Cleveland Neighborhoods
“East Side” vs. “West Side”
Clevelanders divide the city into “East side” and “West side,” with the Cuyahoga River being the dividing landmark. Because UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital is on the east side of town, it’s most common for residents to live in the near Eastern suburbs, downtown Cleveland, or in the historic urban Cleveland districts just west of the river. Here’s a quick introduction to some of the most popular neighborhoods.
Cleveland Neighborhoods: East Side
Location: within walking distance of University Hospitals.
The rainforest of Costa Rica and the spiny desert of Madagascar, two exhibits within the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.
University Circle, with its scenic park-like setting, is the cultural center of the city. It is home to more cultural and performing arts institutions within one square mile than anywhere else in the country. Museums include the highly acclaimed Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, as well as the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Cleveland Institute of Music. The magnificent Severance Hall is the home of the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra.
University Circle is also an increasingly popular place to live for those who work nearby. There are a variety of new apartments, townhouses, and condos – many of which offer special incentives for buyers who are employees of non-profit institutions such as University Hospitals. Over the next five years, it is projected that 1,000 new homes will be developed in the form of historic, new urban, and mixed-use projects. (Examples: “Circle 118” and “27 Coltman”).
UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital residents cite Sergio’s (Mediterranean) and Falafel Café (Lebanese) as their favorite eateries in University Circle.
Left: Cleveland Museum of Art. Below: Cleveland trees in fall.
Location: within walking distance of University Hospitals.
Corbo’s and Presti’s, two fantastic Italian bakeries that are located across the street from each other in Little Italy, rival each other to be crowned “Best Bakery” by Rainbow residents. Try them both!
First settled in the late 19th century by Italian artisans, Little Italy (also known as Murray Hill) has retained much of its Old World charm and tight-knit sense of community. Today, it is a bright, colorful neighborhood that houses many of Cleveland’s well-liked Italian restaurants and serves as the center of Italian culture in the Greater Cleveland Area. Some of our favorite Little Italy eateries include Mama Santas and Valentinos (for pizza), Trattoria Roman Gardens (for gnocchi), and Il Bacio (owned and operated by the husband of one of our residents).
The area is also home to many private art galleries and shops. Each August on the Roman Catholic Feast of the Assumption, Little Italy stages an Italian cultural celebration, the Feast of the Assumption Festival.
Because of the proximity to Case Western Reserve University, the neighborhood is a popular place for undergraduate students to live. As such, housing options tend to be limited to apartments and duplexes, owned by independent landlords, which vary in their upkeep. Parking can be a challenge. Yet, given the short walk to the hospital (five minutes), some residents opt to live in Little Italy and take advantage of those precious extra moments of sleep in the mornings!
Location: one to three miles from University Hospitals (five to 10 minute drive at the outskirts; some areas within walking distance)
Above: Cain Park in Cleveland Heights, site of the annual Cain Park Arts Festival and also home to a small outdoor concert venue.
Just up the hill from University Circle, Cleveland Heights is a diverse, progressive, lively suburb. A community of just under 50,000 residents – 53 percent Caucasian and 42 percent African American – the city is a mix of family-friendly neighborhoods, green spaces, and commercial thoroughfares. Due to its proximity to multiple nearby universities and hospitals, Cleveland Heights counts among its residents a large number of young professionals – half have at least a bachelor’s degree, and the median age is just over 30 years. With home prices ranging from $50,000 to more than $1 million (in the historic Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood), there are many residents who choose to purchase a home or townhouse in Cleveland Heights. Those who do so find themselves in good company, as Cleveland Heights is a popular place for all medical residents (not just those in pediatrics). Cleveland Heights is centrally located, with an easy drive to downtown, as well as to outlying suburbs and the malls, shopping centers, and highways.
Cleveland Heights Neighborhoods of Interest:
Overlook Road
Overlook and the intersecting streets are lined with apartment buildings, townhouses, and homes for rent. As the first main thoroughfare outside of Little Italy, within easy walking distance of University Hospitals, it is a neighborhood filled with professional students and residents, and is particularly popular with interns who are new to the area. Many of the older stone apartment buildings have beautiful hardwood floors and large windows. This area is also within walking distance of the Cedar-Fairmount district, which has a small grocery store, banks, several restaurants, a jazz club and coffee shops. Resident favorite eateries on Cedar-Fairmount include Night Town (the jazz club) and Aladdin’s (Lebanese).
Above: Night Town, a popular Cedar-Fairmount jazz club. Right, one of many apartments on Overlook Rd.
Coventry: www.coventryvillage.org
Coventry is an eclectic, walkable neighborhood frequented by area bohemians, students, and families alike. Residents can be found attending summertime street fairs; browsing vintage toys at Big Fun; munching vegetarian fare with the hippie throwbacks at Tommy’s; or relaxing over drinks at one of the many bars on the street. Our favorites on Coventry include Mint Café (Thai), Pacific East (sushi), and the Winking Lizard (pub).
Above: Big Fun vintage toy store and Mac’s books, two Coventry mainstays.
Cedar-Lee: www.cedarlee.org
Some of the residents’ favorite activities on Cedar-Lee include indulging in margaritas with friends at Lopez southwestern restaurant; catching an independent film at the Cedar-Lee theater; sharing homemade goodies from Stone Oven bakery; and discovering a yoga class at the award-winning Atma Center. Residents favorite restaurants include Brennan’s Colony (pub), Anatolia Café (Turkish), Dewey’s Pizza (designer pizza), and Lemongrass (Thai).
Cedar Lee favorites: The Cedar Lee theater, Anatolia Café, and Lopez on Lee.
