Located just a few miles east of downtown, this tight-knit community is known for its rich Italian heritage, charming streets lined with colorful homes and businesses, and mouthwatering cuisine. For over a century, Little Italy has been a cultural hub for Clevelanders, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its unique blend of old-world charm and modern vitality. In terms of attractions and restaurants, and general quality of life, Little Italy is almost unmatched when it comes to Cleveland neighborhoods! Living in Little Italy is sure to please you!
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Table of Contents
Where is Little Italy, Cleveland?
The Little Italy neighborhood is located in the eastern part of Cleveland, Ohio. It is situated just a few miles from downtown Cleveland and is bordered by the neighborhoods of University Circle to the west and Murray Hill to the east. The main thoroughfare in Little Italy is Mayfield Road, which runs through the heart of the neighborhood. The distance from Little Italy to the city center of Cleveland is 5.4 miles. Little Italy is located within the zip code 94611.
Little Italy is easily accessible by car, with several major highways located nearby, including Interstate 90 and Interstate 271. Public transportation is also available, with the RTA Red Line and Blue Line both providing service to the neighborhood. Visitors can take the Red Line to the Little Italy-University Circle station, which is located just a short walk from the heart of the neighborhood. You’ll have a wide variety of options for commuting around Little Italy, Cleveland.
Map of Little Italy, Cleveland, Ohio
Little Italy History & Overview
Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is a cultural gem that boasts a rich and fascinating history dating back to the late 1800s. The area was first settled by Italian immigrants who came to the city seeking employment in the booming manufacturing industry. As the community grew, it developed its own unique identity, with close-knit families, a strong sense of community, and a shared Italian heritage.
By the early 1900s, Little Italy had become a thriving neighborhood, complete with its own churches, schools, and social organizations. Throughout the mid-20th century, the area continued to flourish, with a vibrant business district and a strong sense of Italian pride. The neighborhood was home to numerous Italian bakeries, delis, and restaurants and was a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
In the 1960s, however, Little Italy faced a new set of challenges. The construction of a major highway threatened to displace many residents and businesses, and urban renewal projects put additional pressure on the neighborhood. Despite these challenges, the community rallied together to fight for its survival, with community leaders and activists working tirelessly to preserve the neighborhood’s character and charm.
Today, Little Italy is a thriving and vibrant neighborhood that celebrates its Italian heritage while embracing new growth and development. Its historic streets are lined with colorful homes, boutique shops, and some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Cleveland’s rich cultural history.
The population of the Little Italy neighborhood is around 2,400. Residents of Little Italy have a median household income of $147,080, and 71% have bachelor’s degrees or higher, making this community one of the best educated in Ohio. The median age of the population is 34, and ethnically speaking is fairly homogeneous, with Whites making up 81% of the population, primarily originating from Italian immigrant backgrounds, with Hispanics taking second place at around 7%.
Notable people from Little Italy, Cleveland include U.S. President James A. Garfield, who lived in the area during the early years of Cleveland’s history, and world-famous architect Robert Venturi.
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What’s it Like Living in Little Italy?
Living in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood offers a unique blend of historic charm, cultural richness, and convenient location. With its picturesque streets lined with cafes, shops, and galleries, Little Italy has a distinctly European feel that sets it apart from other Cleveland neighborhoods. Additionally, its unique culture and homogeneous population lend it a tight-knit community unlike much else in the city. Overall, living in Little Italy is a pleasant and unique experience.
Things to Do in Little Italy – Best Restaurants, Attractions, and Shopping
Little Italy is packed with all sorts of wonderful and exciting things to do, with some of the best shopping and eating in the city! The beautiful natural scenery that Little Italy is known for makes Little Italy a lovely place to spend the day outdoors. Additionally, there are plenty of more conventional attractions that are sure to please within its confines!
