Local Expert's Guide to The Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near Major Colleges and Universities in Cleveland

Whether you're moving to Cleveland to be close to one of the research hubs several of the local universities are known for or you just want to be part of it all in "The Land" knowing where to rent apartments close to the biggest colleges is critical.  Cleveland is a huge city, with numerous large and smaller colleges and universities throughout the Metro area. If you're looking for student apartments near these colleges, we'll put you on track for the best local neighborhoods not to miss.

Case Western Reserve University

A world-renowned private research university, Case Western Reserve University boasts the largest international student base in the city. The School of Medicine, School of Law, and dozens of degree programs make Case well sought-after.

If you're going to attend Case, chances are good you won't love the on-campus dorms as many are in quite old buildings (some even century-old historic spaces). The good news is it's in the heart of Cleveland, on Euclid Avenue (and right in the heart of the area's arts and cultural sector. That means there are numerous Cleveland apartments near Case Western that are worthy of exploring.

University Circle

Aptly named for the college's presence, University Circle is a modern, upscale community with various high-rise and mid-rise apartments to offer students. Some are in older estate-like buildings, but you'll find a handful of newer apartments throughout the city, especially in areas on Chester Avenue and Euclid. Note that competition is high here since University Circle is also home to the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital Systems, which compete not just for top-performing students at Case but also for close-to-work apartments and other rentals.

Cedar Fairmount

Often called the Gateway to Cleveland Heights, Cedar Fairmount is a popular location close to Case. With many stately homes originally built in the early 1900s, this once-prestigious area is now home to numerous high-rises and multi-family locations. The business district is home to numerous restaurants and smaller shops, nearly all locally owned. From burgers to bagels and the best coffee in the area, Case students often call this area home.

Downtown Cleveland

The Downtown Cleveland neighborhood is an excellent option a short drive from Case. It's home to a number of high-rise towers as well as communities of lofts and upscale townhomes. You'll find a few duplexes to rent here, but most of the Downtown Cleveland apartments near Case Western are multi-family properties. It's not uncommon for students to split one of the rentals and share a condo with friends.

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University is in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, within walking distance of local treasures such as Playhouse Square and the area's sports venues. The college offers bachelor's and master's degree programs of all types. While on-campus housing is an option, it tends to be slightly older and more crowded. However, numerous communities are within walking distance of the area, and in some cases, a public transit system runs right down the center of campus.

Edgewater Park

Edgewater Park is one of the most sought-after waterfront areas in Cleveland, and it's only a short drive down the Shoreway from Cleveland State. The park itself is beautiful, with beach areas, summer concerts, and ample green space. The neighborhoods here are smaller and more residential-focused than those in other downtown regions, which means it's possible to find more styles of homes to rent. Student apartments near Cleveland State University are within a short 10-minute walk or ride.

Tremont

Classy, urban, chic… are all words to describe Tremont. An older neighborhood that's been revitalized in the last few years, Tremont is only a short drive down the street from Cleveland State. It's right on the Towpath Trail, too, which gives you excellent access to the city's best amenities. There's a strong arts and culture vibe here, with at least a dozen small family-owned restaurants and shops to explore.

Warehouse District

Named such because it was once where the steel mills and factories lined the waterfront in Downtown Cleveland, the Warehouse District is the ideal upscale neighborhood to live in close to the college. Cleveland apartments near Cleveland State University in this area include mid- and high-rise complexes, urban-style lofts, and condos. The area, which is along Front Avenue, West 3rd Street, and West 10th Street, is filled with exceptional places to live. The community itself is a short drive down the street from the downtown area near the university.

John Carroll University

John Carroll University, a private Jesuit university, is noted for its arts and science programs and the Boler College of Business. It also partners with Case Western to provide a wide range of master's degree programs. Those who decide to attend John Carroll, often referred to as JCU, will find themselves attending school in a suburban-like environment. Many students live on campus for their first year but then transition into apartments near campus as they complete their final years, including graduate education.

University Heights

John Caroll is in University Heights, a small neighborhood aptly named for the college (the university came first!). The community is mostly residential, with tree-lined streets and mostly mid-rise, multi-family, and smaller apartment complexes. It's only minutes from upscale shopping and dining but still maintains a suburban feel.

Many students who do not live on campus will live in one of the rental condos or apartments located within walking distance along Warrensville Road. Because University Heights is located close to the University Circle area, it's a popular option for those who plan to attend JCU for undergraduate degrees and then attend Case for their master's programs in law and medical science.

Cleveland Heights

Cleveland Heights is a modern community with a long history of providing the people of Cleveland with affordable living. Once an area that was home to the working class who operated the warehouses and worked along Lake Erie, Cleveland Heights today is a bustling community noted for its proximity to the downtown area and near University Circle.

