Central Cleveland, OH

Settled along with the downtown area of Cleveland during the 19th century, Central is one of the oldest neighborhoods within the city. Beginning with an influx of immigrants in the early 1800s, Central experienced a population boom of around 60,000. In 2016, the population in the area was around 12,000, just a small fraction of what it once was. Central holds historic landmarks such as the Shiloh Baptist Church, once a Jewish synagogue, and Woodland Cemetery, home to the graves of numerous Civil War figures. Down Euclid Avenue sits Playhouse Square where locals catch Broadway hits, ballets, and operas. Visit the Cleveland Museum of Art's annual Summer Solstice Festival where you can explore the galleries while live music reverberates.

Central holds a mix of chain restaurants, such as Popeye's and Rally's Hamburgers, as well as tasty local establishments. Many restaurants and bars line Euclid Avenue and East 55th Street, though locals head to the Tremont and Gateway District areas for more options. Enjoy some of the best Polish dogs in town at Seti's Polish Boys. This lunchtime-only spot serves up delicious crispy fries that you can dip in the amazing barbecue sauce. The Polish sausages have the perfect snap when you bite into them, and the slightly sweet slaw provides just the right complement for the juicy spiciness of the dog. Grab a quality, cheap breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the low-key Main Gate Restaurant in the basement of a food produce freezer building on Orange Avenue. This spot is run by a friendly husband-and-wife duo, and customers watch as the husband cooks their meal in full view. Try local favorites, such as the quesadillas and extra bacon-filled BLT. Start the night revels off at the best happy hour joint in the area: Parnell's Irish Pub on Euclid Avenue in the Gateway District. Groups often come for the solid selection of beer or scotch after a show at the State Theatre. Customers love the relaxed vibe, the outdoor patio in warm weather, and watching an Indian's game on one of several televisions. The nightlife fun continues at the Agora Theatre and Ballroom on Euclid in Central, where live music bounces off the medium-sized venue walls with a killer sound system. Catch a band playing 1980s rock, punk, indie rock, or heavy metal. Venture into the Gateway District to the Vault, once an actual bank vault, to hear various D.J. music mixes. Regulars rave about the vintage interior as well as the fine selection of wine and cocktails.

Central proves a decent neighborhood for walking, where certain errands and activities can be completed on foot. Though it's not quite as good for bikers, some roads incorporate bike lanes. Many locals traverse the neighborhood and into other parts of the city by using OH-8/OH-87/OH-422 or driving along Euclid Avenue. Public parking proves varied, with some free street parking and some reasonably priced metered spots, garages or lots. Locals often use public transportation with bus routes provided by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. Cabs don't frequent the area, so residents call one of many taxi companies to reserve a ride. Other options include car-sharing through services such as RelayRides, Zipcar, and Uber.

Central residents enjoy fresh air, lush greenery, and outdoor recreation all in nearby neighborhood parks. Wade Park Lagoon in the University area stands as a favorite, especially in warmer weather while the cherry blossoms bloom. With free entry, a path that proves perfect for jogging, pushing a stroller, or walking the dog encircles the clear body of water. Families love to walk around the abandoned, major-league historic baseball field at League Park along East 66th Street. Come to play catch with your kids from the pitcher's mound, or picnic in the outfield. Occasionally, you can catch a game of historic baseball played by teams who wear old-school uniforms and play by 1920s rules. Lincoln Park on West 14th Street in Tremont has something for everyone as well as free entrance. Dog-walkers bring their canines to roam the green expanses and wander through the scenic gazebo. Parents bring their kids to the well-maintained playground and fill up on picnic food at one of the many tables. Bring your friends or family with some beach chairs to watch a free Shakespeare in the Park show every summer. Also catch the annual Cleveland National Air Show in the northeast on North Marigold Road, with a reasonably-priced ticket. Between exhilarating aerobatics, freshly grilled bratwursts, and fun activities for the kids, this festival keeps everyone happy.

As a relatively affordable spot, Central residents pay about one percent below the average cost of living for Cleveland. Apartments in Central Cleveland average about $761 per month for a one-bedroom unit. Expect to pay between $4 and $5 for a pint of ale at the local pub. Catching the bus from Central along Euclid Avenue into downtown costs $2.25 one-way, and pay about four percent less than the national average for gas.

The shopping experience in Central ranges from typical chain stores to local boutiques, many along Euclid Avenue, and in the nearby Tremont and Gateway District areas. Expecting parents or doting grandparents head to the high-end Berg's Baby and Teen Furniture to pay a pretty penny for top-quality cribs, strollers, room decor -- everything you could want in a child or teen room. Customers rave about the friendly and helpful staff and the sturdiness of each piece. Peruse unique women's fashions and accessories at Evie Lou on Professor Avenue in Tremont. Residents love the trendy yet classy ring and necklace designs, imported leather sandals, and unique blouses. Join other locals at the Cleveland Flea on East 55th Street in the St. Clair neighborhood every Saturday to search the local arts-and-crafts vendors. Items such as a quilt made from old saris, natural perfumes and soaps, as well as a pair of hand-knit baby boots all make this market charmingly eclectic. As you walk around, sample homemade pierogi and fresh coffee from one of the many food stands. Coffee and vinyl enthusiasts alike head to the Loop on West 11th Street in Tremont. Try the house-roasted, vinyl blend coffee while taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi and comfy seating. After getting your caffeine boost, head to the back and upstairs to flip through a wide selection of records as well as CDs and DVDs. Get your weekly grocery shopping done at Dave's Markets on East 40th Street or Aldi on Euclid Avenue in Fairfax. Residents stock up on fresh Italian groceries at Gallucci's Italian Foods on Euclid Avenue. In the mood for an Asian recipe? Grab authentic ingredients at Tink Holl Food Market on East 36th Street. Many residents join the Fresh Fork Market on Woodland Avenue, which provides a seasonal, local fresh food "share" system. Tremont Farmer's Market sells fresh, local food without the commitment to a share program. Held in Lincoln Park every Tuesday, regulars love the variety of friendly meat and produce vendors, accompanied by an enlivening performance or free yoga in the open spaces.