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Solon

Ohio · Cleveland Metro
Strong DanceColdBudget Cost
82
/ 100 match score

Solon is an east-side Cleveland suburb that consistently appears in national best places to live rankings. Top-ranked schools, very low crime, and a strong local commercial base with major employers in the community itself.

Match Score Breakdown
Cost of Living
20/20
Family Safety
20/20
State Tax Burden
6/10
Healthcare Quality
13/20
Dance Training
9/12
Musical Theater
6/8
Career / Remote
8/10
Financial Snapshot at $360K Income
State income tax
4.0%
$14,364/yr
Est. after-tax income
$252,811
incl. FICA + federal
Annual living costs
$69,000
$54,000–$84,000 range
Annual surplus
+$183,811
King: 3.7×
Rent: 3BR family home
$1,600–$2,500/mo
Median SFH purchase price
$380,000
Dance Training
Cleveland Ballet accessible. Playhouse Square available via I-480. Solon has strong local dance studios serving an educated, affluent community.
Healthcare
Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals both accessible. UH Ahuja Medical Center (Beachwood) nearby. Excellent specialist access for the east side.
Career & Remote Work
Ohio income tax 3.99% cap. Solon has major corporate employers in the community — Nestlé USA HQ, Swagelok, Invacare. Strong local employment base unusual for a suburb.
Musical Theater
Strong
Solon City Schools have outstanding performing arts programs — Solon High School drama is one of the most competitive programs in Ohio at the state level. Beck Center for the Arts Lakewood (35 min west) for youth conservatory training. Playhouse Square youth programs accessible. Multiple private MT studios in the east Cleveland suburbs. Active Ohio competition circuit. Strong BFA pipeline from this area.
Safety
Violent crime rate:70 per 100KVery Safe

US national average: ~370/100K. Lower suburbs are typically 50–80% safer than city-wide averages shown.

Pros
  • +Major employers within the suburb (unusual)
  • +Very safe — low crime
  • +Top-ranked school district
  • +Cleveland Ballet and Playhouse Square access
  • +Budget tier for quality
Cons
  • −Very cold Ohio winters
  • −Grey skies much of the year
  • −Car-dependent
  • −Less cultural diversity than coastal
  • −Cleveland metro urban challenges — stay in suburbs
Quick Stats
School rating
9/10
Healthcare rating
8/10
Tech job market
good
Remote friendly
Yes

Financial estimates assume $360K gross income: FICA 7.65% + rough federal bracket + state rate shown. Does not include city income taxes, municipal taxes, or deductions. Actual tax liability varies. Consult a CPA.