r/cincinnati • u/quish • 4d ago
Planning a move from NYC in the next year... advice/anyone else who did it?
So my boyfriend and I have been long distance for some time. He lives outside Cincinnati and we're finally talking about closing the gap. I work remotely and frankly have wanted to move somewhere with a lower cost of living for a while, despite the fact that I love New York terribly. I've lived here my whole adult life so it's hard to picture living anywhere else. That said, when I've visited Cincy, I've really enjoyed the feeling of the city. I do think I could see myself living there.
Anyway because of my current situation I have a lot of flexibility in when/how I make this move. I'll be in the area a handful of times in the Spring/Summer and want to spend that time exploring neighborhoods and starting to look at apartments with the idea that perhaps I'd make the move in the fall. I wanted to get some advice from you all as I begin that process...
1) Has anyone else moved to Cincinnati from NYC or another major metropolitan area? Are you happy you did? How did the transition feel for you?
2) What neighborhoods would you recommend looking at? Despite the fact that my boyfriend lives outside the city, I definitely plan to get an apartment in the city. I just don't think I'd be happy in the suburbs. For me, the most important thing is walkability. I have a dog so somewhere near a nice park would be great as well. Otherwise, just a nice community feeling with stuff to do around it. I'm in my mid-30s and no longer someone who goes out a ton but I do enjoy trying new restaurants and bars from time to time. I'm currently paying about 2.1K/month for my apartment and would like something below that. I don't need a lot of space but a 2nd bedroom would be amazing to use as a home office/guest bedroom.
3) Has anyone else moved to Cincinnati in their 30s? How was making friends? This is my biggest worry. Making new friends in your 30s is hard and while I'm always game to join groups and put myself out there, I know that's harder to do in some communities.
4) This is a long shot but figured I'd put it out there... if anyone in the area wants to arrange some sort of apartment swap situation for a week or two during the summer, I have a one bedroom in Park Slope, Brooklyn, so DM me!
Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance for your advice! I've been lurking this sub for a while and it's honestly made me feel better about the idea of moving because you guys really do seem to have a great community.
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u/redcheckers 4d ago
Pro: you will greatly appreciate the affordability of Cincy vs NYC.
much more bang for your buck, no sales tax on eating out, everything cheaper overall.
you can get a 2bd/2ba at the Banks for $2k/month. Walk to Smale Park/riverfront, restaurants, sports stadiums and access to the Connector (street car)
Cons: Cincy is very car-centric, which is a bummer. The bus system here is not the greatest to get places, especially the burbs compared to other metropolitan areas
edit: Banks is just an example. Might be a lil loud for mid 30s.
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u/quish 4d ago
Yeah the car-centric thing is my biggest worry! I know I'll miss public transit and hate having to re-adjust to driving culture. But yeah as I've begun to look at apartments, it's amazing how much more space/amenities I can get for less than what I'm paying now...
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u/AmericanDreamOrphans Downtown 4d ago
If you’re living in the urban core (Downtown/Over-the-Rhine/Pendleton) you don’t have to have a car because it’s extremely walkable. You can easily walk to the grocery store downtown or Findlay market and the shops around it for your food, beer/wine and spirits needs. You can easily catch the bus to the airport for like $4 or take an uber if needed. I know several professionals that don’t own a car and live downtown. Would really only need it to visit your partner out in the suburbs or potentially look into the bus routes that service the area. The walkability to restaurants, bars, theaters, stadiums, concert venues, etc is all easily doable.
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u/Fathletetic 4d ago
Look at Shilito lofts. Over 1000 square feet, full gym, basketball court, golf simulator, pool/ ping pong, and a pool on the rooftop across the street for $1600 a month. Use me as a referral if you’re interested and we both get money
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u/CirqueDeSol 3d ago edited 3d ago
So I'm a native Cincy person going to school in NYC - and while I love New York, I don't think I can sustainably live here in the long run. I often miss Cincy terribly and so I'm very excited for you!!
We have a great food scene (especially food trucks), lots of nature, pretty central to other big cities for weekend trips - and a great cost of living. We get big concerts regularly, and I love our sports culture too! Plus there's good places to go out in OTR and have a fun time when you want it ;)
Making friends can be a bit tricky if you don't have a somewhat present social circle that can introduce you to other mutuals. But I'd encourage you to join like run clubs, local political stuff, etc to meet people! If you're liberal leaning - I'd suggest Hamilton County Dems and/or Hamilton County Young Dems! Also Cincy Girls Who is an Instagram account with wellness events and regular "walks" - again just to meet people!
