Living in Cincinnati: What Is Life Like in the Historic and Cultural Queen City?

Ohio is known for its affordability, accessibility to unique attractions, and amenities beloved by local residents. But is Cincinnati a good place to live, in particular? Yes! Also known as the “Queen City,” Cincinnati is best known for its rich cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, unique cuisines, and so much more. Thinking about living in Cincinnati, at some point? Then here are 20 things we think you should know.

Cincinnati at a Glance

• Situated along the Ohio River, Cincinnati is located in southwestern Ohio and is part of the Cincinnati Tri-State area.
• The city has a population of just over 309,300.
• Cincinnati covers approximately 80 square miles.
• The median age is 34.1 years old.
• Cincinnati is home to the second-oldest zoo in the nation.
• It’s also home to Big Joe — the largest swinging bell ever cast in the U.S.

20 Things To Know About Living in Cincinnati

The Queen City offers a unique atmosphere for young professionals, families, and any other walk of life looking to advance their careers. Surrounded by a rich and historic cultural atmosphere, Cincinnati boasts plenty of modern attractions while also staying true to its roots. Curious about what life is like living in Cincinnati? Here’s everything you need to know!

1. The Cincinnati Cost of Living Is Lower Than You May Think.

While Cincinnati may not be the most affordable city to live in the entire state of Ohio, it’s still cheaper than neighboring cities and other areas all over the country. With a score of 88.3, the cost of living in Cincinnati is 11.7 percent lower than the U.S. index of 100 and 6.8 percent higher than the state average. 

2. Like Any City, There Are Pros and Cons of Living in Cincinnati.

With a rich history dating back to the 1700s, there are a lot of fascinating qualities about Cincinnati. Here are some of the pros and cons of living in Cincy to help you learn what to expect as a resident. 

Pro: Rich Cultural Heritage

The history of Cincinnati dates back to its creation in 1788. It’s regarded as one of the oldest major cities in the country, and its many German-style structures, including the Over-the-Rhine district, exhibit the city's diverse heritage.

Pro: Easy Accessibility Within the Cincinnati Tri-State Region

Cincinnati makes up just one part of the Cincinnati Tri-State Region. Encompassing parts of Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, you can easily enjoy all the amenities and activities these areas have to offer. There are even plenty of job opportunities, with big brands like Kroger, Macy’s, and Ford calling the region home.

Con: Undesirable Weather Patterns

Cincinnati experiences all four seasons, with summers that are hot and snowy winters with lots of temperature swings in between. The influence of the Ohio River nearby also adds to the uncertainty to what the weather may bring.

Con: Bad Traffic

Con: Lack of Public Transportation

Most of Cincinnati's public transportation is powered by buses, though the system may not be as extensive as in larger cities. Because of this, many residents have to resort to using their own cars when commuting to work and other activities. 

Cincinnati has its fair share of unique and vibrant neighborhoods.

3. There Are Great Neighborhoods Throughout Cincinnati. 

Each with their own appeal, Cincinnati has its fair share of unique and vibrant neighborhoods. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Mt. Lookout

Mt. Lookout is a beautiful community with a vibrant social scene and an amazing view of the Ohio River along with all of its family-friendly amenities. Alms Park is a great place to picnic and enjoy the panoramic views of the river, and the local Cincinnati Observatory is an ideal lookout spot for nights spent stargazing.

Hyde Park

Is Cincinnati a good place to live for young adults? One of Cincinnati's most prestigious neighborhoods is Hyde Park, with its many historic homes and vibrant, modern atmosphere — perfect for young professionals to settle down. The area is also home to trendy restaurants and cafes, including Hyde Park Square, which is a must-visit for anyone looking for a relaxing afternoon or a coffee with their friends.

Columbia Tusculum

The oldest neighborhood in Cincinnati is known as Columbia Tusculum, which is best suited for retirees who may be looking for seclusion without losing out on what the city has to offer. Nowadays, it has a mix of both modern and historic homes, and it’s just 15 minutes outside of Downtown Cincinnati.

