9 Best Places to Live in Cincinnati

Did you know Cincinnati is one of the best places to live in the US? If you’re surprised the Queen City along the Ohio River has made the cut, take a second look. As a mid-size city, Cincinnati is a right-size blend of affordable living costs with a jam-packed modern, urban lifestyle. That’s why home buyers and investors are taking notice of this midwestern city.

Its diverse neighborhoods provide many places to suit different individual lifestyles. From bustling nightlife areas like Over-the-Rhine to more suburban settings Blue Ash and Sayler Park, explore what Cincinnati neighborhoods offer.

Why live in Cincinnati?

So many factors make Cincinnati a great place to live, but let’s start with its low cost of living. Despite its modern city amenities, Cincinnati is one of the most affordable places to live in the US for a metro area, coming in at 13% below the national average. The city delivers more bang for your buck, with Payscale finding its housing costs were 18% cheaper than most places. The median cost to buy a residential home in January 2023? Just $229,900, with 1,539 homes for sale!

On top of its affordability, there’s plenty to do in the so-called Queen City. Downtown along the Ohio River are the stadiums for the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati Bengals, plus riverfront parks for recreation. The Cincinnati Zoo shot to fame with the birth of the hippo Fiona; it added a second hippo in 2022. Family-friendly attractions include the architecturally stunning Cincinnati Museum Center and Cincinnati Art Museum. Stroll the garden at the Krohn Conservatory, or take a river cruise on a classic steamboat.

But that’s not all! Cincinnati has a thriving nightlife and dining scene with live music venues, craft breweries, and numerous bars. The home of Skyline Chili has culinary roots in Greek and German immigrants, so you’ll have beer halls and gyros to whet your appetite.

Cincinnati offers a unique urban experience in the heart of the Midwest countryside. We’ve included neighborhoods inside the city limits and the surrounding suburbs for our list of the best nine places to live in Cincinnati.

Best Neighborhoods in Cincinnati

Mount Adams

This picturesque hilltop neighborhood overlooks downtown Cincinnati and the riverfront. Known for its stunning views and vintage row homes set on steep hills, Mount Adams’ charming character dates all the way to the mid-1800s. Its Eden Park started as a wine-growing area for what was, at that time, America’s second-richest businessman. It was converted into a park, with the Cincinnati Art Museum and School of Art opening along its edges in the 1880s.

Home construction boomed after the completion of the incline railway–back at the turn of the last century! People came to escape the crowded and polluted city below, walk the gardens, and admire the views. One of the best spots is at Celestial Street Overlook.

The inline railway is no more, but Mount Adams is still a popular place to visit and live. Today’s attractions include the Krohn Conservatory and the Playhouse in the Park. With all the cultural options centered here, residents live by some of the best things to do in Cincinnati.

Modern Mount Adams is still an exclusive neighborhood prized for its unique look and easy access to downtown attractions. The housing here has a distinct style, as it was built to accommodate the steep hills. The good news is you have all kinds of options, from row houses to single-family homes to newer condos. The 24 homes for sale in January 2023 had a median list price of $532,500.

Hyde Park

Located on the eastern side of town near the Little Miami River Valley, Hyde Park is popular for those looking to live in the city. Locals and visitors travel to Hyde Park Square, a historic shopping destination with over 100 stores and restaurants, with many being local boutiques and cafes. The residential neighborhood is built around the vibrant Square.

Besides shopping, residents can take the kids to Wilson Park or East Hyde Park Commons playgrounds. At the Hyde Park Golf & Country Club, the 18-hole course is paired with an indoor Golf Learning Center, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a heated swimming pool. The community also boasts top-rated schools, like the small K-7 Hyde Park School and Walnut Hills High School. Popular annual events include the Hyde Park Blast, a street fair complete with a fun Midnight Chariot Race.

The residential side of Hyde Park is a quiet haven well-connected to what makes city living fun. Find row houses and condominiums here. The 42 homes for sale in January 2023 had a median list price of $464,900.

Mount Lookout

Live near Hyde Park and 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati in Mount Lookout, a neighborhood that rates among the city’s safest. Families are attracted to the area for its top-rated Pacelli Elementary and Kilgour School.

Ault Park is a key feature of Mount Lookout. The 224-acre park is one of the best places for Cincinnati skyline views, complemented by trails and a playground. The community has more green space at the nearby Alms Park and Armleder Memorial Park and Recreation Complex. Shopping needs are met at the local Mount Lookout Square.

Living in Mt. Lookout offers a unique mix of city and suburban life. This neighborhood has an old-school charm, with narrow tree-lined streets and well-preserved Victorian homes. Residents can also find modern condos and apartment complexes here. January 2023 had 23 homes for sale at a median of $482,500.

