Top 9 Cleveland Ohio Neighborhoods

Looking for a great place to live in Cleveland, Ohio? This city by beautiful Lake Erie has many cool areas to buy a home. Our top Cleveland, Ohio, neighborhoods are among the most popular in the city limits. These historic neighborhoods are near Cleveland’s attractions, dining scene, and nightlife options. Plus, they have a lot of character with their home styles and multicultural people.

Jumpstart your Cleveland home search with these top neighborhoods picked for their desirability, safety, education, amenities, and location.

West Park

West Park is a great Cleveland, Ohio, neighborhood to live in for several reasons. First, the neighborhood breaks into four distinct neighborhoods. The variety of housing and character attracts all people, from young families to retirees. This makes for a lively and vibrant community.

Kamm’s Corners is one distinct sub-neighborhood. Its Irish roots are proudly on display everywhere. There are authentic pubs, rugby, and hobby shops, all with Celtic influences. The popular St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a major attraction in Cleveland.

The other West Park neighborhoods include Riverside, Jefferson, and Bellaire-Puritas. These communities were originally independent towns but were annexed into Cleveland in the mid-1900s.

Green spaces, parks, and tree-lined streets add to West Park’s character. The western border at Kamm’s Corners runs adjacent to the Rocky River Reservation and its trails. The historic community general store and the farmer’s market add to the small-town vibes. Thanks to its roots as separate towns, West Park still has a suburban feel. Residents have plenty of restaurants and retail options in the local shopping centers. Find barbers, grocery stores, and medical services inside the neighborhood. In addition, the private and public schools serving West Park are some of the best in Cleveland. And it’s all about 15 minutes from downtown Cleveland.

In terms of real estate, find a variety of housing types and designs. Some single-family homes date back to the 1920s with bungalow style, while other options are more contemporary. In September 2024, West Park had were 143 homes for sale with a median list price of $179,000. Pricing ranged from $23,000-$449,000.

Hunting Valley

Once home to Native Americans, followed by French fur traders, the Village of Hunting Valley was developed with the preservation of its natural beauty in mind. The landscape has rolling hills and steep river gorges. The uniqueness attracted many of Cleveland’s early prominent families, who chose the eastern area to develop country estates.

Today, Hunting Valley is known for its beautiful homes and sprawling estates. Even though less than 1,000 people live here, the village has a town council, police department, and service department that includes clearing snow off roads. The schools are some of Cleveland’s top-rated schools, making it a great place to raise a family.

Conservation and nature are key to the village lifestyle. The Chagrin River runs through on its way to Lake Erie. For outdoor activities, the neighborhood has several parks, nature trails, bridle paths, and polo fields. 

Hunting Valley should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a luxurious and picturesque place to call home. It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in the Cleveland metro. Median home prices are on the higher end. There were 12 homes for sale in September 2024, with an asking price from $1.3 million to $19.9 million.

Buckeye-Shaker

Buckeye-Shaker is a great choice for those who want to be close to downtown Cleveland. This historic district includes old Buckeye, Lachmere, Woodland Hills, and Shaker Square neighborhoods. Today, around 11,500 residents live in its two main sub-neighborhoods, one around Shaker Square and the other the Old Buckeye neighborhood. For added convenience, Shaker Heights has a rapid transit station that can take you directly to downtown.

The big draw is Shaker Square, the second-oldest planned shopping district in the US. Its roots date to 1929. Today, it is on the National Register of Historic Places. “The Square” remains a premier dining destination in the city. People come in the day for shopping and dining, and at night for social activities and nightlife. For more shopping, the neighborhood’s Larchmere Boulevard is a renowned antique district.

The backend connects to Shaker Lakes and Rockefeller Park, which are great places to escape Bucker-Shaker Square for a springtime walk or outdoor recreation.

The community is expanding, and redevelopment is underway for the entire Buckeye-Shaker Square neighborhood. Plans call for it to be an “arts, culture, and technology” district. That means expanding high-speed internet access, public parks, green spaces, and more of an arts presence.

You will find many multi- and single-family historic homes here. New construction is also present, with the residential community adding townhomes and apartment buildings. In September 2024, 58 homes were for sale, with a median list price of $192,500. Home prices range from $20,000 to $750,000.

Ohio City

Ohio City residents live across the Cuyahoga River from Downtown Cleveland. Over the last few years, an active revitalization effort has breathed new life into this once-industrial hot spot. Over 250 local businesses have opened in Ohio City, with at least 60 since 2019. It’s one of the Cleveland, Ohio, neighborhoods that has been growing rather than losing people.

