Have you ever been in the room when a negative comment leaves someone else’s lips sounding like, “Cleveland is the mistake on the Lake,” or “There is really nothing special about Cleveland”? 

Hurts your heart a bit, right?

Engage! Cleveland knows the importance of celebrating Cleveland, and how a good reputation can drive attraction and retention of the next generation of Clevelanders. 

According to the 2023 State of the Young Professional Community Report (SYPCR), a survey Engage! Cleveland conducts bi-annually to get a finger on the pulse of the early to mid-career professional community in Cleveland, a whopping 91% of respondents had a positive view of Cleveland, but only 27% of those respondents said they were “cheerleaders” of Cleveland, with the remaining respondents being passive, or negative.

To shine a spotlight on the Clevelanders who are actively making a difference in our community, we’re excited to start sharing their stories—aiming to challenge and change the current perception.

This month we would like to introduce Niki Farahmand, Cleveland transplant, accessibility advocate, and passionate content creator. We chatted with Niki about the reasons she believes Cleveland is the place to be. Read her full story below, and connect with her on social media, Instagram or TikTok: @layof_theland. 

EC: Thanks for sitting down with us Niki, we are excited to get to know you better. Tell us a little more about yourself before we dive in.

NF: Thanks for having me, I am excited to be here and talk all things Cleveland. Well, my name is Niki Farahmand and I am the content creator behind Lay of the Land, a social media page that highlights Cleveland’s hidden gems—designed for those who feel anxious about trying new places or stepping out of their comfort zones. We make exploring the city feel familiar, welcoming, and accessible.

EC: Do you currently work and/or live in Cleveland?

NF: Yes! I live in Ohio City and love it!

EC: How long have you worked or lived in Cleveland?

NF: Almost 3 years.

EC: How would you describe yourself? A Cleveland transplant, boomerang, or life-long resident.

NF: I’m a Cleveland transplant. Cleveland is city #5 for me. I’ve moved quite a bit, so the fact that Cleveland’s kept me in one place for 3 years means a lot!

EC: What is it about Cleveland that makes you feel at home here, and why do you choose to live in this city over other places?

NF: Cleveland is full of hidden gems, it’s diverse, and it’s affordable. A lot of things make it feel like home: sunsets on the lake, the local coffee shop knowing your name and order, the all around sense of community. Through my page, Lay of the Land, I’ve been able to showcase just how welcoming the city really is.

EC: Can you describe your favorite neighborhood or area in Cleveland? What makes it special to you, and how does it reflect your connection to the city?  

NF: My favorite neighborhood in Cleveland is where I live, Ohio City. It’s walkable and full of locally owned businesses. I can grab coffee from Lekko before roaming West Side Market, or heading to Edgewater Park. That mix of community, convenience, and culture is what makes Ohio City special to me. 

EC: Cleveland has a rich history and culture. What part of the city’s history or culture do you connect with most, and how does that shape your view of Cleveland today?  

NF: I connect with Cleveland’s support for locally owned small businesses. There’s a strong entrepreneurial spirit here. That’s just one reason I started Lay of the Land, to support those businesses and help people feel more connected to the faces behind them. I’ve been able to witness just how much these small businesses shape Cleveland’s identity. 

EC: What are some of your favorite places to visit in Cleveland, whether for leisure, food, or entertainment? Why do these spots stand out to you?  

NF: I never get tired of this question. Ready Set Coffee, Edgewater Park, Literary Tavern, All Saints Public House, Mason’s Creamery, Bella Luna Bakery, Funhouse, Doinks Burger Joint, Happy Dog, Twist, West Side Market, Ice or Rice in AsiaTown, Paradise Galleria, Tabletop… I could go on and on. These spots aren’t just unique, but are also welcoming of all Clevelanders whether you grew up here, or have chosen to call it home.

EC: If you’ve lived in other cities, how does Cleveland compare? Are there specific aspects of Cleveland that you think are better or unique compared to those places?  

NF: I’ve lived in Roanoke, Richmond, Salt Lake City, and Atlanta. Each city had something special to offer, but Cleveland stands out to me for three main reasons. First, the small business scene here is incredibly collaborative. Every week, I see local businesses teaming up for an event, a product, or pop-up. It gives, “we’re in this together” vibes. Second, Cleveland is more affordable, which allows creatives and entrepreneurs room to take risks. And third, having access to the water adds something really special to the quality of life here.

EC: Cleveland has a passionate sports community. How does being a fan of Cleveland’s sports teams (or the city’s overall sports culture) enhance your experience of the city?  

NF: I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest sports fan and yet I still love living in Cleveland. I think that says a lot about how special this city is. That being said, the energy around sports here is unmatched. Even as a casual fan, you get swept up in the sense of pride sports bring to Cleveland. I moved to Cleveland from Salt Lake City the same time Donovan came to the Cavs, and I like to joke we moved here together 🙂

EC: How do you typically spend a weekend in Cleveland? Are there any local events or activities that you never miss?  

NF: If local businesses are collaborating in any way, I’ll be there. Pride, the Asian Festival, Taste of Tremont, and markets like Manic Pixie Dream Market are all musts. 

EC: What would you say to someone who is thinking about moving to Cleveland? What do you think they should know about the city and its people before making the move?  

NF: You’ll be surprised by how much it has to offer. From the food scene to the parks, arts, sports, and the small business community. Cleveland’s always had a rough reputation, so I understand the hesitation. I was hesitant to move here myself. But you just have to come here to realize there’s so much more here than people expect.

EC: In what ways do you celebrate Cleveland—whether through its festivals, local businesses, or other cultural traditions?

NF: I celebrate Cleveland through my platform, Lay of the Land. I create videos for people who feel anxious visiting new places, or for people who simply like to have all the details beforehand. Whether I’m creating step-by-step video guides to help people feel more comfortable exploring new spots, or collaborating with local business owners to share their stories – it’s all about making the city feel accessible, welcoming and exciting.

EC:  What’s your personal way of showing love for the city?  

NF: Through Lay of the Land, I’ve created a community that helps shape the way people experience Cleveland. I’m on a mission to make sure everyone feels like they truly belong. My step-by-step video guides take the stress and uncertainty out of exploring new places, empowering people to step outside their comfort zones and discover the best the city has to offer. As more people find confidence in exploring new spots, businesses naturally benefit. I receive messages from followers with visual impairments saying that explaining the layout of a location is helpful for them. I also receive messages from followers saying they look to my page when searching for a comfortable place to take their older parents for dinner. Recently, a follower told me they choose first date spots from Lay of the Land’s page so they can eliminate the new place nerves and focus on the first date nerves instead. I’m forever thankful for being welcomed by the Cleveland community so I can continue to help make it a more welcoming, inclusive place for everyone.

EC: What are some ways our audience can engage with you or your work? 

NF: You can follow me on Instagram or TikTok: @layof_theland

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