Want to know where all the best shopping is in the Little Italy Little Italy neighborhood? The area is home to a variety of boutique shops and galleries, where visitors can find everything from handmade ceramics to unique jewelry and clothing. One of the most popular shopping destinations in the neighborhood is La Bella Vita, a boutique that specializes in Italian-inspired home decor and gifts. Other notable shopping destinations include Juma Gallery, an art gallery that features works from local artists, and Gust Gallucci Company, a specialty store that offers a wide selection of Italian food products.
Looking for things to do in Little Italy? One of the most iconic landmarks in the neighborhood is Holy Rosary Church, a stunning Romanesque-style church that has been a centerpiece of the community for over a century. The church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate wood carvings and is open to visitors throughout the week. Another popular attraction in Little Italy is the Cleveland Museum of Art, which is located just a short walk from the heart of the neighborhood. The museum features an extensive collection of art from around the world, including works by many famous Italian artists.
Want to know about the best Little Italy restaurants in Little Italy? Little Italy is home to some of the best Italian restaurants in Cleveland, including Trattoria Roman Gardens, which has been serving up delicious homemade pasta dishes for over 40 years. Other popular dining destinations include Mia Bella Restaurant, which offers a modern twist on classic Italian dishes, and Corbo’s Bakery, which is known for its mouth-watering pastries and desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty plate of pasta or a delicious cannoli, Little Italy has something to satisfy every craving.
- La Bella Vita, 2013 Murray Hill Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, (216) 421-1717
- Gust Gallucci, 6610 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, (216) 881-0045
- Holy Rosary Church,12021 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, (216) 421-2995
- Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, (216) 421-7350
- Trattoria Roman Gardens, 12207 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, (216) 421-2700
- Mia Bella, 12200 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, (216) 795-2355
- Corbo’s Bakery, 12210 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, (216) 421-8181
See the Cleveland Parks & Recreation Department for more Little Italy attractions.
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Schools in Little Italy
Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is located within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Schools within the bounds of the neighborhood include the Holy Rosary Montessori School and Montessori High School at University Circle, both of which are schools abiding by the Montessori style of teaching, and are private.
By far the best known educational institution within Little Italy is the Cleveland Institute of Art, often shortened to CIA. Founded in 1882, it is a primary driver of culture and the arts in the city. Needless to say, Little Italy having this institution within its borders is a high honor! You won’t be starved for options when looking for excellent educational opportunities in Little Italy!
Is Little Italy Safe?
Wondering if Little Italy is a safe neighborhood to live in? You can breathe easy, because Little Italy is generally a safe Cleveland neighborhood, with a few caveats. The crime rate of Little Italy is lower than most neighborhoods in the city, with 8,700 crimes reported in the year 2020. This is not a great number, but in this neighborhood, it is primarily concentrated in property crime. Generally speaking, you will not have to worry about violent crime while you are living in Little Italy.
Little Italy is served by the Cleveland Police Department, with approximately 1,300 sworn officers.
Little Italy Real Estate
Considering that Little Italy is one of the nicest neighborhoods in the city, it should be no surprise that home prices here are high. Prospective home buyers in Little Italy will be paying much more than the Cleveland average for real estate here. According to Redfin, the average Little Italy, Cleveland home price is $366,500. This price is almost double the Cleveland metro average of $184,500. The median days on the market for real estate is 25 days, while the number of homes sold annually is 5, making this a very competitive area.
Renting apartments in Little Italy will have you paying a typical monthly rent of $1,301 for a 801 square foot apartment, according to RentCafe, although this is only a general price, and may actually be higher. Although prices are higher in Little Italy when compared to the rest of Cleveland, the prices are still relatively affordable and well worth it.
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If you’re interested in looking at listings for Little Italy’s homes, take a look at some Little Italy, Cleveland, OH real estate options here.
Planning on living in Little Italy, Cleveland? Don’t delay, call Summit Moving today at 216-641-6677! Our team of highly-trained and experienced Little Italy movers is guaranteed to make your relocation a simple and easy affair. Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote.
