Parma, OHBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Parma’s warm community atmosphere and convenient location as part of the greater Cleveland area are major draws for residents. Affordable housing, excellent schools and many thriving local businesses contribute to the city’s family-friendly lifestyle.
Parma, OH, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Parma, OH, is the second largest city in Cuyahoga County, with nearly 80,000 residents, and Cleveland’s largest suburb. The city offers easy access to big-city amenities while maintaining a family-friendly town vibe. As a result, Parma has established itself as one of the best places to live in the U.S. with its distinctly down-to-earth Midwestern authenticity and affordable lifestyle.
Located within a short distance of Cleveland’s top universities, such as Cleveland State University and nearby Kent State University, and home to the largest school system in Cuyahoga County (including many highly rated schools), Parma offers fantastic educational opportunities to its residents. In addition, low crime rates and a lovely park system make it an ideal place to live.
Although Parma has long been known as a great place to raise a family, many young professionals find its convenience and affordability enticing. Home to major corporations, such as General Motors, Parma is a hub of industry. Only a short drive from the city, Parma is also an easy commute to downtown Cleveland offices, restaurants, theaters and museums. And yet, with a medium home price of only $138,733, it offers exciting opportunities for first-time homebuyers and young families.
What’s particularly special about Parma is its laid-back, hometown feel. With kitschy lawn flamingos, neighborhood corner bars and family-owned restaurants, its vibe is a little old-school in the best way. With unique neighborhoods like Ukrainian Village and Polish Village hosting community festivals, Lenten fish fries and delicious homemade pierogies, it’s hard not to feel at home here.
Parma, OH Quality of Life LivScore
Parma, OH Top Categories
Amenities
Health
Safety
Parma ranks highest for amenities, health and safety.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Parma, OH
Parma has warm summers and cold, snowy winters. In the summer, expect temperatures around 72°F. However, in July, the hottest month in Parma, things can heat up to an average of 81°F. During the winter season, the average daily temperature is often below 43°F. Bundle up during January, when the average low temperature is 22°F.
The average annual snowfall in Parma is around 54 inches, significantly higher than the national average of 28 inches. The snowy period of the year in Parma is roughly four months, from the end of November to the end of March.
The average annual rainfall in Parma is 39 inches and pretty evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher rain chances from June to August.
Parma averages 162 sunny days a year.
West Creek Reservation, part of the Cleveland Metroparks, offers residents 326 acres of trails for running, hiking and biking. The beautiful terrain includes brooks, watersheds and gorges. Park rangers offer several free and low-cost activities and programming, such as expert-led bird-watching hikes and mountain biking lessons.
Parma Weather
162 days
Average Annual Sun
39 inches
Average Annual Rain
54 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Parma, OH
Perfect for snowy days, Make Believe Family Fun Center offers many indoor activities such as an indoor playground, a ropes course and laser tag. Also, Parma is only a 10-minute drive from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
If you love pink flamingos, then Parma is your place! Neighbors started putting these lawn ornaments in their yards in the 50s, and they’ve become a beloved tradition.
You can’t beat shopping for homemade pierogies at Perla Pierogies in Ukranian Village. Or visit Rudy’s Strudel, located in Polish Village, which has supplied Parma residents with Eastern European specialties for 75 years.
Das Schnitzel Haus is a family-owned restaurant specializing in German food. Get together to share a few beers over authentic, homemade, hearty fare in a friendly and welcoming environment.
The Local and State Economy in Parma, OH
Parma’s top economic sectors include health care, retail and manufacturing. General Motors also operates a metal center in Parma, producing sheet-metal stampings and assemblies for various GM models.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Parma is 8%.
Yes, Ohio has a state income tax.
Parma residents are in good health thanks to various health care providers, including University Hospitals Parma Medical Center and MetroHealth Parma Medical Center, both of which have received high ratings for patient safety, patient experience and clinical outcomes.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities located in Parma, several higher education institutions are within driving distance in nearby Cleveland.
Quick Facts About Parma, OH
- Median Household Income
- $60,727
- Median Home Value
- $140,385
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,447
- Total Population
- 79,721
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $792
- Average Commute
- 22.41 minutes
Affordability, a wide selection of highly-rated schools and low crime rates all contribute to Parma’s ranking as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about living in Parma or consider test-driving a new city before you move there. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
