About Parma
Parma is a large city and one of the most heavily populated suburbs in Cleveland, Ohio. Situated along Lake Erie, it's part of larger Cuyahoga County. Parma is home to a number of Ukrainian and Polish villages, adding a unique cultural character to the city. It's also been ranked among the top three safest large cities in the U.S.
The History of Parma
New Yorker Benaiah Fay and his family were the first people to settle in the area now known as Parma. They named their new neighborhood after Parma, New York, which in turn was named after Parma, Italy. Parma was built on the back of a thriving agriculture industry, and in 1924, it was officially incorporated as a village. Its population grew rapidly after World War II, when many Polish and Eastern European people moved to the area from nearby Cleveland.
Image via Flickr by abardwell
Living and Working in Parma
This Cleveland suburb boasts a convenient location, affordable housing and excellent recreational facilities, all of which have made it a popular community in the region. It's extremely low crime rate and well-rated schools attract families to the area, especially those looking for a tight-knit community. You'll also find many shopping districts in Parma, ranging from the modern Shoppes at Parma to the unique, very walkable Ukranian Village.
Parma has a thriving economy thanks to the presence of numerous high-profile companies, including Cox Cable Television, General Motors and Union Carbide Research Center. The sales, office and administrative support sector is particularly strong, providing a large number of jobs for Parma locals. There is also a significant number of local jobs in production, transportation and materials moving as well as in the management, business and finance sectors.
Businesses are attracted to Parma for its central location, excellent safety and security record and supportive business environment. The local government's "Progress Through Partnerships" motto exemplifies its commitment to local business ventures, and the city has been successful in becoming a hub of small business.
Parma Schools
Parma City School District oversees the education of K-12 students in Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills. Constellation Charter Schools offers a campus in Parma, and there are several private schools in the city. Post-secondary campuses include Bryant & Stratton College and Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus.
Resources for Moving to Parma
Here's some helpful information to make your move to Parma as hassle-free as possible:
- Utilities: Columbia Gas, The Illuminating Co. and the Cleveland water department are Parma's major utilities providers.
- Garbage and Recycling: Collection services are provided for trash, recyclables and yard waste. You can also take advantage of scheduled bulky item pick-up.
- Transportation: The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operates public bus, rail and trolley routes throughout the metro area.
Parma Housing
Properties in Parma are very affordable, with a median home value that's well below the national average. A large percentage of properties in the city were built in the 1950s, and some were even built earlier. In contrast, less than 5 percent of Parma dwellings were constructed in the 21st century.
