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
- Home Price: $397,043 median purchase price; $1,161 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Cincinnati neighborhoods
If you’re looking for a neighborhood in Cincinnati with trendy apartments and condos, top-notch amenities, and plenty of things to do—Central Business District is a great option! Located in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati, this neighborhood is highly walkable and offers several transit options, like The Connector, that make it easy to get to your job or other destination. This area of Cincinnati also boasts plenty of job opportunities at various businesses, including Fortune 500 companies like Kroger and Procter & Gamble. After work, singles and young professionals living in the Central Business District can explore The Banks riverfront community, where there’s shopping, incredible restaurants, and exciting nightlife options. Plus, residents can connect with the community at popular Cincy festivals like Oktoberfest Zinzinnati—America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration—or Cincinnati Celtic Festival, which features food, entertainment, and fun games and activities.
Things to Do in Central Business District
Rock out to live music from artists like Colin Hay and Gaelic Storm, or tickle your funny bone with shows from comedians like Ronny Chieng, at Taft Theatre. Go ice skating with friends, take skate lessons, and check out live shows like Winter Wonder Lights at Fountain Square. Explore classic and contemporary art exhibits and 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 Paycor Stadium. Start your morning off with a Cafe Americano or swing by in the evening to sip on fun cocktails like Toasted Sunrise and Undertaker at Lola’s. Stop by one of the best Cincinnati lunch spots to order the French Onion Soup, Ghost Chicken, and Lobster Roll from Spoon & Cellar. Feast on authentic Italian cuisine like Handmade Crispy Gnocchi, Lamb Shank, and Octopus at Via Vite. Or watch sports on the big screen while enjoying an Alley Club, Fry Basket, and a Bowl of Chili at O’Malley’s in the Alley.
Clifton
- 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.
Hyde Park
- Home Price: $401,712 median purchase price; $1,134 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Cincinnati neighborhoods
Though it’s a great neighborhood for families, Hyde Park also has a ton to offer young adults moving to the Cincinnati area—including a large variety of shotgun, Tudor, and Craftsman-style houses. Located on the east side of the city, this charming neighborhood is just 15 minutes from Downtown—making for an easy commute. It also offers plenty of local restaurants, unique attractions, and lush green spaces like Madison Park. Most of the action in this neighborhood revolves around Hyde Park Square, one of the premier shopping destinations in the city, which features over 100 local shops! And Hyde Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati for young adults looking to connect with their community, thanks to local events like the Hyde Park Farmers’ Market—which runs from May through October—and charity fundraiser Hyde Park Blast.
Things to Do in Hyde Park
Look to the stars through a telescope, tour historic buildings, and attend events like Late Night Date Night at the Cincinnati Observatory. Head just outside Hyde Park to smell the flowers at the butterfly garden and get a great view of the Ohio River at Ault Park. Compete against your friends on the pickleball courts, relax in the heated pool, or go for the hole-in-one on the 18-hole golf course at Hyde Park Golf & Country Club. Fulfill your shopping needs at local boutiques like Jacob James, Cockerill Gallery, and Alligator Purse at Hyde Park Square. Get your morning started right with the Cortado, Nitro Cold Brew, or Frozen Arnold Palmer from Awakenings Coffee & Wine. Fill up on Skewered Chicken, Squid Salad, and Black Dragon Rolls at Neko Sushi. Feast on the Yuca Fries, Fish Tacos, and Parkside Nuggies at Hyde Park Square’s Parkside. Treat yourself to Lobster and Crab Pasta while you sip on specialty cocktails like Lavender 75 and Old Dogs, New Tricks at Alfio’s Buon Cibo.
Oakley
- Home Price: $258,822 median purchase price; $1,014 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Cincinnati neighborhoods
Located on the east side of town just off I-71, Oakley is one of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati for young adults! This urban area is the perfect place to call home in Cincy thanks to its great shopping spots, amazing dining, laid-back breweries, and quick commutes to the city center. The Oakley Community Council makes sure to keep social calendars full in this budding neighborhood with community events like Oakley After Hours, Oaktoberfest, and Spring Community Cleanup. And with everything from Contemporary condos to Neo-Colonial, Tudor, and ranch-style homes, Oakley has the budget-friendly housing options that many young adults are looking for!
Things to Do in Oakley
Shop major retailers like Banana Republic, HomeGoods, Old Navy, or West Elm at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion. Catch events like the Oakley Masquerade and live performances from musicians like Andy Frasco & The U.N. at the 20th Century Theater. Go bouldering or challenge yourself to climb the 50-foot wall at Climb Time. Gather a group of friends for fun events like Taproom Trivia on Mondays or play free board games courtesy of Yottaquest at MadTree Brewing Company. Grab a Monkey Business Smoothie, Berry Açai Smoothie Bowl, or a Turmeric Tonic at Rooted Juicery & Kitchen. Satisfy your cravings with made-from-scratch Italian food from a menu that changes daily at The Wheel. Munch on Loaded Cheese Fries, Honey BBQ Wings, or Fish Tacos at Oakley Pub & Grill. Delight your tastebuds with sweet treats like Rum Raisin Ice Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, or assorted chocolates at Aglamesis Bros.
Over-The-Rhine
- Home Price: $297,489 median purchase price; $1,119 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Cincinnati neighborhoods
With its excellent walkability, affordable housing, incredible restaurant scene, and seven-minute commute to downtown, Over-The-Rhine is one of the best places to live in Cincinnati for singles and young professionals! This neighborhood is named for its location just north of the old Miami and Erie Canal that used to run through Cincinnati—which was nicknamed “the Rhine” after the river in Germany due to the area’s large population of German immigrants. Most of Cincinnati’s pre-Prohibition breweries were also in Over-The-Rhine, giving the area a rich brewing history that continues today. Plus, OTR Cincinnati is full of green space, year-round activities like the Over-The-Rhine Film Festival. You’ll also find eclectic housing options, including traditional rowhouses, Greek Revival and Italianate-style homes, and modern condos in this bustling Cincinnati neighborhood!
Things to Do in Over-The-Rhine
Take your furry friend to the dog park or attend a community event like The Winter Market at Washington Park. Attend symphony performances, experience a live opera, and see artists on tour at Cincinnati Music Hall. Stop by the renowned Findlay Market—a year-round attraction that has been in operation since 1855—to get food, flowers, and more from the vendors, or go on The Original Findlay Market Tour. Try the OTR Bagel, Tree Hugger, or Breakfast Sammy at OTR Bagel Bar, one of the best Cincinnati breakfast spots. Devour classics like the Bacon Burger, Turkey BLT, and Rib Dinner at Ollie’s Trolley. Eat homemade Italian pasta dishes like The Sunday Sauce, Lobster, and Spicy Vodka from Pepp & Dolores. Sample a wide range of beers like the Banker Oatmeal Stout, Butcher Pilsner, and Heckler Juicy IPA while sitting on the patio at Northern Row. Or play a game of ping pong while sipping on brews like the Beer for Humans Easy Hop Ale, Cheetah Lager, or Bubbles Rosé Fruited Ale at Rhinegeist Brewery.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
