Let our New Resident and Good Neighbor guides help you adjust to your new home.

• Whether you are looking for a home to buy...
• Or thinking of renting a home,
• Rehab a home.

Living in Shaker is an opportunity to enjoy its national reputation for:

• Excellent schools (see a Commemorative Video of President Barack Obama's visit to Shaker Heights)
• Extraordinary physical beauty
• High quality and variety of housing options
• Proximity to the area's key destinations
• Neighbors and strong sense of community
• Top notch city services
• Cosmopolitan and multicultural lifestyle

Residents share in the delights of community for which Shaker is known -- walking on miles of sidewalks under a canopy of trees, nods and smiles as dog walkers pass, toddlers waving to pals from stroller to stroller.

Come home.

New Resident Information

So you've decided to relocate to Shaker Heights? Good choice. Relax, you're finally home! We'll do our best to make you feel welcome and to help you learn your way around.

First: Get oriented.

• Regional map: Shaker is close to arts venues, downtown and the airport.
• Local map: Learn which day your street has trash pickup, which neighborhood and school district you live in, or find your precinct and polling place.

Help Preserve the Shaker Legacy.

• Trash is picked up weekly from the rear or side yard -- this keeps the street and tree lawn (the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street) clear and clean. Pickup of rubbish and certain recyclables is provided by the City.
• Overnight parking is not permitted. Another way to keep our streets safe! If you expect to park a car on the street between 2 and 6 AM one night, call the Police Department ahead to let them know.
• Some home improvement projects and repairs may require a permit. Permitting helps the City protect its historic and beautiful housing. The Building Department, which maintains lists of contractors who register with the City, can help you determine if your project requires a permit or review by the Architectural Review Board or Landmark Commission. You may also want access to restoration and preservation information and resources for your Shaker home. Find out about financial assistance programs as well.
• A city income tax is collected from all residents. Register with the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) within four months of moving in.
• Dogs love Shaker's sidewalks and parks too! If you own a dog, obtain a dog license from the Cuyahoga County Auditors Office within 30 days of moving in or purchasing the pet. Ohio law requires annual renewal of dog licenses. Register or find more information from Public Works or the Cuyahoga County Auditor's Office, Dog License Department.
• Watch for Shaker Life magazine, packed with helpful information and news about the City and mailed to every resident free of charge.

Have some fun!

• Meet other newcomers at the Eastside Welcome Club!

• Take a bike ride! Bicycles must be registered with the Police Department at a cost of $5. Call 216-491-1225 for more information. Be sure to wear a helmet! It's the law in Shaker for anyone age five or older when operating a bike or riding as a passenger within city limits.

• Visit the recently renovated Thornton Park. There's a great pool and a year-round indoor skating rink.

• Take a class! An extensive list of recreation offerings for all ages and interests is provided by the Community Life Department. Partnering with other cities and organizations keeps the selection interesting and varied.

• Shaker loves the arts! The Shaker Arts Council is usually cooking something up, and the museums of University Circle are just around the corner. Or pay a visit to Shaker's own Historical Society & Museum.

• Learn what your Community Association is planning.

Two more ways to find the help you need:

Community Links  (left side navigation) provides even more information:

• Post Offices

• Federal, State and Local elected officials

• Public Library

• Public and Independent schools

• Motor vehicle registration

• Voting Information (including precincts)

• Lots more!

Contact Us  (top navigation bar) is organized both alphabetically and by City Department to help you find:

• Names, emails and numbers for the Mayor and Council.

• Voter registration

• Adult and senior services

• Refuse and collection

• Public Health

• Lots more!

If you can't find what you're looking for, we want to know about it! Contact Web Editor, 216-491-1412.