Relocating to a new city can be tough and finding your new place to call home is a big commitment. 

Don’t worry because we’re here to help! In this article, you will find a guide to the best places to live in Cincinnati to help you narrow down your options!

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This list is a more in-depth neighborhood guide meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas (and by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—Cincinnati movers and movers throughout the country).

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A Little About Cincinnati and its Neighborhoods

Cincinnati is pinched into the very southwest corner of the state and splashed up on the shores of the Ohio River, which draws the winding line between Ohio and Kentucky. The city is steadily building its population, which was estimated at 301,301 in 2017. And the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area, which includes counties in Kentucky and Indiana, has a population of about 2.12 million.

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With the riverbank to one side and a hilly, scenic landscape to the other, Cincinnati has been noted for its picturesque geography. The area’s continental climate gives the city a wide spread of temperatures and weather throughout the year. Cloudy, snowy Christmases and sunny 90-degree summers – residents get a taste of all the seasons.

Cincinnati offers a diverse blend of neighborhoods, from elite and established areas to up-and-coming millennial hubs. Currently, there are fifty-two neighborhoods, many of which were once villages that have been occupied by the city over time. To give you some clarity, we’ve highlighted some of the best neighborhoods Cincinnati has to offer.

1. Over-the-Rhine

Over the Rhine has transformed in the past 10 years. Starting off with a few corner bars and shops, Over the Rhine is now Cincinnati’s first-pick entertainment district for many locals in the area. The neighborhood is packed with great restaurants, local bars, breweries, shops, theaters, and parks. You’ll be able to recognize the area by its unique architecture. While updated, Over-the-Rhine is notable for its immense collection of 19th-century Italianate homes and buildings. And, the neighborhood is just a few miles from downtown Cincinnati.

What’s Happening in Over-the-Rhine

Over the Rhine cherishes and promotes its local art and culture. The neighborhood is home to the recently renovated national historic landmark Cincinnati Music Hall. Here, locals catch the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Ballet performances. And the neighboring Memorial Hall hosts live music performances, comedians, and feature films.

In addition to these larger venues, there are three nearby small theaters: Ensemble, Know, and Woodward. These theaters address social issues in their performances for a more thought-provoking form of entertainment.

Over the Rhine boasts of dozens of awesome restaurants and bars, as well as several breweries. The food is culturally diverse and ranges from super casual joints upscale fine dining experiences.

The Eagle

If you are looking for classic American cuisine, look no further than this laid-back food and beer hall. The Eagle is known for their fried chicken but also serves other Southern staples like spoonbread, mac ‘n cheese and succotash. They have 16 beer taps serving local, craft and domestic beers, plus 100 more choices available in bottles and cans.

Nicola’s

For a more formal dining experience, check out Nicola’s, the area’s most popular Italian eatery. They were recently given an AAA Four Diamond ranking, an exclusive award for upscale restaurants that are refined and stylish and provide impeccable service. Make a reservation to experience their blend of elegant but unpretentious cuisine.

Washington Park is a local common spot where residents come to walk their dogs, play pick-up sports, or splash in the waterpark with their kids. The park also features The Porch, which serves adult beverages, and occasionally the area hosts outdoor movies, live music, and other community events.

Other Entertainment in Over-the-Rhine

Findley Market is one of Over-the-Rhine’s best neighborhood events, which hosts over 40 vendors and has more than a million visitors a year. There’s food, fresh produce, meats, seafood, and baked goods, along with specialty shops featuring unique arts and crafts. Residents and visitors enjoy shopping through the market and strolling along the gorgeous Italianate architecture, where street performers play their music and patrons nibble on food samples.

For some of our favorite foodie and drink stops, visit Taste of Belgium, Abigail Street, and Rhinegeist Brewery.

Schools in Over-the-Rhine

Over-the-Rhine is included in the Cincinnati Public Schools district. Schools in this neighborhood are above-average and include Rothenberg Preparatory Academy, School for Creative and Performing Arts, and Walnut Hills High School, plus dozens of others.

Homes in Over-the-Rhine

Over-the-Rhine is a great place for young professionals, so many people rent their homes. Rent prices generally run about $1,280 for a two-bedroom apartment. If you are looking to buy a house, the average cost is $299,000.

2. Mount Adams

From its steep hills, the elegant Mount Adams overlooks downtown (which is just three miles away) and the Ohio River. Amidst its winding streets and old-world charm, this neighborhood is home to a diverse crowd—from young professionals to longtime dwellers. The neighborhood offers a unique collection of local businesses, restaurants, and bars with beautiful river views.

What’s Happening in Mount Adams

Mount Adams draws frequent visitors with one of the city’s best views along the Celestial Street Overlook. Here, you can cross the historic Ida Street Viaduct to one of the city’s finest parks, Eden Park. Throughout this green space, locals enjoy the scenic walking and running paths around Mirror Lake. For a sample of local history and art, visit the Cincinnati Art Museum or the Krohn Conservatory.

With its many restaurants and pubs along romantic, historic streets, Mount Adams offers a ton of spots that are perfect for a date night or evening with friends. 

Boca

For a taste of this fancy neighborhood’s high-end, visit Boca. This restaurant serves exceptional food inspired by Italy and France from their beautiful and sparkling dining rooms.

