Real Estate Investing in Cleveland, Ohio
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Cleveland, OH? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (68/100)
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
For Investors
STRONG
3.9 / 5
(84/100)
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
Risks to Know
3 flags
- High vacancy: 15.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 23.8% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
- Lower household income: $37,810 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
What’s happening in Cleveland, OH?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$85,662
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,306
ZIP Codes
24
Market Trends — Cleveland, OH
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Cleveland, OH. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Cleveland, OH Updated 146 days ago
Cleveland is experiencing significant development with new businesses, major construction, and infrastructure upgrades, alongside some notable employer closures.
Opportunities
- 21 new storefront businesses opened in downtown Cleveland last year, including diverse options like coffee shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. — This expands consumer choice and revitalizes the urban core. DowntownCleveland.com
- The Cleveland Cavaliers broke ground on a new downtown riverfront headquarters and practice facility on October 14, 2025, a $280 million project. — This creates 300-400 union jobs and is part of a larger riverfront development. Cleveland Building Trades
- The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is undergoing a $135 million expansion, adding 50,000 sq. ft. and 10,000 sq. ft. of display space, expected completion in 2026. — This enhances a major cultural attraction and is projected to positively impact Cleveland. Cleveland Building Trades
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is undergoing a $1.6 billion multi-phase renovation to improve parking and expand the terminal. — This project will create 1,500-1,800 jobs in its first phase and modernize a key transportation hub. Cleveland Building Trades
- The Port of Cleveland approved $8 million in contracts for bulk terminal modernization and electrification to reduce emissions by 40%. — This improves infrastructure, creates jobs, and significantly reduces environmental impact. Port of Cleveland
Concerns
- Cleveland-based First Brands Group is closing its downtown corporate office and three other Ohio facilities by April 30, 2026. — This will result in over 1,200 job losses statewide, including 110 at the Cleveland corporate office. YouTube (WKYC, WTOL)
- Greater Cleveland's office market saw 131,373 square feet of negative absorption in Q2 2025, breaking a four-quarter positive streak. — This indicates a decrease in demand for office space, potentially leading to vacancies. NEOTrans
- The industrial market in Greater Cleveland posted a steep negative absorption of 2.8 million square feet in Q2 2025 due to high-profile closures. — This signifies a significant reduction in industrial space utilization and potential job losses. NEOTrans
Bottom line: Cleveland is experiencing a period of significant investment and new development, particularly in its downtown core and infrastructure, despite some recent job losses in the manufacturing and corporate sectors.
Local news & events in Cleveland, OH Updated 146 days ago
Cleveland has seen a notable decrease in major crime categories and an increase in police recruitment, alongside ongoing efforts to address significant public health disparities and air quality concerns.
Opportunities
- Cleveland experienced significant decreases in major crimes in 2025, including a 16% drop in homicides and a 28% decrease in rape cases. — Reduced crime rates enhance public safety and improve the overall quality of life for residents, fostering a more secure environment. Police1
- Police recruitment efforts in Cleveland saw a 356% increase in cadet applications in 2025, with 250 applicants compared to 55 the previous year. — Increased police recruitment can lead to a stronger police force, potentially further improving public safety and community presence. Police1
- The Cleveland International Film Festival is returning from April 9-18, 2026, featuring films from around the world. — Cultural events like film festivals expand entertainment options and enrich the community's artistic and social landscape. Cleveland Events Calendar
- Cleveland Metroparks offers over 140 summer camps for ages 3 to 17 from June to August, with scholarships available. — Summer camps provide educational and recreational opportunities for children and teenagers, supporting family well-being and development. Community Events Calendar
Concerns
- Cleveland was ranked 9th worst in the nation for year-round particle pollution in the American Lung Association's 2025 "State of the Air" report. — Poor air quality poses significant health risks, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, and premature death, restricting residents' health and well-being. WKYC
