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Cleveland isn't nearly as popular as New York or Los Angeles, but Cleveland is gaining a lot of popularity. Cleveland has been called "Little Hollywood" because of all the movies that have been/are going to be filmed there. Cleveland is also mentioned in lots of T.V shows and commercials, whether it's a pro or con. I haven't heard Miami mentioned on T.V. Or Denver. Or Milwaukee. Or Nashville.
Sorry, but I hear about those other cities FAR more than I hear about Cleveland. Prior to getting the convention, I think the last I heard of Cleveland was related to the Ariel Castro situation.
You started this thread to ask us how Cleveland is perceived elsewhere, but now you're telling me how it's perceived? I would think that someone living IN Cleveland wouldn't be in the best position to have an objective view of the outside perception.
Cleveland isn't nearly as popular as New York or Los Angeles, but Cleveland is gaining a lot of popularity. Cleveland has been called "Little Hollywood" because of all the movies that have been/are going to be filmed there. Cleveland is also mentioned in lots of T.V shows and commercials, whether it's a pro or con. I haven't heard Miami mentioned on T.V. Or Denver. Or Milwaukee. Or Nashville.
What do people from other cities think about Cleveland?
As a native Philadelphian, I'm still rather bitter about losing out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to you all but beyond that I actually see our cities as somewhat kindred spirits: blue-collar towns that have suffered their share of misfortune. But then things seem to turn around for Cleveland in the 90's. Areas downtown and on the lakefront were being refurbished. I was happy for you during the Drew Carey Show era with the "Cleveland Rocks" intro and whatnot. Even your sports teams were having a nice run. Perhaps some might see the success of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony as a mixed blessing but, along with Nelly, I consider them to be the template for the modern-day singing rappers/rapping singers on the airways.
And then the economy.
And then...The Decision.
But I'm rooting for Cleveland to succeed and achieving the RNC Convention is a step in the right direction. At this writing, it is even plausible that "he whose name shall not be spoken" may even return to his home region.
So nothing but respect from this Philadelphia guy...except maybe four hoops games a year...and the occasional interleague football or baseball game.
As you've probably heard, Cleveland is to host the 2016 RNC Convention. As a Clevelander, I along with all of Northeast Ohio have been sitting on the edge of our seats and have been waiting for the announcement, and were excited when they announced it today. I have always lived in Cleveland and have seen Cleveland's worse times, but today is an example that Cleveland is going to be a great city in the near future.
As of today, Cleveland is a great city as it is. Now, there are some run down areas in Cleveland that no one would want to step foot in. These neighborhoods are run down with abandoned houses and buildings, crime, gangs, guns, violence, and in some areas prostitutes. These areas are in some areas about 4-5 miles east of downtown. Fortunately, there have been extensive projects started by groups such as Cleveland 2019 (A group that is fixing Cleveland to be the best by 2019) along with the city of Cleveland and private investors, that have been fixing up these run down areas by flipping houses and building new houses and opening restaurants.
The rest of Cleveland is mostly a great place to go. Cleveland is a city that has big neighborhoods within the city limits, and suburb surrounding the city. There are places in Cleveland like South Broadway and Cleveland Heights and Beachwood that attract a lot of people because of how many bars and restaurants there are there. Cleveland also has the world famous Rockefeller Park, which attracts thousands of people each year to it's lush trees and it's amazing cultural gardens.
To get to the point, I was wondering. What do people from other cities think about Cleveland?
I'm from San Diego, and have family in NEO. My late biological father's parents live in Parma, OH, and an aunt and uncle on that side live somewhere between Cleveland and Akron.
The thing is, 99% of my trips around Cleveland have been with my grandparents, so it has been through their eyes, basically. That whole part of my family is culturally sterile and blue collar. Church on Sundays, easy listening on the radio, holiday fixin's from Better Housekeeping. Lawrence Welk reruns on ch. 25.
So, sightseeing with all of them makes Cleveland look pretty bleak, whether because it's run down or because it's just very sterile and white (I'm white, too, but you know what I mean).
I would like to tear out into town on my own someday. I used to live in Pittsburgh, and would love to see Carnegie Mellon take on Case Western Reserve in soccer (heck, I've always wondered where Case is. I suspect it's a cool neighborhood. I like college towny kind of areas). I'm a soccer fan, and I know it exists on some level, men's or women's.
As well, Cleveland is home to a Food Network personality (forgetting his name right now) and I'd enjoy going to one of his restaurants.
And what about a boat tour to see the skyline and all the other boat traffic? The Lake seems to have lots of interesting activity, from Coast Guard to cargo vessels.
Sorry, but I hear about those other cities FAR more than I hear about Cleveland. Prior to getting the convention, I think the last I heard of Cleveland was related to the Ariel Castro situation.
You started this thread to ask us how Cleveland is perceived elsewhere, but now you're telling me how it's perceived? I would think that someone living IN Cleveland wouldn't be in the best position to have an objective view of the outside perception.
