Monticello-Noble - Cleveland Heights, OH

Monticello Boulevard was constructed in the late 1930s as a result of the Bluestone Quarry boom. The neighborhood continued to gain popularity after WWII, resulting in the current rows of residential housing along the majority of streets. Although not much remains of the quarry industry, Bluestone Road, Quarry Road and Quarry Condominiums keep their namesake alive.

As a residential community in an urban environment, Monticello-Noble presents a unique cultural experience. People of varied backgrounds construct the population of almost 16,000 citizens. The Noble Neighbors organization promotes community events, local art and public safety, and residents expand their minds at the Noble Neighborhood Library. The Martin G. Lentz Police Academy prepares those with a desire to protect the community.

Sprinklings of small establishments for entertainment lie along Noble road. Restaurants range from delis to Jamaican cuisine. Beckham's B & M Bar-B-Que prides in being the best in town. Slow cooked ribs, chicken and steak satisfy large appetites. Try oxtails or the chitterlings - both are some of Greg's southern-style specialties. Comfort food cravings can be filled with family recipes of mac and cheese or black-eyed peas. In case you can't get enough of the home-cooked flavor, B & M sells its sauces to go. Island Style Jamaican Cuisine provides an interesting alternative to sandwiches in the area. On restless evenings, residents head to Shillelagh Irish bar. Go early for Shillelagh's happy hour specials from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. It may be a small place, but it hosts a rambunctious crowd. The Irish bar continues to live up to its wild reputation on St. Patrick's Day; be sure to leave the kids at home.

Public transportation is popular in the district. Commerce exists primarily along Noble Road where the Cleveland RTA has several stops for easy commuting. The 7 bus or M Red line will take travelers downtown or to the airport. Citizens also walk to many destinations as a result of shops and restaurants grouped closely together. Residents who drive themselves have parking options by businesses. The busier strips along Noble Road have parking meters along storefronts, and the majority of free parking lines roads in the neighborhood. If parking on Monticello Boulevard, be cautious not to leave the car on the street during rush hour from 4:30 p.m. through 6:30 p.m. Residential streets don’t allow parking during the late-night hours of 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Bike lanes unfortunately don’t exist on roadways. However, residential streets receive little traffic, so they are ideal for cycling. If desired attractions lie farther than a comfortable walk, a ride from Uber or a taxi cab can be hired. Services will require calling well in advance. For those who prefer personal vehicle's, Interstate 90 remains the closest route for East or West distance travel.

Monticello-Noble residents go to Quarry Park North for outdoor recreation. Although modest in size, the park provides activities for all members of the family. Feast under the picnic pavilion after a game of baseball, or take a dip in the outdoor pool. Children have plenty of space to work off energy at the playground, and furry members of the family can frolic in the fenced dog park located next to the baseball diamond. Quarry Park North remains open and free all year, excluding the outdoor pool.

If you desire more spacious parks, head to Cain Park or any of the Cleveland Metroparks. Located in neighboring Cleveland Heights, Cain Park features cultural attractions as well as park staples. The park includes an art gallery, a theater, a performance center and a covered outdoor amphitheater to enjoy a variety of local talent. Cain Park also has favorites such as basketball courts, tennis courts, jogging trails, picnic areas, a skate park and a playground. Few neighbors miss the Art Fest where live music is enjoyed over art, crafts, and tasty treats. Some concerts and special events held at Cain Park may include a fee.

The Cleveland Metropark system runs through many local suburbs. Each park provides free family and pet friendly options for exercise, including hiking, bike paths, picnic areas, sledding hills, nature centers, and a beach with concessions. Various parks have fitness stations, and horseback riding may be reserved for a fee at some locations also.

Residents appreciate the affordability of the Monticello-Noble community as the cost of living hovers lower than in Cleveland overall. Residential rentals are plentiful, and the average for a single-bedroom apartment sits at $594. Transportation in the neighborhood is also cheap with gas prices at 6 percent lower than the national average. The Cleveland RTA provides affordable transportation throughout Cleveland; one-way tickets from Noble Road to the downtown region will run $2.25, and all-day RTA passes may be purchased for only $5. Prices for shopping as well as dining out stay low. Lunch won’t go over $15 in most diners, and beers average $3.

The Monticello-Noble district contains more service businesses than shopping. A few auto repair shops, barber shops and salons inhabit storefronts along Noble Road. Local salon favorites appear to be Custom Cuts, Paul’s Hair Salon and Polish Me Pretty, and Rainbow Veterinary Clinic aids animal members of the family.

Longwood Beauty Supply and Nela Florist are the primary shopping destinations along with CVS for necessities. Nela Florist brightens the urban environment with eye-catching floral arrangements. Specials such as buy-one-get-one-free have kept Longwood Beauty Supply in business for over 16 years.

Noble neighbors find grocery bargains at Save A Lot or a selection of minor markets. Pick up some items at Noble Food Deal Market or Nela Park Deli and grab a sandwich to go. Locals stop in 3D Market for the best corned beef sandwich at Wonderful Willie’s Kitchen.