Living in Cincinnati, Ohio Pros and Cons

Night time aerial view of Cincinnati

When you move to a new city, it’s always a good idea to research it before moving. That way, you’ll see all the good things as well as the not-so-good things. Knowing them will empower you to make informed decisions, which goes for the lovely city of Cincinnati, Ohio, too. The good news is that there are plenty of good things here and only a few bad. To help you figure them all out, we created The Top 5 Pros and Cons of Living in Cincinnati, Ohio. If moving to The Queen City is in your cards, read on to find out more!

The Pros of Living in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Cost Of Living is Relatively Low in Cincinnati

One of the main reasons people are moving to Cincinnati is the low cost of living. Our city was recently ranked as the 10th most affordable in the United States by US News and World Report magazine. That translates to 21% of the typical family’s median household income. It also means more money for other essential things, like retirement investing, family vacations, and home improvements.

Our Park System is Spectacular

One of the biggest pros of any city is the number of green spaces they offer. If Cincinnati were judged by this alone, we would rank exceptionally well. That’s because our park system is absolutely immense! There are parks, public gardens, nature centers, and pristine forests everywhere around here! You’ll have your choice of hundreds of hiking and camping locations too, plus miles of biking trails. Sharon Woods Park has a beautiful lake, and Glenwood Gardens is terrific. (It’s a bit hidden, so ask around for the best directions!) Easy access to nature is one of the biggest pros of living in Cincinnati, Ohio!

Living in Cincinnati, Ohio Pros and Cons

If You Like Beer, You’ll Adore Living in Cincinnati

As of the last count, there were 41 breweries in Cincinnati, all with their own style, appeal, and, of course, beer. Not only will you find some delicious suds, but many of the breweries themselves are also spectacular. Some have made their home in old churches, while others boast rooftop bars. A couple even have volleyball courts in the summertime! If quaffing a few delicious, locally-brewed beers with friends is what gets you going, Cincinnati won’t disappoint! By the way, the nightlife in downtown Cincy receives an A+ rating!

Living in Cincinnati is Great for Young Families

With a good school system and a high level of diversity, Cincinnati is ideal for young families. The public schools get a solid B rating and, while crime is a C-, most neighborhoods are relatively safe. Many young professionals live in our city also, and we’ve already talked about the abundant green spaces here. In short, The Blue Chip City has everything a young family needs to prosper.

There’s a Thriving Arts Scene in Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s arts scene is superb, from theatres to performance arts, galleries, museums, and ballet. That’s on grand display at our recently restored and re-opened (and incredible!) Music Hall. If you’re a patron of the arts, your social calendar will be full in Cincinnati!

Living in Cincinnati, Ohio Pros and Cons

The Cons of Living in Cincinnati, Ohio

Public Transportation is Lacking In Cincy

While Cincinnati does have a metro system and downtown, a streetcar system, we don’t have a dedicated subway system. That makes it a bit more challenging to get around the city quickly. It’s a turn-off for people who moved here from cities where subways are more common.

The Bengals Are a Perennial Has-Been Team

If you love NFL football, the good news is that Cincinnati has an NFL team. The bad news is that it’s the Cincinnati Bengals who, sadly, never seem to make it into the post-season. But there’s always next year, and, also, the Browns aren’t too far away (not that they’re much better).

The Weather can be Unpredictable

Yes, in some cities, the weather can change rapidly. (We’re looking at you, Chicago!) In Cincinnati, it can change just as quickly. More irritatingly, it can change more than once in a single day! We’ll have a beautiful day to start and, by the end, we’ve seen rain, wind, and snow too! It doesn’t happen every day, of course. When it does, though, it can be more than a little frustrating. It’s highly inconsistent, which is why Cincinnati was named the 4th most unpredictable city for weather in the United States.

Living in Cincinnati Isn’t the Best for Singles

While Cincy’s nightlife is good, the number of singles here is smaller than in many other cities. That makes getting a date and going out a bit more complex, of course. Still, with our huge craft beer and food scenes, there are opportunities to meet and greet all over the city.

Living in Cincinnati, Ohio Pros and Cons

Crime and Safety Get a C- Rating

While Cincinnati certainly isn’t the wild west, so to speak, it does have its fair share of crime. For example, the number of assaults and robberies here is double the national average. Burglaries also, as well as motor vehicle theft and general theft. Many of our neighborhoods are safe, don’t get us wrong. Things are getting better, with the average resident reporting an evident and responsive police force. By the way, if you live in an area where theft is high, a Cincinnati storage unit can be the perfect solution. You can store your car in a parking space and store valuables to keep them safe. (It’s safer than, say, a garage or shed.)

In Closing

As with any city in the United States, Cincinnati has many wonderful things to offer. Yes, we have a few warts, but we’re always working to make things better, safer, and more equal. The people here are friendly and open, we’re surrounded by nature, and hey, the Bengals are still a decent NFL team! What’s not to like?! Until next time, we wish you all the best living in Cincinnati, Ohio! We’re confident you’re going to love your life here because we do too!