts.net) bills itself as the “premier west side destination for visual arts and cultural events.” It hosts art exhibits, concerts, nature camps, art camps, festivals and more.
Emjaez Dance Studio, (emjaezdance.com) A variety of dance classes from ages 3 and older including: jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary. and adult classes.
The Fairytale Foundation (fairytalefoundationcle.org) A “princess nonprofit” and character company that provides Fairytale Princess actors for kids’ parties, along with fun activities and storytelling, all while raising funds for area hospitals and charities.
PARKS & RECREATION
Cleveland Metroparks Huntington Reservation & Beach (clevelandmetroparks.com) is a hub of recreational, educational and artistic opportunities. Picnic areas high above the beach offer striking lake views while young ones can play on the nature-themed playground. The expansive beach provides swimming
and paddling, and three miles of nature trails pass through forest, creek, and meadow. Educational programming is provided by Rocky River Nature Center staff and Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.
Bay Village Family Aquatic Center (BVFAC) (cityofbayvillage.com) is a residents-only outdoor pool facility in Cahoon Memorial Park. It is home to the Bay Village Recreation Summer Swim Team and offers swimming, diving and water aerobics lessons for all ages and skill levels.
COMMUNITY ASSETS
Biking in Bay (cityofbayvillage.com) is encouraged with several safe, dedicated cycling routes. Lake Road (US Route 6) is US Bike Route 230. Wolf Road has bike lanes on both sides of the road from Clague to Dover Center. Lake Road, Bradley Road, and Wolf Road are also included in the Cuyahoga Greenways plan as recommended network routes.
Bay Village Childhood PTA (bvecpta.org) A group of parents with young children other families can connect with and get support.
Bay Boat Club (bayboatclub.org) open only to residents, offers access to cruising or exploring the coast, along with sailing lessons or summer camp programs for the kids. Family-oriented events are held throughout the year, including picnics, barbecues and fireworks displays.
EDUCATION
Public Schools
Bay Village Public Schools (bayk12.org) Glenview Center for Child Care and Learning, Normandy Elementary, Westerly School, Bay Middle School, Bay High School
Private Schools Nearby
Bay Presbyterian Church Preschool (bpcpreschool.org) a play-based school that focuses on helping children develop a love for God, themselves, school and others.
Acton Academy Lakeside (actonlakeside.com) Christian School, ages 4 through 14
St. Raphael Roman Catholic School (saintraphaelparish-school.com) a private, Catholic school with 592 students in grades K-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
LIVING THERE
Bay Village has many housing options for purchase or rent. In addition to single-family houses, apartments, condos, townhouses and even mobile homes are also available. In December 2024, the median listing home price in Bay was $549.9K, trending up 61.8% year-over-year. The median home sold price was $447.5K.
Sources:.realtor.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FAIRYTALE FOUNDATION
WEST CHANNEL POND LOOP
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEVELAND METROPARKS
West Shore
THE WEST SHORE advertiser Listings
BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood provides 300 awardwinning classes, programs, and lessons each week through creative arts therapies, dance, music, theater and visual arts. Lessons are available all year for anyone who wishes to learn an instrument or increase their ability on an instrument. Our music faculty is an accomplished group of musicians who will help you discover your true potential on a wide variety of instruments, including voice., 216521-2540, beckcenter.org
STOCKER ARTS CENTER
Lorain County Community College’s Stocker Arts Center in Elyria is just a short drive from these West Shore communities, offering access to remarkable performances, concerts, educational opportunities and gallery exhibitions. Considered one of the top performing and visual arts venues in Ohio, almost two million people have visited Stocker Arts Center for any of thousands of performances, films, gallery shows and community rental events that have taken place here over 42 years of operation. lorainccc. edu/stocker/
Unlock the magic of creating music that moves the heart and soul at Beck Center for the Arts. Discover your voice through personalized voice and piano lessons that inspire and empower. Whether you’re dreaming of writing your own songs or belting out powerful ballads, our supportive musical community is here to guide you every step of the way. Start your musical journey with us today!