- Cleveland lost over $3.28 million in state funding for lead hazard removal from homes due to an inability to spend the money before a federal deadline in February 2026. — The loss of funds hinders efforts to mitigate lead exposure, which disproportionately affects children and can lead to serious health issues, imposing unconsented health costs. WKYC
- A 2025 Cleveland Health Survey found residents face significantly higher unmet basic needs and alarming rates of chronic conditions compared to state and national averages. — These health disparities indicate systemic issues that restrict residents' access to essential resources and lead to poorer health outcomes, imposing unconsented health costs. WKYC
- Proposed updates to Cleveland's air pollution rules, aimed at improving air quality, have been stalled in City Council for a year due to pushback from companies. — Delays in updating air pollution regulations prolong exposure to harmful pollutants, potentially increasing health risks for residents without their consent. Signal Cleveland
- The "Residents First" housing legislation, passed in February 2024, has created new requirements for landlords, including designating a local agent and proving lead-safe certification. — While intended to protect tenants, these new regulations impose additional costs and administrative burdens on property owners, which could indirectly affect housing availability … A Summary of Cleveland's “Residents First” Legislation
Bottom line: Cleveland is making strides in reducing crime and boosting police recruitment, but significant challenges remain in public health, air quality, and lead hazard remediation.
Schools in Cleveland, OH Updated 146 days ago
Cleveland Metropolitan School District is undergoing significant restructuring due to declining enrollment and financial pressures, leading to school mergers, closures, and staff layoffs, despite recent improvements in state performance ratings.
Opportunities
- In October 2024, CMSD achieved a three-star rating on its 2023-2024 state report card, meeting state education standards for the first time. — This indicates improved academic performance and progress for the district as a whole. Signal Cleveland
- The district showed strong marks in 'Progress' (4 stars) and 'Gap Closing' (3 stars) on the 2023-2024 state report card. — These ratings highlight effective strategies for student growth and reducing achievement disparities. Ohio Legislative Service Commission
- Issue 49, a bond measure, was placed on the ballot in October 2024 to fund continued investments in modern, safe, and well-maintained school facilities. — This voluntary capital investment aims to provide better learning environments and support staff retention. Bond Accountability Commission
- The new JFK Stadium project, a state-of-the-art athletic facility, is scheduled to begin construction in August 2025 with completion targeted for July 2026. — This project enhances student athletics and community engagement with improved facilities. CMSD
- The district is assessing its course offerings to ensure all students have access to rigorous pathways after high school, including advanced placement and career technical education. — This expands educational and career choices for students. Ohio Legislative Service Commission
Concerns
- In December 2025, the CMSD board approved closing or merging 29 of its 88 schools by the 2026-27 school year due to declining enrollment. — This restricts school choice for some families and disrupts existing school communities. K-12 Dive
- Student enrollment in CMSD has dropped by approximately 50% over the past two decades, from 70,000 in 2004 to 34,000 in 2025. — Declining enrollment leads to reduced funding and necessitates school closures and staff reductions. K-12 Dive
- In April 2026, hundreds of educators, including 150 teachers and 120 paraprofessionals, received layoff notices as part of the district's restructuring plan. — These layoffs reduce staffing levels and can impact the quality of education and support services for students. wkyc.com
- The district anticipates a nearly $50 million deficit by 2029, which could lead to state fiscal watch or precaution. — This financial instability could lead to further cuts in programs and services. Signal Cleveland
- The district's overall rating dipped to 2.5 stars for the 2024-2025 school year, partly due to a new 'College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness' measure where CMSD scored one star. — This indicates a need for improvement in preparing students for post-secondary pathways, potentially limiting future opportunities. Signal Cleveland
Bottom line: CMSD is navigating significant challenges with declining enrollment and budget deficits, leading to a major consolidation effort while simultaneously working to improve academic outcomes and facilities.
