WESTLAKE OHIO - WESTLAKE Homes and Real Estate For Sale

Article

Cleveland is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Cleveland is the county seat of Cuyahoga County and is the second most populous city in the state. As of 2000, Cleveland was home to 478,403 people making it the 33rd largest city in the nation. Those who reside in Cleveland are often referred to as “Clevelanders.” Cleveland was once a large manufacturing center, but today most businesses reside in the service industry, including financial services, insurance, and healthcare sectors. The city is also known for its connection with rock music, as Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.The city has many nicknames, including “The Forest City,” “The Cleve,” and “Rock and Roll Capital of the World.”

In 2005, Cleveland was ranked by The Economist along with Pittsburgh as the most livable city in the United States. Cleveland was also ranked as the best city to conduct business meetings. Although the city faces challenges in concentrated areas and neighborhoods regarding poverty, here in Cleveland you will undoubtedly find a unique and diverse mix of friendly cultures and trends welcoming you into the city.

Cleveland History

Surveyors from the Connecticut Land Company named the area in 1796 when they were laying out Connecticut’s Western Reserves into townships. General Moses Cleveland was overseeing the plan, and the city ended up being named after him. The first person to settle in Cleveland was Lorenzo Carter, who built a cabin on the banks of the Cuyahoga River. The Village of Cleveland was officially incorporated on December 23, 1814. The spelling of the city’s name was changed in 1831 when the “a” was dropped so that the name would fit a newspaper’s masthead.

In 1832 the Ohio and Erie Canals were finished and the area began to grow quickly. With the addition of the railroad, growth only continued. In 1836 Cleveland was incorporated as a city. Cleveland flourished as a halfway point for iron ore from Minnesota going across the Great Lakes. Cleveland became a major manufacturing center, and was home to many major steel producers and carmakers. The city was a center for the national progressive movement, which was headed locally by Mayor Tom L. Johnson.

After World War II, Cleveland experienced a brief boom. Businesses were proclaiming that Cleveland was the “best location in the nation” and major sports teams of the area were doing excellently. In 1949, Cleveland was named an All-American City for the first time. Unfortunately, by the 1960s the boom was over and the success of many industries began to decline.

The metropolitan area began to recover under Mayors George Voinovich and Michael R. White. Much redevelopment has taken place within the city limits, and has been strongest in the downtown area. Cleveland has been called the “Comeback City” by the media, but many of the inner-city neighborhoods still remain troubled to this day. Today the priorities of the city are economic development, retention of young professionals, and capitalizing upon its waterfront.

Cleveland Parks and Recreation

The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Properties offers an array of services for the residents and visitors of Cleveland. Employees of the department are diversely talented and plan many activities at the recreation center. The department also continually evaluates Cleveland’s off and off street parking needs and provides the city with landscaping and site planning capabilities.

Cleveland Baseball Federation
The Cleveland Baseball Federation organizes and promotes leagues for ages 4 through Adult and works directly with the Division of Recreation. The CBF helps the youth of Cleveland through baseball and softball to develop self esteem, social values, and life skills. The Cleveland Baseball Federation partners with the City of Cleveland Recreation department in providing baseball programs for Cleveland’s children, along with assistance from The Cleveland Indians.

Seniors Fifty and Fit Program
The Seniors Fifty and Fit Program offer a variety of classes and activities at many recreational centers. These activities include Aquasize, Learn to Swim, and Arts and Crafts. Aquasize is taught in indoor heated pools and offers a low-impact workout which is fun and effective. The arts and crafts classes include painting, drawing, and ceramics. Cleveland recreation centers provide social activities for seniors including Social Hours, card games, dominoes, chess and checkers.

Click here for Youth Performance Arts.

Click here for a schedule of city recreation centers and pools.

