This is one of the best places to live in Ohio due to its affordable living costs, excellent health resources, 70+ unique neighborhoods, a pretty environment, and various employment opportunities.
It also offers diverse cultural and recreational activities, such as sports teams, cuisine, a zoo, and entertainment options.
However, consider living in Cincinnati (or anywhere else). In that case, it’s also important to consider safety, cost of living, and other factors to determine if it’s a good place to live. Now, let’s take a closer look at what life in Cincinnati, Ohio, is like!
Cincinnati Crime Rate
Remember, there is no such thing as a crime-free city, so take a look at the latest statistics:
Violent crimes:
- Number of Crimes: 2,597
- Rate per 1,000 residents: 8.39
Property crimes:
- Number of Crimes: 11,747
- Rate per 1,000 residents: 37.95
This is just the overall impression of the crime rate. Your ultimate decision depends on your level of tolerance. If you were to look at a crime heat map and it was green, yellow, or red, would you be comfortable with that?
So, Is Cincinnati Safe?
Yes, it’s considered one of the safest cities in the Midwest! While Cincinnati faces challenges with crime, safety is affected by community engagement, law enforcement efforts, and neighborhood initiatives.
Therefore, many areas within the city are actively working to improve safety through programs like the Safe and Clean Program.
Cost of Living
In Cincinnati, the median sale price was $255,000, almost $160,000 lower than the national median. Rent prices are also lower, with an average rent of $1,261, compared to the national average of $1,473.
- Cost of living:14.4% lower than the national average.
- Cost of housing:14.4% lower than the national average.
To better understand the total cost of living, let’s calculate the average cost for each category:
Restaurants
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around $14.00, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages about $62.50. Fast food options like a combo meal at McDonald’s are around $8.00.
Markets
Grocery prices in Cincinnati are generally affordable. Essential items such as milk (1 liter) cost about $0.79, a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) cost approximately $2.66, and a dozen eggs cost around $2.69. Fresh produce like apples (1kg) costs about $4.25, and local cheese (1kg) costs around $11.04.
Transportation
A one-way local transport ticket costs about $2.00, and a monthly pass is around $80.00. Taxi fares start at $3.75, with additional charges per kilometer and hour waiting.
Utilities (Monthly):
Monthly utilities for an average 85m² apartment in Cincinnati, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal, are approximately $129.41. Internet service with speeds of 60 Mbps or more costs about $57.46 per month, and a mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data is around $47.83.
Sports and Leisure:
Leisure activities in Cincinnati are reasonably priced. Monthly fitness club memberships average about $28.14, and renting a tennis court for an hour on the weekend costs around $11.67. A cinema ticket for an international release is about $13.50.
Childcare
Full-day preschool or kindergarten for one child at a private institution costs approximately $1,566.11 per month. Annual education fees for an international primary school can amount to around $17,408.00.
Clothing and Shoes:
Clothing and footwear prices in Cincinnati vary. A pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) costs around $44.08, while a summer dress from a chain store like Zara or H&M averages about $48.75. Mid-range Nike running shoes are priced around $99.29, and men’s leather business shoes range from $75.00 to $120.00.
Economic Environment
It is a regional financial hub with several banks and financial institutions operating. Fifth Third Bank, headquartered in Cincinnati, is one of the largest banks in the Midwest.
Due to its low operating costs, Cincinnati is an ideal location for technology development, business, professional services, health, and advanced manufacturing, particularly in machinery, appliances, and automotive parts.
Compared to other cities in Ohio, Cincinnati offers a more stable and advanced metropolitan economy with opportunities across multiple industries.
Education
From early childhood education to higher education, you will find a range of educational institutions here. Let’s take a closer look.
Primary and Secondary Education
- Public Schools: Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) is the largest public school district in the region, serving over 35,000 students across more than 60 schools. CPS supports diversity and inclusion in education.
- Charter schools with an alternative approach and specialized programs.
- Private schools with different curricula and religious affiliations.
Higher Education
- The University of Cincinnati is the second-largest employer in the region. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in engineering, medicine, business, law, and the arts.
- Xavier University is a private Jesuit university known for its strong liberal and progressive programs.
