Living in Cincinnati: Why the Queen City is a great place to call home

Our urban identity is at the core of who we are and why we matter. Our city is home and so much more — it’s our source for professional opportunities, artistic inspiration and social energy.

With a regional population of more than 2.2 million people, Cincinnati, Ohio, boasts big-city amenities — professional sports, arts, museums and cultural attractions — along with plenty of Midwest charm and family-friendly attractions.

Working at the University of Cincinnati means calling the “Queen City” home, and there are many reasons Cincinnati is a great place to live. From its affordability and vibran, walkable downtown to a thriving sports and entertainment scene, see what Cincinnati, Ohio, has to offer.

U.S. News & World Report named Cincinnati among the Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025. Cities that made the list had to offer good value, be a desirable place to live, have a high quality of life and a strong job market. Cincinnati’s schools — including UC — Fortune 500 companies, museums, professional sports teams and restaurants as well as its affordability all factored into the ranking.

On top of getting more for your money, Cincinnati residents don’t sacrifice on quality of life. Cincinnati is home to outstanding hospital systems. In addition to UC Health, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is ranked No. 1 in the Midwest for Best Children’s Hospitals.

Cincinnati is home to a great public school system, as well as numerous private schools. According to the U.S. News & World Report, more than 60 area schools are listed in its top high rankings. The report also ranks Cincinnati high schoolers as more prepared for college than students in similar cities.

Cincinnati offers the perfect blend of culture, entertainment, and community, making it a city people love to call home. Here’s what makes life here so special:

Thriving Arts scene – Cincinnati is a haven for art lovers. In 2018, the New York Times recognized it as one of the top places to visit, largely due to its flourishing arts scene. From world-class museums to stunning public murals, creativity is everywhere.

• ArtWorks Cincinnati transforms the city with over 200 permanent murals, turning downtown streets into an open-air gallery.

• Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark, is home to the Cincinnati Opera, Symphony Orchestra, and Ballet, bringing world-class performances to the heart of Over-the-Rhine.

• Cincinnati Art Museum in Eden Park offers free admission and an extensive collection spanning 6,000 years, making it a top-rated museum for families.

Sports Lover’s paradise – If you’re passionate about sports, Cincinnati is the place to be. Whether you're cheering for the Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), Cincinnati Reds (MLB), FC Cincinnati (MLS), or Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL), there’s no shortage of excitement. And don’t forget the UC Bearcats, bringing college sports pride to the city.

A Foodie’s dream – Ranked among the best foodie cities in America, Cincinnati’s dining scene is as varied as it is delicious.

• Cincinnati-style chili (yes, it’s served over spaghetti—don’t knock it till you try it!) is a must.

• Findlay Market, one of the world’s top food markets, is a go-to spot for fresh, local ingredients.

• The city boasts over 50 craft breweries, celebrating its German heritage with the biggest Oktoberfest in the U.S.

Whether you're here for the arts, the sports, or the food, Cincinnati has something for everyone. It’s no wonder people love living here!

The Cincinnati region has many distinct neighborhoods, each with their own history and personality.

Just south of the University of Cincinnati’s Uptown campus is Cincinnati’s urban core. Downtown consists of four neighborhoods: Over-The-Rhine Historic District (OTR), Central Business District, Pendleton and the West End. OTR is among the largest, most intact urban historic districts in the United States. Its architectural significance has been compared to Greenwich Village in New York and the French Quarter in New Orleans. These neighborhoods are where you’ll find the heart of Cincinnati’s award-winning restaurants, artistic scene and entertainment options.

The East side of Cincinnati is home to some of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods, including Hyde Park, Mariemont, Mount Adams and Indian Hill. Here you’ll find hills, the Little Miami Scenic River, town squares and an amusement park.

“The West side is the best side.” It’s a phrase you’ll hear from a lot of residents who call the West side of Cincinnati home. From unbeatable views of downtown from Mount Echo Park to historic family homes and a 1,500-acre forest, there are plenty of reasons to choose the West side. Neighborhoods in this area include Price Hill, Delhi, Cheviot and Westwood.

Cross over the Ohio River to experience Kentucky cities like Covington, Newport, Bellevue, Fort Thomas and Florence, just minutes from downtown Cincinnati. These northern Kentucky communities offer more great places for faculty and staff to live, with charming residential historic districts, walkable riverfront neighborhoods and amazing views of the Cincinnati skyline. Northern Kentucky is also home to the Newport Aquarium, and the official gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

This is just a quick preview of some of the Queen City’s neighborhoods. To learn more about what these unique areas (and more) have to offer, check out this playlist from the Cincinnati Experience.

Life in the city doesn’t mean saying goodbye to nature. Cincinnati is home to an extensive public park system. In fact, the city ranks No. 8 in the nation for best parks, according to the Trust for Public Land. The annual study, which ranks 100 cities in the US, found that 91% of Cincinnati residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park.

A few of our favorites:

• Smale Riverfront Park downtown offers incredible views of the Ohio River and features bench swings and an interactive water fountain for kids. This riverfront park also offers great walking and running trails.
• Eden Park’s 186 acres are home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Krohn Conservatory. This popular park showcases a number of stunning overlooks with views of the Ohio River valley. Eden Park also features two lakes and a 60-foot geyser.
• Washington Park, a six-acre green space in the heart of the Over-the-Rhine historic district, isn’t your typical public park. Less than two miles from campus, this neighborhood park always has an event going on. From hosting the City Flea market to summer movie nights or morning yoga sessions, Washington Park is always a popular destination.
• For those looking for more wilderness, you won’t have to look far. Located less than 15 minutes from our urban campus, Mount Airy Forest offers nearly 1,500 acres of nature, which include miles of hiking trails, horseback trails, a dog park and specialty gardens, gazebos and a lake.

From urban green spaces to sprawling forests, Cincinnati offers endless opportunities to get outside and explore. Whether you’re looking for a quiet nature retreat or a lively community event, there’s a park for everyone to enjoy!

Just as the University of Cincinnati is thriving, so is the city itself. With a revitalized urban core, affordable living, and a strong job market, Cincinnati offers an excellent quality of life.

From top-ranked parks and a dynamic arts scene to major sports and family-friendly attractions, there’s always something to explore. The city’s blend of history, innovation, and community makes it a great place to build a career and a future.

As Cincinnati continues to grow, we’re dedicated to attracting top talent to both the university and the city—offering opportunity, culture, and a welcoming place to call home.