Cleveland, Ohio, is a city rich in culture, history, and a vibrant sense of community, making it an appealing destination for apartment renters of all ages. With a diverse array of neighborhoods, each offering its unique vibe, Cleveland is a city where industrial charm meets modern living. From the bustling streets of Downtown to the artistic enclaves of Tremont and the historic charm of Ohio City, Cleveland provides a backdrop for an engaging urban lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to the city's renowned cultural institutions, its burgeoning culinary scene, or the natural beauty of the Lake Erie shoreline, Cleveland offers an eclectic living experience that caters to a wide range of preferences and lifestyles.
Questions for your Cleveland apartment quest:
Where can I walk?
Cleveland is one of the most walkable cities in America. Many apartments are strategically located near business districts, universities, bar scenes, artsy streets, or wonderful parks for summertime picnics and wintertime sledding. Play your cards right and you’ll have more convenient destinations than you can shake a walking stick at.
How long will it take to get to work?
Cleveland gets some pretty bad traffic, especially between University Circle and downtown. New projects have backed up the roads that cross the river, and when the I-90 Bridge goes under construction, the city will be having major traffic pains. Consider taking the Rapid, Cleveland’s mass transit rail.
Is parking included?
Many Cleveland apartments will have an extra charge for either indoor or outdoor parking. This cost runs up to $150 per month in the trendier luxury apartments and lofts around the entertainment districts. Others will include parking in the listed rent price.
Fun Things To Do In Cleveland
Cleveland is a playground for the culturally curious and the outdoor enthusiasts alike. The Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the top art museums in the nation, offers free admission to its vast collection. For music lovers, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must-visit, celebrating the history and impact of rock music. Outdoor adventurers will find a haven in the Cleveland Metroparks, a system of nature preserves encircling the city with countless trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
Where to eat in Cleveland
Cleveland's dining scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods, offering everything from gourmet dining to casual, comfort food. West Side Market, located in Ohio City, is a foodie's paradise, housing over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and baked goods. For a unique dining experience, The Plum in Ohio City offers an innovative menu in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Momocho, located in the historic Tremont neighborhood, serves up modern Mexican cuisine in a vibrant, eclectic setting.
Neighborhood Breakdown
Cleveland is divided into three main areas: downtown, East of the Cuyahoga River, and West of the Cuyahoga River.
Downtown is centered around Public Square and made up of a range of districts, including The Flats, the Warehouse District, the Quadrangle District, the Civic Center, the Erieview District, the Gateway District, the Theater District, the North Coast District, and University Circle.
The Flats This neighborhood comprises both the east and west banks of the Cuyahoga River. Originally industrial, it is now the hot spot for nightlife and luxury apartments. Warehouse conversions are extremely popular, with ceiling-high windows overlooking downtown Cleveland and the great ships of Lake Erie.
Warehouse District Yoga people, dog people and business people are the scene in this industrial neighborhood. Here, you can look down from your warehouse apartment and see the Public Square, Lake Erie, neighborhood watering holes and great places for live music!
Quadrangle District This neighborhood is home to both Cleveland State University and a Cuyahoga County Community College campus. There's also a major hospital and a few live-work factories so you’ve got a dynamic community of students, doctors, and artists.
Erieview District Also known as the financial district, this neighborhood is the heart of Cleveland’s offices and financial institutions, as well as the Galleria. This is the big mall in town, meaning there will be a lot of events, restaurants, and shopping areas to fill your day. Unfortunately, however, the apartment scene is pretty scarce, so prices can be a bit higher than other similar neighborhoods.
Gateway District Also known as “Millionaire’s Row,” this historic neighborhood is known for its prestige. It is home to internationally famous last names, such as Rockefeller. There is an extravagant and historic mall, as well as plenty of entertainment along East 4th Street and Euclid Avenue. Public parking is free for up to one hour. Keep in mind that this neighborhood has its nickname for a reason, so expect to pay a pretty penny if you’re looking to rent here.
Theater District A theater-lover’s delight, this neighborhood boasts Playhouse Square, home to the many Broadway shows, Shakespearean plays, and operas of Cleveland. It is also a thriving neighborhood for technology students, as there are plenty of local companies partnering with regional universities.
North Coast District This district sits on the shores of Lake Erie, fishing for tourists with its Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Browns Stadium. The few apartments available here are absolutely luxurious, which fits with the whole upscale-touristy-condominium vibe.
