Woodland Hills - Cleveland, OH

The first settlements popped up in Woodland Hills during the early 1800s. Large groups of immigrants moved in during the first few decades of the 1900s, spurring a boom in residential development and giving the neighborhood a strong identity. The population increased after World War II, as large numbers of people moved into the area. Modern Woodland Hills remains a popular neighborhood.

The nearby GroundWorks DanceTheater puts on cutting-edge contemporary dance showcases, while the Karamu House theater hosts a variety of African-American-themed plays and musicals. In the fall, residents head to Case Western Reserve University for the annual Gospel Fest event, which brings in top gospel groups from around the country.

When you're in the mood for classic Chinese food, pop by China One for an order of vegetable fried rice or General Tso's chicken. Bring a friend and share one or more of the generous portions in the small but cozy dining area.

A short distance to the east in Fairhill Village, Felice serves classic comfort food in an upscale atmosphere. Try the creamy mac and cheese, which comes with a mixture of white cheddar and gorgonzola cheese, chorizo sausage, and just a hint of fresh apple. The restaurant's large selection of small and medium plates enables you to create a custom dinner. Locals rave about the grilled octopus, duck breast, and baked goat cheese.

Curl up in front of the fireplace with a Moscow Mule at the Fairmount in Cleveland Heights, or sit on the patio with friends during the summer. Listen to live jazz while you sip a martini at Nighttown, a lively joint on Cedar Road.

Most residents of Woodland Hills get around by car or public transportation. The Blue Line and Green Line trains run through the northern section of Woodland Hills, allowing residents to bypass traffic and connect quickly to downtown Cleveland. Multiple bus lines also cross the neighborhood. If you drive, you'll find ample free street parking. Highways 8, 20, and 322 lie a few minutes from any point in Woodland Hills, making it easy to drive to other points in the city.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Woodhill Road, and Shaker Boulevard provide safe biking. Uber and taxi services are available in Woodland Hills and in the surrounding Cleveland neighborhoods.

Luke Easter Park covers a large portion of land at the southern end of the neighborhood. The park features multiple ball fields, tennis courts, and an outdoor track. The on-site Zelma Watson George recreation center caters to families and local fitness buffs with its indoor track, weight room, gym, and roller-skating rink. The rink hosts a variety of fun events, including regular glow roll nights and the Cleveland Foundation Family Fun Day.

Life in Woodland Hills won't bust your budget; the neighborhood cost of living sits slightly lower than the Cleveland average. As you browse through rental listings, plan for an average rental rate of $611 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Expect reasonable prices for standard goods and services on a daily basis -- a beer at a local pub averages between $3 and $4 per pint, while a one-way bus or train ride into downtown Cleveland costs $2.25. Gas prices in the neighborhood sit about nine percent lower than the national average.

Locals in the neighborhood head to Villa to find the latest athletic shoes. The store, which features a fun and hip atmosphere, also carries men's, women's, and children's clothing. Restock your entertainment center at Nikki's Music. Whether you're hunting for a rare album on vinyl or an inexpensive DVD, the well-stocked store has something to meet your entertainment needs. A large selection of used CDs offers plenty of bargains for budget-conscious music lovers.

The Giant Eagle grocery store at the intersection of Shaker Boulevard and East 116th Street provides Woodland Hills residents with grocery staples. A Safeway and Aldi also serve the neighborhood, along with several small convenience stores. Find seasonal produce, homemade bread, and organic foods at the North Union Farmers Market, which operates year-round. During the winter months, the market moves indoors for convenience and comfort.