In Brooklyn, middle-class America is living
the good life. This close-knit community of
11,700 boasts many of the fringe benefits
that normally come only with higher-priced
homes -- and taxes. For one, the Brooklyn
Recreation Department -- which has won national
awards for its programs -- offers residents a rec
center complete with ice rink, indoor-outdoor
swimming pools, steam and sauna rooms, high-tech
exercise machines, racquetball courts and batting
cages. And then there's the Brooklyn branch of the
Cuyahoga County Public Library, which has perks you don't
find just anywhere -- like a toy-lending library for
parents on tight budgets with children who like a little
variety.
The community's older adults reap the benefits of city
services. The Brooklyn Senior Center is the hub of the city's
senior programs and activities, medical screenings,
transportation services and weekly luncheons. The city also
offers grass-cutting and snow-removal services to seniors
who qualify -- at the bargain price of $5 a season. Young
folks also receive special attention in Brooklyn. The public
schools spend $7,689 per student each year, and the
investment appears to be paying off -- 98.8 percent
graduate, and 76 percent go on to college.
Most homes in Brooklyn, which spans 4.5 square miles, are
30-year-old bungalows or ranches; you'll also find some
colonials, split levels and duplexes in the mix. Several new
upscale housing developments are also under way and
apartment availability is fair to good. Brooklyn's thriving
retail and industrial community means taxes stay low -- only
62.9 mills. One of the many perks of living in Brooklyn is the
convenient location -- only 6 miles southwest of Public
Square and 8 miles from Cleveland Hopkins International
Airport.
If shopping's your thing, Parmatown Mall is a mere three
miles away. Brooklyn boasts some decent shopping and
eateries of its own -- be sure to check out Ridge Park
Square and Biddulph Plaza. But if you're searching for
something unique, don't look too hard here. Most of the
stores and restaurants are chains, like Marc's, Dress Barn,
Boston Market and Applebee's. More recent development on Tiedeman Road
has led to additional dining options such as T.G.I.Fridays, Carrabba's Italian Grille, Chipotle,
Panera, Don Pablo's, and Cracker Barrell.
A couple of
lesser-known attractions -- like Mr. Fun's Costume and
Magic Emporium on Ridge Road, which is the place for lava
lamps and plastic beads that you can hang in your doorways
a la "Rhoda." And then there's Rockne's, a regional
restaurant chain in Ridge Park Square that offers burgers to
write home about, memorable salads and monster portions.
The place is kind of a combo sports bar/Hard Rock Cafe --
without the attitude. Come to think of it, the local hang-out is
a lot like Brooklyn itself-- you get a lot for your money, but
the place -- and the people -- are real.
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