When asked about what makes Cleveland Heights great, residents almost always discuss the diversity of the community. About 53 percent of the population is white, 42 percent black, 3 percent Asian and 2 percent Latino according to the last census, although more accurate data will be available after the 2010 results are published. The slogan for the city of about 47,000 is "Home to the Arts," as the Cedar Lee Theatre, Dobama Theatre, Heights Arts Gallery, Cain Park Arts Festival and events and the Coventry Street Arts Fair are located in the eight square mile city. Several businesses and community resources are located within walking distance of residential neighborhoods, including restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, banks, grocery stores and libraries.

City Hall houses several government offices including finance, planning and zoning, historic preservation, community services, law, municipal court, police, fire, utilities, water and sewer.