Cincinnati is a fast-growing city with something for everyone. It’s Ohio’s third largest city, an economic powerhouse, and known for its world famous zoo, professional sports teams and well-preserved historic architecture. Residents have always been proud of their city’s achievements, having nicknamed Cincinnati “Queen City” in the early 19th century in celebration of its rapid growth.
Moving to a big city like Cincinnati can feel overwhelming. There are many neighborhoods in Cincinnati, OH for families to choose from, and you want to make sure you choose the best location for yourself. Check out the best places to live in Cincinnati below.
Mount Lookout – Suburban Haven With Lots To Do
- Population: 4,814
- Crime: 60% lower than Cincinnati average
- Median Home Price: $455,000
- School District: Cincinnati Public School District
There are many reasons that Mount Lookout is one of the top Cincinnati neighborhoods for families. It has a safe, suburban feel, and its proximity to downtown Cincinnati makes it attractive for commuters. Prospective residents can take their pick among newly built townhomes and condos, or more elegant Tudors and Colonials. The quiet residential area is great for walking, running, and biking.
Mount Lookout also has an endless offering of kid-friendly educational and recreational activities. The Cincinnati neighborhood derives its name from the famous Mount Lookout Observatory, which is open daily for tours, holds special events, and offers classes for kids. Ault Park, Cincinnati’s fourth largest park, is also located here. Residents enjoy beautiful views, sports facilities, playgrounds, and a beautiful flower garden. Ault Park hosts many city-wide events throughout the year, including the city’s 4th of July fireworks and celebration, summer concerts, and car shows. Alms Park is also a neighborhood favorite, with its beautiful Italian Renaissance style pavilion, trails, playgrounds, and panoramic views. The neighborhood is also home to Mt. Lookout Swim and Tennis Club.
Schools in Mount Lookout include Kilgour School, which is ranked #3 in all of Cincinnati. Residents who wish to send their children to private schools can choose from Cardinal Pacelli Elementary School and Saint Ursula Villa School.
Hyde Park – Vibrant, Affluent Neighborhood With Lots of School Options
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- Population: 13,356
- Crime: 60% lower than Cincinnati average
- Median Home Price: $346,000
- School District: Cincinnati Public School District
The safe, affluent neighborhood of Hyde Park is possibly the most sought-after family-friendly neighborhood in Cincinnati. In fact, Forbes Magazine included Hyde Park on its 2010 list of America’s Best Neighborhoods. It’s a quick drive to downtown, and provides easy access to I-75 as well. Hyde Park Square sits at the center of the neighborhood, and provides residents with a beautiful park, boutique shopping, and lots of dining options.
Hyde Park borders Mount Lookout on its east side, so residents enjoy easy access to Ault Park and the Mount Lookout Observatory as well. Hyde Park is the perfect neighborhood in Cincinnati for young families as it also hosts several community events. Hyde Park Art Show is held annually in Hyde Park Square. The Hyde Park Farmer’s Market operates every Sunday from May until October, and includes live music.
Families in Hyde Park have lots of great schools to choose from. If you’re looking for a public school education for your children, Kilgour School, Hyde Park School, Clark Montessori High School, and Withrow High School all serve the area. Private options include St. Mary Grade School, Summit Country Day, Cardinal Pacelli Elementary School, Springer School and Center. Cardinal Pacelli and St. Mary’s schools are both part of the National Blue Ribbon School Program.
Clifton – Diverse, Lively Walking Village
- Population: 8,304
- Crime: 60% lower than Cincinnati average
- Median Home Price: $333,000
- School District: Cincinnati Public School District
Clifton is another gaslight district in Cincinnati known for its diverse population. With its green spaces and lively walkable streets, it’s a true mix of urban and suburban.
Ludlow Avenue is the lifeline of this neighborhood, and is dotted with a huge mix of retail shops and restaurants. The arthouse Esquire Theater, which shows foreign and independent films, is a neighborhood favorite. Residents looking for outdoor recreation can enjoy Burnett Woods, Rawson Nature Preserve, or Mount Storm Park. Clifton Cultural Arts Center is a fantastic community art center with events, exhibitions, and classes for residents of all ages. Clifton is also a quick drive from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, making it the perfect Cincinnati neighborhood for kids.
