I moved from NYC to Cleveland for a couple years and was shocked at the untapped potential. Just east of downtown, for example, is a warehouse area the size of several Brooklyn neighborhoods that's at least half empty and crying out to be invaded by artists. Rent can be as low as $3.50/sf/yr.

Over time I came to think that part of the problem is that Cleveland lacks the 'being a part of something bigger' you refer to.

I'll say this for Detroit - they're actually making things happen. I hope Cleveland gets some of the same mojo. There are definitely cool people in Cleveland up to good things, but there's not a movement afoot yet.