One of Cleveland's oldest neighborhoods, and perhaps its most ethnically diverse, is Ohio City, a culturally rich community located just across the Cuyahoga River from downtown Cleveland. Originally home to Irish and German immigrants, Ohio City today is home to more than 15 ethnic groups representing more than 10,000 people. Chock-full of historic homes and commercial buildings, new condos and townhouses, unique shops and some of the area's hottest restaurants and nightspots, Ohio City is the premier neighborhood in the city of Cleveland.

Ohio City Named One of America's Top 10 Cottage Communities

Hot on the heels of its feature story in the March 2007 issue of Cottage Living, Ohio City was named by that magazine as one of the top 10 "cottage communities" in the country.  The full list of the 10 best neighborhoods in the nation is profiled in the July/August 2007 issue.

Quoting from the magazine's press release:  "A victim of suburbia's post-World War II allure and Cleveland's industrial decline, Ohio City suffered during the 1960s and '70s, but the residents led a comeback that left Ohio City thriving. By working to maintain affordable housing, they have managed to revitalize without forcing out long-term and lower-income residents. 'Ohio City is very friendly,' says Bernie Thiel, a long-term resident. 'It's a real talking over-the-fence community.'”

Ohio City finished second on the list, just behind Forest Hills Gardens in Queens, NY.  

The list includes neighborhoods that Cottage Living editors would like to call home, with charming cottages, a sense of community, and an eye on the future. Both old and new, the neighborhoods use creative ideas to solve common problems. “[T]hese neighborhoods are inspiring role models,” writes Cottage Living Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Griffin.

Cottage Living canvassed the country for the 10 best cottage communities.  The criteria were broken down into four categories: Homes (30%): Inspiring architecture, unifying design elements, and walkable streets; People (30%): Residents who spark a resurgence or designers and developers who envision change and bring it to life; Bright Ideas (30%): Innovative, positive change on a regional or national level; and Cottage Twist (10%): Something that brings a smile.