Yes, Cincinnati is one of the best cities in the Midwest to live in. Many residents like the variety of job opportunities and family-friendly activities in Cincinnati—though the Queen City does experience unpredictable weather, high traffic, and other downsides. To figure out if moving to Cincinnati makes sense for you, explore these 19 pros and cons!
Quick Facts About Cincinnati
| Population | 302,687 |
| Average Home Price | $446,938 |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,664 |
| Median Household Income | $42,663 |
| Transit Score | 44 |
Statistics from AreaVibes, Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), & Best Places
Pros of Living in Cincinnati
The benefits of living in Cincinnati are numerous, including its affordability, great job market, variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, and more. Here are 11 pros of moving to Cincinnati!
Pro: Affordable Cincinnati Neighborhoods
Located in one of the most affordable states in the nation, Cincinnati offers top-quality amenities without breaking your budget. Cincinnati’s cost of living is 3% lower than the national average, and housing costs are around 11% lower than the U.S. average. This makes it less costly to live in Cincy than in some other similarly-sized Midwestern cities like Madison. That said, it’s fairly easy for families, singles and young professionals, and other newcomers to find safe and affordable neighborhoods in Cincinnati to settle down in.
Pro: Proximity to Other Major Cities
One of the major benefits of living in Cincinnati is having easy access to other major cities—including those in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and more. Most notably, residents of Cincy enjoy taking day trips to explore Indianapolis, Columbus, and Louisville—all of which are less than a two-hour drive from Downtown Cincinnati! From sporting events like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to family-friendly spots like the Columbus Zoo, Cincy is within range of all kinds of exciting amenities—making it easy to switch up your scenery or enjoy a weekend getaway.
Pro: Top Cincy Jobs
When it comes to reasons to move to Cincinnati, its job market is near the top of the list. With an income per capita that’s 8% higher than the national average, Cincy careers can get you where you want to go! Top industries in Cincinnati include manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and business, while some of Cincy’s best-paying jobs are in fields like architecture and engineering. From the largest employers in Cincinnati to Fortune 500 companies and more, some top employers in Cincinnati include:
- Procter & Gamble for jobs in marketing, administration, & engineering
- American Financial and Fifth Third Bancorp to advance your career in the financial services industry
- The Kroger Co. for opportunities in management, engineering, & retail
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, and TriHealth for those seeking work in healthcare
Pro: Great Cincinnati Universities
If you’re looking for higher education opportunities, Cincinnati has multiple fantastic colleges and universities to choose from. Consider furthering your education at one of these top colleges in Cincinnati:
- University of Cincinnati, where you can choose from more than 400 majors, minors, & graduate programs
- Cincinnati State, a more affordable option with culinary, business, & engineering programs
- Xavier University, with undergraduate majors like accounting, art, & computer science
- Mount St. Joseph, one of the 100 best colleges for education preparation
- The Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences, a top 50 college for nursing
Pro: Abundant Cincinnati Outdoor Activities
With numerous Cincinnati parks, gardens, and nature centers, there are all kinds of ways to get outside and stay active! Find some of the best outdoor activities in Cincinnati below.
- Take a hike to admire more than 200 species of plants or attend events to learn more about Cincinnati nature at California Woods Nature Preserve & Center.
- Ride Carol Ann’s Carousel, hang out on the huge swings, or learn music on the foot piano at Smale Riverfront Park.
- Hike along 20 miles of trails, or enroll your kids in Scout Programs, CincyNature Camp, or Children’s Saturday Programs at the Cincinnati Nature Center.
- Hit the golf course, go boating at the Harbor, or go for a bike ride at Sharon Woods.
- Explore peaceful trails, spot wildlife, and let your kids run wild on the playground at Glenwood Gardens.
- Try disc golf, wander through the arboretum, or play fetch with your pup at the largest park in Cincinnati, Mt. Airy Forest.
Pro: Lots of Family Activities in Cincinnati
It’ll be no problem to keep your kiddos entertained with all the family-friendly things to do in Cincinnati! Not sure where to start? Consider the local favorites below!
- Meet animals from around the world—like lions, giraffes, and hippos—at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
- Take a day trip to ride roller coasters and enjoy themed areas at Kings Island.