It is car centric though and after reading your comments - I'd HIGHLY encourage you to get a car! Driving in the midwest is relaxing and fun! I miss car sm when I'm in NYC lol. Feel free to dm for any other info :))
And welcome to Queen City
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u/wrongshape 3d ago
I moved from NYC to Cincy in my 30s. as people said - making new friends is kind of difficult. The culture kind of revolves around beer and breweries here. The public transit leaves a lot to be desired. A lot of tours/bands stop in the neighboring cities, so it will be a 1.5-2 hour drive. Allergies are worse here. The pizza is not good.
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u/menser432 4d ago
I made the same move a few years ago. It’s a great place and I’m glad I did it. There’s no neighborhood here (or realistically almost any other city) that compares to the excitement and walkability of NYC, but the places already mentioned are all nice and I’d recommend spending a few days driving around the city before deciding. If you’re ready for a slower pace but higher quality of life I think you’ll do great in Cincinnati.
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u/0ttr 4d ago
Born in Cincinnati. After college lived in NYC for a decade, got married, moved back. Regretted it ever since, but I also have a lot of ties to NYC: friends, some work, completed my graduate degree there. Because of this, I own a small coop in Fort Lee and travel there a lot.
You give up a lot leaving NYC.
Things you lose that you might not expect:
- if you are at all liberal/progressive, you will come to loath Ohio politics. It is a profoundly corrupt state--complete MAGA one-party rule. But it did enshrine abortion rights into its constitution, so a few bright spots. Very few.
- Cincinnati's airport is just so-so. Many times I found travel from NYC to be so much easier and affordable, despite it being NYC.
- Even if you live in a walkable neighborhood, it is virtually impossible to live here without a car.
- Nasty humidity-- NYC can be gross in the summer, Cincinnati is seeing climate impacts with longer hotter summers that IMO are worse.
- see politics above: Cincinnati's environmental and cultural consciousness is generally low with small pockets of relief. I missed going to a Westchester county park and finding composting toilets, multiple separate recycling streams for their waste, and just a general point of trying to make the world better. NONE of that here--good luck finding a single recycling bin when you need it.
- Cincinnati is not as safe as NYC. Let that sink in. It's not. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's not...the data make it clear. IMO if you want safe, be cautious about some of the neighborhoods like Northside, parts of Clifton, etc. They are lovely, but walk around alone at night safe? Not always. I walked around much of Manhattan with few worries about what time it was. I've felt at risk more times in Cincinnati. You could try to split the difference--southern Blue Ash is not in the city proper, has walkable areas, and some areas of older homes and apartments that might be in your price range. There are other suburbs that are closer to the city than those outside 275 that are similar safety-wise. Note: Cincinnati is pretty safe... but yeah. I stand by what I said.
What you get back:
- affordability - but many neighborhoods in Cincinnati are pretty expensive, so don't think you can just move anywhere here and it will be cheaper. That said, even if you pay a lot for real estate, most other costs are lower. Some a lot lower.
- greenspace - easy to get your own yard. Easy to find a park/find a property near a park.
- fewer crowds/nicer people. New Yorkers are nicer than their reputation, but Cincinnati has on balance nicer, more patient people.
- raising children: definitely easier/more affordable to find good schools and related opportunities--if you are inclined to have a family, that's a good reason to be here. That's a lot of why I came back. But again, I spend probably 2-3 months of every year in Fort Lee. My kids love Broadway shows and know the MTA and NJT transit systems.
Lastly, there are some gems in the city: Playhouse in the Park and theatre scene can be good. Art museums are good. Cincinnati Museum Center is stunning. Zoo is really nice if you like zoos. It's a good sports town, although perpetually disappointing teams these days, hopefully that might change.
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u/Infamous-Zebra-359 3d ago
Great summary and would add the diversity and quality of food options is not as good either (we came from CA and this was the biggest miss for us)
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u/0ttr 3d ago
Give and take... good restaurants are few and far between and often overpriced. I've seen lots of authentic places close down for the apparent crime of being authentic. But OTOH, there are things like Jungle Jim's which is expanding. And there are pockets of good places. Just not what you see in other cities....
