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Garfield Heights, Ohio facts for kids

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Garfield Heights, Ohio
Garfield Heights Civic Center
Garfield Heights Civic Center
Official seal of Garfield Heights, Ohio
Seal
Location in Cuyahoga County and the state of Ohio.
Location in Cuyahoga County and the state of Ohio.
Country United States
State Ohio
County Cuyahoga
Settled 1786
Founded 1907
Incorporated 1930
Government
 • Type Mayor–council
Area
 • Total 7.29 sq mi (18.87 km2)
 • Land 7.23 sq mi (18.72 km2)
 • Water 0.06 sq mi (0.14 km2)
Elevation
955 ft (291 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 29,781
 • Estimate 
(2023)
28,900
 • Density 4,119.09/sq mi (1,590.49/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
44105, 44125, 44128
Area code(s) 216
FIPS code 39-29428
GNIS feature ID 1064703
Website garfieldhts.org

Garfield Heights is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. It is a suburb of Cleveland and part of the larger Cleveland metropolitan area. In 2020, about 29,781 people lived there.

History of Garfield Heights

Marymountbk
Marymount Congregational Home, St. Joseph Convent and Academy Complex

The area where Garfield Heights now stands was once part of a larger place called Newburgh Township. In 1907, a small village named South Newburgh was created.

Later, in 1930, this village officially became the city of Garfield Heights. The city got its name from Garfield Park. The park itself was named to honor President James A. Garfield. He was born in a nearby area called Orange Township.

Geography and Location

Garfield Heights is located at 41°25′17″N 81°36′10″W / 41.42139°N 81.60278°W / 41.42139; -81.60278. This means it's in the northern part of Ohio.

The city covers a total area of about 7.29 square miles (18.87 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a small part being water. The lowest point in Garfield Heights is about 831 feet (253 meters) above sea level. This is where it meets the city of Cleveland. The highest point is near the Garfield Heights Justice Center, at about 972 feet (296 meters) above sea level.

Population and People

Historical population
Census Pop.
1920 2,530
1930 15,589 516.2%
1940 16,989 9.0%
1950 21,662 27.5%
1960 38,455 77.5%
1970 41,417 7.7%
1980 34,938 −15.6%
1990 31,739 −9.2%
2000 30,734 −3.2%
2010 28,849 −6.1%
2020 29,781 3.2%
2023 (est.) 28,900 0.2%
Sources:

Garfield Heights is home to many different groups of people. Some of the main ethnic groups include people with Polish, Slovene, Italian, Irish, and African-American backgrounds.

Most people in the city speak English, about 93.4%. Other languages spoken include Polish, Italian, and Spanish.

Population Changes Over Time

The city's population has changed quite a bit over the years. In 1920, only 2,530 people lived there. By 1970, the population grew to over 41,000 people. Since then, the number of residents has slowly decreased, but it saw a small increase between 2010 and 2020.

Who Lives in Garfield Heights?

In 2010, there were 28,849 people living in Garfield Heights. About 32.8% of households had children under 18. The average household had 2.43 people.

The median age in the city was 38.5 years old. This means half the people were younger than 38.5, and half were older. About 25% of the residents were under 18 years old.

Economy and Businesses

Garfield Heights has several important businesses and organizations. These help create jobs and support the community.

Major Employers and Companies

Marymount Hospital is a big part of the Cleveland Clinic system. It is the largest employer in the city, providing many jobs. The Ohio Department of Transportation also has its main office for District 12 in Garfield Heights.

In 2007, Garfield Heights was named one of America's most affordable communities by CNN/Money. This means it was a good place to live without spending too much money.

The Garfield Heights Chamber of Commerce was started in the 1960s. It helps over 250 local businesses work together and grow. Chart Industries, a company that makes gas tanks, has its world headquarters in Garfield Heights. The Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union, a large credit union, is also based here.

City View Center Development

The City View Center is a large shopping area in Garfield Heights. It was built on an old landfill in the mid-2000s. For a while, many stores left because of problems with the ground and gas buildup. However, the buildings have been made stronger, and the land is now planned for industrial use. Some businesses, like a Giant Eagle grocery store, are still open there.

Parks and Recreation

Garfield Heights offers places for residents to relax and have fun.

Dan Kostel Recreation Center

The Dan Kostel Recreation Center is a popular spot. It has an outdoor swimming pool that is open during the summer. There is also an indoor ice skating rink, which is great for enjoying ice sports year-round.

Garfield Park Reservation

Part of the larger Cleveland Metroparks system, Garfield Park Reservation is a beautiful natural area. It is located in the northeast corner of Garfield Heights, right on the border with Cleveland. It offers green spaces for outdoor activities.

Education in Garfield Heights

Garfield Heights High School
Garfield Heights High School

Garfield Heights has its own public school system. This system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. A five-member elected board manages these schools.

There are also two Catholic schools in the city: St. Benedict and Trinity High School.

School Improvements

In 2001, voters in Garfield Heights approved a special levy to build a new high school. Construction started soon after and was finished in 2003. Later, in 2006, work began on a new arts and drama complex for the high school. This building, called the Garfield Heights Matousek Center for the Performing Arts, cost $5 million and opened in November 2007. It has 750 seats for performances.

In the 2010–11 school year, two elementary schools, Elmwood Elementary and Maple Leaf Intermediate, were renovated. Maple Leaf School, the oldest building in the district (built in 1925), gained more classrooms and a bigger gym during its reconstruction.

Media and News

Residents of Garfield Heights can watch Cleveland television stations. They also have access to many cable and satellite TV providers. For news, the main newspapers are the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Neighborhood News-Garfield Heights Tribune. The Tribune is published every Wednesday.

Notable People from Garfield Heights

Many interesting people have come from Garfield Heights, including:

  • Steve Bartek – A guitarist and film composer.
  • James Jude Courtney – An actor and stunt performer.
  • William A. Foster – Earned the Medal of Honor.
  • DeJuan Groce – A cornerback in the NFL.
  • Gene Mruczkowski – A former NFL offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion.
  • Scott Mruczkowski – A former NFL football center.
  • Phil Pozderac – A former NFL offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion.
  • Wilma Smith – A former Cleveland news anchor.

Neighboring Communities

Garfield Heights is surrounded by several other towns and neighborhoods:

See also

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