Is Beachwood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Beachwood

Beachwood, Ohio, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an appealing choice for many. Nestled in Cuyahoga County, just east of Cleveland, this city provides a well-rounded living experience with a strong focus on community and quality of life. Its location offers the best of both worlds, with natural beauty and a thriving local economy.

The city is characterized by its well-maintained neighborhoods, excellent school system, and a commitment to preserving its natural surroundings. Beachwood’s strategic location, coupled with its robust infrastructure, supports a diverse range of businesses and industries, contributing to a stable job market. This combination of factors makes Beachwood a desirable place to settle down for individuals and families alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Beachwood?

Beachwood’s crime rate is a subject of various reports, with some indicating it is higher than the national average. However, other analyses suggest that violent crime rates are significantly below national and state averages. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes reported in Beachwood, equating to 44 per 100,000 individuals, which is 87.9% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates, however, are higher than the national average, with 307 property crimes reported, or 2,231 per 100,000 residents, which is 26.8% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

NeighborhoodScout notes that Beachwood’s crime rate is higher than the national average across all communities, positioning it as not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Ohio, Beachwood’s crime rate is higher than 91% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Beachwood is 1 in 45, while the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 2,303 (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Despite these statistics, some sources paint a more favorable picture. Crime mapping data indicates an average crime score of 0.059, placing Beachwood in the “Very Safe (A)” category, with its neighborhoods receiving top safety grades (according to DoorProfit). Residents often consider the east part of the city to be the safest, with crime rates varying by neighborhood. Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 21 in the northeast neighborhoods to 1 in 42 in the east (according to CrimeGrade).

Housing and Cost of Living

The housing market in Beachwood presents a range of options, with median home prices varying across different reports. As of March 2026, the median list price for homes in Beachwood was $546,000 (according to Zillow). Another report indicates a median home value of $365,880 (according to Livability.com), while home prices can range from $250,000 to $1,250,000 (according to the official Beachwood, OH website). The average home value in Beachwood has seen an increase of 6.4% over the past year (according to Zillow).

Rental costs in Beachwood also show variation. The median rental price is reported as $2.9K per month (according to realtor.com®), while other sources state the average rent is $1,450 per month (according to Zumper) or $1,767 per month (according to Apartments.com). Rent for a one-bedroom apartment can be around $1,767 per month, with three-bedroom rentals potentially costing $2,687 or more (according to Apartments.com).

The overall cost of living in Beachwood is generally considered higher than the national average. Beachwood’s cost of living is 27% higher than the national average (according to Payscale), and housing expenses are particularly notable, being 199% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). However, utility prices are 10% lower than the national average (according to Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Beachwood boasts a robust economy with a significant number of businesses and a diverse employment landscape. The city is home to nearly 3,000 companies that employ over 25,000 workers, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups (according to the official Beachwood, OH website). Major employers in the area include healthcare systems, biosciences, pharmaceuticals, and retail sectors. University Hospitals is noted as a leading healthcare system in Northeast Ohio (according to Zippia).

The workforce in Beachwood is educated and growing, with access to talent from nearby universities. More than 52% of Beachwood’s population holds a college degree, and approximately 65% are employed in executive, managerial, or professional occupations (according to the official Beachwood, OH website). The city has also been recognized as a favorable location for starting a business, with a low unemployment rate reported in the past (according to a 2015 article).

The average annual salary in Beachwood is reported to be around $51,774 as of May 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $106,748 (according to Zippia) and $88,709 (according to the official Beachwood, OH website). Employment sectors that are prominent for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Educational Services (according to Data USA).

Climate and Weather

Beachwood experiences a four-season climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 20°F in January to a high of 82°F in July (according to Livability.com). The city receives an average annual snowfall of 67 inches (according to Livability.com) to 73 inches (according to myPerfectWeather), with January typically being the snowiest month.

Annual precipitation in Beachwood averages around 38 inches (according to Livability.com) to 42 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). July is often the month with the most precipitation, receiving about 4.45 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). The most comfortable months to visit or enjoy outdoor activities are typically from May through September, offering mild temperatures and lower humidity levels.

The weather patterns contribute to distinct seasonal experiences. Winters are chilly and can feel brisk due to wind speeds, while summers are warm and pleasant. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures, though October can be wetter. The city enjoys approximately 2,235 hours of sunshine annually, with July being the sunniest month (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Beachwood’s public school system is highly regarded, consistently earning top ratings and distinctions. Beachwood Schools have achieved a five-star state rating for “Achievement,” the highest possible, and also received a five-star rating for “Progress” (according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce). Beachwood High School is recognized for its academic excellence, often ranking among the top high schools in Ohio and boasting a high graduation rate of 96.9% (according to SchoolDigger.com).

Other schools within the district also perform exceptionally well. Hilltop Elementary School and Beachwood Middle School are noted for their strong performance, ranking within the top 10% of their respective categories in Ohio (according to SchoolDigger.com). The district as a whole is recognized for its high math and reading proficiency scores, significantly exceeding state averages (according to Public School Review).

Minority enrollment in the Beachwood City School District is 57% of the student body, which is higher than the Ohio public school average (according to Public School Review). Despite the academic strengths, the district also faces challenges such as chronic absenteeism, which is higher than desired, and potential equity concerns related to the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (according to SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics and Diversity

Beachwood has a population of approximately 13,720 residents as of 2026, with a slight annual decline (according to Zippia). The city has a notably older demographic, with a median age of 48.4 years (according to Zippia). The gender distribution shows a higher proportion of females, with 58.2% female and 41.8% male residents (according to Data USA).

The racial composition of Beachwood includes a significant White population, around 74.4% (according to Beachwood, Cuyahoga County, OH demographics), with substantial Black or African American and Asian communities as well. Approximately 16.5% of Beachwood residents were born outside the United States, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA). This diverse population contributes to the city’s cultural richness.

The educational attainment in Beachwood is high, with over 52% of the population holding a college degree or higher (according to the official Beachwood, OH website). A large portion of the workforce is engaged in executive, managerial, and professional occupations, reflecting a highly skilled and educated resident base.