Best Neighborhoods in Cincinnati for Singles & Young Professionals

Thinking about living in Cincinnati? Cincy is home to a booming job market, a thriving dining and nightlife scene, and a variety of budget-friendly housing options. On top of that, it’s one of the most affordable cities to live and work, making it an ideal place for young adults to settle down. Check out these five great Cincinnati neighborhoods for singles and young professionals!

• Central Business District
• Clifton
• Columbia-Tusculum
• Oakley
• Over-The-Rhine

Central Business District

Photo via @theblondeapartments

• Home Price: $164,700 median purchase price; $828 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Cincinnati neighborhoods

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with trendy apartments and condos, top-notch amenities, and plenty of things to do, Central Business District is a great option! This neighborhood in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati offers several transit options like the Cincinnati Bell Connector that make it easy to get around, and the area is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Kroger, Procter & Gamble, and Macy’s, meaning job opportunities are close by. In addition, singles and young professionals in Central Business District can hit up The Banks district, where there’s shopping, incredible restaurants, and exciting nightlife.

Things to Do in Central Business District

Rock out to live music from artists like Toby Mac and Lucky Chops at Taft Theatre. Celebrate German culture at America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration Oktoberfest Zinzinnati or compete in fun competitions at Cincinnati Celtic Festival. Go ice skating with friends or check out state-of-the-art performances on Fifth Third Center Stage at Fountain Square District. Explore classic and contemporary art exhibits or sign up to attend a painting workshop at Taft Museum of Art. Get tickets to see the Cincinnati Reds (MLB) play at Great American Ball Park or watch the Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) at Paul Brown Stadium. Start your morning off with a Lavender Latte, Cubano, or French Press at Lola’s. Order sushi rolls like the California Roll, Salmon Roll, or Dragon Roll at Corner Bistro. Stop by Via Vite for Italian favorites like Seafood Risotto or Lamb Shank. Watch sports on the big screen while enjoying a Grilled Chicken Sandwich or an Ultimate BLT at O’Malley’s in the Alley. Or sip on fun cocktails like the Blood Orange Amalfi or Nonino Spritz at Sotto.

Clifton

Photo via @emilypalmphoto

• Home Price: $260,510 median purchase price; $743 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Cincinnati neighborhoods

Want to live just ten minutes away from Downtown Cincinnati? Check out Clifton! This neighborhood attracts singles and young professionals with its great parks, easy commutes, cozy bungalows, and excellent dining and nightlife along Clifton Gaslight Business District. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree, this Cincinnati neighborhood is also near the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State Technical & Community College. Plus, Clifton residents who work in the healthcare industry can benefit from living close to University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Cincinnati VA Medical Center.

Things to Do in Clifton

Spend a day hiking, fishing, or playing disc golf with friends at Burnet Woods. Catch new releases or throwback showings of classics like Goodfellas and Citizen Kane at Esquire Theatre. Check out Ludlow Garage, which hosts live entertainment from bands like Eaglemania and Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Head over to Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where you can see penguins, cheetahs, polar bears, and more. Fill up on Mexican favorites like a Steak & Cheese Burrito, Shrimp Quesadilla, or Fajita Taco Salad at Los Potrillos. Enjoy an exclusive buffet full of Chicken Curry, Kadai Ginger Lamb, and Seafood Masala at Dusmesh Indian Restaurant. Grab a Tex Mex Burger, Philly Cheese Steak, or Cod Filet Sandwich at Arlin’s Bar & Restaurant. Try a Grilled Chicken Chimichanga, Latin Steak Salad, or Tofu Tango Bowl at Habanero Latin American Fare. Sit down for a nice Italian meal like Chicken Alfredo or Pesto Pasta with Tiramisu for dessert at Biagio’s Bistro. Or wind down from a busy week with a Chocolate-tini or Strawberry Margarita at Cactus Pear.

Columbia-Tusculum

Photo via @momofalltraedes

• Home Price: $304,633 median purchase price; $802 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Cincinnati neighborhoods

Put the oldest neighborhood in Cincinnati at the top of your list if you’re looking for a more mature area with a friendly community atmosphere and unique housing options. Thanks to restorations, new development, and an influx of businesses, Columbia-Tusculum is the perfect up-and-coming Cincinnati neighborhood for singles and young professionals! Despite being about 15 minutes east of Downtown Cincinnati, this historic area has an abundance of public parks, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Here, you’ll find a variety of homes ranging from Victorian-style houses to Colonial Revival-style bungalows. Plus, Columbia-Tusculum is rich in culture, community-oriented, and supportive of local businesses!