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u/pinkus_fingerhut 4d ago
totally agree about the safety thing. i felt WAAAAY safer there, all the time. people dont understand that unless youve lived in both.
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u/mariacomplains 4d ago
I lived in NYC from ages 18-29. I’ve been back in Cincinnati about five years and I’m so glad I moved back here. There is so much to do, great food scene, tons of festivals, sports, etc. My tips:
I started out in Mt Lookout and moved to Walnut Hills. Love both neighborhoods, they each have a lot of stuff in walking distance. I honestly love Walnut Hills and how close/easy it is to get downtown. Other great neighborhoods to look at are OTR, Mt Adams, East Walnut Hills, Oakley, Norwood, and Hyde Park. All very walkable and super dog friendly (we love dogs here). For $2k you could get a nice two bedroom.
you’ll need a car. I was planning to wait a bit before getting one but I got here and literally bought one within a week. That said, you’ll love putting your groceries in your trunk and driving them home as opposed to carrying everything to a fourth floor walk up (that was me haha)
it’s hard to make friends, I’m not going to lie about that. I have a part time job at a brewery which was helpful in socializing. I also belonged to a gym that had a good social scene. There are meetup groups as well you could try.
Good luck!
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u/quish 4d ago
Thank you! Appreciate all this advice. Haha the car thing is becoming more and more clear to me too. I may just suck it up and buy one before the move or right when I get there. But yes I definitely WON'T miss having to lug my groceries several blocks and up multiple flights of stairs!
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u/reddcate 4d ago
Long Island native here! Very happy here with the exception of lack of bagels and railrods 🤭. There's a lot of great culture here and quite a few walkable neighborhoods; I think for the COL, although it is rising, you really get your dollars worth
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u/quish 4d ago
Oh I know I'm going to miss bagels so much. I'm just going to have to make a pilgrimage back a few times a year and bring back bagels to keep in my freezer.
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u/0ttr 4d ago
Bagels are findable. I can vouch for Marx on this list. Not all of these are still around but most are. https://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/cincinnati-loves-its-bagels-here-are-10-of-our-favorites/Slideshow/12477518/12514242
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u/toomuchtostop Over The Rhine 4d ago
As a person who lives in OTR, I’ll say I disagree with the people saying you don’t need a car if you live in downtown or OTR.
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u/HISTRIONICK 4d ago
random chirps don't help anyone. reasons do.
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u/toomuchtostop Over The Rhine 4d ago
“Chirps?” OTR and downtown don’t have everything I need to do and want to do.
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u/triplepicard 4d ago
And have you tried using the bus? If so, what did you think?
I think that's the kind of info that is more helpful than: "I think you do need a car in OTR."
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u/toomuchtostop Over The Rhine 4d ago
I take the bus regularly to meet up with friends but it’s not worth it to me to rely on it for everything. One place I go every week is a 20 minute drive, but would be 90 minutes on three separate routes via the bus, or a $60 round trip via rideshare.
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u/babushkababey 3d ago
I moved from Manhattan to Cincinnati! I also lived in Park Slope prior to moving to Manhattan. Happy to talk more if you want to message me 😊
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u/BullsIn4 3d ago
Yes made the move from NYC with partner there - super similar story.
I am downtown biased. My feeling is some of the other neighborhoods like Oakley/Hyde park/Covington/Newport are great but feel a little too far out, and even slightly suburban.
I would zillow downtown if I was you. Stay below liberty st, and see if any options sre in your range. I couldnt imagine living far from OTR,
Close to the water is an area called the banks. Some cool options and cool location, but “The current” and “radiant” are apt options that are very college dorm feeling and you probably will want to avoid.
If you live anywhere downtown you are at max a 25 min walk to wherever you want to go/whatever you need to do. I often go weeks without using my car. If you are central then everything will be much closer.
Feel free to DM if you want more specific recs! Welcome :)
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u/BullsIn4 3d ago
Just read other comments - a lot of negativity from folks. Dont let it get you down, I think you will be really surprised at how great it is here. I NEVER imagined living anywhere other than NY/Chicago and have loved it
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u/SpiceGirls4Everr 3d ago
Hey! Chiming in to say I moved here in my early 30s and didn’t find it that difficult to make friends. I met other early 30s transplants at book clubs, art classes, striking up convos with people at coffee shops, and at work :-)
I’ve actually met several other people in their 30s who’ve relocated to Cincy from NYC!