Cleveland Heights apartments near JCU are a short, 10 to 15-minute commute. You'll find a large portion of mid-rise apartment complexes where, though new development has become a common sight along the area. It's easy to get to school, work, and even downtown Cleveland for nights out on the town as well.

Euclid Green

Euclid Green is a smaller neighborhood located near John Carroll University. It's perhaps most well known for its residential streets, many of which are winding and quite beautiful with trees and historic homes. There's a hillside that runs through the center of town that makes it seem like a dominating, impressive community, but in reality, it's quite friendly and welcoming.

Student apartments in Euclid Green are not numerous (much of the area is home to traditional smaller homes), yet they are ideal spaces for urban and suburban renters who want the best of both worlds. Quiet and a bit further from JCU, Euclid Green is certainly an option if you're looking for more affordability on the East Side.

Cleveland Institute of Art

One of the factors that makes the Cleveland Institute of Art so promising is that it's located in the heart of University Circle, right by Case Western and JCU. It's close to the Cleveland Clinic, the Cleveland Metropolitan Museum of Art, and much more. The school, an innovative art program, is a private college that offers a focus on art and design across all sectors. A charming school with nothing short of phenomenal talent, those who attend here are also within moments of Cleveland's full cultural experiences, which is why so many choose to live close by.  If you're looking for a Cleveland Institute of Art apartment for rent near campus, consider any of the above options for Case or JCU, as well as these.

Little Italy

Little Italy is just as it sounds – a small Italian-focused community known for everything from homemade pasta and sauce to cannoli that's always available. Yet, there's more to the community. Located on Mayfield Road, right down the street from the Cleveland Institute of Art, this community is vibrant with a focus on culture and art itself. It's home to historic homes but also several more modern, upscale apartment communities. All of these areas are right off the main strip, right down the street from the college.

University Area

The University area is a part of University Circle (which we've covered a few times for this region) and is certainly a worthy location to explore for apartments to rent near the Cleveland Institute of Art. You'll find it's home to older homes and mid-rise complexes, a few rental properties that are condos, and some larger new developments. Some of the best apartments in this area are over the restaurants and shops that line the University Circle area. You'll find a wide range of amenities to enjoy within walking distance, including the college itself.

Forest Hills

Down I-90 just a bit, near the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, is Forest Hills, a fantastic, historic community noted for its vibrant quality of life. It's a short drive from Cleveland Heights but still within a 10-minute commute to the college itself. The homes for rent here tend to be more affordable. Forest Hill is the name given to the region as it was once part of John D. Rockefeller's estate, though now it is fully a residential area.

Baldwin-Wallace University

Baldwin-Wallace University, formerly known as Baldwin-Wallace College, is a private school located just down I-71 in Berea, Ohio, about a 25-minute drive from the heart of Cleveland. A liberal arts college with a strong music and theater program and a noted business program, Baldwin-Wallace is conveniently located near the Cleveland Metroparks in a bustling, suburban area.  BW, as it is more widely known, is a beautiful place to live and work (there are lots of fantastic pizza shops and small diners nearby for those who want to earn income while going to school) and gorgeous parks to explore.

Berea

For Berea apartments near Baldwin-Wallace University, you do not have to look far. Berea is the city that BW is located within, and you'll find numerous pockets of options for rentals. That includes mid-rise apartment complexes located right on Bagley Road, as well as some down Front Street and in the neighborhood surrounding the school. The main roads where the college sits are a short walk to many of the area's best residential areas, some of which offer duplexes, multi-family homes, and student housing options. Rental homes near Baldwin-Wallace College are very common here.

Olmsted Falls

If you're looking for a more relaxed community to rent in while going to BW, Olmstead Falls is right up the street. This small neighborhood is ideal for those who want to live in a rented home, duplex, or small apartment complex, though you will need to commute to the school from this area (there are buses available, too).

Middleburg Heights

If you're looking for another option, this one towards the east of Baldwin-Wallace, Middleburg Heights, is a solid choice. More of a suburban, middle-class community, this city has numerous apartment complexes and outstanding amenities to offer. Anything you need is within minutes of Middleburg. At the same time, it's right off I-71, so going downtown for a concert or for a day out on the water is pretty easy.

Explore All That Cleveland College Apartments for Rent Can Offer

Cleveland apartments to rent near any of the area's colleges can be competitive. Each of these colleges has on-campus living options, but many students choose student apartments in Cleveland instead. There's a good reason for that. Many times, student housing is limited, older, or hard to get into, but the area rental apartments tend to be affordable and available to students. Whether you're considering an apartment near Case Western Reserve or you're heading down 71 to Berea, there are numerous communities along the way that are ideal for college students.