Oakley

Located north of Hyde Park close to I-71, Oakley is a trendy spot dubbed one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Cincinnati. Think of it as an urbanized suburb with more homes than commercial sections, but it is still near bars, shopping, and dining.

Geier Esplanade, also known as Oakley Square, is the heart of this neighborhood. The open green space buzzes in the summer with carefully landscaped gardens. The community recently added an aquatic park with a splash pad and water slide. Ault Park and Hyde Square Park aren’t far away. Find big-name retailers, restaurants, and the local movie theater at Oakley Station Mall.

The community is proud to be family-friendly and hosts annual events like Oaktoberfest and Oakley After Hours for residents through an association. Housing in Oakley includes classic bungalows and Foursquare homes. January 2023 had 46 homes for sale at median list price of $358,500.

Over-the-Rhine

One of Cincinnati’s most iconic neighborhoods, Over-the-Rhine is among the city’s oldest and first districts on the National Register of Historic Places. Locals simply refer to it as “OTR.”

This dynamic urban area is now an epicenter for entertainment in Cincinnati. Inside its 19th-century homes and buildings await live music venues, unique restaurants, and independent boutiques. At the historic Cincinnati Music Hall, performances from the city’s Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Ballet dazzle audiences. More performances are held next door at the Memorial Hall. Findlay Market is a bucket list place in Cincinnati. Explore the 40 vendors-plus selling specialty goods and groceries while street performers entertain.

Over-the-Rhine was once home to a large German immigrant population, which explains why some of Cincinnati’s best beer halls are still here today. Rhinegeist, a well-known Midwestern brewer, runs its flagship brewery in OTR.

Over-the-Rhine’s current status as a thriving center proves what investment in development and revitalization can bring into an area. The liveliness of this neighborhood wasn’t always the case. As recently as 2009, OTR was better known for its high crime and poverty levels. Fortunately, the city has invested heavily in reviving the area, focusing on affordable housing and increased safety measures. This historic district is now a great place to live for those looking for an urban setting.

January 2023 real estate had 29 listings at a median of $310,000.

The Banks

If you want all the fun of downtown living, try The Banks, a mixed-use development nestled between the Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium. The Banks is a live-work-play district with breathtaking views of the Ohio River.

Being at the epicenter of downtown, there are plenty of things to do. Enjoy live music and craft beer at The Woodward Theater, or get sky-high views from the Observation Deck. Residents can stroll around Sawyer Point Park or visit the giant Moerlein Lager House for some delicious brews. Explore Riverfront Park with its playground areas and public art installations.

Much of the available housing in and around The Banks are apartments.

Indian Hill

The Village of Indian Hill is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Cincinnati. From its earliest days as a settlement, it has sought to preserve ample green spaces. Over 6,000 people call the suburb home, coming here for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

This neighborhood has some of the best schools in Ohio, including Indian Hill High School and Madeira High School. Residents can easily access the city via the nearby I-71, but Indian Hill still feels like a world away from the city. The Village has nine parks and, on top of those, a shooting range, 75 miles of bridle trails, an arboretum, and a bird sanctuary.

Expect to see large executive homes with spacious backyards and an emphasis on privacy. The median list price of $2.2M in January 2023 was for 17 homes for sale.

Blue Ash

The City of Blue Ash is a suburb about 15 miles north of Cincinnati, north of Indian Hill. It prides itself on blending small-town charm with access to a central metropolitan area.

Summit Park is a highlight of living in Blue Ash. Annual festivals held here bring in over 300,000 people to the town. During the summer, locals gather for a free concert series. Winter brings an ice-skating rink. In addition, the city’s Blue Ash Golf Course ranks among the nation’s top 75 municipal courses.

Sycamore Community Schools provides public education for Blue Ash residents and happens to be one of the state’s best, says US News and World Report. The Ursuline Academy, a Catholic four-year college prep school, is another top-rated area school.

January 2023 had 41 homes for sale with a median list price of $389,900.

Sayler Park

Sayler Park straddles Cincinnati’s western edge near the Ohio River. This quaint neighborhood earns accolades as one of the safest places to live in Cincinnati. While a small community, its roots date to the 1910s.

This area proudly has a “Tree City USA” designation, with five city parks and manicured, tree-lined streets. The family-friendly activities include fishing and boating on the river to live music at Canal Park. Residents have local restaurants like The Bluffs Café or and nature strolls at Fernbank Park.

Some homes in this riverfront village date back to the 1880s. You’ll have Queen Anne homes near Craftsmen bungalows and Foursquare. Many homes have large lots and green spaces. The nine listings in January 2023 had a median list price of $179,900.

Cincinnati’s Top Neighborhoods

From live music and scenic views to family-friendly activities and excellent schools, Cincinnati has amenities to meet your needs. Its top neighborhoods can provide an urban escape, tranquil suburbia, or a walkable lifestyle. Why not learn more about the Queen City and see if Cincinnati could be your next home?