When one thinks of a location with a zip in Cleveland, negative images can come to mind. For a long time, Cleveland was a favorite target of the mass media. Many broadcasts made fun of our city, even calling it the Mistake on the Lake and suggesting that one would be better off buying an Illinois spa package than taking a trip to Cleveland.

The fact is, Cleveland has never been as bad as the media would like people to believe, and has only been getting better over the years. Our real estate is among the most affordable in the entire country, particularly among cities with similar populations. An urban revitalization project, has made the downtown Cleveland area one of the safest in the nation. It's a great place to find organic baby lotion, home entertainment systems, and anything else you might be shopping for.

For those thinking about visiting or living in our city, two recommendations stand out. The first is the ranking of the city in the Economist magazine in 2005, which tied Cleveland with Pittsburgh as America's most livable city. That means we have come a long way in cleaning up the entire city, using the expertise of a London architect and others to give our core a new appearance, and providing better services for our citizens.

Cleveland has also been ranked the best city in continental America for business meetings as well. That means that any company can expect to have a fruitful getaway when they come to our city, whether they manufacture aquarium filters or stereo systems.

For those interested in culture and the fine arts, Cleveland has a lot to satisfy. Many people outside of the classical music world don't realize just how important the city is on this particular music scene. The rise of alternative radio and R&B may have distracted younger generations from the joys of the symphony, but you really can't beat the live, thundering sound an orchestra has to offer. It just so happens that the Cleveland Orchestra has a reputation of being one of the finest in the world, and definitely one of the top five in the United States.

Cleveland is also home to several art galleries and museums, as well as various performing arts groups. Karamu House is one of the leading fine arts organizations for African Americans in the entire country.

Of course, one can't mention Cleveland's attractions without mentioning the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Located on the North Coast Harbor downtown, the Hall is a beautiful tribute to modern architecture and includes some of the most important exhibits in modern rock history.