Parma OH

Parma – A welcoming suburb just outside Cleveland, Parma, Ohio blends small-town charm with big-city convenience. Known for its strong sense of community, rich Eastern European roots, and family-friendly vibe, Parma offers a peaceful place to live, visit, and explore. With plenty of green parks, local eateries, and cultural spots, Parma invites you to slow down and enjoy the comforts of Midwest life.

• Population: ~77,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold winters (20-35°F), warm summers (70-85°F), colorful falls, and blossoming springs.
• Places To Visit: West Creek Reservation, Ukrainian Village, Shoppes at Parma, Ridgewood Golf Course, Parma Snow Library.
• Top Activities: Strolling through local festivals, hiking metroparks, shopping at local boutiques, attending car shows, exploring cultural heritage sites.
• Famous Food: Pierogies from local Polish spots, kielbasa and sauerkraut, stuffed cabbage rolls, and classic Midwest diner fare.

Parma, OH is a suburb of Cleveland and one of the largest cities in Cuyahoga County. Known for its strong community and proximity to Cleveland’s growing economy, Parma offers professionals a stable job market with a focus on healthcare, manufacturing, education, and public services. Here are some of the top jobs driving employment in Parma today.

Top 5 Jobs in Parma, OH

Parma, OH, may not have the bustling reputation of a big city, but it offers a variety of places for students to kick back, relax, and enjoy themselves. Whether you're into nature, good food, or a chill café atmosphere, Parma has something relaxing for everyone.

West Creek Reservation – Perfect for hiking and picnics, this beautiful park offers trails, wildlife, and plenty of spots to relax with a good book.

Pleasant Valley Shopping Center – With a mix of stores, eateries, and casual hangouts, it's a great place to spend an afternoon or catch up with friends over coffee.

Big Creek Parkway – Take a scenic bike ride or walk along the trails. It's a peaceful escape from the city hustle and an ideal spot to unwind.

Ridgewood Golf Course – If you're into golf, this public course is not only affordable but also a fantastic way to unwind and enjoy some fresh air.

CUDA Lounge – A vibrant spot to enjoy live music, great food, and a fun atmosphere with classmates or new friends.

Cafes like Koffie Café – Embrace the cozy vibe at local cafes. With delicious beverages and pastries, it's an excellent place to study or catch up with friends.

Parma, Ohio, is located in the Greater Cleveland area and offers access to top-ranked colleges and universities. Students in this region benefit from excellent educational opportunities in fields such as healthcare, business, technology, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Parma

Cuyahoga Community College (Western Campus) – Located in Parma, this large community college provides affordable associate's degrees and certificates in fields such as nursing, digital arts, and business. It’s known for its workforce training and transfer programs.

Cleveland State University – Just a short drive from Parma, CSU is a public research university with strong programs in engineering, education, business, and law. It's especially recognized for its partnerships with healthcare and industry leaders in Northeast Ohio.

Kent State University – With multiple campuses across the region, including nearby Strongsville and downtown Cleveland, Kent State offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Popular majors include criminal justice, health sciences, and education.

University of Akron – Accessible from Parma, this public research university offers nationally ranked programs in polymer science, engineering, and business. It is a leading institution for innovation and workforce development in northeast Ohio.

Bowling Green State University – Firelands – While not located directly in Parma, this branch campus is within reasonable driving distance and offers flexible learning options. It's known for academic support, small class sizes, and access to BGSU’s full campus resources.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Parma

Baldwin Wallace University – Located in nearby Berea, this respected liberal arts university is known for its music conservatory, business programs, and health sciences. It offers a supportive environment with a strong focus on student success.

John Carroll University – A Jesuit Catholic university in University Heights, it is highly regarded for programs in business, education, and political science. The school emphasizes ethical leadership and community service.

Case Western Reserve University – One of the top private research universities in the nation, Case Western is located just 25 minutes from Parma. It is renowned for its engineering, law, medicine, and management programs.

Notre Dame College – Situated in South Euclid, this small Catholic college offers personalized education and strong programs in nursing, education, and business. It prides itself on engaging students in leadership and service learning.

Ursuline College – Located in Pepper Pike, Ursuline is a women-focused liberal arts college with co-ed graduate programs. It specializes in nursing, social work, and education, offering a mission-driven approach to higher education rooted in values-based learning.

Parma, OH is home to a variety of high schools dedicated to student growth, academic achievement, and preparing young learners for future success. Whether families seek a comprehensive public education or a specialized private school environment, Parma offers strong choices in both areas.

