Neighborhood Demographics, Schools, Jobs, and Real Estate
Westlake, Ohio Relocation
"There is no city among the "West Shore" communities that has experienced a greater renaissance than Westlake.
In recent years, the city has wholeheartedly embraced development, and has had great success with its growth. That's for two reasons. The first is Westlake's size, nearly 16 square miles. The city has plenty of space to stretch out comfortably. The second is a history of wise leaders who have had a keen eye for well-planned zoning.
A case in point is the Crocker Road area, where a number of manufacturing firms, such as Bonne Bell, have settled in buildings on sites that resemble anything but bleak industrial developments. But the crown jewel of Westlake is the brand-spanking new Crocker Park, 1.6 million square feet of housing, offices, restaurants and retail on 75 acres near Crocker and Detroit Roads, which opened a number of its stores and offices in late October. Among the complex's anchor stores are Barnes & Noble, GAP, Dick's Sporting Goods and Eddie Bauer.
Crocker Park is located next to the Promenade, a collection of retail shops and restaurants that features Borders Books & Music, Giovanni Corelli Clothiers, Max & Erma's and many other places to shop, eat and drink.
Residential growth has followed suit. While there's a great stock of existing residential properties in the $100,000 range, a building boom has taken place west of Dover Center Road. Most of these luxury homes begin at $300,000 and rise to $600,000, which, with a median household income of about $50,000, begs the question: Who are the people buying these homes?
An easier question than "who" is "why"? Though Westlake may lack the charm of a Bay Village, its intelligent commercial development has led to a tax base that is among the lowest in the county. It has a number of beautiful recreation sites, including Bradley Woods Metropark, Clague Park (the site of Clague Playhouse, a city swimming pool, and a duck pond), Lakewood Country Club, and Meadowood Golf Course. Simply put, it has all the first-rate amenities one could ask for.
Westlake's growth does not come without a price, however. Traffic congestion is beginning to cause a considerable strain on city streets, particularly on major roads such as Clague, Columbia, Dover Center and Crocker. With further development in the Crocker area, The problem will likely get worse. However, city officials have made an effort to widen some of these areas and add turning lanes in others. Presently, it's a small quibble and one that merely suggests people will flock to a good thing."
