9 Historic Neighborhoods In And Around Cleveland That Will Transport You To The Past
By Nikki Rhoades|Published July 19, 2018
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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.
Northeast Ohio has a rich history, but much of it is hidden. Remnants of the Ohio & Erie Canal, for example, are mere ruins in many places, and the Rocky River Reservation is one of the few places in the region where you can still see remnants of indigenous cultures. However, despite time taking its toll on our community, a huge chunk of our history is still written in the fine details of local architecture. You’ll love getting lost in the features of the following neighborhoods because these gorgeous communities are historic and unforgettable.
Little Italy is a historic neighborhood in Cleveland that is full of charm and beauty. This community has grown around Mayfield Road and it is ranked among the top Italian communities in the nation to visit. This charmer hides art galleries, Italian bakeries, and outdoor splendor that will blow your mind.
Tremont is one of Cleveland's most vibrant neighborhoods, thanks in part to the community of immigrants that helped build it. The charming neighborhood is overflowing with quirky art galleries and lovely eateries in addition to historic destinations like St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral (pictured). The area is also home to the famous A Christmas Story House, which you can find more information about here.
Once known as "The Village" to its inhabitants, this quaint corner of Lakewood was heavily settled circa 1891 as locals and immigrants flocked to the area for work. The neighborhood cusps the Cleveland-Lakewood border and is named for its many bird-themed streets. Eastern Europeans, in particular, helped settle this neighborhood, which sparked a multitude of charming churches that reflect their culture.
Ohio City is a gorgeous community that has grown and changed significantly in recent years. It is one of Cleveland's oldest, but it was once caught in a tense trade war with Cleveland before the city annexed it. Today, the community continues to enchant with charming destinations like the West Side Market (pictured) and Franklin Castle, both of which capture the old-fashioned attitude of this enchanting destination.
This enchanting west side neighborhood is a dreamy blend of new and old. It got its start in 1790 when Joseph Du Shattar established a trading post in the area, and it only grew from there. The area was actually one of the first communities in the Midwest to use greenhouses to cultivate crops, though many of our earliest greenhouses have been razed to make room for modern amenities. One of the most famous attractions in this neighborhood is the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, a 145-acre landmark that was established in Old Brooklyn in 1907.
Collinwood is a lovely neighborhood that is an absolute treat to explore. Its expanse encompasses a multitude of artistic destinations. The neighborhood's most famous feature is the Waterloo Arts District, but its historic buildings and streets are each entertaining in their own way. This neighborhood became a part of Cleveland in 1910, lending it a long and incredible history.
The Gold Coast is appropriately named, as the coastal views from this historic community are to die for. This neighborhood is visible from Downtown Cleveland (and vice versa), encompassing the area along Edgewater Drive and Lake Avenue. The region reached its capacity circa 1970, but there are still many modern amenities in the community. One of its best features is Pier W, a cliffside restaurant with killer views of Lake Erie.
Detroit-Shoreway is a West Side neighborhood that is too charming for words. This neighborhood spans from West 85th to West 45th, and encompassed in that expanse are famous destinations like the Capitol Theater and Sweet Moses. Its economic heartbeat is firmly planted in Gordon Square, a district which is a lovely day trip all on its own.
Hough is one of Cleveland's oldest neighborhoods and it certainly has a story to tell. It can trace its history back to 1799 when the Hough (pronounced "Huff") family settled there. This neighborhood was the historic site of racial turmoil in the 1960s, sparking what many remember as the Hough Riots.
So much of our city’s charm is contained in the lovely communities that have grown within its expanse. How many of these gorgeous places have you visited? How many have you lived in?