Mt. Adams Bar & Grill

For drinks, check out his local hub that claims to have used a barback once owned by the Cincinnati native who was the inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous character, Jay Gatsby.  Tucked nearby, The Blind Lemon is wonderful spot to enjoy some fresh cocktails  in the garden patio or at the edge of a crackling bonfire.

Other Entertainment in Mount Adams

But after dinner and drinks, there’s still plenty of entertainment and stops during a night out in Mount Adams. Our top pick? The two-time Tony Award-winning theater, Playhouse in the Park, features some of the same actors, directors, and designers from Broadway.

Schools in Mount Adams

Schools near this neighborhood include Walnut Hills High School, Hughes STEM High School, and William Howard Taft Elementary School, among others.

Homes in Mount Adams

Mount Adams is considered a picturesque neighborhood because of its rich history and views of the Ohio River. The housing market in this area has become competitive over the years, so the median home price is $375,000. The average price for a rental apartment in Mount Adams is $1,800.

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3. Oakley

This urban-style suburb has gained a lot of attention because there are so many things to do in the area. But frankly, there just isn’t enough room for everyone who’d like to live here, and listed homes sell within hours. Its great location is just over six miles from downtown, and with easy access to major highways, quick travel is just one of the perks of living in Oakley. But many of its perks lie within Oakley’s busy borders.

What’s Happening in Oakley

The area’s recent revamp is their aquatic park, complete with a diving board, splash pad, and waterslide. Another new revamp to the neighborhood is the popular Oakley Wines – a beer, cocktail, and wine bar that packs in hundreds of patrons each weekend. And Ault Park is just a quick jaunt away.

Sample Streetpops sweet popsicles, a cappuccino from Deeper Roots Coffee, or a fresh drink from Rooted Juicery + Kitchen. The neighborhood also hosts frequent community events like their Oakley After Hours and the Oakley Fancy Flea Market.

Sleepy Bee Cafe

Grab breakfast or lunch at this buzzy cafe that sources local ingredients like eggs and meats and incorporates seasonal items into its menu. They serve breakfast staples like pancakes, plus salads, soups and sandwiches.

Red Feather

This contemporary farm-to-table restaurant offers upscale dishes likeblackened lamb rack with mint chimichurri. The neighborhood also hosts frequent community events like their Oakley After Hours and the Oakley Fancy Flea Market.

Schools in Oakley

Schools near Oakley are highly-ranked overall and include Hyde Park School for grades K-7, Kilgour Elementary School And Walnut Hills High School, which ranks high in academics.

Homes in Oakley

Homes in Oakley average around $365,000. The older homes in the area tend to be charming brick or wood-framed bungalows.   Rental properties in the neighborhood average around $1,475 per month.

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4. Hyde Park

Located on the east side of Cincinnati, about six miles from downtown, this neighborhood is centered around Hyde Park Square—a two-block area packed with quirky shops that have become a destination for the rest of the city. Cincinnati locals know Hyde Park as a more refined and exclusive neighborhood. But actually, this eventful pocket of the city is full of friendly shops and locals that welcome newcomers to the fun!

What’s Happening in Hyde Park

The Square is one of Cincinnati’s oldest shopping hubs, and has over 175 unique stores, restaurants, and bars, and frequently hosts community events, like the Hyde Park Farmers Market on Sundays and the annual Hyde Park Blast which packs out the street with vendors, joggers, and bikers completing the Midnight Chariot Race.

Besides all the amazing events at the central park, this neighborhood offers a lot of things to do.

Coffee Emporium

Start your day with a local favorite that serves scones, fine teas and locally-roasted coffee. This location of Coffee Emporium in Hyde Park is located in a Victorian house, where they have been a mainstay since 1973.

Carl’s Deli

If you really want to feel like a local, stop by Carl’s Deli, talk to the owner and choose one of their 30+ sandwich options. This neighborhood deli also serves homemade salad, soups and sweet treats. 

Dutch’s

Visit Dutch’s for a little bit of everything: deli sandwiches, wine, charcuterie and more. They promise that everything they serve is fresh, sustainable and local.

Other entertainment in Hyde Park

If you’re interested in more educational entertainment, visit the 19th century Cincinnati Observatory located close to the park and catch a glimpse at a supermoon!

Schools in Hyde Park

Schools in Hyde Park are operated by the Cincinnati Public Schools district and include elementary schools Hyde Park School and Kilgour School and Withrow High School, which received national recognition for their academic achievements.

Homes in Hyde Park

Hyde Park has plenty of row houses with high price tags. A unique staple of the area is the hobbit-like mushroom house built by professor Terry Brown and his students in 1993. Housing in other areas can also be competitive, with prices averaging $310,000. The average rent in the area is $1,432.

There you have it: the best places to live in Cincinnati

We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local Cincinnati moves and long-distance moving services in Cincinnati, as well as other Ohio cities such as Cleveland and Columbus, and we would love to help.

Other Cincinnati Guides

Looking for more information? Check out our other guides to Cincinnati, below:

Cincinnati Moving Guide

Best Neighborhoods for Families in Cincinnati

Best Suburbs in Cincinnati

Best Up & Coming Neighborhoods in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Local Schools Guide

The Best Places to Live in Ohio

Is Moving to Ohio Right For You?

Harrison Stevens