Thinking about moving to Cincinnati? Queen City is one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to its growing economy, affordable housing, and family-friendly neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a safe, affordable area to settle down, check out these five Cincinnati neighborhoods!
Kennedy Heights
- Home Price: $156,900 median purchase price; $1,110 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Cincinnati neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Kennedy Heights is one of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati if you’re looking for somewhere safe to live without sacrificing affordability! This peaceful, residential neighborhood is tucked in by major roadways like I-71 and Montgomery Rd, giving residents easy commutes to other parts of the city. The area offers a strong sense of community where residents can come together regularly for popular events like Play in the Park and the Sap Run. You’ll also be able to enjoy some fresh air in this tree-lined neighborhood, thanks to beautiful local green spaces like the 66-acre Daniel Drake Park. Plus, if you’re looking to buy a home in Cincinnati, Kennedy Heights offers condos, quaint bungalows, and other budget-friendly homes in styles like Craftsman, Neocolonial, Shotgun, and Tudor.
Things to Do in Kennedy Heights
Find plenty of things to do outside in Cincinnati—like having an outdoor picnic, walking paved paths, and taking in stunning views from the overlook at Daniel Drake Park. Unleash your kids on the playground, grill out with family and friends, and observe the natural wetland at Kennedy Heights Park. Sign up for an art class, attend community events like the Holiday Art Market, and see rotating exhibits like Wish You Were Here at Kennedy Heights Art Center. Play some tennis, dip your toes in the pool, and make par on two different golf courses by becoming a member at Kenwood Country Club—less than ten minutes away. Start your day with seasonal menu items like a Coffee Butter Biscuit, Curry Cauli Grits, or Vegg Head paired with a Blue Matcha or Elderflower Tea from Proud Hound Coffee. Feast on Jamaican food in Cincinnati with dishes like Brown Stew Chicken, Baby Back Ribs, and Jerk Chicken at C&M BBQ Grill. Sample Creole cuisine with a Shrimp Po’Boy, Cornmeal Crusted Catfish, or Chicken and Sausage Gumbo at Little Easy: A Po’Boy Shop. Or try delicious Cincinnati Italian food like the Meat Supreme Pizza, Ziti Chicken Alfredo, and Italian Sausage Hoagies at Krimmer’s Italianette Pizza.
Mount Adams
- Home Price: $362,500 median purchase price; $1,177 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Cincinnati neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Mount Adams is a great neighborhood for all ages because of its reasonably walkable layout, laid-back way of life, and fun community events like the Reindog Parade, Egg Nog Jog, and Riverfest. Along with boasting some of the most fun things to do in Cincinnati, eclectic boutiques, and a thriving art scene, Mount Adams also borders Downtown Cincinnati—giving residents quick access to great entertainment and nightlife. Not to mention, those looking for an easy commute to work or other things to do around Cincinnati will appreciate Mount Adams’ proximity to major roads like I-71, Columbia Pkwy, and I-471. People also flock to this trendy neighborhood for its mixture of contemporary and traditional housing options, many of which offer residents breathtaking views of the Ohio River and easy access to popular green spaces like Eden Park.
Things to Do in Mount Adams
Go through more than 73,000 pieces of art, enroll your kids in unique programming like the 10x10 Teen Art Expo, and let loose at Art After Dark at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Cool off in the shallow-water pool, take swim lessons, or let your kids relax in the wading pool at the Mt. Adams Pool. Experience live theatrical performances of shows like A Christmas Carol, Stew, and Dracula at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Check out a variety of plant life—from microscopic algae in the Fern House to tropical plants in the Palm House—and attend seasonal floral shows like Holiday Trees at Krohn Conservatory. Start your day with a Breakfast Burrito or Avocado Toast while you sip on a Matcha Latte at Bow Tie Cafe. Feast on the Roasted Chicken Salad, Pan Seared Salmon, or 84 Burger at Luca Bistro. Fill up on Mexican-inspired eats like the Chorizo Burger, Elote Hot Dog, and Burrito Loco at El Barril Mexican Sports Bar and Grill. Or try unique, homemade pizzas like the Hill Yeah, Four The Love, and The Gabagool at Your Mom’s Pizzeria.
Mount Lookout
- Home Price: $368,071 median purchase price; $778 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Cincinnati neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Less than 20 minutes away from downtown, you’ll find Mount Lookout, one of the hidden gems in Cincinnati! This neighborhood boasts affordable Cincinnati real estate and is conveniently located by major roadways like US-50, giving residents easy access to several popular Cincy attractions. Locals can also find fun things to do right in the neighborhood—especially at Mt. Lookout Square, which is lined with local stores and delicious eateries. Prefer spending the day outdoors? Mount Lookout is known for its dog-friendliness thanks to its ample green spaces and nearby businesses like Delwood, which provide patio access to furry companions. And although it’s popular with young adults, Mount Lookout is also one of the best Cincinnati neighborhoods for families—offering several top-notch schools like Kilgour School, Cardinal Pacelli Catholic School, and St. Ursula Villa.
