[M II A II R II K]

Cleveland's inner city is growing faster than its suburbs as young adults flock downtown


April 27, 2012

By Robert L. Smith



Read More: http://www.cleveland.com/business/in...y_is_gorn.html

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Twentysomethings are creating a new and potentially powerful housing pattern as they snap up downtown apartments as fast as they become available. Thanks largely to young professionals, the inner city is growing faster than the outer city and the county for the first time in modern history, a recent Case Western Reserve University study found. Neighborhood life is blossoming on blocks once dominated by office workers and commuters, and people are clamoring for dog parks.

- Not to say anyone will mistake downtown Cleveland for Chicago. Even after two decades of unprecedented growth, the population within walking distance of Public Square approaches only 10,000 people (compared to 29,000 in Chicago's Loop). Many urban planners see 20,000 to 25,000 residents the threshold for creating a natural, self-sustaining downtown neighborhood, one that attracts grocery stores and schools.

- Meanwhile, the newcomers are too few to offset a larger exodus. Cleveland lost 17 percent of its people last decade as nearly one in five residents left the city. Still, there are several facets to the downtown renaissance that researchers find striking. 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, Piiparinen believes.

- Downtown's population nearly doubled from 1990 to 2010, to reach 9,098 people, Piiparinen found, and young adults drove the growth. Between 2000 and 2010, he said, more than 2,000 people younger than age 25 moved into the neighborhood. They joined a community nearly devoid of people in their 40s. By the time someone turns 35, they are likely living elsewhere, the data shows, suggesting the neighborhood has limited appeal. "The exodus of the child-rearing age group may neutralize the gain made with the young," Piiparinen warns in his report. He suspects the city needs to offer a broader range of amenities, including a quality elementary school and safer streets, to create a stable neighborhood.

- Others say not to worry. Jim Russell, an economic geographer specializing in the demographics of Rust Belt cities, says a more diverse neighborhood may develop naturally. He suspects older folks and families will be more willing to move into a downtown astir with young professionals. Meanwhile, the current rate of churn indicates twentysomethings will replace the departing thirtysomethings. "I think, for the most part, age doesn't matter," Russell said. "What you want is more people downtown. That will attract other demographics. People will feel safer." After a 2010 census filled with bad news, he said, Clevelanders should enjoy the good tidings.

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