Top Public High Schools in Parma, OH

• Normandy High School – A long-standing school known for its commitment to academic improvement, career-technical programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
• Valley Forge High School – Offers a broad curriculum with advanced placement (AP) courses, strong music and arts programs, and strong support services for students.
• Parma Senior High School – Though it was consolidated recently, its legacy emphasized academic rigor, student engagement, and college readiness within the Parma City School District.
• Padua Franciscan High School (Chartered as Private but accessible by public means) – While technically private, many local families use scholarships for access; known for its tech integration and faith-based structure.
• Cuyahoga Valley Career Center – A public option for high schoolers across several districts, including Parma. Offers hands-on training and career education in health, technology, and engineering fields.

Top Private High Schools in Parma, OH

• Padua Franciscan High School – A Franciscan college-preparatory school with a strong focus on academics, spiritual development, and leadership opportunities.
• Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School – A small private school offering education through Grade 8 that often feeds into elite area high schools, emphasizing a values-driven, faith-based education.
• Holy Name High School (Parma Heights) – Just outside Parma, this Catholic school offers a college-prep curriculum, honors and AP courses, and robust athletic and arts programs.
• St. Joseph Academy (nearby Cleveland) – Though located slightly outside Parma, this all-girls school draws many Parma residents and earns high marks for academic focus and student leadership programs.
• Trinity High School (Garfield Heights) – A nearby Catholic high school that partners with Parma families, offering internship programs and academic pathways in STEM, health sciences, and humanities.

Parma, Ohio, does not have any professional sports teams of its own, but the city is part of the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area, which is home to several major professional sports franchises. Residents of Parma are passionate fans who actively follow and support these Cleveland teams across all major leagues.

🏀 Basketball – Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)

• Cleveland Cavaliers – The Cavs made history by winning their first NBA championship in 2016, defeating the Golden State Warriors in a dramatic seven-game series. This victory was led by local hero LeBron James, along with stars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. The team plays its home games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in downtown Cleveland.

⚾ Baseball – Cleveland Guardians (MLB)

• Cleveland Guardians – Formerly known as the Cleveland Indians, the franchise has a long and rich history dating back to 1901. The team has won two World Series titles (1920 and 1948) and has made several playoff appearances in recent years. The Guardians play at Progressive Field, known for its fan-friendly atmosphere and beautiful downtown backdrop.

🏈 Football – Cleveland Browns (NFL)

• Cleveland Browns – One of the oldest and most storied teams in the NFL, the Browns have a dedicated fan base known as the “Dawg Pound.” They’ve won four NFL championships (1950, 1954, 1955, and 1964), though these were all before the Super Bowl era. The team plays at Cleveland Browns Stadium along the Lake Erie shoreline.

🏒 Hockey – Cleveland Monsters (AHL)

• Cleveland Monsters – While not an NHL team, the Monsters are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. They play their home games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and won the Calder Cup championship in 2016. The team is a proud part of the local sports culture and draws strong support from fans in Parma and surrounding areas.

⚽ Soccer – Cleveland SC (NPSL)

• Cleveland SC – Competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), this semi-professional soccer team represents the Cleveland area and has built a loyal following. Although not a top-tier club, teams like Cleveland SC help grow the sport in the region and provide exciting grassroots soccer action.

While Parma may not host its own professional sports teams, the city is deeply connected to Cleveland’s athletic identity. Fans in Parma proudly support their regional teams, making game days a major event in the community.

Parma, Ohio may be a suburb of Cleveland, but it has a charm all its own. With deep roots in local history and a strong sense of community, Parma is full of fun facts you might not expect. Here are 10 interesting things about this Ohio gem:

1. First Settlement in 1816 – Parma started as a small farming village and was officially founded in 1816, making it over 200 years old.
2. “Polka Capital” Vibes – With a large Eastern European population, Parma has a strong connection to Polka music and traditions that influence its local culture.
3. Home of Mr. Chicken – The beloved Ohio fast food chain Mr. Chicken got its start here and remains a local favorite for comfort food.
4. Cleveland Metroparks – Parma features entrances to the beautiful West Creek Reservation, ideal for hiking, biking, and nature watching.
5. Historic Homes – You can still find houses here from the 1800s, offering a glimpse into Parma's early days as a rural escape from Cleveland.
6. Unique City Hall – Parma’s City Hall stands out with its mid-century modern architecture, making it one of the few civic buildings of its design in the area.
7. No Downtown? No Problem! – Unlike many cities, Parma doesn’t have a traditional downtown, but it brings locals together through shopping centers and parks instead.
8. Famous Pink Flamingos – In the 1980s, locals placed pink plastic flamingos in their yards as a fun response to critics, turning them into a quirky city symbol.
9. Biggest Suburb – Parma is the largest suburb of Cleveland and the seventh-largest city in Ohio with over 80,000 residents.
10. Broadview Theater Legacy – Once a local hotspot, the historic Broadview Theater served Parma for decades and is fondly remembered by longtime residents.