Cleveland's first suburb grapples with its past, shapes the future
Cleveland's first suburb that became an independent city in 1911, East Cleveland has experienced ups and downs in its long history. It originated as a wealthy suburb, home to the likes of John D. Rockefeller Jr. along “Millionaires’ Row”. Around the 1960s, blockbusting contributed to decades of population loss, poverty and abandoned homes — factors that still impact the area today.
City projects could bring some positive changes. The East Cleveland Land Use Strategic Plan targets five areas along Euclid Avenue, the city's central corridor, to create stronger neighborhoods and a stronger city identity. "With the revitalization efforts that people are putting toward it, East Cleveland has more and more to offer," says Seth Young, agent and owner of Century 21 Premier Properties. Low home prices factor in its favor, as do the jobs found in neighboring museums and universities in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood.
Euclid Avenue is the main route through the middle of East Cleveland.
East Cleveland celebrates its rich history in the Forest Hill Historic District.
1/2
French Norman homes in historic Forest Hill
Low prices are one factor driving homebuyers here. The city's median single-family home price is below $70,000, roughly half Cleveland's median and significantly below the U.S. median. Many early 20th-century duplexes serve as rental properties today. "There are some owner-occupants and a lot of investors that come in and rent them out," says Philbert Shy, a Realtor with Howard Hanna who has been working in the Cleveland area for 20 years.
The Forest Hill Historic District is one of the city's sought-after areas, as it is home to the former Rockefeller summer cottage. John D. Rockefeller Jr. helped to plan the area, known for its French Norman homes on large, wooded lots. His plan was paused during the Great Depression, but residents continued on in the years following, developing a neighborhood of ranch-style homes.
The city aims to increase housing options. The East Cleveland Land Use Strategic Plan identifies five target areas for infill development along Euclid Avenue, including mixed-use buildings, townhouses and multi-family housing near public transportation. The plan would give these areas a stronger identity by adding green spaces, commercial options, pedestrian access and industry.
French eclectic styled homes are found in the East Cleveland neighborhood.
Ranch-style homes can be found throughout East Cleveland.
1/2
Flora and fauna in Forest Hill Park
Forest Hill Park is the jewel of the East Cleveland parks system. Once part of the Rockefeller estate, John D. Rockefeller Jr. deeded the 200-plus acres to the cities of East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights. The park retains the meadows and forests with wildflowers, deer, coyotes and foxes. It has a nature trail, six tennis courts, four ball fields, a playground and picnic shelters. Barbara H. Boyd Park is another place to play, with a playground, picnic shelter and open area.
Around 90% of East Cleveland residents are within a 10-minute walk of a park. In 2022, the city drew up a Parks and Greenspace Plan, which proposed park improvements such as a city-wide trail network to improve walkability, as well as new school playgrounds.
Take the kids out for an afternoon at Forest Hill Park.
Barbara H. Boyd Park playground features a playground and a picnic shelter.
1/2
Local staples on Euclid Avenue
Most shopping and restaurant options can be found along Euclid Avenue. Locals stop for a slice at Angela Mia Pizza, an East Cleveland favorite since 1968. Across the road, John John Seafood does a Friday fish fry. Drug stores and smaller markets have the basics, but residents venture out of town for grocery stores. The closest is a Save A Lot, just east of the city. The Coit Road Farmers Market has fresh grocery options on Saturdays throughout the year. Neighboring Little Italy is a regional draw with bakeries, trattorias and patio cafes.
John John Seafood, Food with Soul is found in East Cleveland, grab fish and grits or a burger.
Residents of East Cleveland enjoy the many dining and shopping options in Little Italy.
1/2
Community support at the Chambers Center
East Cleveland City School District earns an overall D-plus from Niche and prioritizes community support. The district oversees one preschool, two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and a performing arts school. The Superior School for the Performing Arts opened in 2021 and it serves students in grades three through six. The school focuses on theater, dance, visual arts and music. The C-minus-rated Shaw High School is embarking on a revitalization plan to introduce new teachers and add career tech and college readiness options.
The Chambers Community Empowerment Center opened in 2021, and it offers free GED classes. The Expedited Pardon Project meets at the center to support residents experiencing difficulties due to a prior conviction.
The Chambers Community Empowerment Center in East Cleveland.
Shaw High School Students root for the home team, the Cardinals.
1/2
Buses and trains to Cleveland
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operates bus and rail services near Euclid Avenue, which runs through the heart of East Cleveland. Residents can park at the Louis Stokes-Windemere Transit Center and take a bus or train into Cleveland. The Red Line connects to downtown Cleveland and the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, about 20 miles away. The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center is centrally located in town and has urgent care services for adults and children ages two and up.
Historic holiday lights in East Cleveland, museums and events in University Circle
Within East Cleveland lies Nela Park, the headquarters of GE Lighting. In addition to being the second-largest employer in the city, it’s home to an annual Christmas light display, which recently celebrated its 100th year. The city is also adjacent to University Circle in Cleveland, which holds the Cleveland Orchestra, Botanical Garden, Museum of Natural History and Case Western Reserve University, a private, four-year research university.
Residents can visit the Cleveland Museum of Art, which showcases over 6,000 years of art from various cultures. Each June, the museum hosts Parade the Circle, an art festival showcasing intricate costumes, giant puppets and masks. Community members are encouraged to bring their own creations.
Learn about the past at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Residents enjoy the many exhibits and programs at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
1/2
Area considerations
East Cleveland's CAP Index crime score is 6 out of 10, which is higher than the national average of 4. In East Cleveland, residents can expect four seasons, with mild, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Some parts of the city are prone to flooding.
I've been an agent in the greater Cleveland area for 15 years. I'm good at finding the right price and value of a home, and negotiating, and carrying the whole transaction forward to closing. My goal is to help you achieve your real estate goals, whatever those may be!
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.
