After growing up in Canton, siblings Hannah and Ryan decided to move separately to the Gateway District in September of 2020 to experience the downtown lifestyles they both always wanted. For Hannah, she chose to move downtown into Residences at Leader after living in Columbus to be closer to family and friends. For Ryan, graduating from The Ohio State University meant returning to the city that’s home to all his favorite sports teams! He lives in Gateway District at The Statler.
Now, the siblings regularly embrace all that the downtown lifestyle has to offer—from finding new running paths or going out with friends to taking a simple stroll down East 4th. As big foodies, Ryan and Hannah’s favorite thing to do together is explore new restaurants and areas. (Spoiler alert: they share their best-kept-secrets and top recommendations!) They’re also big Cleveland sports fans, always down for cheering on whatever team is playing.
Check out our interview with residents and siblings, Hannah and Ryan, to discover why they love living downtown in the Gateway District.
What is your favorite thing about the neighborhood? What makes it unique?
Hannah - “My favorite thing about the neighborhood is walking down the streets and looking at all the unique building structures, especially inside at the beautiful architecture. There is so much character to experience in the city!”
Ryan - “It is like a small neighborhood inside the city that I could spend a full day at.”
Where is your favorite local place to eat?
Hannah - “My favorite local place to eat is Adega at the 9. I am absolutely obsessed with the hummus appetizer and Bolognese pasta.”
Ryan - “I love to eat at Johnny’s Little Bar.”
If you met someone who just moved to the neighborhood, what would you tell them?
Hannah - “I would tell them that the camaraderie and passion in Cleveland is the best they will ever experience especially when it comes to sports.”
Ryan - “They are not going to regret it!”
What do you love most about living downtown?
Hannah - “I love being to walk to the different neighborhoods in downtown. Whether that is down East 4th street, over to the Flats or even across the bridge to Ohio City. There are so many great options that are a quick drive or nice stroll!”
Ryan - “I love how big but small it is. I think the people are great and it is a city that truly cares about their sports teams.”
When you’re looking for a good night out in Cleveland (or a cozy night in!), what’s the plan?
Hannah - “The plan for a good night out in Cleveland is to first start the day with a Rise Nation workout. Then I make my way over to Southern Tier brewery for a pre-dinner beverage. For food, it has recently been in the East 4th area, especially tacos at Barrio!”
Ryan - “I’ll usually get food somewhere and go out for a bit with friends and end up back at my apartment to watch TV and relax. A little mix of both going out and staying in.”
What is the best kept secret of downtown?
Hannah - “The Cleveland Public Library downtown not only has a ton of books, but so much history. I recommend venturing up to the 10th floor for some amazing city views!”
Ryan - “Voinovich Bicentennial Park.”