Kinsman has evolved from a 19th-century industrial community into a small, 21st-century neighborhood with emerging opportunities to address longstanding inequities, some of which stem from racial tensions that plagued southeast Cleveland in the 1950s. Decades of disinvestment in the area led to neglect and a lack of resources. Still, recent housing development projects prioritized by Mayor Bibb worth millions of dollars are being poured back into the neighborhood.
“Despite being in the heart of the city, Kinsman has many green spaces and farms nestled between its train stations and main streets,” says Josh Jones Forbes, marketing and communications director at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress. “Neighbors know each other through creative community efforts, like WOVU 95.9 FM radio and the BoxSpot mini-shops.” These are backed by nonprofit development group Burten, Bell, Carr Development Inc., who also helped establish the Rid-All Green Partnership, an urban farm in the heart of the neighborhood that plays a vital role in supporting the community.
Millions poured into new housing developments
Mayor Bibb has prioritized revitalizing Cleveland’s Southeast Side, including Kinsman. “The city’s Southeast Side is a point of emphasis for the current mayoral administration, with recent projects directly affecting residents. Before these efforts, a portion of the neighborhood was known as the ‘Forgotten Triangle,’ impacting both the Kinsman and Woodland Hills communities,” said Terry Metter, a librarian at the Cleveland Public Library. Supported by $45 million in grants, the area is transforming, including the construction of new apartments and a large-scale reconstruction of Woodhill Homes. For prospective homebuyers, purchasing a home in the area can be financially advantageous compared to renting. Colonial-style homes, priced between $14,000 and the low $100,000s, offer affordable opportunities for ownership.
Small cottages and Cape Cods give Kinsman its warmth and charm.
Kinsman has become a hot spot for new, modern, single family homes.
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Cultivate green spaces at Black-owned, Rid-All Green Partnership
Twenty-three acres of vacant land drew the attention of the Rid-All Green Partnership, an urban farm in the heart of the community. It is part of Cleveland’s Urban Agriculture Innovation Zone, an initiative to transform vacant land into a hub for creative agricultural activities and farming incubators. Locals can contribute by cultivating the land and working in the community kitchen, which hosts popular events like “Taco Tuesday” lunches and “Fish Fry Friday” dinners.
Nearby, Luke Easter Park is a gathering place for family reunions, picnics, and holiday events. The Zelma Watson George Recreation Center, located within the park, features a roller-skating facility that holds weekly events for all ages. Another local landmark, Sidaway Bridge, the only pedestrian suspension bridge in Ohio, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once a vital connection between southeast Cleveland neighborhoods, residents now advocate for its restoration.
Rid-All Green Partnership teaches about clean urban farming to Kinsman families.
Children enjoy the swings at Luke Easter Park.
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Karamu House Theatre, WOVU 95.9FM, celebrates Black art and voices
Karamu, in Swahili, means “a place of joyful gathering.” That mission defines the Karamu House Theatre, the oldest Black theater company in the United States, celebrated by families and community members through poetry and live performances. Langston Hughes, a prominent Harlem Renaissance poet and writer, performed here. Other Black artists who performed at the theater include Zora Neale Hurston, Ruby Dee, Bill Cobbs, and, more recently, Debra Byrd, a vocal coach and arranger for American Idol and Canadian Idol.
WOVU 95.9 FM, a Black-owned community radio station, serves the predominantly Black neighborhoods of Central, Kinsman, and Buckeye. The station, founded by Burten, Bell, and Carr Development Inc., airs a mix of R&B, hip-hop, and gospel music. It also features unique programming, such as “Her in the Middle,” a woman-led sports show, and “Our Voices Today,” WOVU’s signature local community news segment.
Independent-owned stores at BoxSpot, Shoppes at Buckeye
A collection of 10 shipping containers painted yellow and gray houses BoxSpot, a center for independent businesses. These include a clothing boutique, a soul food restaurant, a hair and nail salon, an eyewear shop and the Kandy Kupboard, which specializes in personalized, old-fashioned candy with vegan and kosher options. Nearby at Buckeye Avenue and East 114th Street intersection, Simon’s Supermarket anchors the Shoppes at Buckeye alongside other retail stores. Along East 93rd Street, Mary’s Diner serves family-style breakfasts, while Kirkman’s Double Exposure offers wings and fried fish.
Kinsman's Boxspot is a shipping container shopping center with local retailers and restaurants.
JB's Grill, at Boxspot in Kinsman, serves up crispy wings and seasoned fries.
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East 79th Rail Station connects locals to Greater Cleveland area
Adjacent to Kinsman Rd, the main thoroughfare in the neighborhood, sits the East 79th RTA light rail station that connects residents from nature park reservations like Shaker Lakes to downtown Cleveland. Convenient access to Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and Children’s Hospital is 2 miles away. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is 14 miles outside the neighborhood.
Notable Olympian graduates at East Technical High School
Anton Grdina School and Nathan Hale Elementary School, serving kindergarten through eighth grade, receive a C-minus grade from Niche. Students then attend East Technical High School, located 2 miles outside the neighborhood, which scores a C grade. The school also touts an extensive sports program with notable alums, including Olympians Jesse Owens and Harrison Dillard.
East Technical High is a secondary school under the operation of the Cleveland Metro area.
Kindsman's Anton Grdina School is home to the Mighty Bulldogs.
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Welcome to this spacious and affordable 4-bedroom, 1-bath home, perfect for first-time buyers, growing families, or investors! This well-maintained property features a bright and inviting living room, a formal dining area, and a kitchen with plenty of cabinet space. The main floor includes one bedroom, with three additional bedrooms upstairs—ideal for flexible living, home office needs, or guest
Great Investment Property!!! Fully Occupied. Updates include vinyl siding, glass block windows, both furnaces replaced 2024, H2O tanks replaced 2023, roof 7 yrs old, and has security doors. Property is very well maintained. Easy access to Opportunity Corridor, Cleveland Clinic, University, and VA Hospitals. Property being sold As-Is. Schedule your appointment today!!
Excellent opportunity for investors! This low-maintenance single-family home is fully occupied by a long-term CMHA tenant with rent 100% paid directly by CMHA at $1,321/month, providing reliable, guaranteed income from day one. Recent improvements include all new vinyl windows, a brand-new range in the kitchen, and fresh exterior paint. The property just passed CMHA annual inspection and lead
Roisin MaguireKeller Williams Greater Metropolitan
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,618
Median Age
27
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
40.3%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$15,456
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$25,696
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.7%
College Graduates
10.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.1%
% Population in Labor Force
51.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
64''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
38/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
49/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
50/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