Click here for Highland & Seneca Golf Courses

Cleveland Events

Cleveland is home to many educational, fun, and exciting events throughout the year. The city has something that is perfect for every member of the family! Come participate in the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Tri-C Jazzfest, or the Great American Rib Cook-off! You won’t want to miss out on these spectacular events that are waiting for you!

Cleveland International Film Festival
The Cleveland Film Society promotes artistically and culturally significant film arts through education and exhibition to enrich the life of the community. Founded in 1977, the Cleveland Film Society has presented the Cleveland International Film Festival every spring for over three decades. Ohio’s premier film event features over 240 films originating from close to 60 countries. Visiting filmmakers, panel discussions, and student screenings are all CIFF highlights.

Tri-C Jazzfest
Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland has achieved its reputation as an international educational and cultural festival by providing local and international artists the opportunity to showcase their creative work and by highlighting the enduring elements and important directions in this distinctly American music. It is the largest music festival in Ohio, and the largest educational jazz festival in the country.

Great American Rib Cook-Off
The Annual Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival takes place at Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City located in downtown Cleveland. Time Warner Cable Amphitheater is on the Cuyahoga River, next to The Avenue at Tower City Center and features a spacious 31,000 square-foot covered outdoor theater and an extraordinary view of downtown Cleveland.

Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival
The Flats Oxbow Association and Cleveland Rowing Foundation proudly present the 2008 Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival. The Festival will also promote the people and unique cultures of Cleveland's Asian community. Dragon Boat racing incorporates high energy, fitness, team building and recreational exercise in a fun and competitive atmosphere! It is an excellent recreational sport for men and women of all ages and fitness levels. Individual strength is less important than teamwork, coordination and cooperation. Dragon Boat racing is an exciting event for participants and spectators alike. The sport is growing in popularity throughout the world and is an excellent team building activity for friends and co-workers.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival
The greater Canton/Stark County community is proud to host the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. Join nearly 700,000 people at 15 events over an 11-day period as they honor the induction of football heroes into the Pro Football Hall of Fame located in Canton, Ohio.

Taste of Cleveland
In addition to an eclectic entertainment lineup, the annual Labor Day culinary event features a bountiful showcase of regional delicacies traditional to Northeastern Ohio. More than 30 restaurants, bistros, cafes and eateries will serve sample-sized portions of signature dishes and desserts in one convenient locale. The gastronomical weekend celebration also includes daily cooking demonstrations and the annual Mayors' Dessert Cup Challenge.

Please click here for a complete list of Cleveland events

Cleveland Sports

Cleveland is the place to be if you are interested in sports! The city has a game to offer everyone. The Cleveland Browns are one of the nation’s oldest football franchises. Come visit a piece of history while enjoying a football game! If Major League Baseball is your game, you won’t want to miss the Cleveland Indians. Like basketball? Then the Cleveland Cavaliers are for you. Get your tickets today and get ready to have a great season in Cleveland!

Cleveland Browns

One of the nation’s oldest and most-storied football franchises plays its home games on the shores of Lake Erie, just 50 miles from the birthplace of professional football. Every Sunday from September through December, Cleveland, Ohio is "Brownstown."

Cleveland Indians

Major League Baseball is exciting at Progressive Field, home of the 2007 AL Central Champion Indians. 81 home games from early April through September give baseball fans and thrill seekers plenty of options to be entertained in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Lake Eerie Monsters

A primary affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, they play professional hockey at Quicken Loans Arena.

Cleveland City Stars

Cleveland's new professional outdoor soccer team provides exciting high level soccer in a family-friendly and welcoming environment in downtown Cleveland at Krenzler Stadium on CSU's campus.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Focused on bringing home an NBA Championship! Fans across the land are experiencing the exhilaration of what it is like to witness the greatness of LeBron James and his mighty teammates as they conquer the playing court with courage, conviction and determination to be the best. All for one. One for all.

Cleveland Gladiators

See the high-scoring excitement of the Arena Football League when the Cleveland Gladiators play at Quicken Loans Arena in their inaugural season.