Top Reasons to Move to Cincinnati

Guest Author:  Emila Smith

If you’re contemplating a move to Cincinnati (or “Queen City” to those who know and love it), you can expect tons of great things to see and do! Huge cultural festivals, top-notch educational institutions, and a local scene full of folks who are more than happy to show you around are just a few examples.  

In this post, we discuss some of the main economic advantages of moving here, as well as the entertainment scene and what you can do in your free time when exploring the city. We’ll point out some of the top reasons why people are moving to Cincinnati each year and why it could be the perfect place for you, too! So, keep on reading if you’re still trying to figure out if Cincy is for you. 

Photo by Rafik Wahba on Unsplash

1. The Job Market Is on the Rise

Cincinnati cranks out more jobs than cities of similar size and demographics (think Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Cleveland), and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. 

If you’re looking to bump up your annual salary, there’s no shortage of companies offering higher-skilled, higher-paying jobs, too. The Kroger Company, Procter & Gamble, and Macy’s are significant sources of employment in the city, as are Children’s Hospital and the University of Cincinnati. 

1. The Cost of Living Is Reasonable Here

Cincinnati apartments and single-family homes are reasonably priced compared to many other cities, with the average house price sitting at $165,613, and with Cincinnati apartments being rented out for an average of $1,167 per month. Overall, the cost of living in Cincy is about 15% less than the US average. In addition to housing, that includes the cost of groceries, healthcare, and utilities. 

Transportation is also reasonably priced, although Cincinnati is a very walkable city, so you might not even need to depend on public transport or a car to move around from place to place. 

Search

1. It’s a Sports Lover’s Paradise

Cincinnati already has tons of sports fanatics, but a massive outbreak of football fever hit the city with the appearance of the Cincinnati Bengals at the Superbowl this year! But the Bengals aren’t the only bill in town! 

You’ll also find plenty of action at the Great American Ball Park in spring, summer, and fall when the Reds take over. If you love your sports on a court, you can watch the UC Bearcats play basketball at the Fifth-Third Arena. Interested in hockey? Catch a Cyclones game at the Heritage Bank Center. 

1. It’s a Beer Lover’s Paradise, Too

With 80(ish) breweries in and around the Cincinnati area, there’s something here for every suds lover! And the beer culture isn’t new here, either; the first commercial brewery opened in 1812 on the banks of the Ohio River. 

The oldest standing brewery still in operation is the Hudepohl Brewing Company, founded in the 1880s. Although its name has undergone a few iterations, the company still makes plenty of blends that bear the Hudepohl name. 

With its passion for beer and sizable German immigrant community, it’s no surprise that Cincinnati hosts one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Germany, too.

1. Foodie Culture and Nightlife Abound 

Speaking of festivals, Cincinnati hosts at least one food and culture festival every summer, making it a mecca for culinary enthusiasts. The most prominent is the Taste of Cincinnati, a festival that takes place every Memorial Day weekend and spans dozens of city blocks downtown. 

On average, you’ll find at least 60 (most of the time, it’s more) local restaurants offering up small plates of their best-selling dishes. There’s food, drinks, and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy the entire weekend. Just be sure to bring sunscreen and wear comfy shoes!

There are plenty of entertainment opportunities, and if gaming is up your alley, visit the 16-Bit Bar+Arcade for a massive list of your favorite arcade classics.

If you can’t make up your mind, you can always hit The Banks, a bustling area along the riverfront with more restaurants, bars, and shopping than you can shake a stick at. In addition to the nightlife, it’s a family-friendly spot with a splash pad and plenty of things to do for the kids!

1. It’s One of the Quirkiest Cities in the Country

Want to dress up like a pig with wings and run a marathon? Or maybe dress up your Dachshund like a hot dog and let them do the running in the annual “Running of the Wieners Race.” 

We’ve got that. We also like to hang out in cemeteries, eat our pasta with chili and cheese on top, and participate in the world’s largest “chicken dance” at our beloved Oktoberfest. 

Oh, and if we think we’ve misheard you or don’t understand something you’ve said, we say “please?” instead of “come again?” No one’s really sure why, but many natives say it’s a German thing. 

Find Your New Happy Place in Cincy!

Cincinnati is a very eclectic place, where you are sure to fit right in, no matter what you like to do. With its festive spirit and people who love a good party, it’s not hard to see why Cincinnati has so many lifelong residents who’ve put down roots here for generations. An attractive job market, good options for rental housing as well as for those who want to become homeowners, and a reasonable cost of living all add to the allure of Cincinnati. So, come on out and give the city a spin. Chances are, you’ll become one of its lifelong residents too.