Living in
Westlake, Ohio
A+ schools, Crocker Park living, and one of the most convenient commutes in Cuyahoga County. Here is everything you need to know about Westlake.
Why Westlake?
Westlake, Ohio is one of western Cuyahoga County's most desirable communities, and it has earned that reputation the right way. With a population of roughly 34,000, the city has grown thoughtfully over decades, maintaining a balance of established residential neighborhoods, thriving commercial districts, and abundant green space. Top-rated schools, a robust local economy, and a location that puts downtown Cleveland just minutes away make it a magnet for families, professionals, and anyone who values convenience without sacrificing quality of life.
I am Gary Post. My partner Kelly and I lead The Pinnacle Post Team at RE/MAX Crossroads, and we have been helping families across western Cuyahoga County buy and sell homes for a combined 32 years and over 600 homes sold. We know Westlake inside and out — from the best neighborhoods near Crocker Park to the school district that families ask about more than any other, from the dining scene to the market trends that matter. This guide covers everything you need to know if you are considering making Westlake your home.
Westlake Market Overview: November 2026
The Westlake market is rebalancing, and for buyers and sellers who understand the trends, there is real opportunity. Here is what the numbers are telling us as of mid-November:
The freshest published readings, pulled in mid-November, tell a more nuanced story than a year ago: prices in Westlake have flattened on transaction data while inventory has climbed sharply. None of the platforms we track has published a materially different number for the first half of November, which is itself a signal that the market has settled into this more balanced rhythm rather than swinging month to month. Movoto's November 2026 market report puts Westlake's median list price near $380,000, about 2% below a year earlier, while its July snapshot showed a median sold price near $449,900 across 73 sales with about 20 days on market. Redfin's citywide median sale price for September 2026 reads near $450,000, up about 9.2% year over year, with the August figure near $457,000. RealtyTrac's September ZIP-level snapshot for 44145 shows a median sold price of about $434,200, essentially flat year over year, with a median list price near $437,400. Zillow's average home value estimate for 44145 sits near $431,331, up 3.8% year over year, and well-priced homes still go pending in about five days. Realtor.com's ZIP-level data (via prop-metrics) fills in the picture from another angle: a median home price near $426,000 in May 2026, up 4.7% year over year, with median days on market of 37, about 3% faster than a year earlier. RealtyTrac's median estimated value for the 44145 ZIP sits near $443,154, and local MLS counts echo the inventory surge, with RE/MAX showing roughly 114 active 44145 listings in August 2026.
The headline change is supply. RealtyTrac counts roughly 291 homes for sale in the 44145 ZIP, up about 55% from 188 at the same time last year, while closed sales trailed at about 309 versus 405 the year before. Resideline's six-month sample of 298 closings shows a $400,000 median sold price, roughly $180 per square foot. Keep in mind the numbers vary by source and by window, and that is exactly why local market knowledge matters. Countywide, Redfin pegs Cuyahoga County's median sale price near $234,000 for the three months ending September 2026, up 8.6% year over year, with homes selling in about 28 days and roughly 30% of sales closing above list price, while Zillow's county average home value sits near $223,555, up 3.4%. Cleveland.com's first-half 2026 sales analysis found the median for suburban homes in Cuyahoga County climbed to about $236,400, with the median topping $300,000 in more than half of the county's communities. The net picture into November: Westlake values are holding, buyers have more choices than they have had in two years, and homes that are priced right and presented well still move quickly. It is a healthy, maturing market that rewards strategy over guesswork.
What does this mean for you? If you are selling in Westlake, the market still favors well-priced homes in great condition, but pricing strategy matters more now than it did a year ago. A home priced right with strong professional presentation can still generate competition in the first couple of weeks. If you are buying, you are facing competition, but with inventory ticking up from the lows of 2024 and 2025 you also have more to choose from, and homes that linger do get adjusted. The key is having someone on your side who reads the local data, not just the national headlines.
Want a personalized look at the Westlake market? Call us at (440) 935-0341 or send us a message. We are happy to pull the latest Westlake comps and market data for your specific needs.
What Makes Westlake Desirable
Westlake has become one of western Cuyahoga County's most sought-after communities for good reason. Here is what makes it stand out:
Top-Rated Schools
Westlake City Schools consistently rank among the best in Ohio. Earning an A+ grade on Niche and a 10/10 on PublicSchoolReview, this district is one of the primary reasons families choose Westlake over neighboring communities year after year.
