Cincinnati lies along the banks of the mighty Ohio River, surrounded by lush, rolling hills. It is known as The Queen City, and sports enthusiasts know it as home to the first professional baseball team, the Reds. The city has numerous museums, the arts, and various entertainment venues. Cincinnati is a fantastic city and is considered one of the best places to raise a family. There are dozens of viable neighborhoods in Cincinnati — below are a few of the most coveted ones.
Indian Hill
What makes Indian Hill unique?
Luxurious grand estates, well-manicured lawns, and lush greenery with winding streams and woodlands give Indian Hill an idyllic feel. With many business leaders and celebrities calling it home, Indian Hill has long been considered the premier place to live in Cincinnati. Downtown is only a 15-minute drive away from this well-appointed suburban neighborhood.
Things to do
From the sights and sounds of the arboretum to the recreational opportunities of the park system, Indian Hill is a wonderland for active individuals. Activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding are close by. The Indian Hill golf course, the Camargo Club, is also a local favorite and ranked as one of the nation’s top 100 courses by Golf Digest. Additionally, the village sponsors numerous events like holiday celebrations and festivals.
Where to dine
There are so many unique dining spots around the area. The Quarter Bistro offers delicious American fare. Forno Osteria + Bar is famous for its woodfired pizza, while locals love the outdoor patio at The Park Pour. Elsewhere in Indian Hill, Embers Restaurant and Carlo & Johnny By Jeff Ruby are also great finds, providing mouthwatering steaks and other savory dishes.
Indian Hill Schools
Indian Hill residents are served by Indian Hill Public Schools. Students may attend:
- Indian Hill Elementary
- Indian Hill Middle School
- Indian Hill High School
- Cincinnati Country Day School
Real estate in Indian Hill
As of June 2023, Julia Wesselkamper has 33 listed properties in Indian Hill. The overwhelming majority of single-family homes are listed for over $1 million, with seven properties listed for over $3 million. These uber-luxury homes have four to nine bedrooms and six to 12 bathrooms. You can find Indian Hills homes for sale as far north as Lake Isabella and as far south as the Riverside Park area.
West Chester
What makes West Chester unique?
West Chester is one of thirteen townships surrounding Cincinnati and is a tight-knit community filled with charm and peace. It’s a short drive into the city for those who want to commute, but it offers a wide variety of lifestyle options, from something in the center of town to larger plots of land in a more pastoral setting.
Things to do
West Chester Township has plenty to offer fun lovers of all ages. With multiple movie theaters, the VR arcade Zero Latency Cincinnati, and top golf. For family-friendly fun, check out EnterTRAINment Junction, a train-themed amusement park with model trains and tons of kid-friendly activities.
During the summer, locals enjoy Keehner Park Concert Series, which are weekly outdoor concerts featuring local talent. West Chester Market is open year-round indoors on select Saturdays and weekly outdoors throughout the summer, this is a wonderful place to enjoy the harvests of local growers.
Where to dine
West Chester has a wide variety of dining options. For fine dining, Jag's Steak & Seafood has six separate dining rooms and an upscale atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrations. For a more casual night out, Back Porch Saloon has a huge menu of tasty food served in indoor and outdoor dining. For a pick-me-up on the way to work, Cavu Coffee has a drive-through, but this charmingly decorated coffee shop is also perfect for a chill coffee date.
West Chester Schools
Cincinnati Public Schools serves residents of West Chester. Depending on their location in the township, school-aged children attend schools from either Princeton City, Mason City, or Lakota Local school districts, such as:
- Lakota West High School
- Adena Elementary School
- Lakota Ridge Junior School
Real estate in West Chester
West Chester real estate ranges from gorgeous townhomes to large single-family homes to more country living with quaint investment properties on multiple acres of land. Because it’s set farther from the city, there’s an opportunity for more space and a quieter life here if that’s what you’re looking for.
Over-the-Rhine
What makes Over-the-Rhine unique?
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine has its roots as a working-class German neighborhood. Now filled with trendy bars and eateries, as well as updated residences that still hold on to their historic charm, this is a hip and highly sought-after neighborhood.
Things to do
Findlay Market has been a prominent feature of the community since 1855, and shoppers will find a seasonal farmers’ market here, along with many vendors selling meats, produce, cheeses, local foods, and artisanal crafts. Washington Park is a gorgeous public space with many amenities, including playgrounds, a dog park, and a splash pad. But it’s also a hub of activity in the downtown area, with community events like jazz in the park, workouts, library story times, and pop-up play time for kids.
