Pros and cons of settling in Cincinnati

Music Hall

There are many reasons why you may want to move across state lines. For example, more employment or education opportunities, a higher standard of living, or simply a fresh start, to name a few. Indeed, recent studies find that as many as 40 million Americans move between states at least once per year. Chances are, you’re one of them, and your choice does warrant much research. You might even be considering Cincinnati as your dream destination, perhaps due to its real estate market. But, as with any relocation to a new city, it’s highly advisable to read up on the pros and cons of settling in Cincinnati. If that’s the case for you, fear not – this article intends to help you do just that.

About Cincinnati, OH

The city of Cincinnati was settled in 1788, and it now has a population of approximately 300,000. Its rich historical heritage makes it an ideal city for history and architecture enthusiasts. It is located in southwestern Ohio, within the Bluegrass Region of America, and it is the third-largest city in the region. It borders the Ohio River which separates it from Kentucky to the south, while the state meets Indiana to the west.

Roebling Suspension Bridge

Cincinnati’s metropolitan area is home to 2,1 million people, in no small part due to its location. It bridges three different states, namely Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. It thus offers an expanding economy, housing many Fortune 500 companies, and boasting steady growth. If you’re considering settling in Cincinnati, you can expect a lower cost of living and a lower unemployment rate than the national average.

Lastly, its location makes it readily accessible to residents of many states. Ohio has found much appeal in recent years, and a booming relocation industry helps households relocate hassle-free to any part of the state.

Pros of settling in Cincinnati

While “Cincy” offers many allures, this condensed list should highlight the most notable ones.

Employment opportunities A booming job market is definitely one major, practical reason to consider Cincinnati. The unemployment rate is below the national average, as mentioned before, at approximately 4.2% – mostly due to many employment options.

Many Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Cincinnati, from Procter & Gamble to Macy’s, Inc. The Kroger Company is the largest local employer, as it employs over 21,000 people. The University of Cincinnati follows suit with 16,000 employees.

What’s more, the city offers ample employment opportunities in the healthcare and finance industries due to local employers. Namely, UC Health and TriHealth offer employment across dozens of individual locations, and so do institutions like Fifth Third Bank and Western & Southern Financial Group. Lastly, Greater Cincinnati also deals in agriculture, as evidenced by the many local farmer’s markets.

Education

Likewise, Cincinnati offers ample education opportunities. High schools and universities, both public and private, boast high attendance and graduation rates.

The Cincinnati Public School district includes 16 high schools, while the city and region also house many private schools. Greater Cincinnati also offers such options as the St. Rita School for the Deaf, and the Springer School and Center for children with learning disabilities. Likewise, it offers single-sex high schools, both all-male and all-female.

In terms of colleges and universities, Cincinnati offers many options among prestigious institutions. Public universities include the University of Cincinnati, Miami University, and Northern Kentucky University. Private colleges include Xavier University, the Art Academy of Cincinnati, Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and Mount St. Joseph University. If you’re considering settling in Cincinnati with your family, there should be no shortage of quality education options.

Architecture, arts, and festivals

Cincinnati bloomed in the 1800s, and most of its architectural wonders survive to this day. In no small part due to its history, it also boasts a vibrant arts scene, as well as numerous festival

Fountain Square

In terms of architecture, there are multiple masterpieces throughout the city. The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood offers the United States’ largest collection of Italianate buildings, as well as the historic Music Hall. The Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park is equally noteworthy, as is the Carew Tower and Ingalls Building. Lastly, there is no shortage of historic houses with unique designs throughout the city.

As far as the Over-the-Rhine district goes, it also leads to a vibrant arts scene. “Cincy” is also home to multiple festivals, art-centric or otherwise. Such festivals include the Shamrock Shuffle and the May Festival Chorus, which is one of the oldest chorus festivals.

 Cons of settling in Cincinnati

Of course, no living destination is without its cons, and Cincinnati is no exception.

Public transportation

Work towards Cincinnati’s subway system had stopped midway through production. Therefore, it doesn’t have a dedicated subway system today. It does have a streetcar system, mostly Downtown, as well as a Metro system, but moving often requires a car.

While this may not get in the way of all residents, it does lead to congestion. Thus, those settling in Cincinnati from larger cities may dislike having fewer public transport options. It also leads to comparatively higher transit costs, often gas.

The weather

While Cincinnati’s climate does offer four distinct seasons, its day-to-day weather is rather unpredictable.

Cincinnati Skyline

The city doesn’t offer constant sunny weather, and temperatures below freezing are not uncommon. What’s more, its summers can be hot and humid. While some may like a healthy display of all four seasons, it can be a downside for others.

Political divide

Lastly, Cincinnati presents a division between Liberals and Conservatives and thus is home to some political tension. That is to say, it does not have as uniform a political landscape as some other cities.

Cincinnati does have its fair share of cultural diversity, especially in such fronts as art and cuisine, but it is rarely a trendsetter when it comes to politics. For those uninvolved or uninterested in this field, this may not be much of a concern, but it is still noteworthy.

Conclusion

It should be safe to say that “Cincy” can be an alluring moving destination. It is not without its flaws, as no destination is, but it does offer many noteworthy, practical advantages. Should you choose to move to Cincinnati, alone or with your family, the city will no doubt welcome you.

Author’s bio

Malcolm Peters is a freelance writer and full-time traveler. His main topics of interest include travel and the IT industry. In the future, Malcolm hopes to start his own company and travel the world.

Photos used

https://pixabay.com/photos/bridge-roebling-bridge-suspension-2739453/

https://pixabay.com/photos/cincinnati-architecture-music-hall-1615845/

https://pixabay.com/photos/old-architecture-fountain-square-3240342/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/long-shot-of-the-cityscape-at-daytime-3085090/