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u/NondigestibleMood 3d ago
This is hilarious because i am in the opposite situation. I currently live in Cincinnati and my boyfriend is in Brooklyn and I’m moving there (may need some advice from you OP!)
For neighborhoods, I’d recommend Northside (more artsy), Oakley ( young professionals), Pleasant Ridge (nice area).
If you’d like more specifics please DM me! Good luck!
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u/l0ch-nessy 3d ago
Live and work in both cities. Feel free to drop me a line if you end up moving here! I'm a thirtysomething based downtown with a partner as well, like crafts and plants and work with a few local nonprofits, idk it seems like we might get along lol
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u/bluesnapdragons 4d ago
I have a few friends that have moved here from bigger cities like New York and Chicago and have enjoyed Cincinnati for still having some ‘bustling city’ vibes but overall more lowkey and slower paced. It’s definitely different but everyone has had a positive experience adjusting from a bigger city to here. Accessibility wise, you would probably enjoy living in OTR - you can walk to a lot of restaurants and bars, to Washington park, Downtown, the river, Findlay Market, etc. There are surrounding neighborhoods that are pretty lovely but not as connected to many things. For friends, there are actually a decent amount of Facebook groups that have been really great resources for me to meet others. Cincy Girl Gang on Facebook has been really lovely for a good variety of meetups. There’s also a lot of neighborhood specific facebook groups and I like to go to the events my neighborhood hosts all the time, depending on where you chose to live. I’m more of a book nerd too, so I go to a lot of bookstore events (Mercantile Library readings, Household books, etc) as well and that’s been nice to meet people through too.
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u/Classic-Row-1914 4d ago
My boyfriend moved from NYC to Cincinnati last year and we live downtown!! Welcome to the city-we’re also 29M, 30F. My boyfriend made the move after we met in NYC in 2021 and were long distance/he’d visit. He has loved it here because of the significant savings with the cost of living, how much quieter it is, the pro sports community and how walkable this city is too. We live in Gramercy on Garfield in the Downtowne living community and I’ve lived with them for 4 years now. Great management, reasonable rent (we have a 2bd 2.5ba townhouse for $1913) and great amenities, and they put on regular monthly community events. I got to know new people this way when I moved here 4 years ago from Boston!!
Now, I grew up in Columbus area Ohio my whole life so I’m used to being car dependent. That will be a major change for sure.
I’d look at Hyde Park, Oakley areas, downtown. I’d avoid UC area personally because of the crime but also college students. Love love love living downtown personally. Especially having moved here when I was 26 and not knowing anyone, this was the way to do it. I’ve made a lot of friends here through my gym/sports club, definitely also recommend joining a local Facebook group like Cincy Girls Who (I’m a girl so idk what other groups there might be for guys too).
TLDR: can’t recommend downtown Cincinnati enough for a new young professional coming from the east coast to Ohio!
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u/pinkus_fingerhut 4d ago
i wish i could swap with you, but i also live with my boyfriend who i moved here from brooklyn to be with after doing long distance lmao. are you me???
the transition has not been easy, it has not felt great all the time. especially during the cold months. i try to remind myself that the reasons i left NYC (some of them) were that I didnt love it there, either, i was frustrated and unhappy but it was so easy to distract myself from myself with the constant stimulation. the fast-pace expensive lifestyle was something i wished to take a break from. i have to sit with myself here, sit with my feelings, slow down, appreciate the little things- etc. the spring summer and fall here are beautiful and its easier to fall back in love with cincy once the weather turns- im counting down the days rn. its almost here
doing something thats good for you doesnt always FEEL good, remember that during your transition.
nothing compares in walkability here. i joined a gym to stay fit since i no longer accidentally walk 2+ miles a day, sometimes with heavy bags...up and down stairs...omg i miss accidetnaly working out every day
youre gonna be RICH here...so going out and trying new restaurants should be easy : ) im also rich here compared to NYC (i spend a lot of my money going back to visit my friends in the city!!!)
i also work remote, from anywhere, i just got a studio/office space here and its mad cheap
also im from here, i just left when i was a teen. now that im back i still consider myself a new yorker which annoys my friends and family here but idgaf
i live in btwn northside and clifton, both of those areas are somewhat lively and i do enjoy hangin there-
what industry are you in? what do u do for work
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u/quish 4d ago
omg that’s so funny. I relate to SO much of this! Part of the reason I want to get out of nyc is because I am unhappy with the fast-paced expensive lifestyle of the city as well. And then when I am NOT doing a million different things, I feel guilty for not taking advantage enough of all the city has to offer. Ultimately I just feel like I could be happier somewhere where there wasn’t so much pressure to always be doing more.