- Get up close with sharks, jellyfish, and colorful fish in walkthrough tunnels and interactive exhibits at the Newport Aquarium.
- Cheer on runners or attend the “Family Fun Festival” during the Flying Pig Marathon.
- Check out hands-on exhibits at one of the many museums that are part of the Cincinnati Museum Center, like the Children’s Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, or the Cincinnati History Museum.
Pro: Fantastic Cincinnati Arts Scene
With everything from opera and ballet performances to vibrant art museums, art lovers will not be disappointed by the Cincinnati art scene! Here are some top activities to enjoy:
- Attend performances featuring the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at the historic Cincinnati Music Hall.
- Admire collections of East Asian Art at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
- Catch Broadway tours, concerts, and theater productions at the Aronoff Center for the Arts.
- Explore rotating exhibits or check out educational programs and workshops with the Contemporary Arts Center.
- Explore European and American art at the Taft Museum of Art.
Pro: Exciting Cincinnati Events
Residents of Cincy join together and have fun at all kinds of festivals throughout the year. These are some of the most popular annual Cincinnati festivals:
- Sample bites from dozens of local restaurants during one of the nation’s largest street food festivals, Taste of Cincinnati.
- Celebrate with the local LGBTQ community at the Cincinnati Pride Parade & Festival.
- Honor history, culture, and community with live music, performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities at Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival.
- Celebrate Greek culture with authentic cuisine, folk dancing, and live music at the Panegyri Greek Festival.
- Get into the holiday spirit with a winter wonderland filled with dazzling light displays and seasonal treats at the PNC Festival of Lights.
Pro: Rich German Heritage in Cincinnati
Living in Cincinnati means getting to enjoy and celebrate its unique German roots! Once home to the largest population of German immigrants in the country, Cincinnati’s history has impacted life in the city today—seen in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, as well as other local architecture, food, festivals, and more. In the fall, celebrate the city’s German heritage by raising a stein and enjoying traditional German food, music, and festivities at the annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati—the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S. Or during the summer, attend Glier’s Goettafest—an eight-day, riverfront festival where you can enjoy German sausage creations, music, games, and more!
Pro: Plenty of Cincinnati Sports Teams
Whether you’re into baseball, football, soccer, or hockey, sports fans are spoiled for choice! If you want to rally behind a team, here are some of the best Cincinnati teams to support:
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB) at the Great American Ball Park
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) at Paycor Stadium
- FC Cincinnati (MLS) at TQL Stadium
- Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) at Heritage Bank Center
- University of Cincinnati Bearcats (NCAA D-I) in sports like football, basketball, and more
- Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA D-I) in football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and more
Pro: Diverse Restaurants in Cincinnati
While residents know and love this city for its iconic “Cincinnati Chili,” the food scene surpasses expectations in a variety of other ways! From charming brunch spots to Italian or African-inspired dinner options, Cincinnati offers a little taste of everything. Some great Cincinnati restaurants to check out include:
- Taste of Belgium to enjoy breakfast options like crepes, chicken and waffles, & mimosas
- Court Street Kitchen for New American favorites or Sunday brunch specials
- Teranga Restaurant to try African-American fusion dishes
- Sotto Cincinnati or Pepp & Dolores for Italian-inspired dishes paired with fine wines
- Nolia Kitchen to taste seasonally-rotating menu items & Southern fare
Get Everything You Need For An Easier Move to Cincinnati
Cons of Living in Cincinnati
Some disadvantages of living in Cincinnati include the city’s limited public transportation, outdated infrastructure, and seasonal weather extremes. Before deciding to move to Cincinnati, consider the below cons.
Con: High Cincinnati Taxes
Some Cincinnati tax rates can present a financial burden—most notably, the city’s property and sales taxes. The property tax in Cincinnati is 2.38%, which is considerably higher than the national average. However, if certain qualifications are met, residents can apply for programs including the Homestead Exemption, Owner Occupancy Credit, or Treasurer’s Optional Payment (TOP) program to help reduce their property tax burden. Additionally, while the sales tax in Cincinnati is also above average, it remains lower than in other major Midwestern cities—such as Kansas City.
