University Circle, Cleveland

University Circle is a prominent cultural and educational district located on the East Side of Cleveland. Situated within the larger University neighborhood, the area spans approximately 550 acres (220 hectares) and is bounded by Glenville to the north, Buckeye-Shaker to the south, Hough and Fairfax (Midtown) to the west and southwest, and the cities of East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights to the east. Known for its dense concentration of cultural, medical, and educational institutions, University Circle is a vital hub for the city and the region.

Home to world-renowned institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance Hall (where the Cleveland Orchestra performs), the Cleveland Institute of Art, the Cleveland Cinematheque, Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden, University Circle attracts around 2.5 million visitors annually. Additional landmarks include the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, historic Lake View Cemetery, and University Hospitals/Case Medical Center, making it a cornerstone of Cleveland’s cultural and academic landscape.

Despite its relatively low residential population compared to Cleveland's 36 defined Statistical Planning Areas (SPAs), University Circle ranks high in economic significance. The district’s institutions and businesses collectively provide over 30,000 jobs, contributing to the city’s economic vitality with an average of 1,000 new jobs added annually since 2005. University Circle’s strong educational presence, anchored by over 13,000 students attending various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, further enhances its dynamic character.