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers associate degrees and certified programs in technical and vocational fields.
- Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Miami University, located north of Cincinnati, offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
Neighborhoods
When making a decision, it’s crucial to consider the neighborhood. That’s why we adore this city! In Cincinnati, you’ll discover a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique history and personality. We’ve selected some top choices for newcomers:
Downtown & Over-the-Rhine
This is the home of most businesses, restaurants, and art activities, which is why you will find the largest number of officers here. Additionally, many employed Downtown Ambassadors patrol the streets and help visitors.
Eastside
If you enjoy living in an area surrounded by hills, the Little Miami Scenic River, or town squares, then you will love the East Side. The East Side is known for Hyde Park, Mariemont, Mount Adams, and Indian Hill.
West side
Imagine being surrounded by a 1,500-acre forest and enjoying the views. Well, that’s the charm of West Side – or better to say, “the best side,” as the locals call it. This part of the city includes Price Hill, Delhi, Cheviot, and Westwood.
Northern Kentucky
The Northside is famous for its diverse, LGBTQ-friendly shops and restaurants. There is also a community of runners, pickleball players, and craft beer enthusiasts!
For the best views of the Cincinnati skyline, head over to Kentucky cities by crossing the Ohio River! You’ll find beautiful places like Fort Thomas, Newport, and more just a few minutes from downtown.
You can explore the walkable riverfront, historic residential district, and many other great attractions there.
Climate
Cincinnati has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Seasonal variations include mild springs, colorful autumns, thunderstorms, and snowfall.
So, it’s not monotonous here, and you will experience the benefits of every season!
Things to Do
This city is a perfect mix of culture, history, and urban vibe. Therefore, you have a handful of options regardless of whether you are a tourist or a resident.
Taft Museum of Art
If you are an art lover, you will spend hours exploring the collection, which includes European and American paintings, decorative arts, and furniture.
Cincy Brew Bus
There is no faster and better way to experience the city than a guided tour bus. It will take you to various local breweries, where you will taste and explore the craft beer scene.
Festival of Lights at the Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo’s holiday event includes light displays, festive decorations, and seasonal entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Cincy Beer Fest
An annual beer festival celebrates craft beers from local and regional breweries. In addition, you will enjoy tasting, live music, and food vendors.
Cincinnati Food Tours
There is no better way to experience the city’s culinary scene than on this tour, which includes visits to local eateries and tastings of regional specialties.
Woodward Theater
Historic theater turned music venue hosting concerts, comedy shows, and community events in an intimate setting.
Findlay Market
You will find the most sacred products, meats, exceptional food, and handmade goods there.
Transportation
Navigating Cincinnati is relatively simple because several main roads connect its districts. It’s one of the top 35 most walkable cities in the nation. Is a car necessary to live in Cincinnati, Ohio?
While getting around without a car is possible, spontaneous trips may not be convenient. However, the city’s Metro bus offers a tourist line with stops at many popular locations, and there are also several taxi companies available for your transportation needs.
Cons of Life in Cincinnati, Ohio
So far, Cincinnati has proven to be more than a good place to live. However, every city has its pros and cons. Now let’s discuss some downsides so you can make an informed decision:
Weather and Climate
The weather in Cincinnati presents significant challenges for homeowners, with notable risks of:
- flooding affects 22% of properties
- moderate wildfire risks for 15%
- minor wind risks for all properties
- moderate heat risks for 57% of homes over the next 30 years
Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for environmental hazards in the area.
Lack of public transportation
With a growing population, residents have limited options in many metropolitan areas. So, due to ongoing construction projects, be patient if you use a personal vehicle during peak hours. However, the government is actively working to improve sustainability and create a more commuter-friendly urban environment.
Is Cincinnati a Good Place to Live?
Cincinnati is ideal for residents seeking a balanced lifestyle. It offers a rich art scene, diverse culinary options, safe and unique neighborhoods, and family-friendly attractions.
The best thing is that you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of life because Cincinnati has a lower cost of living than the national average!
Are you ready to make Cincinnati your new home? Contact our local moving team and get your quote today!
