Cleveland's Fairfax Neighborhood

Cleveland's Fairfax neighborhood, located just east of University Circle, is a mostly residential area home to a large middle-class, mostly African-American population. The area also includes some of Cleveland's most treasured institutions, including Karamu House Theater, the Cleveland Clinic, and the Cleveland Playhouse.

History:

Fairfax became part of Cleveland in 1872. The vibrant community reached its peak population in the 1940s and 1950s when over 35,000 people lived there. Also settled by European descendents from the East Coast, the neighborhood became home to predominantly middle income African-Americans as early as the 1930s.

Demographics:

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Fairfax has 7352 residents. A majority (95.5%) are of African-American descent. The median household income is $16,799.

Landmarks:

Fairfax is home to Karamu House, the oldest African-American theater in the United States; the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland's largest employer; and the Cleveland Playhouse.

In addition, the neighborhood boasts several historic churches. Among them are Euclid Avenue Congregational Church (pictured at right) and Antioch Baptist Church.

Education:

Residents of Fairfax are part of the Cleveland Municipal School District.

New Development:

New residential communities in Fairfax include Beacon Place on Euclid Avenue and Bicentennial Village in the heart of the neighborhood.

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