It is no coincidence that the City of University Heights, Ohio, calls itself “the city of beautiful homes.” Take a stroll down Silsby, Bushnell, Traymore or really any city street, and you will understand. Whether it’s a double on Warrensville or a single family home on Washington, you are bound to see something beautiful. Many of these spacious homes are accompanied by substantial yards with landscaping. Every year, the city recognizes its most beautiful homes and yards in categories that include Curb Appeal, Best Kept Secret, Sit a Spell, Two Homes in a Row and Three Homes in a Row. Homes are typically owned by families or rented to students from the local university, John Carroll.

University Heights is a small but lively city with deep roots. Originally known as Idlewood Village, the municipality — one of Cleveland’s East Side, inner-ring suburbs — began to develop more rapidly in 1925. Between 1940 and 1950, more than 2,500 homes were built in the city, according to the city’s website.

In 1966, University Heights had its first-ever Memorial Day Parade. To this day, University Heights has the longest-running parade on Cleveland’s East Side, which celebrated its 50th year in 2016, according to the city’s website.

In 1978, Beryl E. Rothschild was elected mayor of the city. She was one of the first and longest-serving female mayors in the United States and was known, according to the website, for her strong will, determination and boisterous voice for the issues she championed during her time in office.

Today, the hidden treasure on the east side of Cleveland is home to 13,000 residents and is packed with suburban homes, good schools, restaurants and plenty of shopping. Its neighborhoods are served by well-ranked schools, which belong to the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. The district includes seven elementary schools plus Heights Middle School and Heights High School. In addition, Gesu Parish offers private schooling for kindergarten through 8th grade students. One of the biggest attractions to the city of University Heights is its namesake, John Carroll University.

John Carroll moved from Ohio City on Cleveland’s West Side to this suburb on the East Side in 1925. It was the arrival of the University that led to the city’s rapid development and its name change from Idlewood Village to University Heights, according to the summary of the city’s history on the official city website.

Today, the University draws prospective, current and past students and their families from around the country and even the world to University Heights. These students, alumni and friends keep the city a lively one.

Dom Mittiga, a 2018 student at John Carroll and resident of The Traymore Manor, on the corner of Warrensville Road and Traymore Road said that he was originally drawn to University Heights to check out John Carroll. After deciding he wanted to be a Blue Streak and living on campus for his first two years of school, Mittiga decided he wanted the experience of leaving campus and living in the city that surrounded it instead.

“I’ve lived in my apartment for the last nine months and I love it,” he said in an interview in April 2018. “Not only is the apartment itself nice, but I like the freedom of being able to explore the city for dining and shopping, rather than being limited to on-campus options,” Mittiga said.

When residents get hungry, options are not limited. They can wander to Fairmount Circle for pasta or pizza at Pizzazz, a sub from Dave’s Cosmic Subs or a sweet treat for dessert from Ben & Jerry’s. If those options are not appealing, Warrensville Road offers quick options like McDonalds, Bialy’s Bagels, Rascal House Pizza or Boston Market. A left turn onto Cedar Road from Warrensville will lead to fast-food options like Panera, Piada, Chipotle, Five Guys and Subway. Coffee options include Dunkin’and Starbucks, while dessert options include Menchies and A Cookie and a Cupcake. A right turn on Cedar Road leads to options including Applebee’s for American, Los Arcos for Mexican, Jack’s Deli for a sandwich or Swenson’s for a burger and a shake. The city offers anything you are in the mood for.

John Carroll student Kait Budzik says that when she has the chance to explore off campus, she loves the variety of nearby dining. “I don’t think I could pick a favorite if I tried,” Budzik said. “I love Piada and Pizzaz for Italian and Chipotle and Los Arocs for Mexican. Five Guys was my favorite for a burger but now Swenson’s might be my favorite.”

The city’s options for shopping will not leave anyone disappointed either. Whether the necessity is groceries, or a one-stop shop, the city probably has it. University Square at the Warrensville and Cedar intersection offers Target, TJ Maxx and Macy’s. Across the street at Cedar Center is a whole strip of stores including Whole Foods and Dollar General. On the same corner, both Walgreen’s and CVS are convenient store and pharmacy options.

In addition to homes, schools, food and shopping, the city is home to police and fire services, and recreation facilities including three parks and a public pool for residents. The city of University Heights has something to offer for everyone.

Editor’s Note: Article first published on News & Views @ JCU.