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 grapeproducing region in the late 1800s, it was the second-largest shipping point for grapes in the United States.
Today, public beachside parks
tables, a playground, pavilion, restrooms and benches
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.
FAST FACTS
• Lakewood is considered 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 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.
LakewoodAlive organizes fun community events including the Front Porch Concert Series.
PHOTO COURTESY LAKEWOODALIVE
Huntington Beach in Bay Village offers expansive beach access for swimming plus picnic
along the breezy ridgeline for lofty Lake Erie views.
PHOTO COURTESY CLEVELAND
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
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.
FAST FACTS
• Bay Village covers 7.05 square miles, of which 2.49 square miles is water and 138 acres is parkland.
River Public Library is a treasured hub of community engagement which also houses the Cowan Pottery Museum with 1,200 pieces of early 1900s local pottery.
Rocky
PHOTO COURTESY ROCKY RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
The annual Plein Air Festival: Artistic By Nature draws scores of art lovers to BAYarts in Bay Village.
PHOTO BY MARISSA SIEBERT
The Westlake Aquatic Center features five bodies of water to accomodate all ages, including this interactive, multi-level, playful Activity Pool.
COURTESY WESTLAKE RECREATION CENTER
• 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.
Special Advertiser Lising
Lorain County Community College's Stocker Arts Center in Elyria is just a short drive from the 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 2 million people have visited Stocker Arts Center for thousands of performances, films, gallery shows and community rental events that have taken place over 42 years of operation.
