Purportedly, the selection of young Lorenzo's middle name was due to its derivation from the "father of democracy", Solon, the lawmaker of Ancient Greece.

[7] The early settlers faced challenges common to pioneers, but in Solon, drainage and wetlands issues complicated settlement and agriculture.

[citation needed] Because of nearby Cleveland's position as a national hub of the railroad industry, rail also contributed greatly to Solon's growth.

[citation needed] Laid out in a traditional New England plan, Solon, like many of the neighboring townships, established a public square in its town center.

Further, the city has primarily concentrated its commercial and retail districts in the town center, making them convenient to all residents.

US 422 enables easy access to many points throughout Northeast Ohio, providing a corridor extending from Cleveland through Solon and beyond Warren into Pennsylvania.

[9] Solon lies in a humid continental climate zone (Köppen Dfa) and has four distinct seasons, from hot summers to cold and snowy winters.

Solon experiences relatively high precipitation (an average of 42.78 inches (1,087 mm) annually) due to lake effect and its presence on the western end of the North American snowbelt.

Although Solon is a suburb of Cleveland, it has an employment base sufficient to support its residential population and thus should not be considered a bedroom community.

Major employers include: Nestlé (headquarters of Stouffer Foods), Swagelok, Pentair, Signature of Solon Country Club, Keithley Instruments and Arrow Electronics.

The Robbins Company, a leading international manufacturer of tunnel boring machines founded in 1952, is headquartered in Solon.

The center holds a program for seniors entitled "Act II: Aging Creatively through the Arts," for those over 55 interested in theater or music.

[20] The city is also home to the Solon Philharmonic Orchestra, and hosts an annual Young Artists Concerto Competition.

[21] Established in 1968 in the old Disciple Church, the Solon Historical Society maintains a museum with artifacts from the 1800s through the 1900s, many of which serve as memorials to the city founders.