Looking for the perfect neighborhood in Cleveland to settle down? One of the oldest Cleveland neighborhoods, Ohio City Cleveland is known for its craft brewery scene, entertainment districts, and walkability. You’ll love living right next to downtown with family-friendly attractions and a fun nightlife right at your fingertips. Here’s everything you have to look forward to when moving to Ohio City, Cleveland!
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Where Is Ohio City?
Ohio City is part of West Cleveland, or the neighborhoods west of the Cuyahoga River. It’s on the Cuyahoga River and part of the urban core. Ohio City borders downtown Cleveland to the east just across the river. Bordering neighborhoods on the west side of Cleveland include Tremont to the east, Clark-Fulton to the south, and Detroit-Shoreway to the west which is home to Edgewater Park and Edgewater Beach.
The neighborhood is on Lake Erie with the Cuyahoga River cutting through the northern section of Ohio City. The southern border is Clark Avenue. Several major thoroughfares cut through the community:
- I-90 to the south which runs east-west from San Francisco, CA to Teaneck, NJ
- US 20 which runs east-west from Newport, OR to Boston, MA
- US 42 which runs from Cleveland to Louisville, KY
- SR 2 (Cleveland Memorial Shoreway) which runs from Cleveland to the Indiana border near Hicksville
- SR 10 which runs from Cleveland to Elyria in Lorain County
Ohio City, Cleveland public transportation options include the RTA Red Line (to downtown, East Cleveland, and the airport) and Ohio City Connector buses on routes 22, 45, 51-A-B-C, 79-79A, and 81.
Ohio City zip codes are 44102, 44109, and 44113.
Ohio City Cleveland Map
Ohio City History & Overview
The “City of Ohio” was founded in 1818 as part of Brooklyn Township. It became an independent municipality in 1836, shortly before Cleveland incorporated, and remained its own city until 1854 when it was annexed to Cleveland and became the neighborhood of Ohio City. When it was annexed, it was originally called the Near West Side and became a popular destination for immigrants and migrants, especially from Ireland, Hungary, New England, and Germany.
In the early 19th century, Ohio City had a population of 2,000 compared to Cleveland’s population of 6,000. The two were fierce competitors, especially when it came to shipbuilding, which culminated in the Battle of the Bridge in 1836 when Ohio City residents tried to prevent Cleveland from using the Columbus Street Bridge that was siphoning off commercial traffic. This violent battle between the East Side and West Side led to a mob armed with guns, crowbars, and axes and Cleveland removing their half of the bridge in revenge.
The neighborhood became a popular draw when the West Side Market was built in 1912. In the 1970s, middle-class residents began to move into the neighborhood and spearheaded revitalization efforts of Ohio City’s historic buildings.
Today, Ohio City has a population of 9,200, down from its peak population of 25,000 in the 1960s and 70s. It’s one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Cleveland and it was recently one of just three neighborhoods in the city to experience population growth while the city as a whole has lost population. The median age is just 33. The median household income in Ohio City Ohio is $32,500. While that’s below the Ohio median of $50,700, it’s much higher than the Cleveland median household income of $26,600. About 29% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Recent Ohio City demographics: 50% non-Hispanic white, 34% African American or Black, 23% Hispanic, 1.5% Asian, and 14% another race.
What’s it Like Living in Ohio City, Cleveland?
Ohio City Cleveland living offers the best of both worlds: the close-knit community, great parks, and low crime you expect from the suburbs and the walkability and dense urban living you expect from living downtown. It’s rated the second most walkable Cleveland neighborhood with everything you need to live, work, and play.
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Ohio City is an incredibly diverse neighborhood known for its history of entrepreneurship. There are over 250 local businesses in the neighborhood and more than 100 nonprofits. The diversity is apparent in the local restaurant scene with Mediterranean, Cambodian, and Middle Eastern cuisine to name just a few.