The district is highly walkable, rated second in Cleveland, with only downtown surpassing it. Ohio City likes to call itself the “complete neighborhood.” Many of Cleveland’s attractions are within walking distance. For families, it has a collection of public, private, and charter schools, including the Morgan School of Science and the private Saint Ignatius High School. Near West runs youth sporting leagues from lacrosse to soccer. Medical care is available through the Lutheran Hospital. Seven green spaces or parks add to the neighborhood perks. The century-old West Side Market is the city’s oldest continually operating market and where locals shop for fresh produce and specialty goods. For the freshest produce, though, visit the urban Ohio City Farm, a six-acre tract of land growing community-supported agriculture. 

As for its housing stock, Ohio City has modern and historic homes. The area is experiencing a lot of multi-family development, but you can find single-family options. Home prices are on the higher end for Cleveland, but this is to be expected given the amenities and location. The September 2024 median home price was $320,000, with 49 homes for sale. The prices ranged from $7,500-$1.35 million.

Downtown

Downtown Cleveland is the perfect choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Its extensive residential city center makes working, living, and playing in an urban environment easier. 

Forget the idea of a 9-5 downtown business district. Downtown Cleveland stays active 24/7, with plenty of restaurants and retail options within a highly walkable area. If you do want to go further afield, downtown has the best connections to public transit and bike share programs.

Residents live near Cleveland’s top attractions like Voinovich Park, Lake Erie, and Fieldhouse Stadium. Playhouse Square and its theaters will keep you entertained, with broadway shows and live music cycling through its venues all year. The Gateway Complex is home to professional sports teams, the Cleveland Guardians, and the Cavaliers. 

The majority of housing options in Downtown Cleveland are high-rise condominiums and apartments. Some complexes add to the suite of perks of living in an urban core, with rooftop patios, swimming pools, fitness centers, and dog walk areas.

Home prices are on the higher end, but this is to be expected given the amenities and location. Some high-rise towers have stunning views of Lake Erie or the Cleveland skyline. March 2022 had 41 homes for sale with a median list price of $389,900. The home prices range from $105,000 to $1.5 million.

Tremont

Tremont is one of Cleveland’s older neighborhoods, with a long history dating back to the early 1800s. Today, the neighborhood is recognized for its award-winning restaurants, vibrant art scene, boutique businesses, beautiful churches, and exciting events that bring people from all over Ohio and even outside of the state. 

Tremont is a great choice for those who want access to downtown Cleveland but don’t desire to live in a dense urban center. The accessible Towpath Trail connects Tremont residents to downtown, the urban village, and other communities along the Cuyahoga River. So does easy access to Interstate-490, Interstate-71, and Interstate-90.

Think of life in Tremont as an urban village. The mid-city neighborhood has some of the city’s trendy restaurants and bars. Historic buildings house eclectic boutiques and art galleries, part of the neighborhood’s growing art scene. Find community events staged at Lincoln Park, like the summer farmer’s market and the Arts in August. The eight-acre green space has a charming gazebo at its center and some sports courts. All of this is walkable, especially thanks to the sidewalks and the Towpath Trail. This historic pathway makes it possible to walk or bike to Cleveland’s cultural attractions from Tremont. 

Find beautiful Victorian homes in the Tremont area. Perhaps its most famous home is the one used in the film “A Christmas Story.” With its prime access to downtown and historic homes, median prices are on the higher end for Cleveland. In September 2024, 39 homes were for sale with a median list price of $475,000. Housing prices range from $149,500 to $850,000.

Midtown

Midtown is a dynamic place to make your hometown. It borders downtown Cleveland and University Circle. 

Over 18,000 people work in Midtown, making it a prime business community. But that is changing. A lucky 2,000 call it home. Its individual neighborhoods include AsiaTown, Hough, Central, and Fairfax. These diverse Cleveland neighborhoods have a long history. For instance, AsiaTown has long been a cultural and entertainment destination, with popular Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Korean restaurants. The historic Dunham Tavern and restored League Park baseball field are in Hough.

In Midtown, world-class hospitals sit beside legacy manufacturers; find historic music venues next to top architectural firms. The Agora Theater, Masonic Auditorium, and Children’s Museum are in Midtown. Catch a show at the Cleveland Agora, and continue the fun at a local brewery or bar. Or, try one of the historic restaurants like the homemade lasagna at Galluci’s. In addition to expanding the retail and dining, plans call for adding to Midtown’s green infrastructure. Expanding the East Side Railway Trail will link Midtown to the lakefront and other East Side neighborhoods. Find playgrounds for the kids and markets for local grocery shopping.

Its access to downtown includes rapid bus links and bike lanes. Find eight access points to Cleveland’s local interstate system.

Plans call for more revitalization in the local real estate market. New residential housing is under construction to accommodate the talent driving the area’s economy. It’s trending towards townhomes and apartments, but historic homes are around. Only five homes were for sale in Midtown in September 2024, with prices from $29,000 to $179,900.

University Circle

University Circle is billed to tourists as “Ohio’s Most Spectacular Square Mile.” That’s because it is home to world-famous museums, top universities, and nationally recognized hospitals–all perks that draw people to Cleveland in the first place. The neighborhood’s name comes from its proximity to Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Walkability is the top perk for the University Circle neighborhood. The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and other popular attractions are within twenty minutes of a University Circle residence. Not only does it have two world-class universities, but the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and VA Medical Center are also part of this Cleveland neighborhood.

Its urban location is well-connected with public transportation options and bike share programs. Green spaces include the botanical garden, Rockefeller Park, Ambler Park, and Centennial Peace Plaza. Little Italy’s historic district and delicious restaurants are on its east side.

You don’t have to be a visitor to University Circle. Students and professionals benefit from the interconnectedness and location of its residential options. Rental properties are popular, but choices to buy include townhomes and charming single-family homes. August 2024 reported 28 homes for sale with a median list price of $719,000. Housing prices ranged from $50,000 to $1.1 million.

Edgewater

Prefer a waterfront lifestyle? Look to Edgewater. It’s best known for Edgewater Park and its beach, which are part of the Cleveland Metroparks. The park has 9,000 feet of shoreline, dog and human swim beaches, a fishing pier, and amazing city skyline views.

The community started as farmland and upscale lakefront estates for Cleveland’s affluent residents. Century-old buildings add to the residential neighborhood’s charm.

Niche.com ranked the tree-lined neighborhood as one of the best to live in Cleveland. Around 8,000 residents enjoy the perks of this walkable community. The sidewalk-lined streets make it easy to get around to the vintage shops and dining options on Clifton Boulevard. Nearby parks expand the benefits of the quiet community.

Living close to the lakefront, Edgewater mixes vintage Victorian houses with newer construction. Home prices are on the higher end, but this is to be expected given its lake access. In September 2024, it had 13 homes for sale with a median home price of $215,400. Homes range from $124,900 to $510,000.

Cleveland’s Best Neighborhoods to Live

Cleveland is a great place to call home with its multiple arts districts, delicious restaurants, and low median sale prices. In total, you have 34 distinct communities to call home. These highlighted Cleveland, Ohio, neighborhoods are just a few of the most popular. 

No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a perfect neighborhood for you in the city. So what are you waiting for? Start house hunting today with a Cleveland real estate expert! If you’d prefer a more suburban lifestyle, check out these top Cleveland suburbs.

 

FAQs

Where can I live on the waterfront in Cleveland, OH?

The neighborhoods that line the Lake Erie waterfront, from east to west, are:

• North Collinwood
• Manhattan Beach
• St. Clair-Superior
• Downtown
• Edgewater Hill
• Edgewater

What are the art districts in Cleveland, OH?

If you love the creative lifestyle, and being in a neighborhood that embraces the arts, Cleveland’s got multiple choices for you. The Gordon Square Arts District in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood has the historic Capitol Theatre playing indie films and blockbusters. Three more theaters host live stage performances. Wander the dozens of art galleries, or visit the Talespinner Children’s Theater, Cleveland Public Theater, or Maelstrom Collaborative Arts. The 7th Street Studios is the largest arts and design complex in northeast Ohio. Waterloo Arts District is between North Collinswood and Manhattan Beach. The local arts council hosts an acclaimed art gallery, a public art program, artists-in-residence, and live music venues.

What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Cleveland, OH?

Cleveland, OH, neighborhoods are already rather affordable, looking at similar-sized cities and national average home prices. Nonetheless, based on median home prices, some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Cleveland are:

• Asiatown
• Hough
• Goodrich-Kirkland
• St.Clair-Superior
• South Broadway
• Clark-Fulton
• Cudell
• Mount Pleasant
• Updated September 2024