Location: five to seven miles (10-15 minute drive) from University Hospitals
Shaker Heights is a city of nearly 30,000 residents that has a national reputation for excellence in architecture, natural beauty and public education. Founded in the early 1900s, many of the homes date to this period and over half of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are nine neighborhoods in Shaker Heights, all of which were named after the original elementary schools in this community. Shaker Heights High School is nationally recognized for academic excellence. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, a popular place for runners, dog-walkers, photographers, and bird-watchers, features an expanse of trails, as well as an educational nature center (www.shakerlakes.org). Out of all suburbs, this community has the best access to public transit— two train lines traverse Shaker Heights and connect it to downtown and the airport.
At the heart of Shaker Heights is Shaker Square (www.visitshakersquare.com), the oldest shopping district in Ohio. The square has the feel of a historic downtown and is a great place to meet for dinner or drinks. It is lined with award-winning restaurants, coffee and ice cream shops, and a six screen theater, as well as a grocery store, drycleaner, and pharmacy. On Saturday mornings, the square closes down to host the North Union Farmers Market (http://www.northunionfarmersmarket.org), the best farmers market in the area. Resident most-loved restaurants in Shaker Square include Sergio’s Sarava (Brazilian) and Fire Food and Drink (New American).
Above, dining on Shaker Square. Right: North Union Farmers Market takes place weekly on the square.
Cleveland Neighborhoods: Downtown and Near West Side
Location: five miles from University Hospitals (15 to 20 minute drive)
Above: The Warehouse District. Right: D’Vine wine bar on St. Clair Ave.
The streets of West 6th, West 9th and West St. Clair are lined with destination restaurants and nightlife. Unique coffee shops and specialty boutiques add to the charm of this neighborhood. Some of Rainbow residents favorite restaurants in the downtown area include Empress Taytu (Ethiopian), Crop Bistro and Bar (New American), Sushi Rock, and D’Vine (wine bar).
Many of the historic warehouses in the neighborhood have been converted into distinctive loft apartments and condominiums, often with extra perks such as concierge services, on-site gyms, and rooftop terraces. A number of residents choose to live in this area, both to take advantage of the urban feel and proximity of downtown nightlife, as well as to be a part of the lively group of young professionals that live in this area.
There is ready access to public transportation in downtown Cleveland – a train line runs westbound to Ohio City and the airport; and eastbound to University Circle and Shaker Square.
Location: 5 miles from University Hospitals (15-20 minute drive)
“An Enclave of Entertainment in Cleveland” New York Times, July 7, 2009
Quickly becoming a nightlife destination of choice, this narrow brick street is packed with upscale eateries and entertainment. Take in a show at the House of Blues. Laugh along with your favorite comedian at Hilarities. Bowl at the upscale Corner Alley. Savor a pint at the Greenhouse Tavern, sip a margarita at el Zocalo, or dine at Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Lola. Above restaurant row, five historic buildings have been renovated into spacious apartments, with high ceilings, large windows, and great views of the nightlife. This neighborhood is also within walking distance of Quicken Loans Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers; and Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians.
Residents who choose to live on East Fourth have easy access to the RTA Healthline, a a hybrid bus line that runs the length of Euclid Avenue. The HealthLine, sponsored by University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic, directly links downtown to the hospitals in University Circle and is about a 15 minute ride from downtown to Rainbow.
Above: Quicken Loans Arena, home of the Cavaliers and Progressive Field, home of the Indians.
Above: Intern scavenger hunt takes the new interns to House of Blues (2009) and the Corner Alley (2008), two hotspots on East Fourth Street.
Location: Seven to nine miles from University Hospitals (20 to 25 minute drive)
Above: The Great Lakes Brewery and Westside Market, two Ohio City institutions.
Just across the Cuyahoga River and west of downtown, Ohio City is an ethnically diverse, historic neighborhood of about 10,000 people. It is most well known as home to the West Side Market (www.westsidemarket.org). This landmark, easily identified by its graceful clock tower, is the site of 180 booths offering a tempting assortment of fresh produce, bakery, meats and other specialties from around the world.
Ohio City is the site of the Great Lakes Brewing Company, an environmentally and socially conscious brewer of award-winning, all-natural beer. There are also several trendy eateries such as Momocho (modern Mexican), The Flying Fig (new American), and Le Petit Triangle (French) that are popular with UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital residents.
Renovated historic buildings such as the Fries & Scheule and Federal Knitting Mills building have been converted in recent years into modern condos and lofts with great views of the downtown skyline and Lake Erie, and are popular with young professionals. Single family homes are also abundant in Ohio City. Several residents have chosen to live in this neighborhood in recent years.
Intern scavenger hunt takes us to the West Side Market (2009). Right: inside the market.
Location: Seven to nine miles from University Hospitals (20 to 25 minute drive)
Just south of Ohio City, Tremont has a reputation as one of Cleveland’s hidden hotspots for entertainment, art and dining. Historically a blue collar neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage, Tremont’s newest residents are urban professionals and artists. It is also home to a vibrant gay community. The neighborhood’s epicenter is Lincoln Park, a sizable urban park with a playground, community pool, and open space. Both restored historic homes and new townhouse-style developments are available to residents who wish to live in this community.
In this walkable neighborhood, you’ll discover numerous galleries and boutiques; pubs and lounges the locals would like to keep to themselves; and award-winning restaurants. Some of residents’ favorite hotspots include Lolita (Michael Symon’s bistro), Fat Cats (New American), Tremont Tap House (gastropub), Ty Fun (Thai), and Parallax (Asian Fusion). A great time to visit the neighborhood is the second Friday of each month for the “Art Hop,” where local galleries and shops are open late and the streets are bustling with people.
Above: Lincoln Park, Parallax, and Lolita (Iron Chef Michael Symon’s first Cleveland bistro).
Below: Banyan Tree and Visible Voice Books in Tremont.
