Tucked away in Ohio’s southwest corner, Cincinnati sits on the banks of the Ohio River and borders Kentucky and Indianapolis. As Ohio’s third-largest city, it serves as a cultural and financial hub for the tri-state area.
A historic river port, the city has grown into an economically diverse and exciting city to call home, with no shortage of things to see and do. Renters in search of a new city to call home can find a lot to love about Cincinnati.
But, before diving in, it’s worth asking a few important questions first.
1. What Is the Job Market Like in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati’s major industries include healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, though there’s also a sizable tech sector. Renters from a variety of professional backgrounds should have no problems finding work in the city. The city is also home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Kroger, and Procter & Gamble.
Around 7% of the city’s workforce is self-employed, and with a thriving start-up culture, several successful entrepreneurs have already made waves in the marketing, tech, and creative content sectors.
2. Is It Expensive To Rent in Cincinnati?
In terms of housing and rent costs, Cincinnati is around 13% more affordable than the national average. The average rent-to-income ratio is around 34%, slightly higher than the ideal range of 25% to 30%. With renters earning a median household income of $33,787, earnings in the city are not quite as much as in comparable locations.
It’s not all bad news, however, with healthcare and transportation costs in Cincinnati both being more affordable than the national average.
3. Is It Really So Rainy in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati often gets a bit of a bad rap, with a lot of locals and visitors complaining about the amount of rain the city receives. A mix of factors brings rain to the city, from its geographical location, proximity to large freshwater reserves, and the clashing of hot and cold air fronts. There’s no escaping the fact that the city sees at least 3 inches of rain each month of the year, with the wettest months experiencing almost 5 inches on average.
Late spring and summer tend to be the wettest, stormiest times of the year, with a small risk of tornadoes. However, the rain is balanced by warm, sunny weather, and Cincinnati experiences relatively short and mild winters compared to other nearby cities. For many locals, late summer and fall are both glorious, with stunning colors and a little less rain.
For renters who don’t mind carrying an umbrella, Cincinnati’s weather is generally nothing to worry about. But, for those looking for endless, sunny days, Cincinnati might not be the right choice.
4. Is It Easy To Get Around Cincinnati?
Getting around Cincinnati is quite ok. Driving in Cincinnati is relatively easy, with manageable traffic and average commute times of around 23 minutes, well below the national average of 27 minutes. Compared to larger cities, navigation is a breeze, and even rush hour congestion tends to be easier going than a normal day on LA’s busier routes, for example.
The downtown hub enjoys excellent walkability and decent public transport links. However, further out towards the suburbs, bus stops become increasingly less common, making it a fairly car-dependent city for those living outside of downtown.
5. What Fun Things Are There To Do in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati is a cultural melting pot with an eclectic arts scene. Home to countless galleries, large and small, not to mention museums and theaters, opportunities to indulge in a variety of art forms abound. Broadway shows can be enjoyed at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, while more intimate shows and stand-up comedy gigs can be found in numerous smaller venues across downtown.
The city also plays host to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating cultural diversity, history, and much more.
Sports fans are also catered to in Cincinnati, with three pro teams to root for, not to mention a slew of collegiate teams. From football and baseball to soccer and basketball, there’s something for every sports fan. And, with so many great sports facilities in the city, it’s easy to join a local team, too.
6. Is Cincinnati Good For Outdoor Recreation?
Surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery, Cincinnati offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts. But, with more than 5,000 acres of parkland within the city itself, criss-crossed with over 70 hiking trails, locals don’t need to go far to enjoy one of the top-rated park systems in the country. In fact, around 90% of the city’s population lives within walking distance of green space.
Image credit: Rudy Balasko / Shutterstock.com
