Kirtland is located in the snow belt region of Lake Erie where snowfall averages over 100 inches per year. It is primarily a residential community with over 20% of the land identified as forest preserve or parkland. The Holden Arboretum at 3,500 acres is the largest of these. Lakeland Community College is located in the northern part of the city. Housing stock is a combination of historic homes, new construction, and condominiums set in the rolling hills.

Kirtland students are served by the Kirtland Local School District while a little more than half of Kirtland Hills students attend Kirtland Schools and the remaining portion attend Mentor Public Schools.