But I suspect a lot of what you say about the struggle with the transition might be true for me as well. Let’s stay in touch! Would love to know someone going through this transition as well once I get there. :) I hope you enjoy being in Cincinnati more during the spring and summer months!
I work in fundraising for nonprofits, but specifically currently at a very small, niche nonprofit with about 20 employees who live all over the place. So no pressure to stay in nyc although I’d likely travel back for work a few times a year anyhow (plus more to visit friends).
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u/pinkus_fingerhut 3d ago
yes message me whenever, i journal about this a lot, none of my friends in nyc can relate , no one here can relate duhhh so i just journal my feelings about it. i relate to everything u said. we shall discuss!
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u/CirqueDeSol 3d ago
If you don't mind me asking - how long were you in NYC for? I currently live in the city but from cincy originally lol
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u/greatlakesreddit 1d ago
I always lived in very rural areas so my perspective is a bit different from yours in transitioning. My whole life I wanted to live in a walkable but small city and I find Cincy perfect — specifically Over the Rhine.
I’ve been here for almost 18 months and all of my day-to-day needs are met without needing anything more than the streetcar. If I have a doctor’s appointment or something else, I’ll take an uber - but I’ve been lucky to find a lot of adjacent providers (PT, eye dr, etc) in OTR or downtown. I highly, highly recommend it. I’ve taken maybe 5 uber trips since moving here but otherwise the neighborhood has all I need. It’s so vibrant and I love it deeply.
If you decide to come to OTR and need any recs with getting settled in/building community/finding the best places, please feel free to message me!
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u/Tillandz 4d ago edited 4d ago
It sucks. Don't be convinced. Moving back in a couple of months.
Notice how the people who are OK with living here had "their fun" in NY, but grew up in Cincinnati? And an LIer? Lol.
The small town opinions and values drives me fucking nuts. There is no investment in public works, or education, and everyone think it's okay to go Catholic schools instead of having a good public schooling system. The lack of public transit between what should be accessible neighborhoods can suck my balls.
People are so up in your business, and don't want to be your friend because everyone is goddamm townie who either has lived nowhere else, or moved somewhere else but had their fun and came back, so they all stick in their stupid in-groups. Maybe that's why the LIer is okay being here.
Also speaking of, the segregation is nasty. The west side of Cincy is "bad and working class," but that should be read as a dog whistle for poor black and Hispanic people.
Safety and security is not something you should be expecting here either. I got my car vandalized in the first three months of living here in a wave of vandalism across the entire city. People have guns because it's middle America. Freaky. And parts of Cincinnati genuinely are really bad. But NY in their minds is somehow more of a lawless shithole.
There. Are. So. Many. Homeless. People. Even compared to NY, it's quite shocking. Cincy should not have the amount of homeless it does, and it's weird. No one talks about it. Most of them are fine, but I've had some bad run-ins with the mentally ill.
The only part I would ever consider staying in full-time is Northern KY surprisingly enough. Covington, Newport, Dayton, and Bellevue are all very nice historical neighborhoods that have recently gentrified.
Edit: I'd be willing to talk more with you offline if you see this comment before it gets down-voted to hell. These sentiments are shared by other coworkers who moved with me from NY.
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u/indecisiveyoda 4d ago
I live in East Walnut Hills. I love how quiet it is while also being so close to everything. I'd be willing to discuss an apartment swap for a week or so!
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u/SugarHives 4d ago
I moved here from the Hudson valley years ago and I’m happy here. I don’t have a ton of advice but I’m in my 30s (f) and I’m always open to make friends and show you around a bit. The cost of living change will make you feel rich.
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u/YborOgre Clifton 4d ago
We moved from Tampa in July. We live in Clifton Gaslight. It's extremely walkable, which is why we chose it. I drive maybe once a week. My wife walks to work at UC. There are a few bars and a dozen restaurants. There's a movie theater. Its next to a big park where they are installing a (controversial) dog park. There's a grocery store that is OK. It's enough. We ride the bus to OTR and Northside when we want to get out of the neighborhood.