East of the Cuyahoga River is home to some of Cleveland’s most popular neighborhoods. There is a large population of students, young professionals, and creatives. Migrations of this creative class have spurred the transformation of old industrial buildings into live-work loft spaces for artists, as well as other new developments. However, it can still be a tough area when considering your commute.
University Circle Home to Western Reserve University, this neighborhood is full of students and artists. Wade Park and the Botanical Gardens are a huge bonus for those who yearn a little nature in their lives. Many residents participate in the “yoga in the park” and stroll the neighborhood for eclectic eats and hidden art galleries. Unfortunately, the prices aren’t as down to Earth as most of the activities featured here.
Fairfax Quiet and humble, the character of this neighborhood is as unique as its architecture. The area is also chock-full of historic churches, some of the oldest in the United States, so look no further if you’re into that.
Buckeye-Shaker There’s a lot going on at Shaker Square, which is wonderfully walkable. There are also plenty of museums, antique shops, and a great farmer’s market for all you organic types out there. It’s a neighborhood with plenty to do.
Little Italy This small, urban neighborhood is rich in culture and abundant in amazing pizzarias. Its proximity to University Circle attracts many college students who mix quite comically with old Italians and medical staff from the nearby hospital. There is neighborhood co-op grocer, art walk, pay-as-you-go art classes, museums, pubs, and the annual Assumption Festival. The festival (which falls on August 15) is a celebration of the Virgin Mary’s assumption into Heaven; so don’t break out the Mardi Gras beads. Even then, you’ll be still be hard pressed to have a bad time among the carnival games, rides, and –our personal favorite- fireworks!
Collinwood Ever seen “Welcome to Collinwood”? This neighborhood is currently going through a revival complete with art galleries and an indie music scene. You won’t find any typical apartment complexes here, but there are plenty of renovated old homes converted into fourplexes, fiveplexes, sixplexes, and so on.
On the other hand...
West of the Cuyahoga River, you will find some older, established neighborhoods as well as another revival happening in the neighborhoods of Detroit-Shoreway, Ohio City, Tremont, and Edgewater.
Detroit-Shoreway This neighborhood is a retail hub with all the great spots at Gordon Square and along Detroit Avenue. There is also a theater revolution taking place, with a new building for the Near West Theatre and renovations to the Cleveland Public Theater complex. Additionally, the city plans to renovate treasured shops, bury utility lines, and rebuild the West Shoreway access, a boulevard that allows Detroit-Shoreway access to the lake.
Ohio City O.C. is home to the West Side Market, the oldest market in the city, and the Great Lakes Brewing Company, the oldest microbrewery in the state. But, there are some wonderful new things happening as well. Insanely-fabulous apartments born out of old homes and industrial spaces are springing up. Plus, there are tons of great restaurants, bars, shopping, and a monthly art walk. The area is extremely walk friendly during the day (big surprise there, right?). At night, however, you should make sure to take your walks among a group of friends. Just keep your street wits up and all is good in the hood.
Tremont A music loving, artsy pub-hopper who picks a hookah bar over a sports bar any day will feel a strong sense of community here.
Edgewater Super nice, easily walkable andf great for both you and your car, this neighborhood is located a little further west on Lake Erie. There’s not as much of an art scene, but there are plenty of local treasures like little old diners and Edgewater Park. There’s also plenty of parking, a rare luxury in Cleveland.
West Park This is the suburban hideaway for Cleveland’s stable, conservative families. Adorable bungalows and mini-mansions line the streets, and the few apartments located in this area are “walk-ups” and townhomes. After all, these are the suburbs.
Apartment Living in Cleveland
Cleveland's apartment market caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets, from historic loft conversions in the Warehouse District to modern, upscale complexes in the University Circle area. The city's recent revitalization efforts have led to the development of high-rise apartments offering stunning views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline. Neighborhoods like Tremont and Detroit Shoreway are known for their artistic communities and feature a mix of industrial conversions and charming Victorian homes converted into apartments. Whether you're looking for the character of a refurbished industrial space or the amenities of a luxury apartment complex, Cleveland's diverse neighborhoods offer a wealth of options for apartment renters.
Cleveland, OH, combines the warmth of Midwest hospitality with the vibrancy of urban living, making it an attractive place for apartment renters seeking a dynamic yet comfortable lifestyle. With its rich cultural offerings, diverse dining options, convenient commuting solutions, and a wide array of apartment living choices, Cleveland invites you to discover the unique charm and character of its neighborhoods.
