Famed for scenic hills and historic buildings, Cincinnati on the Ohio River draws people who want to live a comfortable and exciting life.
Home to over 310,000 people, Cincinnati is a melting pot of parks, museums, great restaurants, art galleries, shops, and sporting events. The Cincinnati housing market also promises affordable finds, as the median sale price is around $260,000.
If you are looking for the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati, there are many options. Regardless of your lifestyle, there is a neighborhood to cater to every type, whether you’re looking for arts and culture, top-rated schools, vibrant nightlife, or the charm of a bygone era.
This guide will help you make the right choice by highlighting essential information on the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati. Furthermore, if you’re interested in the cost of living in Cincinnati, Ohio, you will get a fair idea of what to budget for each area and learn about the different benefits and entertainment options.
Best Neighborhoods in Cincinnati
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Hyde Park
Famed for the gorgeous Hyde Park Square, this is easily one of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati if you are keen on an upscale lifestyle surrounded by modern comforts, old-world vibes, and pretty tree-lined streets. Visiting the Cincinnati Observatory is an awe-inspiring experience, while the Rookwood Commons & Pavilion is perfect for shopping. For stunning river views and leisurely walks, you can head to Larz Anderson Park. Hyde Park is also peppered with many cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries when you’re searching for fun things to do in Cincinnati.
Median Home Price: The neighborhood is known for various beautiful apartments and single-family homes, boasting architectural styles like Colonial, Tudor, Georgian, Revival, and Craftsman. The median sale price is around $574,000, but every cent you spend is worth it.
Transportation: Though owning a car or bike can make your daily life easy in Hyde Park, many rely on the Metro bus system.
Best Food Places: To satisfy your gourmet cravings, check into the tropical-themed E+O Kitchen for Asian fusion fare and refreshing cocktails. Or you can get your Italian fix at Forno Osteria+Bar. Alfio’s Buon Cibo is great for lavish dinners if you crave Argentinean-inspired Italian dishes.
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Walnut Hills
Counted among the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati for safety and family-friendliness, Walnut Hills promises diversity and historic vibes.
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is a key attraction here, as this is where the well-known author penned Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Don’t forget to admire the exquisite Victorian homes of the Woodburn Avenue Historic District. To soak in the art and culture of the neighborhood, you can visit the Cincinnati Art Museum. Eden Park, offering unforgettable views of the Ohio River, is perfect for outdoor fun. There are plenty of eateries and shops in the area, too.
Median Home Price: With a median sale price of about $260,000, properties in Walnut Hills ensure an affordable cost of living in Cincinnati, Ohio. You can choose from historic houses, contemporary apartments, and condos featuring eclectic architectural styles.
Transportation: Metro bus routes 11, 1, 31, and 24 serve the Walnut Hills neighborhood. Owning a bike can also be handy, as there are designated bike lanes on Victory Pkwy, Madison Rd., and Eden Park Dr.
Best Food Places: To enjoy burgers, meatloaf, craft brews, and other pub fare, head to the laidback Brew House. The Pickled Pig serves sandwiches, soups, and wines, which you can relish without blowing your budget. For an upscale experience, The Aperture is ideal and known for delectable Mediterranean preparations.
Mount Adams
Picture-perfect and historic, Mount Adams is an excellent choice if you are wondering where to live in Cincinnati for mesmerizing skyline views. This neighborhood is conveniently close to downtown and has a fine blend of urban facilities, modern entertainment, and vintage charm.
The presence of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, and Eden Park in addition to scenic walking trails, and gardens make sure you are never bored. You can also visit Krohn Conservatory to admire exotic plants and butterflies. Dotted with many taverns and bars, Mount Adams offers an exciting nightlife, too.
Median Home Price: The housing market in Mount Adams is characterized by a median sale price of 467,000, slightly higher than in other neighborhoods. You can primarily choose from apartments and single-family homes, many of which boast historic architecture.
Transportation: Walking or cycling around the neighborhood can be a picturesque experience. If you don’t own a bike, you can rent a Red Bike. The Metro 1 route, which connects Mount Adams, downtown, and Walnut Hills, also serves the area and operates from Monday to Friday.
