Community Focus: The West Shore

THE WEST SHORE:
The Good Life on Our Great Lake

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

Welcome to the West Shore: The sweet spot just west of Cleveland and east of the gateway to Sandusky’s tourism zone. The picturesque shoreline cities of Lakewood, Rocky River, Westlake and Bay Village offer a terrific place to age in place or a good spot to land for older adults who want a change of scenery or lifestyle.

Historically, the area’s fertile soil supported farms, orchards, vineyards, greenhouses and nurseries; parts became popular post-Civil War destinations for Clevelanders. A major grape-producing region in the late 1800s, it was the second-largest shipping point for grapes in the United States.

Today, 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 with programming for older adults, arts centers and live entertainment venues, the West Shore offers stable, safe neighborhoods for people of all ages.

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 city’s eclectic ethnic mix, a lively cultural scene and excellent schools. The city’s vibrant culture is reflected in its numerous parks, recreational activities and time-treasured destinations.

IN THE BEGINNING
The first suburb west of Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie, Lakewood began simply in 1805 as Township 7, Range 14 of the Connecticut Western Reserve. By 1819, the area became a section of Rockport Township east of the Rocky River. Known as East Rockport by 1871, it was renamed Lakewood in 1889 for its wooded lakeshore. Lakewood became a village in 1903 and a city in 1911, its growth fueled by major roads, streetcars and interurban rail systems. The forest quickly gave way to farms that were later subdivided as real estate speculators advertised Lakewood’s ideal natural setting by the lake. Neighborhoods sprouted along streetcar lines while the interurban rail system connected Lakewood with communities farther west.

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—a bonus for health-conscious older adults.

KNOWN FOR

• Malley’s Chocolates. 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 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.
• Mahall’s Bar & Rec has been a staple entertainment destination since 1924. It offers not only bowling but live entertainment, music, dancing, food, private parties, cocktails and comedy. Some events are for adult date nights; others are for all ages.
• Winterhurst Ice Arena 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.

PARKS & RECREATION
Lakewood is sprinkled with many neighborhood parks that offer playgrounds, tennis courts, ballfields and picnic tables. But chief among them is the gracious 31-acre Lakewood Park; one of the largest lakefront parks in Ohio, featuring a lake-view promenade and all-purpose trail along with a live concert stage, skate park, playground, 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 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 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.

CULTURE/THE ARTS

• The Beck Center for the Arts is a hub of activity for art lessons, dance, theater performances, art exhibitions and other artistic programming.
• For 48 years, the Lakewood Arts Festival has brought 165 local and national artists to the streets of downtown Lakewood every first weekend in August. Live musicians embellish the festive atmosphere. Proceeds help fund a scholarship for a local high school graduate pursuing a degree in fine arts and grants for local organizations presenting art programs for kids and older adults.

COMMUNITY ASSETS 

• LakewoodAlive is a volunteer-driven organization that strives to foster and sustain vibrant and welcoming neighborhoods in Lakewood. It administers a Housing Outreach Program that helps homeowners with exterior maintenance projects ranging from yardwork to home repairs, and Small Business Support for Lakewood’s incredible small business community. It also organizes fun community events including the Lakewood Summer Meltdown, Light Up Lakewood, the Lakewood Chocolate Walk, Spooky Pooch Parade, and the Front Porch Concert Series.
• Lakewood Public Library is a century-old institution with 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.

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. The Gold Coast is Lakewood’s vertical neighborhood, with 13 high-rise buildings and 2,840 suites overlooking Lake Erie. 

 

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.

IN THE BEGINNING

Originally part of Rockport Township and later briefly named Rockport itself, the 4.7-square-mile section along the Lake Erie shore and west of its namesake river was organized as the hamlet of Rocky River in 1891. It became a village in 1903 and a city in 1930. Rocky River remained predominantly rural until the early 1920s when it began transitioning to a suburban residential area. Greenhouses and truck farming remained profitable well into the 1940s, when retail and commercial businesses began to expand.

FAST FACTS

• 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.

KNOWN FOR

• Cleveland Yachting Club promotes family-oriented club activities anchored in a yachting tradition that has endured here since 1878. Memberships provide access to waterfront dining, junior activities and yacht racing.

• Featuring numerous unique boutiques and restaurants, River Square Shopping Center, Downtown River Association and Beachcliff Market Square provide highly-rated shopping and dining experiences in Rocky River’s quaint historic district.
• Westwood Country Club 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. Of special note are:

• Bradstreet’s Landing is a six-acre park 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, a fitness center, group exercise studios, an indoor playground, on-site babysitting, an 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.

