Cincinnati, Ohio, is a major city in the Midwestern part of the country. It sits on the Ohio River and is home to Hamilton County, which contains several neighborhoods with deep cultural and historical roots. These communities attract people from all walks of life, including young professionals who may prefer apartments within walking distance to a coffee shop to families with children in school. Before you rent a moving truck, it’s beneficial to learn how the districts in the city can provide what your home needs. Here are the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati.
Best Neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Ohio
While each neighborhood in Cincinnati boasts its own unique experiences, amenities, and price points, narrowing down your search can help you find a place to call home faster. That’s why we created this helpful list of 10 of the best neighborhoods in the city. These communities were chosen based on their amenities, price ranges, and commute to the heart of the city, which resulted in a vast collection of neighborhoods to appeal to different individuals.
1. Over-the-Rhine
Over-the-Rhine is one of Cincinnati’s largest and most historic neighborhoods. You’ll find architecture dating back to the 19th century and establishments that exemplify the area’s modern culture. In the Washington Park district, known as “The Gateway Quarter,” you can explore a hub of restaurants and bars. Located in front of Music Hall, the park itself hosts special events. Brewery District is where the beer industry thrives, while North of Liberty Street has experienced minimal changes from gentrification. Rental prices range from $600 to $3,271 per month.
Take advantage of the walkable community by visiting eateries in Over-the-Rhine. At Flavors of the Isle, you can satisfy your taste buds while feasting on Jamaican and American soul food. Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse is the perfect place to grab a morning brew or a plant-based breakfast. You can also invite your friends to dinner at Soul Secrets, famous for its 100-year-old family recipes that will leave a lasting impression on your stomach.
Since part of the neighborhood has yet to receive much in the way of updates, some aspiring residents may prefer to search for a neighborhood that’s received more in the way of updating and construction.
2. Mount Adams
When living in Mount Adams, you’ll always have a great view. The residential neighborhood attracts tourists from all over the United States because of its picturesque nature and interesting landmarks. Rental prices revolve around $2,390 per month, which is a pricier option and may deter those who are looking for more budget-friendly options. You can spend an entire weekend at Eden Park, a 186-acre park that includes the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Krohn Conservatory, and Playhouse in the Park.
Mount Adams is an ideal residence area for established professionals in various industries. Young professionals may also choose this area to live in because it’s close to popular nightlife in Over-the-Rhine. You might appreciate the free Wi-Fi at a coffee shop called The Bow Tie Café if you work remotely. Your stomach may appreciate a mouth-watering burger from City View Tavern, which overlooks the Ohio River.
Since its a neighborhood known for its many nightclubs and taverns, residents who prefer a quieter night life might steer to a different neighborhood. In addition, if you don’t partake in these activities, you might have to journey to different parts of the city for something that better suits your interests.
3. Hyde Park
An upscale neighborhood to consider putting down roots in is Hyde Park. One of its standout attractions is Hyde Park Square, a historic shopping area with local businesses and restaurants. You can find a new favorite drink at Awakenings Coffee Roasters or get caffeinated at Churchill’s Fine Teas. Also, Peace Love and Little Donuts will soothe your sweet tooth as you shop for new items to hang in your closet.
Rental prices range from $825 to $1,510 per month, making this neighborhood ideal in the way of affordability. Parents in this neighborhood send their children to two elementary schools, including Hyde Park School, and two high schools. There’s also a selection of private Catholic schools, two of which are members of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, and a center that caters to children with different abilities.
Since the majority of residents own their homes rather than rent, it may be challenging to find a rental property in this neighborhood. Making connections in the neighborhood and checking for updates on existing rental properties can help you find new rentals in this community fast.
4. Oakley
If Hyde Park appeals to you, then you might consider its southern neighbor, Oakley. Residents of this area appreciate its walkability, which provides easy access to shopping centers and restaurants. At Red Feather Kitchen, for example, you can sip on a cocktail and try every type of American food on the menu. Young members of your family can let off steam at Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park, and the Oakley Playground, or catch a movie at Cinemark Oakley Station.
Speaking of families, children can attend Hyde Park School for elementary and Shroder Paideia High School for grades six through 12. After graduation, your children can stay close to home by attending the University of Cincinnati, a short six miles away. Some residents may prefer to live in apartments or condos in the area and pay between $825 to $2,500 per month in rent.
While the city is vastly walkable, if you rely on that to get around you’ll have to face the wrath of Ohio winters. Snow, and a lot of it, is common in the winter which can make walking and commuting difficult. This is especially true for those moving from different climates to Cincy.