Civic & policy in Cleveland, OH Updated 146 days ago
Cleveland has seen significant legislative and zoning changes, including new housing regulations and a shift towards form-based zoning codes, alongside state-level tax adjustments.
Opportunities
- Ohio is phasing in a flat income tax rate of 2.75% by 2026, with the top rate reduced to 3.125% in 2025 for incomes over $100,000. — This reduces the tax burden on individuals and businesses, potentially increasing disposable income and encouraging economic activity. TaxSlayer Support
- The Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) gross receipts exclusion increased to $3 million in 2024 and $6 million in 2025, with a 0.26% rate above that. — This provides tax relief for many businesses, especially smaller ones, potentially fostering growth and investment. BMF.cpa
- Cleveland's City Planning Commission approved piloting 'form-based code' zoning in several neighborhoods, encouraging mixed-use developments and walkable areas. — This aims to create more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with diverse housing and amenities, potentially increasing housing supply and local business opportunities. Signal Cleveland
- Ohio's budget for fiscal years 2026-2027 expands the opportunity zone investment tax credit, increasing the annual cap from $25 million to $50 million. — This incentivizes investment in designated opportunity zones, potentially leading to economic development and job creation in those areas. Our Insights
- Beginning in 2024, municipal corporations in Ohio must exempt the income of individuals under 18 years of age from municipal income taxation. — This reduces the tax burden on young workers, allowing them to retain more of their earnings. BMF.cpa
Concerns
- Cleveland's "Residents First" legislation, passed in February 2024, requires out-of-county property owners to designate a local agent and mandates lead-safe certification, current taxes, and corrected code violations fo… — These new requirements could increase costs and administrative burdens for property owners, potentially leading to higher rents or reduced rental housing availability. Vertex AI Search
- Cuyahoga County property values increased by an average of 32% in 2024, leading to a surge in property tax delinquencies. — This significant increase in property valuations can lead to higher property tax bills, imposing additional costs on homeowners. Signal Cleveland
- Cleveland City Council is reviving legislation to apply new rules to short-term rentals (like Airbnb and Vrbo), including licensing, bed taxes, and limits on the number of rentals per block or building. — These regulations could restrict property owners' ability to use their properties for short-term rentals, potentially reducing income opportunities and limiting visitor accommodat… Signal Cleveland
- Cleveland's Public Safety Department renewed a $900,000 contract with ShotSpotter in early April 2026 without City Council's direct approval, causing council dissatisfaction. — This decision, made without full council oversight, raises concerns about transparency and the allocation of public funds for a controversial technology. Signal Cleveland
Bottom line: Cleveland is experiencing a mix of state-level tax reductions and local regulatory changes, particularly in housing and zoning, with ongoing debates about their impact.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
A great house in the wrong ZIP is still a bad deal — screen every market by cash flow & cap rate.
Open the Market Finder →Free to search · investor plans from $19/mo
The wrong ZIP kills a good deal — screen every market.
Open the Market Finder →
Best ZIP codes in Cleveland-Elyria, OH
Cleveland is part of this metro. Every ZIP in it, ranked. Free.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in Cleveland, OH. Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in Cleveland, OH?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
Property managers serving Cuyahoga County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Cleveland Property Management
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Property Management Group is a residential property manager in Northeast Ohio, assisting with property purchase, portfolio analysis, and full-service management. summary from their website
Single-family
Unclaimed — is this your business? Claim it free
Sbs Property Management Llc
Hilliard, OH
SBS Property Management provides management, maintenance, inspections, finances, and communications for Condominium and Homeowner Associations across Ohio. summary from their website
HOA
Unclaimed — is this your business? Claim it free
Aspire Real Estate And Property Management
Shaker Heights, OH
Aspire Real Estate helps sell homes quickly. summary from their website
Unclaimed — is this your business? Claim it free
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
Avg Home Value
$85,662
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,306
1% Rule
✓ Passes
Landlord Friendly (OH)
★★★★★
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Cleveland
11 Colleges
47,495 Students
9,386 Off-Campus Renters
B+
4-Year Private · 12,266 students
B
4-Year Private · 350 students
C+
4-Year Public · 14,117 students
📍 ~2,371 students rent off-campus
C+
4-Year Private · 566 students
C+
2-Year For-Profit · 51 students
C+
2-Year For-Profit · 41 students
C+
2-Year Public · 17,407 students
📍 ~7,015 students rent off-campus
C
2-Year For-Profit · 331 students
C
4-Year Private · 1,446 students
D
2-Year Private · 133 students
D
2-Year For-Profit · 787 students
Investor Insight: With 9,386 students living off-campus, Cleveland has substantial rental demand from the college population — typically stable, lease-renewing tenants.
