Cleveland is a major city in northeastern Ohio, located on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Known for its industrial roots, world-class healthcare, and musical heritage, Cleveland is a resilient and revitalizing city in the American Midwest.

Overview

  • Population: ~370,000 (metro area over 2 million)
  • Nicknames: The Forest City, The Land
  • Founded: 1796
  • Geography: Situated on Lake Erie and the mouth of the Cuyahoga River

Landmarks and Attractions

  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Cleveland Museum of Art
  • West Side Market
  • Playhouse Square – one of the largest theater districts in the U.S.
  • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Emerald Necklace park system
  • FirstEnergy Stadium and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Economy

Cleveland’s economy is anchored by:

  • Healthcare and biotechnology – led by Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals
  • Manufacturing and engineering
  • Education and research
  • Financial services and tourism

Culture and Identity

  • Strong music heritage – birthplace of rock and roll radio
  • Blue-collar roots with passionate sports fandom
  • Home to professional teams: Browns (NFL), Cavaliers (NBA), Guardians (MLB)
  • Diverse neighborhoods with Polish, Italian, Irish, and African-American communities

Education and Innovation

  • Case Western Reserve University – major research institution
  • Home to cutting-edge medical research and innovation
  • Expanding tech and startup scene in downtown and Midtown

Transportation

  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
  • RTA buses and rail system
  • Walkable downtown and lakefront development
  • Port of Cleveland – Great Lakes shipping and trade hub

Fun Facts

  • The term “rock and roll” was popularized by Cleveland DJ Alan Freed
  • Home to one of the top hospital systems in the world — Cleveland Clinic
  • The city has more than 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Erie

See Also