You’ll love living within walking distance of downtown Cleveland just across the Detroit-Superior Bridge, one of the oldest and most iconic Cleveland bridges. By day, enjoy cafes, bistros, farm-to-table restaurants, and the family-friendly parks in your neighborhood. By night, hit up the many trendy Ohio City nightlife destinations in Hingetown and Nautica Waterfront District.
Things to Do in Ohio City
As one of the most historic neighborhoods in Cleveland, this urban community has seemingly endless ways to keep busy. While living in Ohio City, you’ll love the walkability with bars, boutiques, live music, artisan shops, and parks within shopping distance. Here are some of our top picks for Ohio City things to do.
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If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’ll find plenty of breweries and bars in Ohio City to explore on the weekend. Ohio City has Cleveland’s largest concentration of craft breweries! The Great Lakes Brewing Company is the oldest microbrewery in the state. Another major brewery is Market Garden Brewery. Both have brewpubs next to the West Side Market, one of the most popular attractions in Ohio City. The oldest public market in the city, West Side Market is home to 100+ vendors with indoor/outdoor space, prepared food, sweets, baked goods, dairy and cheese products, fresh produce, and fresh local meat.
There are several neighborhood parks in Ohio City with community gardens, playgrounds, and other fun amenities. The 22-acre Wendy Park on Lake Erie offers boating, fishing, volleyball, and birdwatching. The 500-foot Wendy Park Bridge provides a link to downtown. Heritage Park along the Cuyahoga River is a perfect picnic spot with scenic views of the city. Fairview Park in central Ohio City is another large community park with a playground, summer splash pad, and Kentucky Gardens, an active Ohio City community garden. The neighborhood is home to the Carnegie West Branch of the Cleveland Public Library. It’s the library’s largest branch with an iconic building and regular community events for families.
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The bustling northern section of Ohio City known as Hingetown is one of the most exciting hotspots for entertainment, culture, and luxury living. You’ll find Transformer Station, a contemporary art museum in a 1924 train station, and the new Saucy Works Brewpub serving European-style housemade beer and thin crust pizzas.
Nearby is the Nautica Waterfront District on the West Bank of the Flats. It’s one of the top entertainment districts in Cleveland and home to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium and great nightlife destinations. Plan a date night or girls’ night at Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant for local and national acts. Shooters on the Water in the Improv Comedy Club is a high-energy restaurant with American fare and a sound and light show.
There are two major music venues in the district: Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, a 5,000-capacity open-air ampitheater, and Music Box Supper Club, a laid-back concert hall with river views that was voted Cleveland’s Best Live Music Venue.
That isn’t the end of things to do in Ohio City; you’ll find other fun attractions scattered throughout the neighborhood.
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Porco Lounge & Tiki Room to the south offers tasty bar bites paired with tropical cocktails and tiki décor make the Porco Lounge the perfect meetup for friends. The Harp is a highly-rated Irish pub with lake views and regular live music. Grab a quick meal at the Xinji Noodle Bar then be prepared to spend a few hours at Tabletop Board Game Cafe. It’s one of the best things to do in Ohio City Cleveland on date night or to catch up with friends over a huge selection of board games, beer, wine, and snacks.
Ohio City Cleveland attractions and recreation:
- Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 862-8803
- Wendy Park, 2800 Whiskey Island Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102 (216) 635-3200
- Heritage Park, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 664-2561
- Fairview Park, 1685 W 38th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
- Transformer Station, 1460 W 29th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 938-5429
- Cleveland Public Library – Carnegie West Branch, 1900 Fulton Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 623-6927
Ohio City Cleveland restaurants:
- West Side Market, 1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 664-3387
- Shooters on the Water, 1148 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 861-6900
- Xinji Noodle Bar, 4211 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 465-2439
- Tabletop Board Game Cafe, 1810 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 512-3053
Ohio City bars and nightlife:
- The Harp, 4408 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 939-0200
- Porco Lounge & Tiki Room, 2527 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 802-9222
- Saucy Works Brewpub, 2885 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 666-2568
- Great Lakes Brewing Company, 2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 771-4404
- Market Garden Brewery, 1947 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 621-4000
- Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 242-1250
- Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, 2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland, OH 44113
- Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant, 1148 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 696-4677
Schools in Ohio City Cleveland Ohio
Moving to Ohio City with kids? You’ll be served by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) with several private school options. The neighborhood is home to two high schools: the Garrett Morgan School of Engineering & Innovation (GMSEI) and Saint Ignatius High School, a private Catholic school for boys.