4. Cincinnati Has Unfavorable Crime Rates.

The crime rate index in Cincinnati is among the highest in the country when compared to communities of all sizes. With a rate of 46 crimes per 1,000 residents, 1 in 22 residents are likely to be a victim of either property crime or violent crime while residing in the city.

According to NeighborhoodScout, Cincinnati also has one of the highest motor vehicle theft rates in the country. FBI crime data analysis shows residents in Cincinnati have a 1 in 153 chance of having their cars stolen.

Taste of Cincinnati is a popular event that features food trucks and live music, which is great for residents of all ages!
(Source: Taste of Cincinnati via Facebook)

6. All Different Types of Activities Are at Your Fingertips.

In Cincinnati, there are plenty of parks that allow you to escape the city's hustle and bustle to enjoy some natural scenery. One of these is the California Woods Nature Preserve, which spans over 100 acres. There’s also the Adventure Outpost, which offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, golfing, and horseback riding.

The Taft Museum of Art and the Cincinnati Art Museum are two of the city's most popular cultural attractions, with various art forms, including photography and South Asian artifacts, on display. The Cincinnati Museum Center is also home to a host of other attractions, including a children's museum and an OMNIMAX theater.

Cincinnati has several festivals that celebrate the city's cultural backgrounds. One of these is the Juneteenth Festival, which features Brazilian dance and music, as well as the Voices of Freedom Poetry Slam. Taste of Cincinnati is another popular event that features food trucks and live music, which is great for residents of all ages!

7. The Housing and Rental Markets Are Booming.

Cincinnati is one of the top 100 cities to live in America, according to Niche, with plenty of home options available to accommodate different budgets and style preferences. From historic to modern styles, those considering a move to the city can find solid options to suit any taste! The average home price in Cincinnati, Ohio, is around $235,300.

If you’re not ready to buy a home, there are lots of options when it comes to finding the right rental. With an average size apartment of just under 870 square feet, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cincinnati is around $1,350. 

8. You Can Cheer On Your Favorite Local Professional Sports Teams.

In Cincinnati, there are several professional sports teams that allow fans to cheer on their favorite players. One of these is the MLB’s Cincinnati Reds. The WHO DEY Deck at the Paycor Stadium is a great spot to watch the Cincinnati Bengals play in the NFL. And you can also enjoy a different kind of football when the MLS team FC Cincinnati takes the field at TQL Stadium.

If you enjoy college sports, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats are quite fun to root for, as well!

9. Foodies Are Proud To Live in the Chili Capital of the World.

Skyline Chili is a Cincy essential. It’s a restaurant company founded by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides, who created the standard recipe for the unique chili dish. What makes it unique, though? It doesn't contain any beans! Instead, it's piled high with cheese, onions, and other ingredients, like oyster crackers and spicy sauce.

Want more chili options? Camp Washington Chili and the 513-Way Chili are great places to enjoy a chili cheese sandwich. Also try Price Hill Chili, which features various dishes, including an omelet with chili and cheese.

The opportunities for higher education abound in Cincinnati.
(Source: University of Cincinnati via Facebook)

10. Living in Cincinnati Means You Can Take Your Education to the Next Level.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is a top-40 medical school, according to the U.S. News & World Report. At a reasonable price, Cincinnati State offers various degrees and technical certificates, and another affordable and local university that's worth considering is Mount St. Joseph.

Families with young kids can feel confident in the local public school system, as well, which hosts a number of highly ranked school districts, including Mariemont City Schools.

11. Nightlife Scenes Are Not Hard To Come By.

As a resident of Cincinnati, there are plenty of ways to enjoy both the exciting and more laid-back nightlife scenes of the city. Righteous Room is a great place to unwind with a martini, while the Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge is a desirable spot to enjoy a glass of Mariana Rose as you listen to soul music and jazz riffs. In the mood for some live music? Mecca OTR is where you want to be!

12. All the Action Is in Over-The-Rhine.

One of the best places to visit in Cincinnati is Over-the-Rhine, also known as OTR, and is quite beloved by local residents! This historic district is bordered by downtown and features a variety of local restaurants, bars, and boutiques. While you're here, make a stop at the Rhinegeist Brewery for a drink. Located inside a former bottling plant, this establishment serves up all sorts of beverages. If you have a sweet tooth, then Graeter's is also a must-visit. This local ice cream shop is over 150 years old!

13. Cincy Has a Great Dance and Music Scene.

When looking for a fun activity in the city, you can never go wrong choosing something to immerse yourself in like the vibrant arts and culture scene. You can watch the opera at Cincinnati Music Hall or even take ballet lessons with the Cincinnati Ballet.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has played works by artists including Gershwin, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky, and you can also check out musicals like Peter Pan and Beetlejuice at the Aronoff Center.

14. Never Miss Out On a Fun Family Adventure.

Take your kids to events at the Cincinnati Zoo, like Happy Zoo Year. You can also visit Kings Island nearby in Williamsburg, Ohio, and ride The Beast — the longest wooden roller coaster in the world. The kids can play on the swings and have fun with the interactive piano at the Smale Riverfront Park, as well.

Families living in Cincinnati can also enjoy a wide variety of other fun outdoor activities at spots like Mt. Airy Forest, which is one of the largest parks in the city. It features a disc golf course and a treehouse playground.

15. Cincinnati Is the Home of a Special Beer Scene.

Over 80 breweries in the Cincinnati region pay tribute to the past by crafting unique American-style beers. They also provide fun and relaxing environments where people can gather. At hotspots like Rhinegeist Brewery, everyone is welcome to enjoy games like wiffle ball and ping pong inside their kid-friendly space! Other locations like MadTree Brewing offer wood-fired pizza and a variety of beer, while Urban Artifact serves up their signature Fruit Tarts out of a historic church.

Cincinnati locals have easy access to Northern Kentucky, the official gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. 
(Source: Kentucky Bourbon Trail via Facebook)

16. You Can Easily Explore What Northern Kentucky Has To Offer.

Enjoy the Kentucky cities of Newport, Florence, Fort Thomas, and Bellevue as you travel across the Ohio River into Northern Kentucky. These places are just minutes away from Cincinnati (great if you want to be outside the city proper) and offer great neighborhoods and amazing skyline views. Families and young professionals typically find it best to reside in these areas, which also have the Newport Aquarium and the official gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

17. There Are Several Warm Months To Enjoy When You’re Living in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati, Ohio, is known for its extremely cold weather during the winter season, and residents can expect to deal with the chilliest temperatures of the year in January and the windiest days in March.

The summer season in Cincinnati usually begins in May and ends in September. In July — the hottest month — the temperature can reach a high of up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The city's summers can be very humid, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor activities in Cincinnati all throughout the year!

19. You Can Explore Major Cities in Close Proximity. 

Cincinnati’s central location in the Midwest makes it an ideal spot for traveling to other major cities, which is especially convenient for those who travel frequently for work. It's just a few hours’ drive from places like Louisville, Columbus, and Indianapolis, and it's also a short flight away from other major metros like Chicago and Nashville. This proximity allows the city’s residents to easily travel and explore what some of the surrounding communities have to offer.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati has grown to become one of the largest Oktoberfests in the nation, attracting over 700,000 people each year.
(Source: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati via Facebook)

20. You Can’t Miss Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. 

The annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is a celebration of Southwest Ohio's German heritage and is, by far, one of the biggest events to take place in the city each year. It features a variety of food and music and plenty of beer. The event has grown to become one of the largest Oktoberfests in the nation, attracting over 700,000 people each year.

The event is held at Yeatman's Cove and Sawyer Point and features attractions like the Running of the Wieners, a Stein Hoisting competition, and the Date Cincy singles party.