Where to dine
Over-the-Rhine is beloved for its brewery and distillery scene, with favorites like Rhinegeist Brewery, OTR StillHouse, Samuel Adams Taproom, and Braxton Brewing Company Cincinnati. For dinner, the theme continues in Taft's Ale House, which serves artisanal beers along with high-end steaks and delicious salads. For an elegant dining experience, Salazar Restaurant, led by Chef Joseph Salazar, features a refined new American menu, and diners can relax in the comfortably sophisticated dining room.
Schools
Many school-aged children in Over-the-Rhine attend schools in the Cincinnati Public School District or one of the private schools in the area. Students may attend:
- St. Francis Seraph School (private)
- Rothenberg Preparatory Academy (public)
- Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students (public magnet)
Real estate in Over-the-Rhine
Over-the-Rhine real estate is filled with condos and townhomes on charming streets. Work with a local expert like Julia Wesselkamper to get the latest market insights into Over-the-Rhine and similar neighborhoods.
Montgomery
What makes Montgomery unique?
The cozy neighborhood of Montgomery has a beautiful downtown area filled with historic buildings. The charming main street is lined with trees and antique lanterns. Benches pepper the wide brick sidewalks, allowing people to relax between shopping excursions. With an enviable collection of luxury boutiques and fine restaurants, Montgomery residents have much to love about their neighborhood.
Things to do
Residents fish, hike, and enjoy other outdoor activities at Montgomery’s parks system. Nearby Swaim Park allows guests to spot wildlife and relax at Todd Pond. Meanwhile, the neighborhood’s mixed-use space, Montgomery Quarter, offers upscale living areas, shopping, and dining. You can shop locally grown produce at the Montgomery Farmers Market, a community fixture for the past decade-plus. Montgomery residents and visitors appreciate the fact that it’s removed from downtown Cincinnati, which is about a half-hour’s drive southwest via I-71.
Where to dine
Foodies can find outstanding cuisine in the Montgomery area. The famed Montgomery Inn is located in the neighborhood’s commercial epicenter. Stone Creek Dining is just up the road, and Carlo & Johnny By Jeff Ruby is another local favorite.
Schools
Montgomery is served by multiple public school districts. Many school-aged children attend:
- Cincinnati Country Day School
- Miami Christian Academy
- The Seven Hills School
Real estate in Montgomery
Montgomery is not densely populated — its 1,300-odd residents are spread over five-plus square miles. As of June 2023, local agent Julia Wesselkamper had access to 41 publicly available properties in Montgomery. The median list price for those properties was about $825,000. The most expensive homes in Montgomery are new construction builds with three to five bedrooms and two to five bathrooms. The appeal of Montgomery lies in its peaceful and warm residential streets.
Hyde Park
What makes Hyde Park unique?
Hyde Park is a very trendy neighborhood known for its charming small-town atmosphere. Its hub, Hyde Park Square, is filled with local shops and eateries. Visitors will find century-old Victorians, Tudors, and other exquisite architectural styles throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do
Locals enjoy strolling around the Square and relaxing by the fountain to people-watch. Ault Park has fantastic river views, a picturesque pavilion, and lovely gardens. One of the most popular attractions is the annual Hyde Park Summerfest, which features live music, food, and drinks.
Where to dine
Alfio’s Buon Cibo and Al-Posto Italian Ristorante are both on the Square and offer delicious Italian fare. Anyone who loves Asian fusion will enjoy E+O Kitchen, which has one of the city’s most extensive wine lists. The Echo provides Creole and Cajun dishes in a homey setting, adding to Cincinnati’s surprisingly robust selection of Southern cuisine.
Schools
Cincinnati Public Schools serves Hyde Park residents. School-aged children in Hyde Park have several options to pursue an education. Students may attend:
- Hyde Park School
- Saint Marys School Hyde Park
- The Summit Country Day School
Real estate in Hyde Park
As of June 2023, Julia Wesselkamper had access to 57 listed properties in Hyde Park. For a competitive real estate market, there are a surprising amount of reasonably priced Hyde Park homes for sale. As a newcomer to Hyde Park, $1.5 million should be enough to purchase a high-end single-family home. The neighborhood certainly is less expensive than the norm in Cincinnati, where the median sold price in May 2023 was over $2.9 million.
Let the Julia Wesselkamper Group help
Cincinnati is a great place to call home, and the best neighborhoods are in high demand, which can be challenging for buyers. You need a savvy real estate professional to help you land the winning bid. That is where Julia Wesselkamper and her expert team come into play.
Julia's team are comprised of award-winning Cincinnati real estate agents who know the Cincinnati area like no other. With her knowledge and experience, she will soon have you in your dream home in your ideal neighborhood. When you are ready to start your search or if you are in the market to sell, give Julia a call. You will be glad you did!
Recommended reading: Cincinnati Real Estate Market Update
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
