Thinking about moving to Cincinnati? The Queen City is one of the best places to live in America, 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!
Clifton
Photo via @drum679
- Home Price: $260,510 median purchase price; $743 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families
Clifton is one of the safest neighborhoods in Cincinnati for college students, young professionals, and families alike! The area is surrounded by colleges and universities like Cincinnati State, University of Cincinnati, and UC College of Medicine, making it a great spot for students, educators, and university staff. But Clifton isn’t just a college hub. The neighborhood offers plenty of affordable single-family homes and apartments for working professionals and families wanting to settle down.
Things to Do in Clifton
Catch an independent feature or foreign film at the famous Esquire Theater. See Fiona the Hippo and other exotic animal species at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Go for a stroll through Mt. Storm Park for great views of the city. Start your day with a Good Ole Country Breakfast at Proud Rooster. Send your taste buds on a quick trip to Italy with the Chicken Scallopini at Biagio’s Bistro. Try the enormous “Bearcat” sizes of the Chicken Pesto pizza or the Inflation Fighter pizza at Adriatico’s. Grab $4 Moscow Mules on Tuesdays or pop in on Fridays for happy hour specials at Murphy’s Pub. Or chill out on the patio and join in for karaoke at local neighborhood hangout Arlin’s Bar.
Hyde Park
Photo via @digs_and_dwellings
- Home Price: $307,029 median purchase price; $865 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Considered one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Hyde Park is one of the best places to live in the Queen City. With its large American Foursquare homes, friendly small-town feel, and top-rated schools like Hyde Park School and The Summit Country Day School, this Cincinnati neighborhood is a favorite destination for families. Though the area and its community are centered around family-friendly living, Hyde Park is also popular among young professionals who want good walkability and housing within 15 minutes of downtown.
Things to Do in Hyde Park
Visit one of Cincinnati’s oldest shopping districts, Hyde Park Square, to shop for apparel, grab some coffee, or attend community events. Become a member at local country clubs like Hyde Park Golf & Country Club and Cincinnati Country Club. Take the kids to the playground or go for a walk with your furry friend at Larz Anderson Park. Snag some Nutella or Pistachio-flavored gelato at sweet treat spot Sweet Hunter. Order takeout from Oriental Wok, where you can get delicious entrees like Orange Beef, Sesame Shrimp, and Roast Duck. Stop by pub favorite Zip’s Cafe for a Beer Battered Fish Sandwich or a bowl of Zip’s Famous Chili. Or pop over to dive bar Mt. Lookout Tavern for cheap beers, onion rings, and a game of pool.
Mt. Washington
Photo via @robinsonsothebysrealty
- Home Price: $171,933 median purchase price; $553 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located on the east side of the Cincinnati metro is Mt. Washington, a diverse neighborhood that appeals to residents of all lifestyles. Here, you can find all types of housing from budget-friendly apartments and split-level houses to modern new construction and spacious estates. Mt. Washington is also a favorite spot for families in Cincinnati. The area is home to top-rated schools like Mt. Washington Elementary School and Sands Montessori School, as well as the family-friendly Mt. Washington Recreation Center, which provides activities like swimming, art classes, tennis, soccer, and more for kids and adults like.
Things to Do in Mt. Washington
Hike the trails alongside streams and woodlands at the 125-acre Stanbery Park. Go birdwatching or check out the nature center at California Woods Nature Preserve. Spend a warm summer afternoon at Coney Island Amusement Park, where you can enjoy water slides, paddle boats, and other attractions. Satisfy your taste buds with some of the nation’s best barbecue at Eli’s BBQ. Order a bucket of fried chicken, steak, or sandwich at Hitching Post Kellogg. Pick up takeout favorites like Egg Foo Young and Golden Sesame Shrimp from Young’s Kitchen. Kick back and relax with cheap beers and bar games at beloved neighborhood dive The Bridge. Or sip on tropical cocktails like Pirates Punch, Pineapple Breeze, and Electric Long Island at Pirates Cove Tropical Bar & Grill.
Oakley
Photo via @paigerector
- Home Price: $213,580 median purchase price; $888 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Looking for one of the safest neighborhoods in Cincinnati? Check out Oakley! This up-and-coming spot within 20 minutes of Downtown Cincinnati is a walkable area that almost functions as its own “miniature city,” offering the best of both urban and suburban lifestyles. Known for its tight-knit community, affordable housing options, cool local boutiques, and trendy restaurants, Oakley is especially popular among young professionals and families.
Things to Do in Oakley
Join Hyde Park Golf & Country Club to take advantage of the beautiful 18-hole course, heated swimming pool, and clubhouse. Spend an evening at 20th Century Theater, a 1940s-era cinema that’s been renovated into a unique live music venue. Take a trip to King Arthur’s Court, where you can find all kinds of board games, toys, and stuffed animals. Peruse stores like DSW, Nordstrom Rack, and Bath & Body Works at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion. Savor dishes like the Lamb Rack with mint chimichurri or the Chicken with Alabama white BBQ sauce at scratch kitchen Red Feather. Indulge your sweet tooth with Rum Raisin Ice Cream from Algamesis Bros. Or catch up with some friends over drinks at Oakley Pub & Grill.
Pleasant Ridge
Photo via @cincinnati_revealed
- Home Price: $164,354 median purchase price; $640 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Just on the other side of I-71 from Oakley is Pleasant Ridge, one of Cincinnati’s safest and most affordable neighborhoods. Pleasant Ridge has a strong suburban feel with its spacious single-family homes, quiet residential streets, and surrounding green spaces like French Park, Kennedy Heights Park, and Daniel Drake Park, which makes it an ideal neighborhood for families and retirees in Cincinnati.
Things to Do in Pleasant Ridge
Enjoy a picnic, play on the playground, or use the fitness center at Pleasant Ridge Park. Take the kids to the pool or spend an afternoon golfing at Losantiville Country Club. Sign your aspiring baseball players up for the MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy. Snag some popcorn and watch the latest blockbusters at Cinemark Oakley Station. Pop by the Pleasant Ridge Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library to check out a book, attend children’s story time, or take a crafts class. Sample local brews from the ten rotating taps at Nine Giant. Try Cincinnati’s most well-known dish with a heaping plate of 5-Way Chili from Pleasant Ridge Chili. Or try the Bacon Cheeseburger and chat with the regulars at The Gas Light Cafe.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