Best Food Places: You will find some of the best places to eat in Cincinnati in Mount Adams. Enjoy incredible views of the skyline from the back deck of City View Tavern as you dig into burgers and beers. Or head to Mt. Adams Bar & Grill to relish pub grub in a vintage setting. Luca Bistro is known for delicious French fare, including salads, breads, steaks, and sweet treats. All of these are pocket-friendly options.
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Over-The-Rhine (OTR)
Undoubtedly one of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Over-The-Rhine was once a German working-class area and is famed for its beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Catch an orchestra performance at the elegant Cincinnati Music Hall here, or shop for specialty foods and fresh produce at Findlay Market. The Ensemble Theatre and Know Theatre promise plenty of entertainment, while Washington Park hosts festivals, movie nights, and live concerts annually. To connect with nature or enjoy fun activities, head to Ziegler Park.
Living in Cincinnati can be a cool and vibrant experience if you settle in OTR, thanks to innumerable gastropubs, breweries, bars, art galleries, trendy boutiques, specialty stores, and dining venues.
Median Home Price: From Victorian and Italianate to Art Deco, this neighborhood is a collection of various architectural styles. The median sale price of around $365,000 makes it possible to secure the home you want without going over the top. Whether you have a soft corner for contemporary apartments or row houses, you will find many options here.
Transportation: The streetcar, a kind of electric tram, connects OTR with The Banks and Downtown neighborhoods. Metro bus numbers 20, 21, 11, 43, and 46 also serve the area.
Best Food Places: An upscale restaurant with outdoor seating, Pepp & Dolores serves homely Italian dishes and even homemade bread and pasta. The Eagle OTR is known for Southern classic dishes like spoonbread and fried chicken.
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Pleasant Ridge
Diverse, safe, and teeming with community spirit, Pleasant Ridge is an excellent option if you are wondering where to live in Cincinnati with your family. The Pleasant Ridge Park is perfect for engaging in picnics and various sports. You can also head to Pleasant Ridge Community Center and make the most of the tennis courts, gym, fitness room, swimming pools, and nature center. There are multiple golf courses in the neighborhood as well. Kenwood Towne Center is also close by and boasts restaurants and shopping outlets. The presence of good schools is another reason why Pleasant Ridge is ideal for settling with children.
Median Home Price: The housing market in this neighborhood is defined by a median sale price of about $355,500. It might not be the cheapest option, but it is worth all the conveniences. Moreover, you can pick from a bevy of duplexes, single-family homes, and apartments showcasing Colonial, Tudor, and Craftsman styles of architecture. Shady tree-lined streets enhance its appeal.
Transportation: Walking around Pleasant Ridge is easy and enjoyable. Metro bus numbers 2, 4, 41, and 3X serve the neighborhood. Having a car can also help immensely.
Best Food Places: Pleasant Ridge is among the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati for budget-friendly yet tasty food. Looking for comfort dishes? Pleasant Ridge Chili Restaurant is an old-time diner you cannot miss. Remember to order their chili cheese fries. The Gas Light Café serves craft brews and hamburgers and is apt for playing darts or watching games. Or visit Café Alma to sample fares from around the world, be it shakshuka, hummus, waffles, pancakes, poke bowls, or bagels.
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Clifton
Clifton is undoubtedly the best neighborhood in Cincinnati if you prefer a hip and youthful vibe. In addition to a myriad of entertainment options, the presence of the University of Cincinnati means the area is packed with students.
To connect with nature or indulge in outdoor fun (walking, hiking, and picnics), you can head to Burnet Woods Park or Mt. Storm Park. You can also visit the Clifton Cultural Arts Center to attend exciting events, concerts, exhibitions, and classes. On weekends, you can take your kids to the Cincinnati Zoo or catch classic and Indie movies at Esquire Theater. Clifton offers plenty of fun things to do in Cincinnati thanks to a vibrant nightlife, pubs, bars, cafes, and casual eateries.
Median Home Price: Houses in Clifton usually have slightly heftier price tags, evidenced by the median sale price of around $475,000.
Transportation: While having a car can significantly simplify your everyday life in Clifton, bus numbers 17, 19, 24, 51, and 78 serve the area.
