Broadview Heights, OH

Broadview Heights was an area originally occupied by the Chippewa Indians. Originally settled in the early 1800s, some of the first pioneer families’ descendants still live here. In 1960 Broadview Heights was incorporated as a city, and continues to grow.

Central to the community, the Broadview Developmental Center and the surrounding property has undergone several iterations. Originally the site of a large hospital, it now houses City Hall, the Police Department, football and soccer fields, and a pavilion for community events. Broadview has several annual events such as the 5K run and Community Tree Lighting. The active historical society dedicates time and talent to the cataloging and preservation of local history. The city shares some community resources with nearby Brecksville, including the Center of the Arts, which offers art and craft classes at low cost.

A broad selection of classic American-style food and a few specialty restaurants round out the dining experience in Broadview Heights.

Cozumel delivers incredible Mexican food with friendly service. Prices are cheap, food is always piping hot, and the margaritas are perfect. Try the fresh homemade salsa; a spicy and a mild version comes with chips right after you take a seat. If it's your birthday, the attentive and friendly staff puts the giant sombrero on you and joins in to sing you "Feliz Cumpleanos" (Happy Birthday).

For a farm to fork experience, hop over to the Cork & Cleaver Social Kitchen. It's a long name that you can't forget once you take your first bite. The outstanding entrées are sure to impress, as are the amazing cocktails. The pork paprikash is especially delightful, balancing delicate flavors to awaken your taste buds. Expect terrific service and an experience you yearn to repeat.

If you're looking for a typical American-style sports bar to satisfy the munchies, Dax's Place Sports Bar & Grill on Broadview Road fits the bill. Classic wings and burger bar fare are available. Take a risk and surprise yourself with the weekly lunch or dinner special. Stick around for the live bands and drink beer with your buds into the wee morning hours.

The nearby Boneyard Beer Farm & Mesquite Grill brings in live gigs every Friday and Saturday for some additional evening entertainment. In warmer weather, sit on the patio to enjoy music, good food, and a wide selection of local and big name beers.

Located along the Interstate 77 corridor and flanked by the Ohio Turnpike to the south, getting to and from Broadview Heights is easy. Broadview, Wallings and Royalton Roads are major routes that make travel within the area a breeze.

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority runs to and from Broadview Heights, offering inexpensive transportation seven days a week, although the vast majority of locals drive their own vehicles. As an added benefit, the city of Broadview Heights provides free local transportation as a service for citizens 60 and over.

Cabs don’t roam the Broadview streets; so don’t expect to hail one, call ahead instead. Try Uber for an alternative mode of transportation as they expand into the area. Free parking is available throughout the city, but can be hard to find during peak times. Look for larger lots behind the main streets.

Enjoy the pleasure of walking through the shopping district and give yourself plenty of time to look at the charming boutiques, or stroll through neighborhoods to take in the beautiful architecture and landscaping. Sidewalks are plentiful, but there are no bike lanes here and heavy traffic on the main roads makes it unsafe.

An active community lies at the core of the Broadview Heights Parks and Recreation Department’s mission. With only one official park, the Broadview Heights Recreation Park, the department maintains basketball and tennis courts, as well as soccer fields and a playground for kids. Locally known as “The Fields”, visitors have plenty of parking near the pavilion, and even guests with trouble getting around can seek shelter to sit comfortably. Dogs on leashes are welcome as long as they’re picked up after.

Admission to the park itself is free, but there is a per-month membership charge to join the Park and Rec, and another fee for participating in most of their activities. Fortunately, families, senior citizens and college students get a discount. Join a spinning class or a softball team and have some fun while getting fit. How about yoga? A state-of-the-art swimming pool is the perfect backdrop for swimming and low-impact aquatics classes. Show up for the annual “Dive In Movie” event and watch a movie on the big screen with your family while relaxing on your favorite floats.

Annual events highlight the community atmosphere here. Stuff yourself silly with clams during the fall Clambake fundraiser. Twirl your daughter around the dance floor for the Father-Daughter dance. In spring, watch kids dive for prizes at the annual Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt. There’s so much to do

The cost of living in Broadview Heights is about 15% higher than in the Cleveland area, and slightly higher than the national average. Average rent in Broadview Heights will run you just over $800 a month for a one-bedroom, which is about 25% higher than in Cleveland. Beer flows at about $3 a glass, although some pubs will charge up to $7 for a tall one. Hit happy hour for better deals.

Take the RTA bus as a cheap way to travel – a day pass is only $5, with discounts for seniors, students and the disabled. Bus stops abound along main thoroughfares like Royalton and Broadview Road. If you drive your own vehicle and need to fill the tank, expect to pay about 17% lower than the national average.

Most of the shopping areas are on the northern end of Broadview Road and at the intersection of Broadview and Royalton Road. The eclectic mix of specialty stores, secondhand shops and sweet treats, from high-end to high-value, will definitely keep you busy.

New-to-you antiques and thrifty finds are constantly added to the Village Peddler, making it one of the most interesting places around. The owner, Sharon, will greet you with a friendly hello; making you happy and relaxed is her goal. She changes the displays almost daily to create a fun and interesting atmosphere. It seems like a new place each time Find her charming store north along Broadview Road.

In a Pickle Parrot Shop beckons nearby, offering a wide selection of both pet birds and bird supplies. Whether you’re in the mood to pick up a parakeet or a hand-fed baby African Grey, you can be confident the birds are all carefully nurtured in the shop's on-site nursery.

Looking for something delectably sweet with zero calories? Try on TuTu Tango for size. Unbearably cute, these sparkly fairy-tale outfits are perfect for the little (or young at heart) girl looking for dressy frills. Made for dance recitals, photos, costume parties or just plain fun, you’ll want one of these delights to outfit every tiny princess you know. The baby diaper covers are to die for And ladies, there’s a section just for you, too.

Heinen’s, Acme and Giant Eagle provide every grocery need in the area; even carrying hard-to-find specialty items. S & R Farm Market has an old-style deli counter and good prices on fresh produce when in season. Find locally grown produce and hand cut meats at the Broadview Center Farm Market, open Saturday mornings during warmer months.