Welcome to Rocky River, Ohio
A Greater Cleveland waterfront community of unparalleled charm
This inviting Cleveland suburb offers luxury living on the waterfront — both on the shoreline of Lake Erie and along with one of the rivers flowing into it.
Rocky River, whose origins date back to 1805, features sought-after lakefront properties in an area known as Beachcliff 1. Stunning single-family homes with traditional architectural styles and lush lawns perch atop cliffs overlooking the lake. Instead of having lakefront locations, some houses in the area are treasured for their proximity to the Rocky River, the body of water running along this city’s eastern edge. Especially prized houses feature views of both Lake Erie and the river.
Luxury single-family homes also populate neighborhoods situated a few blocks inland. A handful of upscale condominium developments enjoy prime locations on Lake Erie, such as 700 Lake, which was designed to give all its condo units unobstructed water views.
Rocky River’s east-west highways include U.S. Route 6, which hugs Lake Erie’s shoreline, and Interstate 90, which provides easy access to commerce and culture hub Downtown Cleveland just 12 miles away. And as an Ohio suburb, Rocky River is centrally located within 600 miles of 60% of the U.S. population.
What to Love
- Waterfront living on Lake Erie and the Rocky River
- Sailing at the Cleveland Yachting Club
- Easy access to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which is just seven miles away
Local Lifestyle
Local residents make the most of their community’s premium location on Lake Erie, which is ideal for boating, fishing, and Jet Skiing. Stand-up paddleboarding has become popular, and stand-up paddleboard yoga classes are available.
The community is the home of the Cleveland Yachting Club, which was established in 1878. During its long history, it has hosted numerous regional, national, and world championship sailing races. The club is situated on an island in the Rocky River. Boats heading out of the yacht club to Lake Erie pass by Dr. Edward Bishop Lighthouse, which stands on a slim spit of land extending past the river’s mouth.
Local anglers love the Rocky River, which the Ohio Division of Wildlife stocks with steelhead trout that typically grow to be 25 inches long. Cleveland Metroparks owns 26 stream miles of the river.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Rocky River features a historic, walkable downtown filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Architectural details such as an old-fashioned movie marquee outside Burntwood Tavern enhance downtown’s charm. The building where this restaurant is located housed the Beachcliff Theatre from 1937 to the 1970s.
One favorite local restaurant is Tartine Bistro, which calls itself “a little slice of Paris in Rocky River.” The restaurant, which opened in 2008, offers a delicious menu of French-American staples such as mussels, onion soup, and roasted chicken as well as a full vegan menu.
Another beloved Rocky River restaurant is Salmon Dave’s Pacific Grille, which opened in 1993 in a renovated space that had housed a rock ’n’ roll bar. The restaurant features an upscale but casual ambiance and is known for its lobster bisque, sushi-grade ahi tuna sashimi, and other dishes.
Angelo’s Pizza in nearby Lakewood draws customers from all around the Cleveland area. In business since 1981, this pizzeria uses homemade sauce on its pies. The pizzas are made with classic toppings or nontraditional ingredients such as lobster cream sauce with shrimp and crabmeat.
Things to Do
The city of Rocky River operates an Outdoor Municipal Pool that is large enough for competitive swim meets. The swimming pool is part of the city’s Water Zone complex, which includes a spray ground for children.
Another Rocky River spot where everyone enjoys the great outdoors is the golf course at Westwood Country Club, which famed British golf-course architect C.H. Alison designed. The club also features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and tennis courts.
For a change of pace, local residents get close to nature by taking excursions on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad through the nearby 32,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park. During their trips, they might see eagles, herons, and other wildlife. The National Park Service operates the heritage railway line, which is composed of renovated 1940s train cars.
School
The Rocky River City School District offers public education with a tradition of academic excellence. And prestigious private schools are located in or near the community: