Cincinnati Neighborhoods You Definitely Need To Check Out

Cincinnati — also known as the Queen City of the Midwest — is located along the Ohio River and features a beautiful rolling landscape that's perfect for creating unique neighborhoods. The city is known for its diverse culture, as evidenced by its vibrant festivals and events. And its affordability and cultural amenities make it one of the best cities to live in the U.S. To top it off, the best Cincinnati neighborhoods are known for being friendly and welcoming.

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Cincinnati has a wide variety of flourishing industries, including health care, technology, and advanced manufacturing. Some of the major companies that call the city home include Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, and Procter & Gamble. The region's thriving job market makes it ideal for young professionals looking to start or advance their career. And with top-notch schools serving academic excellence in the area. including the University of Cincinnati, residents of the city can easily further their education and be surrounded by a hub of job opportunities.

Cincinnati at a Glance

• Cincinnati has an estimated population of approximately 309,317.
• The major demographics that make up Cincinnati consist of students, young professionals, and families.
• The average home value is around $236,300, compared to around $359,100 for the U.S. average and $230,800 in Ohio.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cincinnati is around $1,350, compared to around $1,750 for the U.S. average and $1,250 in Ohio.
• The city is great for cultural activities, local events, entertainment, dining, outdoor recreation, and tight-knit communities.

Q: How many neighborhoods are there in Cincinnati? A: Overall, Cincinnati has a total of 52 neighborhoods.

The 12 Best Cincinnati Neighborhoods

When looking at a map of Cincinnati neighborhoods, there are a lot of desirable areas that offer a unique cultural atmosphere, including a wide variety of entertainment and local attractions. To give you an inside look into the very best neighborhoods in Cincinnati, though, take a look at this guide!

Hyde Park’s convenient location and historic surroundings make it a great place to live.
(Source: Rebecca Campbell, Real Estate via Facebook)

1. Hyde Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Average home value: $531,800
• Great for: Young professionals, families, shopping, dining, convenience
• Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 12 minutes

Founded in 1896, Hyde Park was established to create a community that would preserve the natural beauty and architecture of the area. Today, the residents of this community still live the lifestyle that the founders intended, and its convenient location and historic surroundings make it a great place to live. According to AreaVibes, Hyde Park is also considered No. 1 among the safest neighborhoods in Cincinnati — the crime rate is 60 percent lower than the actual city itself. 

One of the most important advantages of living in Hyde Park is its convenient location. Residents can easily access Interstate 71 to explore other parts of the city that offer shopping, dining, and entertainment. Those looking for more upscale shopping can head north to the Kenwood Towne Center, for example, or look for trendy restaurants in the Over-the-Rhine area.

2. Clifton

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,225
• Average home value: $436,600
• Great for: Young professionals, families, students, outdoor recreation, dining, historic atmosphere
• Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 10 minutes

Characterized by its quiet residential streets and historic homes, Clifton is a neighborhood located in the heart of Cincinnati, just minutes from downtown. Residents of Clifton tend to be professionals, students, and families, and the area is close to various medical facilities and the University of Cincinnati.

Clifton is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including Mount Storm Park, which is one of the most picturesque hilltop parks in the whole city. There are also many top-notch restaurants along Ludlow Avenue, including Ludlow Garage and Biagio’s Bistro. 

The neighborhood is thought of as an "in-city suburb" because of its historic ambiance and the mix of ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds. Its unique architecture is a major draw, as well.

6. Westwood

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,000
• Average home value: $182,400
• Great for: Families, cultural atmosphere, dining, outdoor recreation
• Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 10 minutes

The Westwood neighborhood is Cincinnati's largest, so you can expect a lot of entertainment there! It features historic homes, a trendy dining scene, and the biggest park in Queen City — Mt. Airy Forest. The community's heart is found in its landmarks, though, including Westwood Town Hall and the First Presbyterian Church.

You’ll find the community’s hubs on Epworth and Harrison Avenues, with some of the most popular restaurants — including Fable Cafe and Muse Cafe — among its ranks. You can feast on breakfast and coffee at Fable, while Muse comes with a wine bar and plenty of events to check out on the weekends. 

About half of the Mount Airy Forest is located in this neighborhood. The park — the largest in Cincinnati — features all kinds of outdoor activities. Those who love to play disc golf, for example, can find a course within the forest, and dog owners can also take their pets to the park.

Once home to grand estates and mansions, East Walnut Hills has started to blend the old and the new with several affordable housing units and modern homes for rent.
(Source: Alexis Galligan - Real Estate Advisor via Facebook)

7. East Walnut Hills

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value: $324,300
• Great for: Young professionals, shopping, local events
• Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 10 minutes

Considered the best neighborhood to live in Cincinnati by Niche, East Walnut Hills is a historic district that features modern influences. Once home to grand estates and mansions, this area has started to blend the old and the new with several affordable housing units and modern homes for rent.

The East Walnut Hills Business District boasts of numerous art galleries, cafes, and boutiques, including Threads Boutique and Sloane Boutique. This area also hosts various events, like Walk on Woodburn, which highlights local bands and eateries, and the Clay Alliance Pottery Fair in the spring with access to ceramic art. 

And East Walnut Hills is near Eden Park, which is home to the Krohn Conservatory and the Cincinnati Art Museum. Those who want more action can head over to Downtown Cincinnati, which has all kinds of events and activities.

8. Mt. Adams

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $528,300
• Great for: Young professionals, families, cultural atmosphere, unique establishments, historic landmarks
• Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 10 minutes

One of the most popular — and wealthiest — neighborhoods in Cincinnati is Mt. Adams, which features a variety of cultural amenities, as well as bars and restaurants. It has some of the best views of the city and the Ohio River, and this area is similar to a European village with its narrow, tree-lined streets and distinctive homes.

The Mt. Adams Bar & Grill was the first establishment in Ohio to receive a liquor license after the Prohibition era. Another one of the most well-known establishments in the area is The Blind Lemon — located right next door. It has been around for over 60 years and is regarded as one of the best bars in Cincinnati.

Another prominent landmark in the area is the Immaculata Parish, which was built in 1859 and is situated on a high point overlooking the city. This structure, which stands on a hill, offers a breathtaking view of the Ohio River and Downtown Cincinnati.

Q: What is the richest part of Cincinnati? A: With an average home price of just under $530,000, Mount Adams is considered one of the richest parts of Cincinnati.

9. The Banks

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: N/A
• Great for: Young professionals, families, entertainment, dining
• Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 10 minutes

The Banks is a fun and active area located along the Ohio River. You’ll find plenty of great entertainment on the weekends, like sports events and a family-friendly park. During the daytime, this Cincinnati neighborhood is great for walking, biking, and other recreational pursuits. At night, it's even more vibrant due to the various local entertainment venues.

Designed to provide an intimate setting for music lovers, the Andrew J. Brady Music Center is a prominent feature of The Banks. It offers a variety of performances, both indoors and outdoors. DORA zones (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas) are also available in a large part of The Banks, including at the Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium. And the neighborhood’s 85-acre entertainment complex is perfect for families and individuals wanting to walk around one of the plazas and green spaces. Throughout the pedestrian plaza, you'll also find a variety of restaurants and bars, including Al-Posto and Unwind Wine Bar. 

Cincinnati’s Northside neighborhood is known for its trendy and modern vibe.
(Source: Ingrid Correia Williams via Facebook)

10. Northside

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $234,200
• Great for: Young professionals, local events, historic homes
• Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 10 minutes

The Northside neighborhood in Cincinnati is one of the nicest neighborhoods in the city known for its trendy and modern vibe — but it’s also maintained an edgier rock n' roll attitude over the years. Murals create a colorful backdrop for the neighborhood's storefronts, and tattoo shops, like Skincraft, help promote the area's creative spirit. In addition, Casablanca Vintage carries a selection of 20th-century goods.

One of the area's most prominent events is the annual 4th of July Rock N' Roll Carnival. Other events include the Northside Farmers Market and the Northside House Tour, which showcases the area's historic homes.

Most of Northside’s homes date back to the 1800s or early 1900s, and they reflect various styles, like Colonial Revivals and Italianate designs.

Q: What is the nicest neighborhood in Cincinnati? A: Due to its unique atmosphere and desirable amenities, Northside is considered one of Cincinnati’s nicest neighborhoods.

11. Columbia-Tusculum

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,250
• Average home value: $457,200
• Great for: Families, local culture, outdoor recreation, unique architecture
• Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 10 minutes

The oldest neighborhood in Cincinnati is Columbia-Tusculum, which is known for its many historic homes and landmarks. It’s also near the Ohio River, making it easy to enjoy time spent outdoors. Residents have access to various parks and green spaces, including Alms Park, which has a view of the river.

The local Irish Heritage Center is a place where locals can learn about the town's diversity and its Irish heritage. During the weekends, people can explore all that this Cincy neighborhood has to offer, like the library and the dance room. The center is dedicated to spreading Irish culture in the city, and it hosts various events throughout the year — especially around St. Patrick's Day.

The "Painted Lady" Victorian homes can also be found in Columbia-Tusculum. Its residents enjoy the spacious porches and bright exteriors of these homes. And kids from this neighborhood go to Riverview East Academy, which is part of the Cincinnati School District. 

12. Oakley

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $382,600
• Great for: Families, unique attractions, dining, beautiful homes
• Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 15 minutes

Although it used to be a manufacturing town, the Oakley neighborhood is now more of a laid-back area that's appealing to new residents. Its homes are situated on quiet streets and are often separated from the area's commercial establishments. Some of the older homes in the neighborhood are built in the Victorian style.

One of the most unique venues in the area is The 20th Century Theater, which was built in the 1940s. It's a beautiful art-deco style theater that hosts an annual Daddy Daughter Dance.

There are plenty of great local restaurants and bars in the Oakley neighborhood, as well, including the Sleepy Bee Cafe, one of the most popular places in Cincinnati for breakfast. For lunch, the Oakley Kitchen serves a wide range of food items, including cheesesteaks, pizza, and vegan dishes.

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