Location & Commute
Just 15 miles west of downtown Cleveland, Westlake offers one of the most convenient commutes in the region. At 15-25 minutes via I-90, you can be downtown for work or entertainment before most people finish their morning coffee. The Ohio Turnpike is a few minutes north, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is barely 15 minutes east.
Thriving Employment Base
Westlake is a major employment hub in its own right. St. John West Shore Hospital, University Hospitals Westlake Health Center, Cleveland Clinic facilities, and a strong professional services sector anchor the local economy. Many residents work right in Westlake, but those who commute have excellent highway options in every direction.
Strong Housing Market
With a median home price around $434,000 (RealtyTrac, Sept 2026), Westlake offers premium housing with consistent appreciation. The market remains competitive: homes go pending in about five days, well-priced properties still draw multiple offers, and strong buyer demand keeps values stable even as inventory ticks up and days on market stretch in the latest readings.
Safe, Established Community
Westlake has a well-earned reputation as one of the safest communities in Cuyahoga County. The city invests heavily in its police, fire, and emergency services, and residents consistently report feeling safe in their neighborhoods at all hours.
Crocker Park & Recreation
Crocker Park is one of the premier mixed-use lifestyle centers in Ohio, offering outdoor shopping, dining, entertainment, and residences in a walkable, pedestrian-friendly setting. Add in Clague Park, Bradley Woods Reservation, and the full-service Westlake Recreation Center, and you have a city that takes quality of life seriously.
Schools in Westlake
If I had to pick the single biggest reason families move to Westlake, it would be the schools. Westlake City Schools are widely recognized as one of the best school districts in Ohio, and the accolades are not just marketing fluff — third-party rankings consistently place it among the elite. Here is a breakdown:
Westlake City School District
A+ / 5 stars (Ohio Report Card 2026)3,280+ students
Climbed to a five-star rating on Ohio’s 2026 school report cards with a 97.2% four-year graduation rate per the Ohio Department of Education profile, up from 4.5 stars the prior year. Niche gives the district an A+ grade and ranks it #7 among Cleveland-area districts, and PublicSchoolReview rates it 10/10, placing it in the top 10% of public school districts in the state.
Westlake High School
A (Niche)1,000+ students
Ranked #988 nationally by U.S. News (score 94.49/100) and #37 in Ohio and #9 in the Cleveland area by Niche. Strong college preparatory programs, award-winning performing arts, and robust athletic programs. Eight Westlake High students advanced to National Merit Finalist status in spring 2026, and the fall 2026 cycle kept the streak going: in September the school announced nine honorees from the class of 2027, including two National Merit Semifinalists and seven Commended Scholars. The National Honor Society also inducted 80 new members on October 22, and the WCPTA Food and Toiletry Drive with the district collected 7,374 items for local families.
Westlake Middle School
A (Niche)700+ students
Consistently strong academic scores in state assessments with a focus on STEM education and character development programs. Highly rated by both parents and educators.
Looking for specific school data or boundary maps? We can help connect you with the right resources. Call us at (440) 935-0341 and we will point you in the right direction.
Community Highlights & Amenities
Westlake is not just a bedroom community for Cleveland. It has a thriving identity of its own — with Crocker Park as the region's premier lifestyle center, fantastic park systems, and a city government that invests in quality-of-life amenities.
Crocker Park & Shopping
Crocker Park is the heart of Westlake's retail and social scene. This 120-acre mixed-use lifestyle center is something special — it is not just a shopping mall, it is a walkable neighborhood with retail stores, restaurants, offices, apartments, and public gathering spaces all woven together. You will find everything from national retailers to boutique shops, with landscaped pedestrian streets that make it feel more like a small downtown than a commercial development.
Beyond Crocker Park, Westlake has the Promenade at Crocker Park for additional retail, plus convenient access to all the shopping along Detroit Road and Center Ridge Road. The city has done a remarkable job balancing commercial development with residential neighborhoods — you are never far from what you need, but you never feel like you are living in a commercial zone.
Dining & Entertainment
Westlake's dining scene punches well above its weight. Crocker Park alone boasts an impressive lineup: Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse for upscale steak and seafood, Kitchen Social for elevated American fare, Wild Mango for Asian-inspired dishes, Brassica for Middle Eastern street food, Aladdin's Eatery for Mediterranean, Brio Tuscan Grille for Italian, Barroco for Latin-inspired cuisine, and Yard House for a lively bar and grill experience.
