Ohio City is as great a place to live as it is to work: locate yourself here.

Living and Working in Ohio City

Ohio City is home to nearly 10,000 residents and over 5,000 daytime employees. Below are profiles of people that live and/or work in the neighborhood.

Srinivas Merugu Why Ohio City: I moved here when I was young and single in the early 2000s because it was beautiful, walkable, close to downtown and some of my favorite restaurants (The Flying Fig, Johnny Mango) at the time. Now, 13 years later, I still choose to live here for many of the same reasons - it’s even more beautiful, there are even more places to walk to and my favorite restaurants and breweries are still here. My personal life has changed quite a bit and the wonderful thing about Ohio City is that it still holds so many charms for me as a middle-aged guy with a family! Read more... Srinivas Merugu Why Ohio City: I moved here when I was young and single in the early 2000s because it was beautiful, walkable, close to downtown and some of my favorite restaurants (The Flying Fig, Johnny Mango) at the time. Now, 13 years later, I still choose to live here for many of the same reasons - it’s even more beautiful, there are even more places to walk to and my favorite restaurants and breweries are still here. My personal life has changed quite a bit and the wonderful thing about Ohio City is that it still holds so many charms for me as a middle-aged guy with a family! Favorite season in Ohio City: Spring - definitely. It brings life back not just to the flora, but also all of my friends and neighbors who have been in hibernation. In your opinion what are some best kept secrets about Ohio City: In spite of the recent rise in popularity and population, it still remains a remarkably approachable, friendly neighborhood where I chat with at least 3-4 people each time I leave home for even a quick errand. What are your favorite West Side Market Stands: Basketeria Produce is definitely my favorite produce stand. Before I stopped eating meat, Foster’s was my go to for goat. But, my hands down favorite is the Mediterranean Foods store that is a piece of Europe right here in my backyard. Favorite Ohio City traditions: For several years, I was a regular at the Evening in Ohio City home tours. In the past few years, Ohio City Stages has been the event that I most look forward to. I have come to love it so much that I try to make it a point to avoid travel on Wednesdays in July lest I miss a concert. Brite Winter Fest, tapping of the Christmas Ale keg at GLBC and the Street Festival are just a few other events that bring that extra flavor to every season here. Involvement: I live here with my family - that’s perhaps my biggest expression of commitment and love for the neighborhood. In addition to occasional attendance at block club meetings, shopping locally and (through my wife’s social media presence) staying in touch with the goings on around the neighborhood is how I remain involved in life here. In the past few months, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the OCI Community Engagement Committee. Being a part of a committee that is trying to do everything from creating summer programs for kids to organizing clean up days to engaging in environmental activism to bring our neighborhood closer together has been by far one of the most rewarding things I have done in my time living here.	Bea Delpapa Why Ohio City: We’re city people and raised our kids in a very vibrant, ethnically/economically diverse neighborhood in Denver. After moving several times for Chuck’s (my husband) job, we spent 17 years in rural OH. When we decided to downsize, we knew we needed to move back to the city where more services would be easily available to us. OH City was our choice because of it’s vibrancy, diversity, and walkability. Read more... Bea Delpapa Why Ohio City: We’re city people and raised our kids in a very vibrant, ethnically/economically diverse neighborhood in Denver. After moving several times for Chuck’s (my husband) job, we spent 17 years in rural OH. When we decided to downsize, we knew we needed to move back to the city where more services would be easily available to us. OH City was our choice because of it’s vibrancy, diversity, and walkability. I can walk to the bank, the grocery store, West Side Market (of course), my hair stylist, my doctor’s office, and even the library. Favorite season in Ohio City: Hands down – it’s springtime! After an Ohio winter, I love the magic of seeing little crocus and primroses peeping out of the snow. Then the explosion of daffodils, tulips, dogwood, magnolias and all the other spring blooms never cease to make me smile and cheer me up. In your