Cincinnati is a city of well over 300,000 residents that has a lot to offer people from all walks of life.
Perhaps you’re single and looking for love or a young professional who wants easy access to urban amenities. Maybe you’re interested in a family home in a safe, walkable neighborhood that doesn’t require a lengthy commute.
Or you could be a retiree who still loves access to centralized arts, entertainment, sporting events, and fine dining found in the city setting.
No matter your professional and personal status, there are neighborhoods in Cincinnati to match your vibe and meet your needs. Here are some of the best places to live in the downtown area.
Central Business District
Life in the central business district is ideal for singles and young professionals, thanks to its proximity to jobs and ample entertainment opportunities.
Living in this area isn’t cheap — median rental prices can be upwards of $1,700/month. However, the area is 88% renters, which is great for a younger crowd, and without a commute, you can cut transportation costs while you save for a down payment on a home.
As with any urban center, crime rates tend to exceed the national average. However, the area is known for benefits like minimal commute, high diversity, outdoor activities, and abundant nightlife. Younger residents focused on work, play, and an active social life will find just what they want in this bustling central section of the city.
Clifton
Situated adjacent to the University of Cincinnati campus, this walkable neighborhood is bursting with activities for singles, couples, and young professionals. Residents will have no trouble finding nightlife, including restaurants, bars, and establishments that are open late.
Rentals make up just over 60% of properties in this neighborhood, and median rental prices of just over $800/month offer an attractive and affordable alternative to many other neighborhoods in the downtown area.
A diverse community and minimal commute are major benefits for young professionals, and the neighborhood ranks high in areas like diversity, nightlife, and cost of living.
Pleasant Ridge
This family-friendly neighborhood delivers a suburban feel in an urban setting, with a balanced blend of rentals and owner-occupied properties and crime rates far below the national average. What’s sure to attract young professionals and families alike is the cost of living.
Median rental prices are under $1,000/month, and the average cost to buy a home is just shy of $250,000, which is below the national average. Safe and walkable, this neighborhood offers winding streets, mature landscaping, and public parks.
You’ll also find a community center and a business district featuring restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and more. No wonder it’s among the most popular communities for singles, couples, and families.
Oakley
Oakley is a great neighborhood for professionals and families alike, with high ratings for commute, nightlife, and outdoor activities, as well as housing, cost of living, and public schools. Housing tilts in favor of rentals at 58%, with costs for both rent and homeownership slightly exceeding the national average.
However, this area offers an ideal balance of quiet, residential life and access to amenities like restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. Residents are sure to appreciate the Oakley Recreation Center, featuring a pool, basketball court, and playground.
Mt. Lookout
Noted as one of the best places to live in Ohio, this upscale neighborhood offers a spacious, suburban ambiance and a surprising number of owner-occupied homes at 72%. It’s also considered a relatively affluent area, with home values roughly double the national average at over $560,000.
This safe neighborhood is great for families, with high ratings for housing, public schools, and outdoor activities. Trendy shops, dining, and area highways are within easy reach, as is nearby Ault Park, featuring 224 acres of green space with nature trails and gardens, along with picnic areas and places for children to play.
Hyde Park
Anyone seeking high-end homes for sale will find appealing options in Hyde Park, with a wealth of historic home styles, including Victorian, Tudor, and Colonial Revival. Owner-occupied homes make up nearly 60% of properties, with median prices in the $530,000 range and rentals near the national average at $1,275/month.
Families and retirees will find a lot to love in this safe, walkable neighborhood, which ranks highly for housing and public schools, as well as nightlife, outdoor activities, and health and fitness. The Hyde Park Square historic shopping district boasts a variety of restaurants and local businesses, and the community is home to several art galleries.
Mount Adams
The cost of living is high in this desirable neighborhood bordering the Ohio River, with median rental prices near $1,500/month and median home values over $600,000.
Still, it’s an ideal area for retirees who have decided to sell a family home and trade up to a property that offers proximity to urban amenities in a close-knit community of just over 1,600 residents.
Restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are easy to find in this community. The area is also home to the 186-acre Eden Park, which includes the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Krohn Conservatory, and Playhouse in the Park.
Find the Best Cincy Neighborhood to Call Home
Urban areas tend to be a draw for residents from diverse groups seeking easy access to arts, culture, entertainment, and nightlife, among other amenities. Cincinnati has a lot to offer, especially when you choose a neighborhood suited to young professionals, singles, families, or retirees.
Are you ready to find your dream home and a welcoming community in the perfect downtown Cincinnati neighborhood? The qualified team at Oyler Hines offers the unparalleled real estate experience you seek. Contact us now to discuss your goals and how we can help you achieve them.
