Those who are young and starry-eyed may dream of packing up and moving to places like New York City, Los Angeles or even the Midwest version, Chicago. But those places aren’t for everyone (and definitely not for everyone’s wallet). And while TV shows like The Good Place may joke about Cincinnati being a “medium place,” we are still incredibly affordable, especially for 20-somethings just starting out, and there are plenty of fun things to do and see in Cincinnati for the young (and young at heart).

In fact, there are so many great neighborhoods in Cincinnati, we had a hard time narrowing it down. Each of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods has its own personality, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” place for every 20- or 30-something. Someone who wants to live in an artsy loft in Over-the-Rhine isn’t going to want a fenced-in backyard on the West Side, and vice versa — but we think we struck a good balance here. Whether you want to live somewhere cheap with a lot of dive bars in walking distance or a yuppie’s paradise of restaurants, breweries and nightlife, the Queen City has a spot for you.

“When my parents first moved down here a few years ago, my mom spent a good month referring to ‘the OTR.’ That feels like a good start” -AMPduppp Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Neighborhood: Northside The vibe: A haven for the artsy and eclectic. Northside is like if youthfulness were a neighborhood itself — it’s vibrant, cool and edgy and is welcoming to people from all kinds of backgrounds. It was well-known decades ago for being a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community and still prides itself on being that place. There’s always something going on, be it a drag show, dance night, art show or live, local music at mainstays like Northside Tavern and The Comet. Ideal for: Artists. Musicians. LGBTQ+. Hipster families. Activists. Not ideal for: Bigots. Extra perk: Plenty of bars and restaurants and super walkable. Where to meet locals: Northside Tavern. The Comet. The Fourth of July Parade. Tillie’s Lounge. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Play and Relax at Smale Riverfront Park 100 W. Mehring Way, The Banks Cincinnati is home to tons of amazing parks and playgrounds, but Smale Riverfront has to be the crown jewel of them all with its riverfront and Roebling Bridge views, proximity to even more attractions, like Carol Ann’s Carousel, Great American Ball Park, Andrew J Brady Music Center and The Banks’ restaurants. At the park, your kids can play with the interactive foot piano; climb, jump and slide on the whimsical playground; or run through the in-ground splash pad. You can also rent a Red Bike, or bring your own, to peddle along the riverfront trail from downtown to Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park in the East End, stopping for a picnic and more playground adventures at Sawyer Point. Or, head up to the Purple People Bridge and cross the river into Kentucky for even more family fun at Newport on the Levee. Photo: Scott Dittgen
The Neighborhood: Newport The vibe: A little bit historic, a little bit modern. There’s always something going on on that side of the river or a quick walk over the Purple People or Taylor Southgate bridges to downtown Cincinnati. Newport on the Levee is also great destination for families with its aquarium, movie theater and LEGO cafe, and MegaCorp Pavilion nearby brings in a number of big shows and acts. Ideal for: Young professionals. People who want a trendier lifestyle but can’t afford The Banks. Not ideal for: People who want big yards or a lot of space. Extra perk: Pretty walkable and plenty of great hidden-gem restaurants like Herb & Thelma’s, Pepper Pod and Press on Monmouth. Where to meet locals: Newport on the Levee’s Bridgeview Box Park. Southgate House Revival. Photo: facebook.com/newportonthelevee
Cock & Bull 601 Main St., Covington; 275 E Sharon Road, Glendale; 2801 Short Vine St., Corryville With three locations, Cock & Bull brings the spirit of the U.K. to Cincinnati with a name derived from two of the oldest pubs in London. With a beer menu featuring stouts and porters, and award-winning fish and trips, you’ll feel just like you’re in jolly old England. Photo: facebook.com/cockandbullpublichousemainstrassevillage
No. 7 Best Neighborhood: Westwood Westwood is the largest and most diverse neighborhood in Cincinnati, according to the 2020 census. The neighborhood also has beautiful parks and is home to some of Cincinnati’s most beautiful and historic architecture. The neighborhood often has fun activities going on at the Westwood Town Hall, West Side Brewing and the Westwood Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library. Photo: facebook.com/WestwoodWorks