Families can take their pick from several great schools in Clifton. Walnut Hills High School, Dater Montessori Elementary School, and Sands Montessori Elementary School all serve the neighborhood.
Pleasant Ridge – Diverse, Affordable, Tight-Knit Community
- Population: 8,083
- Crime: 28% lower than Cincinnati average
- Median Home Price: $248,000
- School District: Cincinnati Public School District
Located at the northeast edge of Cincinnati, Pleasant Ridge is one of the best Cincinnati neighborhoods for families. It’s a very walkable neighborhood with gaslights lining the residential streets. Pleasant Ridge is home to a small but thriving business district known for funky shops offering vintage and collectible items. Pleasant Ridge is very safe, and boasts its own safety committee with a text alert system that residents can subscribe to.
Pleasant Ridge offers plenty of green spaces. Residents can take their pick from 1000 Hands playground, French Park, Kennedy Heights Park, and Daniel Drake Park. Residents looking to join community recreational facilities have their choice between Pleasant Ridge Recreation Center and Losantiville Course at The Ridge Club. Continued revitalization in the area by the county and community members shows that this is a neighborhood with a strong foundation and bright future.
Pleasant Ridge is home to one of Cincinnati’s public libraries, and there are 15 places of worship in and around the neighborhood. Many schools serve Pleasant Ridge as well, including TCP World Academy, Pleasant Ridge Montessori School, and Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Preschool. Nativity School, a Catholic K-8 grade school and National Blue Ribbon School winner, is also located in Pleasant Ridge.
Oakley – Urban Meets Suburban
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- Population: 10,429
- Crime: 60% lower than Cincinnati average
- Median Home Price: $309,000
- School District: Cincinnati Public School District
If you’re looking for a more urban experience for your family, Oakley might be the neighborhood for you. This safe, affordable community is a close-knit community with a lot of personality. In fact, Cincinnati Magazine has named Oakley one of the Top 5 Places to Live in Cincinnati. The entire neighborhood is walkable, which is a big draw for families. It’s also very safe, and has seen a 10% decrease in crime year over year.
Oakley offers a fun array of community events. Geier Esplanade, formerly Oakley Square, is a beautiful green space that is decorated seasonally for a fun family-friendly Cincinnati attraction. On the second Friday of each month from May until October, Geier Esplanade and the surrounding businesses host Oakley After Hours. Residents enjoy music and extended hours and price reductions at their favorite stores and restaurants. Just behind Geier Esplanade sits the famed 20th Century Theatre, which hosts weekly concerts.
There are also several options for recreational facilities in Oakley. The sprawling Hyde Park Golf and Country Club offers many social and recreational opportunities. Oakley Recreation Center offers after school activities, recreational facilities, and programs and events for residents of all ages.
Families have great school options in Oakley. Walnut Hills High School is ranked the #4 public high school in Ohio. Hyde Park School and Kilgour Elementary School also serve the neighborhood. If you’re looking for a Catholic education, St. Cecilia School is a great option.
Map of Neighborhoods in Cincinnati for Families
High Crime Areas of Cincinnati
When relocating to a new city, it’s important to know the areas with higher crime rates. Though there are plenty of great neighborhoods in Cincinnati for families, there are some that are less safe. The following Cincinnati neighborhoods are considered Cincinnati’s 10 most dangerous:
- North Fairmount: 60% more crime than the rest of Chicago
- South Fairmount: 59% more crime than the rest of Chicago
- South Cumminsville: 59% more crime than the rest of Chicago
- East Westwood: 57% more crime than the rest of Chicago
- Lower Price Hill: 50% more crime than the rest of Chicago
- West End: 50% more crime than the rest of Chicago
- East Price Hill: 48% more crime than the rest of Chicago
- Sedamsville: 46% more crime than the rest of Chicago
- Camp Washington: 45% more crime than the rest of Chicago
- Cuf: 43% more crime than the rest of Chicago
Will one of these family-friendly Cincinnati neighborhoods be your next home? If so, you’ll want the best movers in Cincinnati to help you relocate. Call us today for your free quote – our hardworking, dedicated team is ready to help!
