West side neighborhood attracting first-time homebuyers
Brooklyn Centre is one of Cleveland's oldest west side neighborhoods. Originally settled in 1812, this recognized historic district has seen several transformations. While it was once one of Cleveland's most substantial business districts in the 19th century, it’s fallen on hard times over the years. High poverty levels and crime rates, paired with many neglected homes and retail spaces, are among its current challenges. However, Brooklyn Centre’s access to Interstate 71 and Route 176, proximity to MetroHealth Medical Center and accessibly priced homes have caught the attention of many first-time homebuyers and investors.
Brooklyn-Centre is known for its century old houses and its rich cultural history.
Tree lined streets and cute cottages make up the majority of neighborhoods in Brooklyn-Centre.
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Affordable, longstanding homes
Narrow streets and seasoned houses showcase the community's maturity. Some homes, such as wood-frame two-story cottages with overhanging eaves and wide front porches, date back to the 19th century. The neighborhood also includes Victorian influences with bay windows and multistory turrets resembling distinguished towers. Several minimal cottages and brick-lined American foursquare homes were converted into multifamily units. Residents may also choose from a number of apartment complexes. Established trees shade the narrow sidewalks below, and single-car driveways provide off-street parking.
Home prices range between $45,000 and $100,000 for a fixer-upper and $100,000 to $325,000 for a move-in-ready option. These entry-level prices are the primary attraction to this neighborhood.
“It’s a very low-priced, working-class neighborhood,” says Michael Ferrante, a real estate broker with Century 21 HomeStar. “It’s good for entry-level buyers, and there are a lot of rentals.”
Ferrante, a previous resident of Brooklyn Centre and longtime investor, notes a gradual increase in home values over recent years.
“I bought a duplex back in ’94 and sold it this year,” Ferrante says, noting that while the 2008 stock market crash cut Cleveland deep, values have steadily increased. “Prices plummeted, but now we’re back up to pre-crash numbers. Values really went up, that’s why I sold this year.”
Victorian homes stand out in Brooklyn-Centre.
Prospective home buyers will find affordable, well maintained homes in Brooklyn-Centre.
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Conveniently placed near major highways
Along with entry-level home prices, Brooklyn Centre’s central location has put it on the map.
“It’s an amazing neighborhood for accessibility,” Ferrante says. “You’re minutes from [an onramp for] I-75, which can get you anywhere in Cleveland in 30 minutes. You can get downtown in 10 minutes, the airport in 15.”
In addition to a 5-mile commute from downtown Cleveland and quick access to both Interstate 71 and State Route 176, it's also just west of MetroHealth Medical Center, a major employer.
Reed Park, Brookside Reservation and Metroparks Zoo
Although part of an urban core, residents can still find natural beauty that delivers a momentary escape from the humming metro streets. W. C. Reed Park is a 12-acre gathering space that has received loving care within the last few years. The grounds have upgraded playgrounds, a baseball field and basketball courts. Locals often walk their leashed dogs along the concrete pathways.
The expansive Brookside Reservation is just west of Brooklyn Centre. It's one of the city's oldest parks. Visitors spend the day picnicking under cherry blossom trees or admiring wetlands that shelter local wildlife. The Brookside Reservation also connects to the expansive Metroparks Zoo, home to over 3,000 animals worldwide.
Brooklyn-Centre's WC Reed Park offers a playground, basketball courts, and a wide open field.
Calgary Park is a small quiet park nestled in the southern side roads of Brooklyn-Centre.
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Denison Elementary and Lincoln West High
Brooklyn Centre is home to Denison Elementary School, which has a C-minus rating on Niche and serves kids from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school hosts activities like ice cream socials and family movie nights during the summer.
Older students may attend Lincoln West School of Global Studies, which has a C-plus rating and is about 1 mile north of Brooklyn Centre. It offers programs in Science and Health through a partnership with the MetroHealth System and a program focusing on Global Studies, which offers students potential internships and travel opportunities.
Kids from Brooklyn-Centre are challenged to excel at Denison Pre-K School.
Students in the Brooklyn-Centre area can attend Lincoln West High School.
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Local diners and Steelyard Commons
The commercial corridor, Pearl Road, stretches north to south through the community. Following this route will lead residents to small businesses and local restaurants, such as Sal's Doghouse. The unassuming diner offers typical American breakfast staples, including home fries and corned beef hash. Quisqueya La Bella is also nearby and offers Dominican-style cuisine.
Residents head a mile east to Steelyard Commons for groceries and big box needs. The shopping district houses stores like Walmart, Target and Dollar Tree.
Steelyard Commons is the closest shopping center for those in Brooklyn-Centre.
Brooklyn-Centre's Quisqueya La Bella offers live music on the weekends.
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Youth for Christ gather at The City Life Center
Kids can stay busy by joining Youth for Christ. The City Life Center, located just north of Brooklyn Center, is one of the organization’s many gathering spaces. There, kids between the ages of 11 and 19 work with mentors, enjoy meals and participate in events such as trunk-or-treat and STEAM Camp.
Elevated crime scores
This neighborhood has elevated crime index scores, receiving an 8 or higher in violent crimes. The overall crime score is a 6. For comparison, the US average is 4.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Roxana Rodriguez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Harmody Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Brookside Reservation
Brighton Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Hiking
Clark Fields
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
WC Reed Park
Calgary Park
Transit
Airport
Cleveland-Hopkins International
19 min drive
Bus
Jennings Rd & Old Denison Av
Bus
Pearl Rd & Archwood Av
Bus
Scranton Rd & Metrohealth Dr
Bus
3407 Scranton Rd
Bus
Pearl Rd & Denison Av
Bus
Jennings Rd & Harvard Av
Bus
Pearl Rd & Mapledale Av
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Brooklyn Centre
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Brooklyn Centre, Cleveland sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Brooklyn Centre, Cleveland over the last 12 months is $126,620, up 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located right NEXT to MetroHealth Hospital, this owner occupied, FAMILY OWNED property for 30 years is a rare find in Cleveland’s growing west side. Boasting 6 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this property offers exceptional space and flexibility—ideal for owner-occupants, investors, or professionals seeking close proximity to work. This duplex showcases beautiful ORIGINAL woodwork throughout,
Check out this 1,758-square-foot single-family home located in Brooklyn Centre. This property features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and is currently vacant. Recently renovated with a finished attic, new carpet, and luxury vinyl plank flooring on the first floor, this home also includes brand-new HVAC, furnace, hot water tank, and fully updated electrical and plumbing systems. Move-in ready with all
Welcome home to 1821 Kenneth Ave—a charming 3-bedroom colonial nestled on a deep lot just under a quarter acre! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to add a strong, low-maintenance property to your investment portfolio, this is the perfect home.Step inside to discover fresh updates throughout, including new plank flooring, modern lighting, updated cabinetry, and a refreshed bathroom
Welcome to this cozy and well-maintained apartment home located in a quiet and convenient neighborhood in Historical Brooklyn Center, Ohio. This inviting home offers comfortable living spaces with modern updates, making it an ideal choice for families or individuals looking for a peaceful retreat. With easy access to local amenities, schools, parks, and major highways, this home offers both
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Roxana Rodriguez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
7,317
Median Age
35
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,458
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$41,648
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
79.5%
College Graduates
10%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
64''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
54/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
71/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
43/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