Con: Issues With Cincinnati Crime
As with any major city, crime rates in Cincinnati are higher than average, and some neighborhoods are more dangerous than others. That said, Cincinnati remains safer than 3% of Ohio cities and 4% of cities across the nation—and boasts lower crime rates than other similarly-sized areas, including St. Louis. To address crime-related concerns, the city has enacted a violent crime reduction initiative—which strives to address the root causes of violence and make its streets safer for all. Not to mention, there are a variety of particularly safe and affordable neighborhoods in Cincinnati where you can consider settling down, such as Pleasant Ridge and Mount Adams.
Con: Traffic & Transportation Challenges
If you rely on public transit or dislike traffic, Cincinnati may not be the best city to relocate to—the Queen City is largely car-dependent and rated among the U.S. cities with the worst traffic. That said, while Cincinnati’s public transportation system—the Metro—may not be as extensive or efficient as other larger cities, residents still have a few options available to them.
- Take advantage of fixed bus routes, book on-demand rides through Metro Now!, or apply for shared transportation services via Metro Access.
- Additionally, the Connector Streetcar can help you navigate certain neighborhoods, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is a convenient option for further travel.
- Not to mention, Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine and Central Business District are known for their walkability, and Cincinnati Red Bike, Li.me, and Bird make it easier to get around the city via bike or electric scooter!
Con: Weak Infrastructure
Cincinnati’s infrastructure is a weak spot. Residents have noticed a lack of improvement in the city’s infrastructure in recent years, despite there being a budget allocated to fixing its bumpy, pothole-ridden streets and outdated bridges. One of the major challenges is that a large portion of that money is currently blocked from being spent—but the city reassures its residents that it’s making strides wherever and whenever possible. In fact, the “Cincy-on-Track” dashboard is available so residents can stay up-to-date with spending and improvements. A majority of the allocated funds will go toward fixing bridges and streets, but the remainder can be used to improve recreation facilities, public services, parks, and more.
Con: Seasonal Weather Extremes
From the hot, muggy summers to the cold, snowy winters—and every bit of unpredictable weather in between—Cincinnati’s climate isn’t for everyone. As a Midwest city that experiences all four seasons, residents should be prepared for Cincinnati temperatures ranging from winter lows in the 20s to summer highs in the upper 80s.
In addition, the city experiences an annual rainfall of more than 40 inches, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average. While the unpredictable weather and seasonal extremes can be a downside for some, it’s worth noting that Cincinnati winters are still mild compared to other Midwestern cities, like Minneapolis. Additionally, there are a variety of ways for residents to enjoy all four seasons—from beating the heat at spray grounds and pools to ice skating in the winter at Elm Street Plaza!
Con: Air Quality Concerns
Cincinnati is considered one of the worst cities in the U.S. for year-round air pollution—though severity varies throughout the year. Issues with air quality in Cincinnati are mostly attributed to car emissions and other pollutants, which can result in short and long-term negative side effects—especially for sensitive groups. If you’re particularly vulnerable, Cincinnati has plenty of resources to help keep you safe—including the Cincinnati Allergy & Asthma Center. Additionally, the city’s Green Cincinnati Plan involves initiatives to increase air quality research and reduce pollution—such as the BREATHE Coalition and Cincy Air Watch.
Con: Intimidating Social Scene
According to locals, it can sometimes be difficult making friends in Cincinnati, as residents don’t tend to be overly welcoming. While this certainly isn’t always the case, some people may feel isolated or lonely while getting situated in Cincy. Thankfully, if you’re willing to put yourself out there and make socializing a priority, you can still establish meaningful connections here. Some great options include attending festivals, volunteering with causes that are important to you, and joining local Facebook groups—like the Cincinnati Ladies Meet Up!
Con: Limited Options for Cincinnati Nightlife
Cincinnati’s nightlife scene isn’t as boisterous as in other major cities—and true nightclubs are usually few and far between. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun in Cincy! In fact, it ranks among the list of U.S. cities with the most breweries per capita, and certain areas—like the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood—have cocktail bars, laid-back dives, and other fun spots. Here are a few nightlife options to explore:
- Listen to soul or R&B music while sipping a glass of red or white at Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge.