Beyond Crocker Park, you will find local favorites like Carrabba's Italian Grill and Houlihan's, plus quick-service options and local cafes throughout the city. The Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, located nearby in Bay Village, offers family-friendly educational exhibits and a planetarium. And being just 15 minutes from downtown Cleveland, world-class entertainment, sports, and cultural venues are always within reach.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Westlake takes its parks and recreation seriously. Clague Park is the city's signature green space, featuring walking trails around a scenic duck pond, playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, and Peterson Pool for summer swim. Bradley Woods Reservation, part of the Cleveland Metroparks system, offers nearly 100 acres of hiking trails around Bunns Lake and is a designated monarch butterfly waystation.
The Westlake Recreation Center is a full-service facility with indoor running tracks, a fitness room, an aquatics center, and a fishing pond. Westlake Porter Public Library hosts community events, author talks, and programs for all ages throughout the year. And the proximity to Lake Erie means residents are just minutes from lakefront parks and marinas in nearby Bay Village and Rocky River.
Community Events & Traditions
Westlake knows how to bring the community together. The Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks, starting at Westlake High School and heading to Clague Park, is a highlight of the summer. Crocker Park hosts Liberty Fest with July Fourth festivities, and the Summer Concerts in the Park series draws families to enjoy live music through the warm months. The annual Lenten Fish Fry is a local tradition, and the Westlake Porter Public Library and Clague Playhouse keep the cultural calendar full year-round.
The calendar is full as the community heads into the holidays. Saturday, November 7, The Gathering Place hosts a free half-day survivorship symposium, "The Next Chapter: Life Beyond Cancer," for anyone navigating life after treatment. On Tuesday, November 10, the city's Lunch and Learn series at Huntington Woods (27705 Westchester Parkway) takes on "Understanding Arthritis" at 11:30 a.m. Veterans Day lands Wednesday, November 11, with city offices closed and the community honoring those who served. Saturday, November 14 is the big one: the Westlake Porter Public Library's annual Health Fair brings free health screenings, wellness programs, and a wellness-basket raffle, and that evening La Centre hosts the Mayor's 250th Celebration Ball, the finale of the city's year-long celebration of America's 250th anniversary with Mayor Dennis Clough. City Council holds its regular meeting Monday, November 16, followed by the Planning Commission on November 19. Crocker Park lights up for the holidays on Saturday, November 21, when the annual Tree Lighting at Center Circle (189 Crocker Park Blvd) runs 4 to 8 p.m.: Santa arrives at 7 p.m. to light the 50-foot tree, with live music from Apostle Jones, Cleveland Ballet performers, kids' face painting, games and giveaways, and food trucks including Cousins Maine Lobster, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Bistro on the Go 216, all hosted by Star 102's Jen and Tim. The festive run continues with the Holiday Ice & Lights Festival at Crocker Park over Thanksgiving weekend, November 27 to 29. The library rounds out the month too: a talk on picky eating and problem feeding on Tuesday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m., and "Future Ohio: Building 2076 with LEGO Bricks" on Monday, November 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Crocker Park Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November 28 at the Fidelity Investments parking lot (1800 Crocker Road), and it accepts SNAP benefits with up to a $25 match. City offices close November 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving, which also lands on the farmers market's final weekend of the season. October wrapped just as busy, with Crocker Park's Halloween Fun and Tricks & Treats celebration, the free fall family festival at the Recreation Center grounds, and the Haunted Trail walk on Thursday, October 29. Add in "Coffee with a Vet" at the Connection Café, the City of Westlake Community Run, and the Safety & Wellness Fair hosted with University Hospitals at the Rec Center, and there is always something happening in Westlake.