The Neighborhood: East Walnut Hills The vibe: Trendy and fun, Woodburn Avenue and Madison Road are the heart of the neighborhood with their specialty shops like indigenous craft gallery, Woodburn Games and Legit Vintage, as well as plenty of spots to eat and drink, including Heyday, Cafe Mochiko, Rusk Kitchen + Bar, Anjou and Woodburn Brewing. Ideal for: Fresh college grads. Yuppies. Young couples. Old house lovers. Not ideal for: Broke 20-somethings (it’s on the pricier side). Many of the apartments and homes are on the older side, so there aren’t a ton of modern builds. Extra perk: Walking down Woodburn with St. Francis De Sales Church in the background makes the neighborhood feel European. Where to meet locals: Woodburn Brewing. Walk on Woodburn events. Urbana Cafe. Photo: facebook.com/Rusk Kitchen + Bar
The Neighborhood: Oakley The vibe: A mix of old and new, Oakley has its history and also its future. There are a lot of older homes and apartments among the newer, luxury builds, so while we wouldn’t necessarily call Oakley “affordable,” it can still bring in more varied economic backgrounds than its hoitier-toitier neighbor, Hyde Park. Ideal for: Fresh college grads. Young families. Yuppies. People who want a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Not ideal for: People seeking a diverse neighborhood. People who want a more artistic or eclectic vibe. Extra perk: There are a lot of places to visit along Madison Road, whether you want to pop in for a sweet treat at Aglamesis, buy your kiddo a toy at King Arthur’s Court or grab a coffee from Deeper Roots. Where to meet locals: MadTree Brewing. Redtree Coffee & Art. Deeper Roots. Photo: EEJCC/Wikimedia Commons
Incline Public House 2601 W. Eighth St., Price Hill Named after the Cincinnati incline that traveled to Price Hill, Incline Public House features a gorgeous view of the city as well as New American eats for brunch, lunch and dinner. The menu includes pizzas, burgers, salads and even cheesesteak, plus a great bloody mary at brunch. It’s a popular and busy restaurant, so be prepared for wait. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Neighborhood: Pendleton The vibe: Similar to OTR in the accessibility of restaurants, bars and nightlife, but a little bit quieter, plus the Pendleton Arts Center makes this little corner of the downtown area an ideal place for artists to live and work. Ideal for: Those who want to be close to the action, but not directly in it. Young professionals. Artists. Not ideal for: Suburbanites. Broke 20-somethings. Extra perk: Pair Ziegler Park’s pool with tacos from Yoli’s and ice cream from Pendleton Parlor for a kick-ass summer day. Where to meet locals: Ziegler Park. Braxton Brewing. Bar Saeso. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Neighborhood: Walnut Hills The vibe: Urban but tight-knit community with a lot of valuable history. Walnut Hills experienced disinvestment in the past, but is very much going through a renaissance right now, bringing in restaurants like The Aperture and Gomez Salsa and third places like Esoteric Brewing, Comfort Station and Caffè Vivace. The neighborhood was also the site for a lot of important moments in Cincinnati’s Black history, including being home to the former Manse Hotel, which saw stays from Black celebrities like Duke Ellington and James Brown before segregation. It also hosted the 1946 NAACP National Convention, with attendees like members of the Tuskegee Airmen, boxer Joe Louis and future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Ideal for: Old house lovers. History buffs. People on a budget. People looking for a diverse neighborhood. Not ideal for: Suburbanites. People looking for a trendy neighborhood. Extra perk: Eden Park offers beautiful green spaces, trails and playgrounds, as well as a live-performance theater and a free art museum. Where to meet locals: Esoteric Brewing. Caffè Vivace. Tiki Tiki Bang Bang. Cincinnati Art Museum. Eden Park. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Neighborhood: Norwood The vibe: Much more blue-collar and working-class than its neighbor, Hyde Park, Norwood has the small-town feel many crave, but with big-city amenities still in the neighborhood, plus it’s not a far drive to downtown Cincinnati. Rookwood Pavilion and Commons offer a variety of shopping, from upscale to bargains, whether you need clothes, shoes, a spa day, books or just groceries from Whole Foods. Ideal for: Young working-class folks. Families. First-time homebuyers. Those who can’t afford Hyde Park but still want to be nearby. Not ideal for: Drivers not willing to deal with the potholes. City-dwellers. People who don’t like change. Extra perk: The brand new Factory 52 offers a town-square-like feel where you can hang out, grab a bite to eat and play pickleball. Where to meet locals: Rookwood. Factory 52. Northwood Cider Company. Hi-Wire Brewing. Photo: facebook.com/Factory52Norwood