- Enjoy unique musical and film experiences like Cincy Silent Disco at Woodward Theater.
- Try innovative cocktails or spend happy hour at Cincinnati bar, The Righteous Room.
- Catch up with friends over craft brews at Cincinnati breweries like Rhinegeist Brewery, MadTree Brewing, or Urban Artifact.
- Attend musical events like PB&J Tuesdays or Jam Session Thursdays at The Belle and the Bear.
Should You Move to Cincinnati?
Yes, you should consider moving to Cincinnati if you’re seeking an affordable, mid-sized city with plenty of opportunities for career growth, outdoor recreation, and family fun. Before relocating to Cincinnati, consider your desired lifestyle, climate preferences, and transportation needs, as Cincy experiences all four seasons and public transit can be limited. Read below to determine whether life in Cincinnati is right for you.
Cincinnati may be the right fit for you if…
- You want to work for a Fortune 500 company or grow your career in industries like manufacturing, life sciences, business, or technology.
- You’re looking for a safe, affordable, and fun-filled place to settle down or raise a family.
- You love sports or exploring local arts and culture.
- You’re seeking a variety of year-round outdoor recreation options.
- You enjoy attending festivals.
You may want to consider moving to another city if…
- You don’t have a car and rely on public transportation.
- You want a buzzing nightlife scene.
- You prefer consistent weather patterns.
- You have asthma or other health concerns that could be complicated by air quality issues.
- You want to live in one of the safest U.S. cities.
Cincinnati Compared to Nearby Cities
Wondering whether Cincinnati is better than Columbus, Louisville, or Chicago? Take a look at the chart below to compare these top cities near Cincinnati and decide which is right for you.
| Factor | Cincinnati, OH | Columbus, OH | Louisville, KY | Chicago, IL |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,664 | $1,468 | $1,409 | $3,230 |
| Average Home Price | $446,938 | $505,881 | $362,290 | $588,157 |
| Average Commute Time | 23 minutes | 22 minutes | 22 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Walk Score | 49/100 | 41/100 | 34/100 | 77/100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.9% | 3.8% | 3.7% | 5.4% |
| Major Industries | Manufacturing, technology, life sciences, business | Finance, healthcare, insurance, fashion | Technology, healthcare, manufacturing | Business, technology, healthcare, manufacturing |
Statistics from Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Best Places, Walk Score, & AreaVibes
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Cincinnati
What salary lets you live comfortably in Cincinnati?
A livable wage in Cincinnati for a single adult with no children is around $43,203, though this can vary based on the size of your home and your lifestyle preferences. For two working adults with two children, $112,701 is considered a comfortable salary.
Is Cincinnati safe?
Yes, Cincinnati is generally considered a safe city to live in. While crime rates in Cincinnati are higher than average, the city remains safer than 4% of U.S. cities—including similar metros like St. Louis. Additionally, safe and affordable neighborhoods in Cincinnati like Kennedy Heights and Sayler Park offer particularly low crime rates—as well as green space and other great amenities—for those with safety as a priority.
What is the average temperature in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati temperatures span a wide range, with average winter lows just over 20 degrees and summer highs sitting in the upper 80s. Located within the Midwestern U.S., Cincinnati experiences all four seasons—so residents can expect hot, humid summers and cold winters, along with a rainy season.
What state is Cincinnati in?
Cincinnati is located in the southwestern corner of Ohio, along the banks of the Ohio River. This Midwestern city is conveniently located near several other major metro areas—just an hour and a half from Louisville, KY and a two-hour drive from both Indianapolis, IN and Columbus, OH.
Is Cincinnati a good place to live?
Yes, Cincinnati is considered a great place to live in the Midwestern U.S.—often attracting those seeking urban amenities without the big-city price tag or stress. With a strong job market, low cost of living, family-friendly activities, great outdoor recreation, lively arts and culture scene, and more, Cincinnati caters to a variety of demographics, lifestyles, and budgets.
***
Ready to make the move to Cincinnati? Extra Space Storage has convenient storage facilities located across the Cincinnati metro to help with your transition. Find an affordable storage unit near you!