opinion what are some best kept secrets about Ohio City: Most people from other parts of the city might think of our restaurants and brew pubs when they think of Ohio City, but our best-kept secret is that we’re a real neighborhood. Our block clubs bring the residents together where they can make friends, and at the same time, learn what is happening and available in our part of town. We do love our restaurants and the availability of food whether it’s West Side Market or the myriad of restaurants, but it’s the folks I love the most. What are your favorite West Side Market Stands: I shop West Side Market several times a week, and it’s not only a time to get my groceries, but I love the banter and chats that I have along the way. The venders know me by name and it is a social time for us there. My favorites??? I really don’t think I want to name my favorites, because the venders are all so hard working. Go there and find for yourselves those folks who carry the meats and produce that you like best. Favorite Ohio City traditions: There are activities here for all ages; I guess my favorite tradition walking to Mitchell’s on a hot summer night and having a nice scoop of their yummy ice cream. Involvement: Every spring folks from Ohio City businesses, agencies and neighborhood come together and plant new flowers and bushes in Market Square Park. I usually help with that. For the past 4 years, I have volunteered a few afternoons a month at Dunbar Elementary School helping 1^st and 2^nd graders with their reading. I’m a community member on a committee at Lutheran Hospital that strives to track and reduce the number of patient falls within the hospital.	Jessica & Angelo Trivisonno Why Ohio City: We moved to Ohio City because it’s close to downtown and it’s easy to walk and bike to everywhere we want to go. We have stayed because of our wonderful neighbors who are clearly invested in their community, homes and businesses. Favorite season in Ohio City: Fall, we love the change of season and everyone is outside enjoying the pleasant weather. Read more... Jessica & Angelo Trivisonno Why Ohio City: We moved to Ohio City because it’s close to downtown and it’s easy to walk and bike to everywhere we want to go. We have stayed because of our wonderful neighbors who are clearly invested in their community, homes and businesses. Favorite season in Ohio City: Fall, we love the change of season and everyone is outside enjoying the pleasant weather. In your opinion what are some best kept secrets about Ohio City: Novak Park and the Carnegie West Library! The library is a beautiful monument and has the highest circulation of the entire Cleveland Public Library system. The block clubs are a great way to have a voice in the community and meet your neighbors. What are your favorite West Side Market Stands: City Roast coffee! We live on the Firehouse roast. Favorite Ohio City traditions: Block clubs, holiday parties, planting Market Square in the spring. Involvement: We are both on the OCI Community Engagement Committee. We also lead a bar crawl and neighborhood litter pickup called Clean Up Drink Up in different neighborhoods throughout the near west side.
Patrick Kearns Why Ohio City: My wife and I lived overseas for 15 years before moving back to the US and taking a job in Cleveland in 2016. We were looking for a neighborhood that was diverse, eclectic and accessible. Ohio City has all of these qualities and it keeps getting better. On top of this we both work in Ohio City meaning that we can walk to work and come home for lunch. Read more... Patrick Kearns Why Ohio City: My wife and I lived overseas for 15 years before moving back to the US and taking a job in Cleveland in 2016. We were looking for a neighborhood that was diverse, eclectic and accessible. Ohio City has all of these qualities and it keeps getting better. On top of this we both work in Ohio City meaning that we can walk to work and come home for lunch. Favorite season in Ohio City: The last days of spring are my favorite. As a part of the organization I head up, we operate the Ohio City Farm, and in my opinion there is no place more beautiful and chilled out that a spring night on the farm overlooking the city. In your opinion what are some best kept secrets about Ohio City: I have to say the absolute best kept secret is the Ohio City Farm, given that I meet so many residents who see the farm for the first time and are shocked that it is there. I must say, I love a sneaky single serve rib or two at Thomas Ohio City Beverages, and seeing a barge come down the Cuyahoga and under the Columbus bridge, still makes me insanely happy. Also Train Ave, to the Lake Link in Tremont and then to the defunct River Road under the Detroit Superior Bridge is a great running route. What are your favorite West Side Market Stands: Urban Herbs, the West Side Market Café, and Pinzone Meats, but not necessarily in that order. Favorite Ohio City traditions: St. Paddy’s Day at Great Lakes Brewing Company, the Ohio City Street Festival and anything that Mason’s Creamery ever does. Involvement: I am a resident, the director of the Refugee Response and the Ohio City Farm, both based in the neighborhood, and I am trying to be a more consistent member of my Block Club.	