Brook Park, OH

The Brook Park areas began as an agricultural community in the 1800s and gradually transitioned into an industrial suburb of Cleveland. This is a shift that many communities in the area went through as Cleveland itself became industrialized and needed the support of the surrounding communities to grow into the city it is today.

The Berea Historical Society, located a short drive from Brook Park, offers an in-depth look at where Brook Park has been and where it is going through a variety of exhibitions using different media.

Due to its proximity to downtown, Brook Park features chain restaurants and bars just a short drive from anywhere in the neighborhood. The area also has a number of local eateries to offer a balance, concentrated around the Smith Road and Snow Road intersection just off Route 71.

A couple blocks away from the main block on the corner of Sheldon and Smith, Conte's Italian Restaurant serves some of the most authentic Italian cuisine in the greater Cleveland area. In this family-owned establishment, enjoy a healthy portion of Conte's rich chicken fettuccine that is sure to fill you up for the night.

The Berea Union Depot Taverne consists of several establishments within the old train station. These are the Main Bar, cozy Tap Room corner bar, Trackside dining room, Platform dining room, the Junction dining room and the favorite Pullman party room, which is a historic dining car. Visit the heated patio Teamz for home-style American fare, a friendly atmosphere and a long happy hour daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Getting around Brook Park and its neighboring communities is fast and easy, thanks to the Cleveland RTA system. Brook Park falls on the Red Line of the train system, and with appropriate navigation, it can get you anywhere in the greater Cleveland area. Parking is free and plentiful at all RTA stops, making it easy to park and ride anywhere around town.

If the train isn't for you, Uber is readily available to take you where you need to go, and there are a number of taxi services that service the area. Wherever you need to go, getting there is made even easier by the area's proximity to both I-71 and I-480, two major highways that take you anywhere in the Northeast Ohio area.

Most of the Brook Park locals drive when not taking mass transit. The area is spread out and not easily walkable. Biking is a possibility, but bike lanes are few and far between, making a commute to another area potentially dangerous because of passing cars.

Brook Park operates and maintains 12 family-friendly parks and playgrounds throughout the city for its residents to enjoy. Strategically placed around the city, the parks are just a quick bike ride or short drive away from any point in the city, ensuring you can enjoy a day outdoors without a hassle.

In the heat of the summer, check out Alice Hassing Water Park on Holland Road. For city residents, season passes are available for a small fee that allow anytime access to the pool and park area during normal operational hours. The water park also lets locals rent the patio area for birthdays, reunions and any other occasion for a fee.

Amble over to John F. Kennedy Park on Sylvia Drive between Fry and Engle roads for a free public park with all the amenities. This expansive park comes equipped with two pavilions, picnic tables, fire pits and grills, horseshoe and bocce ball courts, and a paved walkway that winds through the park and is suitable for jogging and cycling. It has a state-of-the-art playground for kids and allows dogs, as long as your pooch stays on a leash.

Brook Park offers a number of yearly recreational programs, including basketball, softball and soccer, but the city's Silver Sneakers program stands out. This free program for the elderly includes strength, conditioning and endurance activities to help keep older residents spry.

Overall, living in Brook Park is slightly more expensive than the average cost of living in the Cleveland area; however, housing in metropolitan Cleveland comes in well below the national average. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Brook Park is $503.07 per month.

As for day-to-day expenses, Brook Park falls right in line with Cleveland and other suburbs in the area. Riding the RTA downtown costs you $2 to $3 each way if you purchase a one-way ticket, but you can save money by purchasing all-day passes, five-trip cards and monthly or weekly passes. Filling up your tank in Brook Park typically costs less than the national average, and expect to pay about $3 to $4 for a beer at a local bar.

Specialty retail shopping options in Brook Park are limited. The area has chain and convenience stores, such as Rite Aid and Big Lots, but it lacks an array of locally owned boutiques or gift shops. However, just a short drive down the road on the outskirts of Cleveland, locals patronize a number of specialty stores and markets, such as the West Side Market.

The West Side Market is a old-school, vendor-based shopping experience where you can find exotic, international food and supplies that satisfy even the wildest imagination. This is a must-shop stop for anyone living in the area. For everyday grocery shopping, there is a Giant Eagle in the heart of Brook Park on Snow Road.

To find a quality local boutique, venture into Cleveland to Evie Lou. This shop sells jewelry, clothes, home furnishings and other fashionable items to turn your Brook Park experience into a reflection of your unique style.