Hyde Park Square Art Show Photo: facebook.com/hydeparksquareartshow
The Neighborhood: Corryville/CUF/Clifton The vibe: Like a college town was dropped in an urban neighborhood. Home to the University of Cincinnati, the CUF/Corryville/Clifton area brings in a lot of late teens and early 20-somethings for school and work, but it’s a very densely populated area with people from all backgrounds. With that many people, it can be chaotic, but usually in a fun way as there is always something happening, whether it’s a show at Bogart’s or a football game at Nippert. While Corryville and CUF can be described as more of a party zone, Clifton’s Gaslight District is best known for being more laid-back and artsy. Ideal for: UC students. Partiers. Artists. Musicians. Broke 20-somethings. Academics. People looking for a diverse neighborhood. Hospital workers. Not ideal for: People who want peace and quiet. Suburbanites. Those who get stressed easily while driving (someone will run out in front of your car on McMillan and/or Calhoun at some point). Extra perk: You’re very close to the Cincinnati Zoo. Where to meet locals: UC’s campus. Sitwell’s Coffeehouse Act II. Esquire Theatre. Clifton Cultural Arts Center. Bogart’s. The numerous bars throughout the neighborhood. Photo: Emerson Swoger
The Neighborhood: Cheviot The vibe: Working class and an enclave for generational West Siders, Cheviot is one of Greater Cincinnati’s most affordable neighborhoods and the perfect place for someone young without a lot of money. The community offers a small-town feel and is home to plenty of dive and sports bars, like Keller’s and Game Time, where you can join other Reds and Bengals fans to watch the game, plus old-school eateries where you can fill up on comfort food. You’re also close to Mt. Airy Forest, which offers plenty of hiking trails and disc golf. Ideal for: Broke 20- and 30-somethings. Those looking for a small-town feel. Working-class folks. Families. First-time homebuyers. Not ideal for: City dwellers. Those who want to live somewhere trendy. People who hate the question, “Where did you go to school?” Extra perk: Cheviot is trying to revitalize its business district, so it could also be a great home for budding entrepreneurs. Where to meet locals: Any of the bars along Harrison and Glenmore avenues. The Harvest Home Fair. Photo: Keller’s Cheviot Cafe/Facebook.com
Bender Mountain 6480 Bender Road, Delhi Bender Mountain Loop Trail is a 2.3-mile hike past scenes of wildflowers and woods. This trail is considered moderately difficult and is great for a small challenge with beautiful scenic payoffs. Photo: Paige Deglow Photo: Paige Deglow
Brink Brewing Co. 5905 Hamilton Ave., College Hill “Good beer is about the people, the stories and the experience,” according to Brink’s co-founders John and Sarah McGarry. That is something the McGarrys learned from family — specifically their Uncle Jack. It was his fridge, chock full of artisan beers, and his neighborly values that led Brink to open its doors in College Hill in February 2017. The taproom’s communal table sits 20 and a brick wall stands covered in framed photos of the customers and community. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Neighborhood: Madisonville The vibe: The neighborhood is undergoing a renaissance, so it also has a lot of “up-and-coming” energy. It’s still the relatively affordable and diverse option in its East Side enclave of Hyde Park, Oakley and Columbia Township, but still has a lot to offer, especially if you like food and coffee — don’t skip on Bee’s Barbecue, Mad Llama Coffee, The Cheesecakery, Mazunte or Mom ‘n ‘em Coffee. Ideal for: Foodies. Fresh college grads. Young professionals. People looking for a mix of affordability and things to do. Suburbanites who still want to be close to city amenities. Not ideal for: Those looking for a trendier or more upscale neighborhood. Those who want to be right in the action. Extra perk: The neighborhood is pretty walkable and also close to interstates and major roads, making for easy commutes. Where to meet locals: Mom ‘n ‘em Coffee. Element Eatery. And if you like cats, we highly recommend volunteering at Ohio Alleycat Resource (OAR). Photo: Stephanie Scarbrough