Photo courtesy of the Mount Adams Community Facebook Page
Mount Adams is the definition of an "I could live here" neighborhood. The charming area boasts new apartments and beautiful homes, and is commonly known as "the hill." The idea of living in one of these homes attracts young professionals from all over the country, but Cincinnati families also find it a desirable place to settle down. Residents will enjoy easy access to some of Cincinnati's best features, including the Cincinnati Art Museum, Eden Park, the Krohn Conservatory, and the best of downtown Cincy. After a day at the office, Mount Adams locals like to retire to the iconic Blind Lemon, where they can enjoy live music 365 days a year and excellent libations at one of the best bars in the country. And if you're in the area, you can't miss a show at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park!
Photo courtesy of Bakersfield OTR
This neighborhood has undergone quite the transformation in the past few years, so much so that locals hardly recognize it for what it once was. The streets are now vibrant, filled with young professionals, families, empty nesters and small business owners who greet each other on the streets. In fact, OTR has become a must-visit neighborhood for any out-of-town guests, and one of the most booming area for foodies in Ohio! Holtman's Donuts, for example, was founded in 1960 and has been voted the city's best doughnut shop over and over again. You might need to wait in line to taste a frosted creation (maple syrup and bacon is our pick), but all good things take time. Other hot spots for happy hour, organic meals, and trendy bites include Bakersfield OTR (for tacos), Taft's Ale House (for a cold one), and the Eagle OTR (mmm fried chicken).
Imagine the most charming small town you've ever been to. Got it? Okay, that's a lot like what Sayler Park looks like. This neighborhood actually sits a bit outside Cincinnati, and stretches along the Ohio River, so you'll feel a bit isolated from the concrete jungle while still having access to the city buzz!
The neighborhood is marked by the gorgeous Fernbank Park, an idyllic 65-acre, park bench-dotted piece of greenery that borders the river. It's the perfect spot for a morning run with Fido or an afternoon picnic on summer days. But the real draw here is the small town feel, friendly people and small businesses.
As far as dining goes, Cabana on the River is a summertime favorite that draws locals and visitors alike to enjoy the patio overlooking the river, and the friendly, casual atmosphere.
Oakley has drawn in a ton of Young Professionals over the years, and it's not difficult to see why. Bordering the swanky, Hyde Park neighborhood, Oakley tends to be seen (incorrectly) as the less desirable of the two. Oakley residents will tell you to keep on thinking that, because up until recently, this was one of the best kept secrets in Cincinnati. The secret is out unfortunately, and people are starting to catch on to the fact that there's a lot to love about this convenient, up-and-coming neighborhood.
Here, you'll find lower property prices on beautiful homes, easy access to Cincinnati's central business district, and a charming strip of bars, restaurants and shops that provide the perfect setting for date night. One of the main draws of this neighborhood is the Redtree Art Gallery and Coffee Shop, which made our list of the best coffee shops in Cincinnati.
Photo courtesy of the Incline Public House
The Incline District is perched on top of the western section of the former Price Hill Incline, and though it already sits at a high elevation, is undoubtedly a neighborhood "on the rise." Named for the famous Cincinnati "inclines" (a set of steep railways) that led up to this neighborhood in the late 1800s, the area is steeped in history. Meandering through the streets, you'll still find traces of days gone by in the elegant Victorian and Colonial-style homes that fill the neighborhoods. After work, stop by the Incline Public House, a gastropub offering incredible food alongside sweeping views of the city. If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience with the same excellent views, Prima Vista is your spot. The elegant Italian restaurant has earned many accolades for its inspired cuisine, including "Best Italian Restaurant" by Cincinnati Magazine. Finish off the night by splitting a bottle at SOMM Wine Bar, or by seeing a show at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater.
Photo courtesy of Hyde Park Square
Hyde Park is the swanky older brother to the nearby Oakland neighborhood, and oozes charm and easy living from every vantage point. The neighborhood was established in 1892 by several prominent Cincinnati businessmen who wanted to create a community exclusively for the city's wealthy citizens. In fact, you might recognize the name from a wealthy neighborhood in New York, which the gentlemen were hoping to mirror. While initially, only those deemed worthy by the gentlemen were able to purchase homes here, the area has gained some diversity since the early 1900s, but still remains one of the town's most desirable zip codes. In 2010, Forbes named Hyde Park as one of America's best neighborhoods based on the education level of its residents and the high concentration of shops and restaurants, but we also admire the area for the beautiful park at the heart of the community (Hyde Park Square), the premier k-12 school (Hyde Park School), and the convenient location.
Photo courtesy of Meier's Wine Cellars
Located on the northeastern edge of Cincinnati, Pleasant Ridge is a charming residential neighborhood marked by its small business district and high concentration of artists and musicians. In fact, the makeup of the community is very diverse, housing business owners, young professionals, independent artists and small families, all living together in harmony. The amenities within the neighborhood are as diverse as the people who live here. Here, you'll find the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Pendleton Art Center and Meier's Wine Cellars. There's truly something for everyone in Pleasant Ridge!
Photo courtesy of the Indian Hill Club
Indian Hill is Cincinnati's most affluent suburb, and is located just north of the city limits. The village actually encompasses 20 square miles, so there are plenty of opportunities to make a home here. Those who live in the area value its rural atmosphere, high safety ratings, strong sense of community, and proximity to the vibrant city next door. The neighborhoods education level is tough to beat, as Indian Hill High School boasts unparalleled fine arts, athletics and of course, academics. And if you're a fan of swimming and tennis, there's no better place to spend time in the summer than at the Indian Hill Club!