Why It’s Great Living in Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio is home to more than just delicious chili, though that has rightfully earned its spot atop the city’s food ecosystem.

living in cincinnatiLocated in between Lexington, Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio, Cincinnati is a thriving locality where you can go from a professional baseball game to the scenic Riverwalk in a matter of moments. It also has one the top 30 economies in the country.

The city was founded in the late 18th century because of its convenient location on the Ohio River. Now, the city is home to prominent national brands like Kroger and The Procter & Gamble Company. These employers draw from talent pools created by Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati. Most people drive to work in Cincinnati, but the commute time is 22 minutes, which is under the national average.

It’s true, every city has great food and job opportunities. If you’re thinking about moving to — or just visiting — “The Queen City” here are ten things that separate Cincinnati from the pack and, yes, chili is on the list.

Local libations

There is plenty to drink in Cincinnati. There are more than three dozen breweries alone in the city and the surrounding area. Taft’s Brewing Company is named after America’s 27th president, William Howard Taft, who was born in Cincinnati. Taft’s Brewing Co. is found in the old St. Paul’s Evangelical Church, which was constructed in 1850. There is also Rhinegeist Brewery, which offers a robust beer list, a long list of activities including yoga and rare beer festivals, and a rooftop bar (which also serves wine and cocktails).

The Skeleton Root Wine Makers in the Over the Rhine neighborhood offers tours of its winemaking process and has a bar where the wine, all of which is made on site, can be sampled. For local whiskey — you are neighbors to Kentucky — try Northside Distilling, and New Riff or explore other hidden gems in the neighborhood.

Food

Let’s get it out of the way: You can get excellent chili in the places suggested here, here and here. But there’s more to the city’s culinary landscape. If you ever wonder what Oprah’s favorite ice cream is, well, it’s Graeter’s and it’s in Cincinnati; unless she’s changed her mind since 2002.

For a unique dining experience in Cincinnati, try steak tartare at Metropole. More classically, have some pasta at Sotto. It’s found in an eclectic basement just off of 6th Street. You won’t be disappointed with most of what the city offers in dining options.

Museums

The American Sign Museum provides a look a classic American design. If you’ve not satisfied your art taste there, for more history can head to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center with its multiple exhibits and knowledgeable documentaries. Here, you’ll learn more about the history of Rosa Parks at one of the latest additions. It features a virtual reality experience unlike any other.

Sports

Cincinnati has two major league sports teams, the Cincinnati Reds, which play at the Great American Ball Park alongside the Ohio River; and the Cincinnati Bengals, just a half mile away in Paul Brown Stadium. Be sure to catch a game during the season, but be ready, Cincinnati fans take their teams very seriously. There is also mini league soccer, hockey, and baseball.

Schools

Xavier University is considered one of the top schools in the midwest offering multiple undergraduate and graduate programs. There is also University of Cincinnati, with its engineering program and law school, along with a few other colleges in the city.

Outdoors

Anyone looking to spend a day outside can enjoy one of the local golf courses or lay out a blanket at one of the many parks. Or take the short, one-hour drive south to the Williamstown Family Fun Park where rope courses will have to get them touching the tree canopy and testing their balance. 

Arts

It’s easy to find beautiful art in the city. Multiple art museums, including the Contemporary Art Center and the Taft Museum of Art, are easily accessible. The later includes a portrait of the 27th President and a Rembrandt. If art in a museum isn’t what you’re looking for then there are more than 100 murals painted throughout the city.

Shopping

A new Apple device, Auntie Anne’s pretzel, or anything else that comes with a classic mall visit can be found at the Kenwood Towne Center. The Cincinnati Premium Outlets are also just down the road in Monroe, Ohio with stores including Nike and J. Crew for discounted prices.

Events

Cincinnati hosts a number of different events throughout the year. But the city’s German heritage really shines through in the fall when America’s Oktoberfest comes to Cincinnati. It’s true that many cities have similar festivals, but Cincinnati’s was voted best in the U.S. You’ll find an endless array of food and of course, all the beer you could ever imagine drinking. This is certainly an event you don’t want to miss.

Family fun

Keeping the family entertained can be a challenging task, but Cincinnati has plenty of attractions to keep everyone happy. The zoo and the aquarium offer exciting experiences for the animal lovers. While Rockin’ Jump Cincinnati and Sky Zone Springdale provide more trampolines than you ever imagined.

No matter what reason Cincinnati has you considering a move, you’ll be sure to find much more than what you originally thought. If it was the chili that had you packing up, you definitely won’t be disappointed.