5. Downtown Cincinnati
If you want to be in the center of all the action, consider relocating to Downtown Cincinnati. This urban neighborhood is the Central Business District of the city, which may contribute to its higher rent prices than other areas nearby. Residents pay an average of $1,743 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Brunch is something to look forward to, considering restaurants such as Crown Republic Gastropub, which offers pastries and pasta. Condado Tacos is also open during the early afternoon, so you can make your tacos however you like them. Downtown isn’t only for adult fun. Children can have equally fun, recreational, and educational experiences in the area. At the UC Health Ice Rink, you and your family can make priceless memories by ice skating, which is especially magical during the holidays. The Play Library is a great place to borrow games and toys to keep kids occupied when they’re not in school.
6. Clifton
About 8,000 people live in Clifton, a neighborhood in the north Central part of Cincinnati. The housing is more expensive than other areas of the city, but you can still find rentals ranging from $825 to $2,000 per month. Still, it’s not hard to imagine why people enjoy living in the neighborhood. Clifton is a prime destination for shopping and eating, thanks to Ludlow Avenue and other attractions. Biagio’s Bistro offers soups and salads. If you’re looking for dessert, order a couple of scoops of handcrafted ice cream or gelato from Graeter’s.
At Mount Storm Park, you can take a leisurely stroll before taking a break in an original gazebo. Esquire Theatre, a monument that’s been standing since 1911, will make you appreciate the history and evolution of the film industry. You can also immerse yourself in culture by devoting a day to exploring the Clifton Cultural Arts Center.
7. Northside
Another neighborhood in Cincinnati that you’ll be proud to live in is Northside. The rental prices range from $750 to $1,040 per month, making this community more affordable than others. The neighborhood is near popular nature spots in the state, such as Parkers Woods Nature Preserve and Mt. Airy Forest.
Just because Northside is only 15 minutes away from downtown Cincinnati doesn’t mean the neighborhood doesn’t have restaurants and shops of its own. You can invite a group to dine with you on the outdoor patio of Northside Yacht Club. Another local favorite eatery is Tickle Pickle, which serves a milkshake with your burger to soothe your taste buds. You’ll never go hungry at the Kitchen Factory, thanks to the pizza and macaroni and cheese.
As this neighborhood is farther away from the city center, you might be spared from as much traffic congestion and smog, but you’ll still have to deal with the pollen and a certain level of city pollution. Another downside of this neighborhood, and others, is the unpredictable weather patterns.
8. East Walnut Hills
A quick drive from downtown Cincinnati will bring you to Walnut Hills, a Hamilton County neighborhood recognizable for its historical roots and hilltops. According to the 2020 census, over 6,000 people live in the area. People who reside in the eastern part of the neighborhood and prefer apartment living spend an average of $1,197 per month for a one-bedroom space. Walnut Hills has four districts: Gilbert-Sinton Historic District, Gilbert Row, Madison and Woodburn Historic District, and Peebles’ Corner Historic District.
You can walk through Walnut Hills to check out historic landmarks. For example, the house of famous author Harriet Beecher Stowe is now a site to learn more about history. Also, feel free to spend an afternoon in Walnut Hills Library, the city’s first Carnegie Library.
Because of the relatively small nature of this neighborhood, it may not be ideal for those wanting a robust nightlife scene. The higher price range of this neighborhood also can be a struggle for those on a budget.
9. Columbia-Tusculum
Columbia-Tusculum has existed in Ohio for over 200 years, making it the oldest neighborhood in the city. One aspect that makes the area unique is the style of the houses. They have a Victorian build with bright paint in orange, yellow, red, and pink colors, so the “Painted Lady” nickname is fitting. Rentals in this area can start around $755 per month for a single bedroom to $2,397 per month for a two-bedroom home.
The population is approximately 1,500 people, which is smaller than other neighborhoods in Cincinnati. When you’re hungry, you can feast on Cajun cuisine from Allyn’s Cafe or invite your friends to The Precinct, a former police station that’s now a restaurant. A Columbia-Tusculum church also transformed to become the Columbia Performance Center, which invites musicians to perform. The neighborhood also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to picturesque views. Strolling at Alms Park will give you an eyeful of rolling hills and rivers.
10. Pleasant Ridge
Pleasant Ridge in Hamilton County is a pleasant place to call home. Once you move in, you can get to know your neighbors, some of the nearly 11,000 people in the community. Although a personal vehicle makes it easiest to get around, residents can often walk and find different places to shop and eat. If you’re walking during lunchtime, you might stop at C’est Cheese Food Truck for a grilled cheese sandwich.
If you’re a pop-culture enthusiast, you might want to see what’s new at Queen City Comic & Card Company, which sells collectible items from comics and movies. Everybody’s Records on Montgomery Road also sells and trades cassette tapes and records from artists of all genres. Nine Giant is a popular craft brewery in the area, making it the perfect spot to gather with friends after a hard day’s work. Rental prices range from $975 to $2,199 per month.
Picking a neighborhood to live in is an important decision. In Cincinnati, Ohio, you can select an area with exactly what you’re looking for, such as a walkable hub for restaurants and bars, a variety of options for enrichment activities for children, or a collection of monuments that will make for a scenic drive. Find your community and permanent home in the Midwest.
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