Neighborhoods in Cleveland
Brooklyn Centre
24 ZIP codes
Buckeye Shaker
24 ZIP codes
Central
24 ZIP codes
Clark Fulton
24 ZIP codes
Corlett
24 ZIP codes
Cudell
24 ZIP codes
Detroit Shoreway
24 ZIP codes
Downtown
24 ZIP codes
Edgewater
24 ZIP codes
Euclid Green
24 ZIP codes
Fairfax
24 ZIP codes
Forest Hills
24 ZIP codes
Glenville
24 ZIP codes
Goodrich-Kirkland Park
24 ZIP codes
Hough
24 ZIP codes
Jefferson
24 ZIP codes
Kamm's Corner
24 ZIP codes
Kinsman
24 ZIP codes
Lee Miles
24 ZIP codes
Mt Pleasant
24 ZIP codes
ZIP Codes in Cleveland, OH
44102
Home Value
$130,961
Rent
$1,318/mo
44111
Home Value
$163,613
Rent
$1,244/mo
44109
Home Value
$148,492
Rent
$1,132/mo
44105
Home Value
$74,714
Rent
$1,219/mo
44135
Home Value
$160,532
Rent
$1,530/mo
44106
Home Value
$193,649
Rent
$1,581/mo
44108
Home Value
$73,726
Rent
$1,310/mo
44104
Home Value
$77,863
Rent
$1,092/mo
44113
Home Value
$314,362
Rent
$1,734/mo
44110
Home Value
$80,889
Rent
$1,115/mo
44103
Home Value
$73,599
Rent
$1,092/mo
44119
Home Value
$137,055
Rent
$1,080/mo
44115
Home Value
$165,021
Rent
$1,695/mo
44114
Home Value
$206,758
Rent
$1,577/mo
44127
Home Value
$54,663
Rent
$873/mo
44101
Home Value
$0
44181
Home Value
$0
44199
Home Value
$0
44258
Home Value
$0
44282
Home Value
$0
44033
Home Value
$0
44036
Home Value
$0
44061
Home Value
$0
44096
Home Value
$0
Screen every ZIP in Cleveland
Filter Cleveland’s ZIPs by cap rate, vacancy, appreciation and 30+ more criteria, and export your shortlist to CSV — with the Investor plan ($19/mo).
View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Cleveland, OH
Does Cleveland, OH make sense for an investment property?
Yes - Cleveland, OH a 3.9/5 investability score. With $86K home prices against $1,306/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Can BRRRR investors find deals in Cleveland, OH?
BRRRR in Cleveland, OH is a strong. The interplay of $86K values and $1,306/mo rents creates reasonable refinance conditions.
How much is rent in Cleveland, OH?
Rental rates in Cleveland, OH average $1,306/mo. Tenant demand and $86K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Is the 1% rule achievable in Cleveland, OH?
Cleveland, OH delivers a rent-to-price ratio on average. Investors targeting the 1% rule will find solid opportunities.
What type of investing works in Cleveland, OH?
In Cleveland, OH the resilient play is typically value-add and BRRRR deals. The combination of $86K prices and $1,306/mo rents suits that approach.
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate Cleveland, OH.
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.