Younger students can attend one of several public elementary schools: Paul L Dunbar Elementary School, Orchard S.T.E.M. School, and Near West Intergenerational School, a public charter school. The Welsh Academy is a Catholic boys school for grades 6 to 8 and part of Saint Ignatius High School.
Is Ohio City Safe?
Ohio City is one of the safest neighborhoods in Cleveland! The West Side neighborhood has 2,423 crimes per 100,000 people – that’s 58% below the city-wide Cleveland crime rate. Only two other neighborhoods have less crime: neighboring Tremont and Kamm’s Corner.
According to Ohio City Incorporated (OCI), the community development corporation in charge of preserving and developing the neighborhood, safety is a common concern among people living in Ohio City – but it doesn’t have the violent crime of the rest of the city and most crime reported is property related.
In 2018, car break-ins alone were responsible for 30% of police reports filed in Ohio City. You can use this Cleveland crime map to explore Ohio City crime logs.
Ohio City Cleveland Apartments & Real Estate
Before moving to Ohio City Cleveland, it helps to know what to expect with the local housing market. The average home price in Cleveland is $115,000, well below the national average. Cleveland is known for its incredibly low home prices caused by surplus inventory (and a shrinking population) paired with very high property taxes.
The median price of Ohio City Cleveland homes for sale is $227,000, double the city’s average, with an average price of $199/square foot. That’s normal for desirable Cleveland communities with nearby jobs and low crime. You’ll find many Ohio City condos for sale and single-family homes in this walkable neighborhood.
Thinking about renting while living in Ohio City? You’ll find many options ranging from new luxury high-rises to older apartments and townhomes. The average rent in Ohio City, Cleveland is $1,554, slightly below average for downtown and higher than the $1,277 average rent for Cleveland as a whole. It’s the second most popular neighborhood for renters after downtown, according to RentCafe.
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Ohio City Cleveland apartments offer a great value for your money. Stonebridge Waterfront by the waterfront district offers luxury apartments starting at $1,300 with Ohio City living at its finest. You can be within walking distance of downtown with water and city views and upscale amenities like bathroom heat lamps. The nearby Quarter apartments offer a rooftop lounge, dog park and washing station, zero-edge heated pool, and other exciting amenities. Near West Side Market, you’ll find options like Market District Lofts with fun nightlife options and restaurants at your fingertips and the Ohio City RTA Station just a block away.
Apartments near Nautica Waterfront District:
- Stonebridge Waterfront: One- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,300 to $2,600
- Forest City Apartments: Studio to 2-bedroom apartments from $688 to $1,062
- The Quarter: Starting at $1,439 for studio apartments
Hingetown Cleveland apartments:
- Mariner’s Watch: $1,450 to $5,000 for one- and two-bedroom apartments in the most desirable Ohio City Cleveland apartments
- Clinton West Luxury Apartments: underground parking, dog washing station & other amenities
- Edge 32: One- and two-bedroom apartments priced at $1,435 to $2,810
Apartments near Market District:
- Market District Lofts: Studio and one-bedroom apartments starting at $1,130
- Waterford Bluffs: Studio to two-bedroom units ranging from $1,135 to $3,150
- INTRO Cleveland: the largest mass timber project in the U.S. with 50 unique floor plans
Does moving to Ohio City Cleveland sound perfect? Give us a call at Summit Moving & Storage to get started with a free moving estimate today!
