Cleveland's Historic Migration

For the first time in modern history, Cleveland's inner city is growing faster than its outer city and county, reports Robert L. Smith.

1 minute read

April 29, 2012, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Cleveland owes its historic shift in migration to young professionals, as a recent Case Western Reserve University study has found.

"Twentysomethings are creating a new and potentially powerful housing pattern as they snap up downtown apartments as fast as they become available...Neighborhood life is blossoming on blocks once dominated by office workers and commuters, and people are clamoring for dog parks."

According to Smith, there are several reasons to cheer the findings. "First off, a rising center city bucks the trend in a region accustomed to relentless sprawl. Secondly, the ripples are spilling into other neighborhoods. The lure of downtown, coupled with a tight rental housing market, is sending people into Tremont, Ohio City and even Asiatown, [study author Richey] Piiparinen believes. All three inner-city neighborhoods enjoyed stable or growing populations last decade."

"Finally, look who's coming. People between the ages of 21 and 34 make up the largest share of downtown residents. Many of them grew up in a suburb of Northeast Ohio, then moved to a neighborhood their parents would never have considered."

Friday, April 27, 2012 in The Plain Dealer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Close-up of rear car bumper in traffic on freeway.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving

A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

March 23, 2025 - Road Capacity as a Fundamental Determinant of Vehicle Travel

Aerial view of Grants Pass, Oregon with fall foliage and hills in background with a cloudy sky.

Judge Halts Enforcement of Anti-Homeless Laws in Grants Pass

The Oregon city will be barred from enforcing two ordinances that prosecute unhoused residents until it increases capacity and accessibility at designated camping sites.

March 31 - Street Roots

Colorful murals on exterior of Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, California against night sky.

Advancing Sustainability in Los Angeles County Schools

The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Green Schools Symposium brings together educators, students, and experts to advance sustainability in schools through innovative design, climate resilience strategies, and collaborative learning.

March 31 - Los Angeles County Office of Education

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31 - Pennsylvania State University