55+ Communities in Cleveland Area | Active Adult Lifestyle

Active adults who are looking for retirement communities in the midwest will enjoy the Cleveland area for its lower cost of living, abundant Lake Erie beaches, natural beauty and wide variety of leisure activities. 55+ homebuyers have choices of several locations in the area ranging from small towns and villages to urban areas. The area has something for everyone from an evening listening to the Cleveland Symphony to ice fishing on Lake Erie, to hiking or biking along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Cleveland Area Cost of Living

Cost of living in the area varies a bit by location, with lakeside towns being more expensive. On average though you can expect the cost of living to be 15 to 20 percent lower than elsewhere in the U.S. Groceries and utilities are about average but other costs including utilities and healthcare are lower. Below average housing prices are the primary reason for the overall low cost of living.

Ohio residents pay an income tax ranging from 2.76 to 3.99 percent and Social Security is not taxed. According to Kiplinger retirees with higher incomes will not receive tax credits on other types of retirement income. Some local areas and schools may add additional income taxes for their residents.

The Cleveland area 55+ communities are in small towns and cities outside the larger cities of Cleveland and Akron. The prices vary by location but in general prices range from the mid $100s to the high $600s with slightly higher prices in the North Ridgeville area.

Cleveland Area Climate

The climate in the area varies depending on proximity to Lake Erie. Those closer to the lake will be affected by the lake effect which causes greater snowfall amounts during late fall and early winter. Winters are cold throughout the area, temperatures ranging from 24 to 34 degrees. Summers are warm and humid with an average of 77% humidity and 62 to 77 degree temperature range.

While Cleveland sits on the shores of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, Akron is farther inland about 30 miles south of Cleveland. For those retirees who enjoy time spent on or near water, 14 of the 19 retirement communities in the Cleveland area are within ten miles of Lake Erie.

Recreation, Culture, and Entertainment Near Cleveland Area

There are a variety of recreational options in the area, including several highly rated golf courses, ski resorts, numerous museums, zoos and natural areas for hiking and camping.