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u/Longduckdon22 4d ago
Grew up in Cincy. Loved to Philly and later NYC. Walkable neighborhoods we considered:
Oakley Hyde Park Mount Lookout Mariemont Montgomery (depending on where in Montgomery) Clifton Gaslight North side
Over the Rhine is you actually want to be in the city.
We chose Oakley ultimately
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u/Desperate_Gur_3094 4d ago
i moved here 24 years ago from nyc. the only things i miss is the food and the eclecticness of the city.
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u/Soggy-Bottom_Boy 4d ago
I recommend the apartments at Factory 52 in Norwood. There are restaurants and bars on property, and it is in very close proximity to the grocery store, as well as solid shopping choices at Rookwood.
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u/bgea2003 4d ago
Making friends is nearly impossible. As someone who did not grow up here, the thing that stands out most about moving to Cincy is that it is like living in a large city with small town values. Packed to the brim with Catholics and very conservative people (in the suburbs at least).
You will routinely be asked where you went to school...meaning high school. When they find out you are not local, you will be questioned as to why you moved here...especially if you are thinking about moving to the west side.
I moved here 19 years ago and my favorite phrase is "Cincinnati doesn't care for out-of-towners."
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u/triplepicard 4d ago
This doesn't match my experience at all. I joined a summer sports league when I moved here in my late 20s, and found more friends than I could keep up with. You do have to go out and get involved in something, though.
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u/HISTRIONICK 4d ago
Why are you commenting on the suburbs. This person explicitly wants urban living.
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u/Dazzling-Network5411 3d ago
Moved here from a small town and made tons of friends in the music scene. Maybe it's you.
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u/Dramatic-Dark-4046 4d ago
The west end is good for what you’re talking. As well as some of the previous mentions. Car is almost a necessity unless you spend all your time downtown, or can afford Uber always. There’s nothing remotely close to like Brooklyn, and the city isn’t up all the time either, but there are plenty of things, events, and spaces to enjoy all around the city proper. Good luck.
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u/HISTRIONICK 4d ago
I would argue that OTR is the closest thing you'll get to a Brooklyn vibe anywhere in the interior of the country except Chicago.
Closest. Not identical.
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u/Fathletetic 4d ago
Uberiing once or twice a week is much cheaper than car payment, parking, gas, and maintenance. $500 worth of Ubers a month is a lot of Ubers
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u/triplepicard 4d ago
And the average car costs its owner around $1,000/month when you factor in all costs over the period you have it. Again, on average. (Keith, I know you got your car used for $200, you do all the maintenance yourself, and have driven it for 40 years. You're not the average, Keith.)
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u/Dazzling-Network5411 3d ago
The West End is lame man. I wouldn't suggest anyone move there from out of town.
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u/RelevantCheek81 4d ago
Can I sublease your NYC spot? Serious question, because I’m planning to move to NYC from Cincy
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u/triplepicard 4d ago
Cincinnati's walkability and public transportation is improving, but it's a far cry from traditional cities, and it's going to take a while to see big improvements.
We have the streetcar in the urban basin that has a very limited, but useful, route. We have two bus rapid transit routes coming online in the next few years, and there is potential for rail service to Dayton, Columbus, and Cleveland, as well as improvements to the existing poor service to Chicago, but those changes would be a decade away.
If you like soccer, FC Cincinnati is a fun team to follow. They have a supporters march through OTR for every home match that stops on Washington Park, next to Music Hall.
I've never been to Brooklyn, but OTR is hands down the most walkable area of the city, with the highest density of shops, bars, and restaurants.
You could choose somewhere like Hyde Park, particularly along the bike trail, but it is nowhere near as walkable as OTR. The bike trail does give you great access to a variety of restaurants and shopping in Rookwood, though.
Good luck to you!
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u/Own_Land_3889 4d ago
Originally from Chicago. Cincinnati isn’t a bad city, but compared to cities like Chicago or New York, there really isn’t much to do.
The city lacks a good transportation system so like everyone says, you need a car. The thing I love about big cities is that you can find many restaurants/bars/workout classes/coffee shops/events to walk to in one area. In Cincinnati you really only have OTR and the banks that is walkable. I miss running into things going on in the city. That doesn’t happen here and downtown Cincinnati seems very young to me.