Westlake has also been making news for the right reasons. The police station renovation moved a major step forward on October 1, when City Council authorized Mayor Dennis Clough to sign a construction contract with High Line Building Group, clearing the way for work to begin on the 30-plus-year-old station after a water main break and flood, a project officials have said could cost up to $2.7 million. City Council has stayed busy since. On October 15 it approved about $62,000 in Service Department track-loader repairs, and at its November 5 meeting Council passed Ordinance 2026-121, an emergency measure regulating e-bikes, electric scooters, and other low-speed micromobility devices after a spike in crashes. The ordinance bans riders under 14 outright and requires helmets for riders under 18, a step Council President Dave Greenspan backed after a string of close calls on city streets. Westlake voters also weighed Issue 106 at the November 3 election, a rezoning proposal covering four properties on Center Ridge Road. And ground was broken in late October on Westlake Elevated, a four-building industrial and office condominium development by the L7 Group along Ranney Parkway near Crocker Park, where small businesses buy their space rather than lease it; Phase 1 opened nine units for purchase, with the smallest priced under $300,000. Earlier this year Council also advanced a "paid party ban" for large ticketed residential parties, accepted federal grant money to plan the Crocker Road and I-90 interchange, and approved a $175,000 traffic safety plan. Westlake police devices helped bring two pursuits to a safe end in early October, and the city introduced IMS, a new online community-development software system announced in August, to make city services and records easier for residents to access. The Westlake Community Services Center marked its five-year anniversary this summer, two young Westlake brothers, both Safety Town graduates, were honored at Fire Station 1 in July after alerting their mother to a fire at the Barrington Place apartment complex, and residents, businesses, and organizations have been planting flowers along the Hilliard Boulevard median, with City Council and Mayor Clough pitching in. Superintendent Scott Goggin has said the school district is financially stable and academically strong despite uncertainty over property-tax reform and school funding, and the district's climb to a five-star rating on Ohio's 2026 report cards backs that up. Eight Westlake High School students advanced to National Merit Finalist status in spring 2026, with more Scholar, Commended, and Semifinalist honors rolling in this fall. That is the thing about Westlake: it is a community that keeps investing in itself, and it shows.
Economy & Employment
Westlake has a strong and diversified local economy with a median household income exceeding $112,000. Healthcare anchors the employment base: St. John West Shore Hospital, University Hospitals Westlake Health Center, and Cleveland Clinic facilities provide thousands of well-paying jobs. The professional services, technology, and retail sectors round out the economy, with Crocker Park alone supporting a significant number of jobs in retail, dining, and office space.
For commuters, Westlake's location is hard to beat. I-90 runs right through the city, providing direct access to downtown Cleveland in 15-25 minutes. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is about a 15-minute drive east. The Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90) is just north of the city, making regional travel in any direction straightforward. You are close enough to everything Northeast Ohio offers, with the space and quality of life that defines Westlake.
Why Work With The Pinnacle Post Team in Westlake?
There are a lot of agents who work in western Cuyahoga County. Here is what makes us different, and why our clients say they are glad they chose us.
We Talk to the Other Agent First
Before reviewing offers with our clients, we pick up the phone. We call the buyer's agent, do our homework, and understand the full picture. That groundwork means when we sit down with you, you're fully informed.
Attention to Detail
The little things matter. From curb appeal to contract language, we catch what others miss. It is our hallmark, and it protects our clients every single time.
In-Depth Offer Reviews
We do not just email you a document to e-sign. We sit down, walk through every term, every contingency, and every number. You will understand exactly what you are agreeing to.
We Play Well With Others
Real estate is a collaborative business. Other agents know they can work with us professionally and productively. That reputation means smoother transactions for our clients.
Peace of Mind Is Worth It
We may not be the cheapest agent you will meet. But our clients consistently tell us the peace of mind we deliver is well worth the investment. You are protected. You are informed. You are never alone in the process.
We Address Fears Head-On
Buying or selling a home is emotional. It is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, and it is natural to have concerns. We meet those fears with knowledge, experience, and honest communication every step of the way.
Your Vision. Our Expertise. An Exceptional Experience.
Whether you are buying your first home in Westlake, selling a family home you have loved for years, or relocating from out of state, we bring the same level of care and attention to every client.
Nearby Communities
Westlake sits within a region of connected communities. If you are comparing towns, or you work, shop, or go to school across the area, these neighbors are worth a look:
Frequently Asked Questions About Westlake
How long is the commute from Westlake to Cleveland?
About 15 miles, roughly 15 to 25 minutes via I-90, with Crocker Park and easy access to the West Side and Cleveland Hopkins Airport.
Get your Westlake home value
Wondering what your home is worth in today's Westlake market? Tell us a little about your situation and we will pull the latest comps and send you a personalized, no-pressure estimate.
Prefer to talk now? Call Gary at (440) 935-0341.
Let's Talk About
Westlake
Whether you are ready to buy, sell, or just exploring what Westlake has to offer, we are here to help. No pressure. No hard sell. Just honest answers from people who know the market.
Or call us directly: (440) 935-0341 (Gary) or (440) 759-3279 (Kelly)