Shaker Heights



Shaker Heights is an upscale suburb of Cleveland in Northeast Ohio. The town was one of America's first planned suburban communities and has served as the home of many of the region's corporate, legal and health care leaders. It used to be an enclave for the North Union Shaker Community.

Understand
Shaker Heights was established in 1822 as the North Union Settlement of the Shaker community, a religious group that established several communities throughout the eastern and midwestern United States. This group was responsible for damming Doan Brook and creating the Shaker Lakes, but the group's strict practice of celibacy eventually led to their demise in the late 1800s.

In 1912 the village of Shaker Heights was incorporated by the Van Sweringen brothers who envisioned a garden community for commuters to Cleveland. The brothers set aside land for churches and schools, laid out curving streets, planted trees, and established a streetcar system (today's RTA) that led directly from the city to downtown Cleveland. The town's strict building codes led to a distinctive architectural identity, and today many of the mansions and other buildings found in the city are featured in architectural texts.

Over the years the town's residents have included a variety of famous business and entertainment personalities including actor Paul Newman, comedian Molly Shannon, and football player Nate Clements.

Books and guides

 * Images of America - Shaker Heights (OH) by Bruce T. Marshall, Arcadia Publishing. Describes the history of Shaker Heights with photographs.

By train
The Blue Line and Green Line provide services to Shaker Heights from Cleveland.

By bus
Also, the bus lines 14, 40 and 41 drive through Shaker Heights.

By bicycle
In Shaker Heights bikes must be registered, and wearing a helmet is obligatory.

By car
Cars can be rented at the following companies:


 * Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 3596 Lee Rd, +1 216 921-9805
 * Hertz, 15809 Chagrin Boulevard, +1 216 752-1282

Sleep
Shaker Heights doesn't have any hotels. For hotels near Shaker Heights, see Beachwood.

Go next

 * - University Heights is named for John Carroll University, a private liberal arts college which was originally founded by the Jesuits in 1886 and relocated to its current location within the city in 1935. The small suburb is nicknamed the "City of Beautiful Homes", with many homes dating back to the early 1900s.  While it offers few attractions that draw visitors aside from the university, it does have several parks, a public pool, and numerous dining and shopping options.
 * - A neighboring suburb that is home to the Coventry District, a funky neighborhood with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
 * - A neighboring suburb that is home to Beachwood Place Mall and numerous other shopping and dining options.
 * - The major city that dominates the region, Cleveland offers many food, lodging and entertainment options.