Well, I like to travel with my wife and we've gone to several cities and countries. When I'm talking to a local and tell them I'm from Cleveland, their reaction is usually surprised, but in a good way. I've heard things like "Cleveland? Wow you must be rich!" and "I've been to Cleveland a few times, and that place is amazing!" and even "I would pay all the money in the world to go to Cleveland!"
Cleveland seems to be most favored in San Diego, New York and The Dominican Republic.
I'm from San Diego, and have family in NEO. My late biological father's parents live in Parma, OH, and an aunt and uncle on that side live somewhere between Cleveland and Akron.
The thing is, 99% of my trips around Cleveland have been with my grandparents, so it has been through their eyes, basically. That whole part of my family is culturally sterile and blue collar. Church on Sundays, easy listening on the radio, holiday fixin's from Better Housekeeping. Lawrence Welk reruns on ch. 25.
So, sightseeing with all of them makes Cleveland look pretty bleak, whether because it's run down or because it's just very sterile and white (I'm white, too, but you know what I mean).
I would like to tear out into town on my own someday. I used to live in Pittsburgh, and would love to see Carnegie Mellon take on Case Western Reserve in soccer (heck, I've always wondered where Case is. I suspect it's a cool neighborhood. I like college towny kind of areas). I'm a soccer fan, and I know it exists on some level, men's or women's.
As well, Cleveland is home to a Food Network personality (forgetting his name right now) and I'd enjoy going to one of his restaurants.
And what about a boat tour to see the skyline and all the other boat traffic? The Lake seems to have lots of interesting activity, from Coast Guard to cargo vessels.
Oh man you're missing out. If all you do in Cleveland is go to Parma with your grandparents, then you're going to NEED to come back to Cleveland and stay OUT of Parma. The east side is the more artistic and cultural, considering the east side has 99.9% of Cleveland's museums and theaters and art districts, while the west side (Closer to downtown) has more of the bars and new restaurants and the younger vibe. Either way, come to Cleveland and see what there is!
Honestly, I don't think of Cleveland. That is unless I am flipping through channels and happen to catch a rerun of the 1986 or 1987 AFC Championship games. Those teams are how I think of Cleveland -- hardworking but with a touch of bad luck.
I did read about Cleveland when they lost their United hub status earlier this year.
I do know that Case Western and the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame are in Cleveland.
I also know that Detroit, Buffalo, and Cleveland were the only 3 MSAs in the top 50 to lose population (barely).
I hope that the RNC convention goes well for you and that the RNC will use the opportunity to showcase the city's great features and doesn't have ulterior motives.
What I am afraid of is the RNC using the poverty and run down areas in Cleveland as proof that Obama's policies have failed. That would not be fair to Cleveland.
People that make fun of Cleveland have never been there.
That's a good point. Although I've lived in many other places, I went to college and spent the largest chunk of my life in Pittsburgh. Sports rivalries aside, you'll never hear me badmouth Cleveland.
First of all, I've been there many times for business and pleasure and have never had a bad time. The people always struck me as warm, generous, and fun. My car, with its Pennsylvania plates and Steelers sticker, broke down in Cleveland once (before the days of cell phones) and I was surrounded by people willing to help me.
There are tons of things to do, great places to stay, wonderful food of every ethnicity, beautiful waterfront views. The Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie look nothing like they used to look in the days corporations were free to dump dangerous chemicals and garbage into them.
Of course there are ugly and dangerous neighborhoods in Cleveland. Name me any city in America that doesn't have drugs and murder. You can't have a population without some of them being criminals and others being poor and preyed upon. But there are lots of great neighborhoods in the city and its suburbs for people to raise fine families. Cleveland has excellent universities and top-notch hospitals. And it's a city that represents high culture to pop culture and the best in sports and fun entertainment. If you only go to one rock concert in your life, see Bruce Springsteen in Cleveland. Not New Jersey. Much as I love The Shore, Cleveland is THE PLACE to see the E Street Band. There's a reason the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland. Take that advice from someone named Jukesgrrl.
Terrible weather aside, Cleveland is way too much maligned. Like Pittsburgh, it's judged too much on its long-gone past and not on its present. I have every faith the Republicans won't be sorry they chose Cleveland. I hope they leave a lot of money behind.
One of the great things about Cleveland, it has world class museums that are still FREE. Well, there is a suggested donation, and I usually flip them what normal admission would be, but when I was a young starving artist I saw a lot of great shows at the CMA.
Cleveland Rocks.
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but beyond that I actually see our cities as somewhat kindred spirits: blue-collar towns that have suffered their share of misfortune. But then things seem to turn around for Cleveland in the 90's. Areas downtown and on the lakefront were being refurbished. I was happy for you during the Drew Carey Show era with the "Cleveland Rocks" intro and whatnot. Even your sports teams were having a nice run. Perhaps some might see the success of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony as a mixed blessing but, along with Nelly, I consider them to be the template for the modern-day singing rappers/rapping singers on the airways. 