CULTURE/THE ARTS

• Rocky River Historical Society “promotes interest in preserving, discovering, and obtaining all that relates to the history, genealogy, geology, folklore and commerce of the area of the City of Rocky River” through a full calendar of special projects, events and programs for members and the public.
• Wilhelm School of Dance continues a family tradition that began in 1944. The professional staff of this premier dance academy offers instruction in Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop and Contemporary dance styles, as well as Cecchetti Ballet. Students have won local, state and national competitions and numerous best overall awards in each of these disciplines.

COMMUNITY ASSETS

• Rocky River Public Library is an independent institution that “cultivates meaningful connections by providing information, inspiration and a welcoming place for contemplation 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).
• Rocky River Senior Center supports older residents with a full slate of classes (exercise, art, Zentangle, etc.), activities, programs, special cultural and entertainment events, health topics and screenings, plus day and overnight trips.

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.

 

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.” 

IN THE BEGINNING
Sharing Dover Township with Bay Village from 1810 until 1901, this 16-square-mile area south of Lake Erie was later incorporated as Dover Village in 1911. Its name changed to Westlake in 1940, and became a city in 1957. A longstanding agricultural center, farms, truck gardens and flower gardens flourished for generations. Westlake experienced suburban growth after World War II. By 1950, its population stood at 4,912, having doubled in 50 years. By 1960, it had jumped 162% in a decade; today, Westlake is home to nearly 34,000 residents. By the early 1960s, the city of Westlake embarked upon a planned city model that still guides its growth and mission today.

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.

• The largest development in Westlake history, Crocker Park has it all. 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 sprawling 2.1-million-square-foot destination draws shoppers, diners and entertainment seekers with its dynamic atmosphere. Families also enjoy Regal Crocker Park with IMAX, and The Escape Game Crocker Park. 
• 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.

KNOWN FOR

• The indoor Urban Air Adventure Park 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).
• LaCentre Conference & Banquet Facility is a sophisticated venue for weddings, conferences, banquets, showers and other significant events for up to 1,500 guests, including the upcoming Sportsmania Bash sponsored by our very own Mitchell Media on March 27, 2025.

PARKS & RECREATION

• The 86-acre Recreation Center Park is home to the Westlake Recreation Center, while Clague Park, Roman Park, Tri-City Park, and Bradley Nature Park provide beautiful public spaces featuring baseball diamonds, pavilions, picnic areas, trails and  wildlife areas.

• Five Seasons Sports Club offers an outdoor and indoor heated pool (with sauna and steam room), indoor and outdoor tennis, pickleball, pool deck entertainment and free childcare for members.
• Paramount Tennis Club offers permanent court time, tennis camps, clinics and youth and adult tennis lessons to members.

CULTURE/THE ARTS

• Clague Playhouse Community Theater celebrates its 97th season in 2025 with live presentations of “OPUS,” “The Half-Life of Marie Curie,” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
• Westlake Historical Society (Clague House Museum) 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 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 came to Westlake as St. John West Shore Hospital in 1981, after a five-year planning phase and two years of construction. 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.
• Westlake Porter Public Library 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.

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%.

 

BAY VILLAGE
Beautifully set along five miles of Lake Erie’s wooded southern shore, the City of Bay Village blends the convenience of its westside 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.

IN THE BEGINNING
Once the northern part of Dover Township, the Village of Bay was incorporated in 1903, then Bay Village became a City in 1950, having reached a population of 6,917 residents. Once united as entities of Dover Township, Bay and Westlake continue to cooperate and support each other in joint civic and community services and programming.

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.

KNOWN FOR

• Lake Erie Nature & Science Center 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. 

PARKS & RECREATION

• Cleveland Metroparks Huntington Reservation & Beach 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. The reservation is also home to two Cleveland Metroparks affiliates: Lake Erie Nature & Science Center and BAYarts.
• Bay Village Family Aquatic Center (BVFAC) 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.

CULTURE/THE ARTS

• BAYarts 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.
• The Fairytale Foundation is 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.

COMMUNITY ASSETS

• Biking in Bay 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 Boat Club, open only to residents, offers access to cruising along the coast, fishing for walleye or exploring the nearby islands by boat, or water sports such as tubing, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding. Docking, maintenance and navigation assistance are available, 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.

LIVING THERE
Bay Village has many housing options for purchase or rent. In addition to single-family houses, apartments, condos, and 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.

 

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.