Things to Do in Mount Lookout
Tour an operational observatory during the day, or stargaze at events like Astronomy Evenings and Family Astronomy Night at the Cincinnati Observatory. Bring your dog with you to find a great view of the Ohio River, go on a hike, or let your kids run wild in the unique play area at Alms Park. Explore more than 220 acres of green space—including the Cherry Blossom Tree Grove and Butterfly Garden—or attend the annual 4th of July celebration at Ault Park. Stay active in the pool and compete on the tennis courts with a membership at the Mt. Lookout Swim & Tennis Club. Pair a Hammerhead coffee with a Caramel Apple Crumbcake or Raspberry Croissant, or order from the seasonal menu at Lookout Joe. Fill up on some of the best sushi in Cincinnati with rolls like the Spicy Lobster, Sunday Morning, and Orange County at Cloud 9 Sushi. Grab a slice of Hot Honey Pepperoni, Uncle Frank’s Spicy Sausage, and Chicken Pesto pizzas from Ramundo’s Pizzeria. Or chow down on The Train Wreck Burger, Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich, and Zip’s “Famous” Chili at Zip’s Cafe.
Pleasant Ridge
- Home Price: $189,591 median purchase price; $866 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 73% of Cincinnati neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking for one of the safest neighborhoods in Cincinnati, consider Pleasant Ridge! This tree-lined neighborhood has a suburban feel while also being a top-notch business district full of local restaurants and shops, setting it apart as one of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati. Residents regularly connect through annual events like Light Up the Ridge and Ridge Day & Night—a fun-packed event with food trucks and live music! Beyond exciting neighborhood events, residents also have access to coworking spaces and unique programming opportunities like Sidewalk Hospitality, which help foster a strong sense of community in Pleasant Ridge. To top it all off, you won’t have to go far to enjoy some fresh air, with green spaces like the 275-acre French Park providing outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all ages.
Things to Do in Pleasant Ridge
Have a picnic, play on the playground, or use the fitness center at Pleasant Ridge Recreation Center. Take the kids to the pool, observe the wildlife, or spend an afternoon golfing at the members-only Losantiville Country Club. Sign your aspiring baseball players up for the MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy. Check out a book, attend regular events like Family Storytime and Imagine Lab, or get creative during a Craftivity session at the Pleasant Ridge Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library. Try variations on Cincinnati’s most well-known dish with a heaping helping of 5-Way Chili, Chili Spaghetti, or Cheesy Coney Chili from Pleasant Ridge Chili. Feast on flavorful comfort food like the Winter Roti, Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich, and Brewster Burger at Revolution Rotisserie. Order specials like the Meatloaf or Fried Chicken Club sandwich with a draft beer from the rotating menu at The Gas Light Cafe. Sip a Painkiller or Frozen Orange Creamsicle cocktail, or sample rotating local brews such as the Cherry Tree Lager at Nine Giant Brewpub & Fermentorium.
Sayler Park
- Home Price: $99,967 median purchase price; $810 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of Cincinnati neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Sayler Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream and offers an affordable cost of living in Cincinnati that you’ll be hard-pressed to beat! Located along the banks of the Ohio River, you’ll find plenty of outdoor recreation at spots like the neighborhood namesake Sayler Park—a two-acre oasis in the heart of the community. Those looking for affordable housing in Cincinnati can find single-family homes with large yards, including American Foursquare, Shotgun, and Tudor Revival-style homes. This neighborhood is also one of the safest areas in Cincinnati, offering small-town charm on the edges of a big city—with events like Sayler Park Oktoberfest and Sayler Park Sustains bringing the community together. And if you ever want to experience the rest of the city, you can easily get around by hopping on US-50!
Things to Do in Sayler Park
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by swimming laps in the pool, taking fitness classes, and shooting hoops on the basketball court at Sayler Park Recreation Center. Go fishing on the Ohio State River, toss a frisbee on the open green space, and bring your binoculars for some bird watching at Fernbank Park. Watch recent blockbuster movies at an affordable price by visiting the Parkland Theatre. Sharpen your gardening skills, plan service projects with your neighbors, and help maintain the natural beauty of the neighborhood when you join the Fernbank Garden Club. Get your daily coffee fix with a Cortado or Cafe Mocha paired with a Chocolate or Almond Croissant at Sayler Park Coffee. Gather with friends to catch a Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) game and try out mouthwatering bar foods like the Buffalo Chicken Dip with Nachos, Pepperoni Pizza, and Chicken Bites at Parkland Sports Pub. Fill up on authentic Thai favorites like Coconut Shrimp, Thai Fried Rice, and Cashew Pineapple at Buddha Barn Thai. Or pair the Brisket Grilled Cheese with drinks like the Submerged Witbier and Harvest Ale while enjoying live music in Cincinnati or regular trivia nights at 13 Below Brewery.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes