Although both natives of the East Coast, Tom and Jill Bazzone relocated from Dallas, TX with their three boys in 2015 for Tom’s new job as COO of Arhaus (did you know Arhaus Furniture is a Cleveland company? A hidden gem that we locals don’t brag about often enough!). Here is their transition story as told by Jill:
Before my visit to Cleveland with Executive Arrangements, I had never even been to Ohio! I had a good friend in Dallas who was from Cleveland (West Side) so what I knew was from her…and all the things you hear about Cleveland that don’t showcase the good things about it. Now that I’m here…Cleveland is a great place to live. It has all the benefits of a big city (arts, culture, sports) in a more compact footprint.
Our EA Guides Peg Furnas and Cari Ross really showed us everything they could in the time allotted. They took into account our concern for our boys (ages 14, 12, and 9) and arranged meetings at schools on the first orientation tour day. They gave us a grand tour of the East Side and downtown Cleveland, showing us all that the town had to offer. I was very surprised at all there was to do in Cleveland and how much renewal had taken place in the city.
We spent our first summer in Cleveland exploring as much as we could. One of the most impressive things is the MetroParks system and how well maintained everything is. We did a lot of hiking and exploring as a family throughout the parks (with and without our dog). We enjoy Merwin’s Wharf in the Flats neighborhood – right on the water and a perfect spot for a summer lunch with the family. There are no shortage of great spots to eat – with and without kids. We always love the Westside Market – there are always new treasures to be found there. We love riding our bikes on the Tow Path, hanging out at the food trucks and listening to music at Wade Oval Wednesdays, and exploring neighborhoods in the city. My youngest son really enjoyed his visit to President Garfield’s Monument and spending time in Lake View Cemetery.
We have also enjoyed access to professional sports – attending Indians and Browns games. We also love spending time in our hometown – Chagrin Falls…eating ice cream from The Popcorn Shop and getting burgers at FlipSide.