Jerry Elias Peña Why Ohio City: Ohio City is special to me, my wife was born and raised on West 37th Street and as a teenager my family and I lived above the Borincana market on Fulton Avenue. I have many great memories in Ohio City and continue to make memories here, no other place I want to live in the city. Read more... Jerry Elias Peña Why Ohio City: Ohio City is special to me, my wife was born and raised on West 37th Street and as a teenager my family and I lived above the Borincana market on Fulton Avenue. I have many great memories in Ohio City and continue to make memories here, no other place I want to live in the city. Favorite season in Ohio City: I personally like the summer season, the hustle and bustle in Ohio City is electrifying. From the bikers and runners trying their best to stay healthy, to the folks at the Westside market petteling their goods during the summer months. In your opinion what are some best kept secrets about Ohio City: The wonderful people who have lived in Ohio City forn years before it became so mainstream like my in-laws. My in-laws purchased their home in Ohio City way back in 1975 for about $7k dollars and have seen the neoghborhood go from so many transitions. To me that is the best-kept secret, the people who have helped shape and mold this slice of Cleveland and continue to call it home. What are your favorite West Side Market Stands: I personally like the fruit stands, so many kinds of fruits and vegetables that it overwhelmes my senses everytime I visit in a good way! Favorite Ohio City traditions: I love Christmas in Ohio City, the way folks decorate their homes and the feeling of the holiday. Involvement: I have worked for several organizations who do work in Ohio City, most recently I worked for Neighborhood Connections. NC has given out millions of dollars throughout the years to resident groups in Cleveland who want to better their neighborhoods, Ohio City residents have been a part of these resources. I have also advocated for residents who feel like they are loosing their voice in Ohio City, while development and growth has been great for some, for others it is a reminder on how the neighborhood has changed and how we must preserve it for all.	Katherine Thorpe Why Ohio City: I chose to live here because of my father. He had moved into Riverview and needed my support. I stayed after he died because my children grew to love the area and the traditions we had created. Favorite season in Ohio City: Fall is my favorite. I love taking my two boys trick or treating. It reminds me of the community experience I enjoyed in California. Read more... Katherine Thorpe Why Ohio City: I chose to live here because of my father. He had moved into Riverview and needed my support. I stayed after he died because my children grew to love the area and the traditions we had created. Favorite season in Ohio City: Fall is my favorite. I love taking my two boys trick or treating. It reminds me of the community experience I enjoyed in California. In your opinion what are some best kept secrets about Ohio City: Wow that is a hard one to answer. Joyful Noise music school comes to mind, as it was the last thing for my family to discover. I love the community as a whole and imagine being here until all my children graduate from high school at the very least. What are your favorite West Side Market Stands: Narrin's is by far my favorite. I get everything I need from her except produce. Favorite Ohio City traditions: Open Streets and Ohio City Games. My children love Station Hope, as they are active participants in Cleveland Public Theatre productions. Involvement: If I know about ANY event I will be there with my children. I am actively working to bridge the gap in community offerings to low income residents of Lakeview and Riverview as I have experience living in Lakeview and appreciating all of Ohio City's free and low cost activities. I want others to known and appreciate the community as much as my family so as to relieve any tensions or animosity between all residents within close proximity.

Copyright © 2016 Ohio City Incorporated. Site by Substrate Websoft and Cypress Collective.