Top 10 Things to Know About Living in Cincinnati in 2024

Moving to a new city is an adventure, especially when that city is Cincinnati—a place brimming with unexpected charm, strong community ties, and a skyline dotted with seven historic hills. Whether you're a new transplant, a lifelong resident, or just Cincy-curious, this deep dive into life in the Queen City uncovers the top 10 things you’ll want to know about living in Cincinnati.

1. It's C-I-N-C-Y, Not C-I-N-C-I

If you’re planning on abbreviating Cincinnati, take note: it’s spelled Cincy, not Cinci. While it may feel intuitive to stick with the original “I” from the city’s name, locals disagree. Over 95% of TikTokers and 88% of Instagram users favor the “Y” version. Using “Cinci” might just get you an unsolicited grammar lesson at a chili parlor. Save yourself the side-eye—stick with “Cincy.”

2. East Side vs. West Side: The Eternal Debate

One of Cincinnati’s quirkiest cultural staples is its enduring rivalry between the East Side and the West Side. This isn’t just a matter of geography—it runs deep into high school loyalties, family roots, and even chili preferences. Don't be surprised if someone asks you, “Where’d you go to school?”—and no, they don’t mean college.

While the divide used to feel like Jets vs. Sharks, it’s mellowed in recent years with the influx of transplants. These days, the rivalry may boil down to choosing Zip Dip in Green Hills or Graeter’s in Hyde Park. Either way, everyone thinks their side is the best—and they’re not wrong.

3. Kentucky Is Just Across the Bridge—and It’s Awesome

Northern Kentucky, affectionately called "NoKy", sits just across the Roebling Bridge and is a treasure trove of coolness. Think historic neighborhoods, hip restaurants, and vibrant arts scenes. You’ll find:

• Newport on the Levee

• Frida’s & Bouquet for elevated dining

• KungFood Amerasia for unforgettable noodles

• Brownstone-lined Monroe Street, reminiscent of Chicago’s Gold Coast

Whether you're grabbing dinner or considering buying a home, Kentucky’s proximity is a built-in perk of living in Cincinnati.

4. Cincinnati Is Actually (and Literally) Scenic

Nicknamed the “City of Seven Hills,” Cincinnati’s topography is both dramatic and beautiful. While the exact list of hills varies, the original seven include:

• Mount Adams

• Walnut Hills

• Mount Auburn

• Vine Street Hill

• College Hill

• Fairmount

• Price Hill (formerly Mount Harrison)

These hills make for incredible hiking, bluff-top views, and scenic drives. Cincinnati is also home to 306 parks, placing it in the Top 10 park systems in the U.S. Residents are never more than a 10-minute walk from green space.

Favorites include:

• Ault Park

• French Park

• Eden Park

5. The Real Estate Market is Red-Hot (But Still Reasonable)

Believe it or not, Zillow named Cincinnati the second hottest housing market in the U.S. for 2024. Factors like job growth, home value appreciation, and affordability put it on the national radar.

Even though demand is high, Cincinnati remains more affordable than major cities like Chicago, D.C., or San Francisco. Home values are steadily climbing, not surging, making it ideal for both first-time buyers and long-term investors.

6. Neighborhoods Are Richly Unique

Cincinnati is composed of 52 neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and community. Highlights include:

• Over-the-Rhine (OTR): Historic charm, brewery central, foodie paradise

• Hyde Park: Family-friendly, upscale boutiques, strong schools

• Mount Adams: Artistic, European-vibe streets, epic skyline views

• Northside: LGBTQ+ friendly, eclectic, indie everything

• Oakley: Trendy, modern, and still authentically Cincinnati

Much like Chicago, once you start exploring these neighborhoods, you’ll fall in love all over again.

7. The Chili Wars Are Real—and Delicious

Forget everything you thought you knew about chili. Cincinnati does it differently—with spaghetti, cinnamon-spiced meat sauce, and a loyal fanbase.

The battle lines?
Skyline vs. Gold Star.
Both have rabid followings and hundreds of locations across the region. Don't be surprised if someone asks you which one you prefer within minutes of arriving.

Hot tip: try Skyline's jalapeño cheddar coneys—you may never look back.

8. The Food Scene Goes Beyond Chili

While chili gets the spotlight, Cincinnati's food scene is diverse, delicious, and booming. From international fare to James Beard-nominated chefs, the culinary culture is thriving.

A few must-visits:

• VV The Italian Experience in Mount Lookout – Italian espresso and cozy vibes

• Truva Turkish Kitchen in Mason – Life-changing baklava

• Cafe Mochiko, Nolia, Mita’s – Home to 2024 James Beard Award semifinalists

And don’t miss Findlay Market—Ohio’s oldest public market dating back to 1855. It’s a foodie playground with vendors, live music, and serious community energy.

9. Events Aren’t Just Seasonal—They’re Legendary

Cincinnati is a city of festivals, and it shows up all year long.

A few highlights:

• The Flying Pig Marathon – Recently named the best marathon in the U.S.

• Red’s Opening Day – An unofficial city holiday

• BLINK – The nation's largest light and art festival

• Taste of Cincinnati – Foodie heaven

• Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – The largest Oktoberfest in the U.S.

• Festival of Lights at the Zoo

• Mittenfest – Yep, that’s a thing, and it’s adorable

No matter the season, there’s always something happening that brings the whole city together.

10. Cincinnati Is What You Make It—And It Can Be Amazing

Perhaps the biggest lesson? You can craft the life you want here.

This isn't a cookie-cutter Midwestern city. Cincinnati is filled with culture, contrast, and character. It’s a place where you can hike in the morning, catch a ballet at night, and grab skyline-view cocktails in between.

We’ve got:

• A world-renowned zoo (hi, Fiona!)

• Pro sports teams (Bengals, Reds, FC Cincinnati, Cyclones)

• Kings Island, home of the world’s longest wooden roller coaster

• The #1 ranked children's hospital in the U.S.

• Ohio River Paddlefest—the country’s largest paddling event

• And yes, 250+ chili parlors.

So whether you’re into live music, tech startups, food innovation, or forest bathing—Cincinnati has space for you.

Final Thoughts

Living in Cincinnati means embracing charm, community, and a few quirky obsessions. It means digging into historic neighborhoods, joining in passionate food debates, and discovering natural beauty you didn’t know existed in Ohio.

Whether you’re considering the move or already unpacked the boxes—welcome to Cincy.

You’re going to love it here.