Things to Do in Columbia-Tusculum

Venture out to the 94-acre Alms Park to hike or jog along the scenic trails. Take a trip to Yust Gallery to check out modern sculptures and contemporary art from local, national, and international artists. Spend an evening Irish dancing with friends or attend a concert at Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati. Grab a Steakhouse Burger, Sea Bass Forte, or New York Strip at The Precinct, which has been recognized as Cincinnati’s best steakhouse. Enjoy Cajun fare like Fried Oysters, Swamp Pasta, or Gator Bites at The Swamp Water Grill. Chow down on a Buffalo Chicken Pizza or Pesto Chicken Pizza at Taglio Bar & Pizzeria. Relax on the outdoor dog-friendly patio at Pearl’s with signature cocktails like a Pearltini, Margarita, or Moscow Mule. Or choose from a variety of craft beers like a Trouble in Paradise Milkshake Blonde or Soaring Sea American Wild Ale at Streetside Brewery.

Oakley

Photo via @stacieclayton_realtor

• Home Price: $213,580 median purchase price; $888 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Cincinnati neighborhoods

Located on the east side of Cincinnati just off I-71, Oakley is one of the best neighborhoods for young adults! This urban-style neighborhood is the perfect place to call home, thanks to its quick commutes into the city center, great shopping spots, amazing dining, laid-back breweries, and more. Residents of this budding Cincinnati neighborhood can participate in fun community events like Oakley After Hours and the Hyde Park Farmers’ Market. And with affordable housing options like Craftsman-style bungalows and spacious apartments, Oakley has everything you’re looking for with budget-friendly homes!

Things to Do in Oakley

Shop at stores like Banana Republic, HomeGoods, Old Navy, or West Elm at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion. Practice your golf game on the 18-hole course at Hyde Park Golf & Country Club. Challenge yourself to rock climbing or top roping at Climb Time. Watch movies like The Notebook, Tom & Jerry, or Wonder Woman 1984 at Cinemark Oakley Station & XD. Grab a Monkey Business Smoothie, Berry Acai Bowl, or a Blissful Cold-Pressed Juice at Rooted Juicery & Kitchen. Satisfy your Italian food craving with a Margherita Pizza, Pork Meatball Sandwich, or Lasagne at The Wheel. Munch on Loaded Cheese Fries, Honey BBQ Wings, or Fish Tacos at Oakley Pub & Grill. Treat your tastebuds to sweet treats like Almond Bark, Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, or Pineapple Italian Ice at Aglamesis Bro’s. Or sample craft beers like a Common Ground Farmhouse Ale or Thundersnow Spiced Scottish Ale at MadTree Brewing Company.

Over-The-Rhine

Photo via @overtherhine

• Home Price: $139,342 median purchase price; $678 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Cincinnati neighborhoods

With its good walkability, affordable housing, incredible restaurant scene, and seven-minute commute to downtown, Over-The-Rhine is a lively neighborhood that’s great for singles and young professionals! This Cincinnati neighborhood’s namesake comes from German immigrants and has since been home to the Brewery District, an area with the most Pre-Prohibition breweries in the country. Plus, the neighborhood is full of green space, year-round activities like Over-The-Rhine Film Festival, and eclectic housing options, including traditional rowhouses, Greek Revival and Italianate-style homes, and modern condos.

Things to Do in Over-The-Rhine

Take your furry friend to the dog park or attend a community event at Washington Park. Attend symphony performances or see artists on tour at Cincinnati Music Hall. Learn about the history of one of the world’s top food markets, Findlay Market, and sample food from several vendors on The Original Findlay Market Tour. Grab a seat at Tucker’s Restaurant for breakfast favorites like a Western Omelet, Steak & Eggs, or French Toast. Stop by Ollie’s Trolley for a Bacon Burger, Turkey BLT, or Fish Sandwich. Enjoy dishes like Thai Mussels, Charred Calamari, or Rare Seared Tuna at Zula. Play a game of ping pong while sipping on beers like Lodo Peach Ale or Double Arch Amber Ale at Rhinegeist Brewery. Sample a wide range of beers like the Cooper Heller Bock or Barrister Kolsch Style Ale while sitting on the patio at Northern Row. Or order cocktails like a Citrus Mule or Coconut Banana Sazerac at Sundry & Vice.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes