9 Historic Neighborhoods In Cleveland That Will Take You Back In Time
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 23, 2017
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Cleveland is a city that is grand, historic, and diverse; it’s many neighborhoods effortlessly reflect that. Many of its businesses and residences have been standing for close to a century, and the city’s cultural scene has thus blossomed under the ornate Victorian façades of Cleveland’s oldest streets. Cleveland’s historic neighborhoods further diversify the city, enhancing it with unique personalities and atmospheres that blend old and new to create a vibe that is unique to Northeast Ohio. Every Clevelander must walk these historic neighborhoods at least once, so we’ve prepared aninteractive map to get you started.
From West 85th to West 45th, Detroit-Shoreway reigns over the West Side. At the heart of this historic community is the Gordon Square Arts District, an adorable shopping district that proves that an artistic flair can define a region. Complete with Cleveland icons like Sweet Moses and the Capitol Theatre, this neighborhood has the personality of a small Midwestern downtown district with a flair for the dramatic.
Ohio City is a tasteful blend of historic and artistic, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a neighborhood as energetic as this one. Located West of Downtown Cleveland, this hip neighborhood is home to monuments like the West Side Market and Franklin Castle.
Tremont is perhaps Cleveland's funkiest neighborhood, and it is certainly one of the oldest. It was once home to an impressive population of German and Slavic immigrants, and as such it is home to some European-influenced points of interest, like Sokolowski's University Inn and St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The artistic atmosphere of this neighborhood was captured in scenes of The Deer Hunter, a movie that premiered in 1978.
South Broadway is bordered by the Cuyahoga River to the Northwest, and was settled fairly quickly after Moses Cleaveland and his team of surveyors visited the region. The area now known as Slavic Village was settled in 1814, and it maintains the culture of its community through organizations like the Bohemian National Hall, the Polish-American Cultural Center, and the Broadway School of Music. Here you will encounter an array of public art and stunning gardens.
Shaker Square is a neighborhood built around celebrating community. With a reputation as the oldest shopping district in the state, Shaker Square's friendly streets are sure to keep you entertained. For a truly magical experience, visit the historic rose garden on Woodbury Road.
University Circle is the cultural heart of the city. Located on the east side of Cleveland just four miles from Downtown, this chic neighborhood is home to world-renowned institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and Case Western Reserve University. One of University Circle's shining gems is Wade Oval Park, a surprising stretch of greenery complete with a glimmering lagoon that is tucked away in the center of a seemingly endless urban jungle.
Nestled on Cleveland's east side is a little neighborhood that is overflowing with the finest Italian cuisine in the state. The area's walkable streets are home to boutique shopping and art studios, promising visitors an unforgettable time. Plus, throughout the year, thousands will congregate in the city for incredible celebrations, like the Feast of the Assumption.
This little neighborhood is one of Cleveland's oldest and most culturally diverse. The AsiaTown district is one of the most colorful and decorated regions of Cleveland, and every visit is an incredible experience. Shopping for something new to try? The markets in this neighborhood are stellar, and you truly never know what you'll find.
Collinwood was voted as one of America's Best Secret Neighborhoods by Travel + Leisure, and the title is well deserved. Over the past decade, though, the neighborhood has developed a much more colorful reputation as one of the country's leading art community. Stroll through the Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District or hunt down gourmet food before a music show. The possibilities are truly endless in this chic, laid-back community.
There is much to see and do in Cleveland, and its tasteful blend of antique and modern is perfectly captured in these historic neighborhoods. Which neighborhood is your favorite? Tell us in the comments, and share your favorite photos of these beautiful districts.