Best Food Places: The Whole Bowl Cincinnati is a super affordable restaurant serving yummy vegetarian and vegan dishes. It has outdoor seating, too. You can also visit J. Gumbo's for jambalaya, gumbo, and other Cajun-Creole dishes. If you are in the mood for Italian, Biagio’s Bistro serves classic preparations, cocktails, and wines.
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Oakley
This is one of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati for families and young professionals keen to live close to downtown. Walkable and close to parks, shopping hubs, and eateries, Oakley offers all contemporary comforts. The Oakley Playground and Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park provide ample scope for fun activities. On the other hand, Oakley Recreation Center boasts a pool, playground, and basketball court.
Or you can head to quaint Oakley Square with its clock tower and relax under the open sky. The area includes bars, shops, eateries, and a brewery. Good schools also make this neighborhood attractive for those with young children.
Median Home Price: The cost of living in Cincinnati, Ohio, is likely to be higher if you choose Oakley, as the median sale price of homes is about $380,000. However, its safety and multiple facilities can make your investment worthwhile. Options include but are not limited to single-family homes featuring Colonial, Craftsman, or Tudor architectural styles.
Transportation: Bus numbers 5, 11, 37, 41, and 51 serve the Oakley neighborhood, making it easy to reach major commercial and entertainment hubs.
Best Food Places: Oak Tavern is a sports bar where you can watch the game, enjoy live music, and dig into pub grub. It is also known for patio seating and cocktails. If you want to sample locally sourced lunch and breakfast dishes, the stylish Sleepy Bee Café is perfect. Or head to The Wheel for meatballs, cannelloni, salads, brownies, and Italian breads.
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Downtown Cincinnati
Living in Cincinnati can be exciting and worthwhile if you settle in Downtown or the Central Business District.
Bustling and peppered with a wide array of attractions, this neighborhood is home to Smale Riverfront Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Ohio River.
Taft Theatre, Taft Museum of Art, and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center are must-visits to feed the culture enthusiast in you. For sports buffs, catch the Cincinnati Reds in action at Great American Ball Park. Or visit Paycor Stadium where the Cincinnati Bengals play. So, if you are looking for fun things to do in Cincinnati, the downtown area has much to offer.
Median Home Price: From historic buildings to trendy apartments, you can find various housing options in Downtown Cincinnati. A median sale price of around $398,000 ensures that these properties are not out of your reach. You can choose from architectural styles like Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, and Modernist.
Transportation: You can easily walk around the downtown neighborhood or hop on a bike. Electric scooters and Red Bikes are available aplenty. The streetcar system also connects this place with Over-The-Rhine and The Banks. Or you can rely on the Metro bus service.
Best Food Places: Downtown is home to some of the best places to eat in Cincinnati. For upscale dinners, you can visit Sotto and relish rustic Italian dishes and the warm brick-and-wood interiors. Boca is another fine-dining restaurant that serves pasta, steak, and seafood.
Experience Living in Cincinnati
The best neighborhoods in Cincinnati promise just the kind of life you desire—whether you prefer the luxurious lifestyle and gorgeous river views of Hyde Park, the historic vibes of Walnut Hills, the skyline views from Mount Adams, the youthful energy of Clifton, or the many attractions of Downtown Cincinnati.
Consider the cost of living in Cincinnati, Ohio, for each area, and make sure it aligns with your budget and future goals.
FAQs
Where to live in Cincinnati for scenic Ohio River views?
Hyde Park, Walnut Hills, Mount Adams, and Downtown Cincinnati are the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati to enjoy views of the Ohio River.
What is the best neighborhood in Cincinnati to easily get around?
Downtown Cincinnati is the best option, as you can take the streetcar, Metro buses, Red Bikes, and electric scooters to get around. You can also consider Over-The-Rhine and Mount Adams.
What are the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati if my budget is under $400,000?
Walnut Hills, Over-The-Rhine, Pleasant Ridge, and Downtown Cincinnati are the neighborhoods where you can afford a property under $400,000.
What are the best places to eat in Cincinnati if I love Italian?
Alfio’s Buon Cibo in Hyde Park, Pepp & Dolores in Over-The-Rhine, Biagio’s Bistro in Clifton, and Sotto in Downtown Cincinnati are some of the best places to sample Italian fare.
