Community

Established in 1911, Shaker Heights is America’s original “planned” community, sitting just east of Cleveland. It was developed by railroad mogul brothers OP and MJ Van Sweringen. Streets have sidewalks and canopies of 100-year-old trees.

There are nine neighborhoods in Shaker, all named after the original elementary schools. All neighborhoods are within walking distance of one of the Rapid Transit lines (Cleveland’s light rail public transit system) connecting Shaker to downtown and the airport, making a 20-min train ride to work an easy decision for many who live here.

The diversity of the residents helps create vibrant neighborhoods that come to life with block parties and farmers markets.

Access to University Circle and downtown via surface streets rather than highways makes this an easy choice for businesspeople and medical staff at the nearby hospitals.

Housing

The original plan for the city called for housing options that would allow residents to live a lifetime in the community. As a result, there are modest apartment buildings, duplex homes, single-family homes in all sizes, grand estates, and low-maintenance condos. 88 percent of the homes in the city sit within a National Historic District, and every home in the original plan was designed by an architect giving this suburb world-class curb appeal.

Amenities

Shopping is available in nearby Shaker Square, Larchmere Boulevard, and Chagrin Boulevard. And while just a few years old, The Van Aken District quickly became Shaker’s gathering spot with a large Market Hall filled with shops and restaurants, as well as apartments and offices on the upper levels.

Parks and Recreation

Shaker Heights Recreation offers programming for preschoolers, youth, adults, and seniors (aquatics, hockey, and ice skating to name just a few areas). The department also maintains trails, playgrounds, and open green spaces.

Thornton Park is a favorite community spot. It has a sledding hill, ice arena, basketball courts, baseball fields, and a 50-meter pool in the summer. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the programming and beauty of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.

Libraries

Shaker residents enjoy both the Cuyahoga County Public Library and their own library system, Shaker Library. And for people that need even more library options, Heights Libraries are also around the corner.

Schools

Shaker Heights Schools provide a world-class education (one of eight public districts in the country to offer International Baccalaureate in grades Pre-K through 12). Three of the state’s best private schools have campuses in Shaker: Hathaway Brown School and Laurel School are both schools for girls while University School is for boys.

Additional Resources

Shaker Life: A great resource for information regarding the community, arts, entertainment, and more.

Shaker Historical Society: A great resource and source of programming for residents.

Facebook: City of Shaker Heights Government

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