Ultimate Cincinnati, Ohio neighborhood guide in 2024

[Shaan Puri]

Hey everyone,

I've been diving deep into Cincinnati, scouting out some MTR/LTR opportunities. With the number of neighborhoods out there, it's easy to get swamped, right?

I decided to create a guide to help us out. Pulled together info from the latest BiggerPocket posts (2021 - 2023) and a bunch of other places.

Oh, and a heads-up - I got some help from ChatGPT on this, so if you spot any gaps or something that doesn't quite add up, give me a shout. We all know AI isn't perfect.

Eager to hear what y'all think

Evanston

• Close to Interstate I-71, part of East Side neighborhoods.
• Known for a higher likelihood of appreciation with less cash flow.
• Interest in large 5-bedroom homes needing renovation.

Norwood

• "The gem of the highlands."
• Near Rookwood, Oakley, and downtown.
• Experiencing new developments.
• Close to I-71, favored for value appreciation.
• Grade: B Class

Madisonville

• Between Mariemont and Oakley.
• Growth in residential and commercial sectors.
• Changing landscape with more developments.
• Part of East Side, known for appreciation potential.
• Grade: Later-Stage Gentrification

Pleasant Ridge

• Arts district, diverse community.
• Traditional feel with gaslight streets.
• Smaller, often rented single-family homes.
• Part of East Side, appreciated for potential value increase.
• Grade: Not specified

Deer Park

• Along I-71, quick access to Cincinnati.
• Business development including new breweries.
• Part of East Side, chosen for appreciation potential.
• Grade: Later-Stage Gentrification

Madeira

• Close to I-71, part of East Side's desirable neighborhoods.
• Balance of appreciating property values and quality living.
• Grade: Not specified

Kenwood

• Proximity to I-71, part of East Side's investment areas.
• Known for property appreciation potential and quality living.
• Grade: Not specified

Camp Washington

• 19th-century architecture, near downtown and uptown.
• Arts community presence, major apartment redevelopments.
• Attracts white-collar Millennial and Gen Z renters.
• Investment returns vary by specific location.
• Expected significant growth in the next five years.
• Grade: Not specified

Downtown Neighborhoods (Business District, Pendleton, OTR, Mt. Adams)

• High-end investment areas, suitable for short-term rentals.
• Cash flow covers expenses, lower CoC return.
• Grade: Not specified for individual neighborhoods

Over-The-Rhine (OTR)

• Revitalized, much safer than before.
• LGBT+ friendly, entertainment district.
• Median home prices at $304,900.
• Attracts young individuals.
• Grade: A Class

Hyde Park

• Affluent area, homes over $1,000,000.
• Hyde Park Square with over 150 shops.
• Safe, preferred by older families and retirees.
• Grade: A Class

Mount Lookout

• Favored by young professionals.
• Small homes, townhomes, and apartments.
• Mount Lookout Tavern, a local hangout.
• Green spaces, safe suburb.
• Grade: Not specified

Mount Adams

• City views, small homes, slim streets.
• Median home values around $465,000.
• European-style architecture.
• Suited for young professionals.
• Grade: A Class

Indian Hill

• Wealthiest Cincinnati suburb.
• Mansions on large lots, homes range $1,000,000 to $4,000,000.
• Ideal for raising older children.
• Grade: Not specified

West Chester

• Family-friendly and affordable.
• Homes range $200,000-$300,000.
• EnterTRAINment Junction and many parks.
• Excellent schools.
• Grade: Not specified

Downtown Cincinnati

• Urban living, apartments and townhomes $100,000-$250,000.
• Rent around $1,150 per month.
• Artsy and trendy, mixed professional population.
• Higher crime rates than other neighborhoods.
• Grade: Not specified

West Side Neighborhoods (College Hill, Westwood)

• C,D class areas, higher cash flow.
• Affordable 3-4 bedroom homes between $100k-$150k.
• Up and coming areas with investor interest.
• Grade: C/D Class

[Timur Salikov]

You missed a few..

Incline District of East Price Hill -  high rental demand

East Walnut Hills - Very up and coming and known, high investor competition 

North Avondale - Flying below the radar, parts of Avondale can be a war zone but cetin sections are very beautiful, affordable prices and high rental demand. 

Clifton / University of Cincinnati area - renting an entire house to college kids can be very profitable as the students pool their money together and split up each bedrooms. I've seen rents in the 4K range for a house that's worth 350K.

Northside - Already a trendy area but has room to grow. Strong rental demand.