Parma is both Cleveland’s largest suburb and one of Ohio’s biggest cities, a historic destination with an unmistakably multicultural atmosphere and a convenient location on the southern edge of Cleveland. It boasts a lively Ukrainian Village, a bustling Polish Village and Cleveland’s large shopping mall, Shoppes at Parma. Parma’s excellent transport connections also make it a popular base for exploring the wider Cuyahoga County area.
The city of Parma is less than 10 kilometres from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, tucked between the main suburbs and cities of Ohio, with Cleveland and Brooklyn to the north and Brook Park to the west. Historic sites have been well preserved, including Henninger House from 1849 and many other 19th century buildings that form the informal Quarry Creek Historic District. Nature is found at West Creek Watershed and various parks dotted through the city.
It takes less than 20 minutes to travel between Parma and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport by taxi. Regular buses provide transport between downtown Cleveland and Parma, including express services along Broadview Road. Once within Parma, it’s relatively easy to get around on foot, or by using the extensive local bus system.
Parma takes its name from the Italian city of Parma. The first settlement on the land had been called Greenbriar, but when construction of a new township began in 1826, a local doctor persuaded the inhabitants that a new name was required and that the surrounding natural splendour reminded one of Parma.