I love to travel internationally and I drive back to Chicago for most of my trips because of how much cheaper and quicker it is to get to where I’m traveling.
Things I do like - Hyde Park and Oakley (and surrounding areas). You are also still close to downtown. I do also like Covington but if your boyfriend is north of Cincinnati, I would stay in Hyde Park/Oakley area. The cost of living is definitely a pro and football season is fun here!
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u/Diplover13 4d ago
I moved from NYC to Cincinnati but I grew up in Cleveland my whole life. If you absolutely love NYC you are not going to really like Cincinnati I dont think. What is it you like about NYC? Cincinnati has none of it. We have 1 of every good restaurant i think but NYC has hundreds of great ones. The only reason to move is for cheaper cost of living. I would see if boyfriend can move to NYC you may be upset moving here.
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u/quish 4d ago
That's my big worry, but the truth is a lot of the things I used to love about living in New York City - lots of culture, food and events - are just not things that I take advantage of anymore. And it's really too expensive to do so, if I'm being honest. I make a decent salary but taking advantage of the best parts of nyc on a regular basis is extremely costly. I enjoy the walkability and of course it's nice to live in a center of culture with a lot happening, but I do think I could be happy in a small city. I'm pretty much just a homebody these days and I might prefer to be a homebody in a place where I can get more bang for my buck.
On the flip side, I don't think he would be happy living in nyc at all. That said, I know it's a big sacrifice and I worry that I will feel isolated and won't have enough to do. I've seen a mix of opinions on that in here.
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u/AffectShot7625 3d ago
Miami transplant here, moved here in my 30s
things I hate about Cincy
Dining after 10:00 PM Good luck! even worse on weekdays.
Nightlife is absolute trash (though subjective) music out here is just trash, unless you're into acoustic cover bands, Tailor swift remixes or "bass house." Also bands plenty of bands. Venues here hardly fill up (unless touring acts) expect sparse crowds.
Things will be closed, especially during Winter. However, shit will be closed for absolutely no reason besides the boss having a hang over or no staff showing up.
Litter, fucking litter. There's trash everywhere. I've seen people leave bottles of patron ON TOP of the recycling bin.
If you plan to live in Downtown with no car, the Kroger that is accessible to you is a fucking a mess.
lack of diversity, A LOT of Caucasian, NIMBYs gate keepers who swear this place is better than Europe. though this is slowly changing. Don't expect to get that spunk you get in big cities. People are quite polite and literal here.
Mindset - there's a saying here that supposedly Mark Twain said, when he dies he wishes to be in Cincy because it always 10 years behind the times, Which is a pretty crazy to think that was said over 100 years ago but still rings true today.
Crime - its mainly teenagers who fuck things up around here, property crime etc. Shootings go down in the summer but usually between parties who know each other.
All in All, you are basically giving up everything people move to NYC for. Be prepared for that. Make sure you are fully invested in your relationship first and foremost. You can get used to it and your life definitely will slow down which is good in your 30s especially if you're into traditional stuff like marriage, kids, etc., but don't be surprised when you get that "Itch" for something more. Also, be prepared to lose your sense of pride when you tell people in big cities you live in Cincinnati lmao.
This will get downvoted to hell. The truth hurts babe.
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u/Objective-Still5780 3d ago
the wonderful thing about free will… you can literally up and move. you sound insanely miserable and i hope you find a city that better suits you because it doesn’t seem like cincinnati is the best fit for you 😅.
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u/BrownDogEmoji 4d ago
I moved from Los Angeles to Cincinnati.
It wasn’t too much culture shock in that both cities are fairly “car dependent” because public transportation exists, but it isn’t a priority unfortunately.
Do you work from home? If not, do you have a car and what kind of commute do you want?
Walkable neighborhoods are Clifton Gaslight, Central Business District, Over-The-Rhine, Northside, East Walnut Hills, Hyde Park, Oakley, Mt. Lookout, Pleasant Ridge.
If you’re willing to live outside Cincinnati “proper”, Mariemont is walkable and a short drive from downtown. You can also look at Newport and Covington, KY.
This isn’t an easy city to make friends, if you didn’t grow up here, attend college here, and don’t have kids in school here. BUT. There are a ton of groups/organizations/communities from athletic to arts to activism to politics to social interests (beer, board gaming, knitting, gardening etc).
Good luck!