2024 was quite a busy year in Cincinnati. People moved in hundreds from cities like New York City and Los Angeles to the Queen City.
Between October and December 2024, the city saw a significant influx of residents (more than 1,000 people) move from Dayton, Ohio, to Cincy. This is more than double the total number of people who moved out of Cincinnati within the same period.
Is it the charm of its seven hills, the rich history, or perhaps the ever-expanding job market?
While there will be plenty of getting used to around Cincinnati, especially if you come from a smaller city like Dayton, the net experience is overwhelmingly positive.
Want to know why?
Let's get straight on into what living in Cincinnati in 2025 is really like!
Cincinnati's housing market is a sweet spot between affordability and variety.
With a median home price significantly lower than the national average, Cincinnati is definitely a fertile ground for real estate investors.
Houses range from historical homes in neighborhoods like Hyde Park to modern apartments in the ever-evolving Over-the-Rhine (OTR) district.
Rents are also affordable compared to bigger metropolitan areas. However, availability can be competitive, especially in sought-after areas.
Fortunately, this affordability does not end with housing!
The overall cost of living in Cincinnati is lower than the national average, which means you pay less than elsewhere for your everyday needs, such as utilities and transportation.
The Queen City's unemployment rate has been reducing for most of 2024 — all thanks to a diversified economy!
For the job seekers living in Cincinnati, Fortune 500 companies like Kroger and Procter & Gamble and the numerous healthcare facilities in the city provide ample and rewarding employment opportunities.
Not to forget, the rising opportunities in business, logistics, and tech.
Cincinnati's economy might be growing faster than Dayton's, even though the median household income is lower than the national average.
But it's an exciting change with better prospects and networking opportunities.
The schooling system in Queen City are both pros and cons of living in Cincinnati.
How? The public school system in Cincinnati has mixed outcomes in different districts and neighborhoods.
While the Forest Hills and Oak Hills Local School Districts have a school quality better than over 77% of all U.S. school districts, Finneytown Local School District is only better than 28.6% of all Ohio school districts.
Sure, the public school system has seen significant improvements in recent years. There is more focus on STEM and arts education, but these inequalities in educational outcomes aren't really a great look.
Regardless, people moving from smaller cities like Dayton will find that Cincinnati schools often have larger class sizes and a more competitive environment—perfect for learning.
Some of the top schools you should consider in Cincinnati include:
Ohio's tax system might not be the lowest in the nation, but Cincinnati offers a reasonable cost of living that offsets higher taxes.
Sales and income tax rates are manageable and, to be fair, not outrageous compared to some other big cities. After all, the residents benefit from city services that improve their quality of life.
Depending on where you are moving from, expect some adjustments in property taxes and urban living expenses. But, if it's worth considering, the city's perks, like diverse entertainment and a varied food scene, are worth it.
Although fewer people drive themselves in Cincinnati than the national average, a good 75% of the residents own cars.
Not to suggest that public transportation is not reliable. It is; however, not just widespread enough.
The public transit system is still growing, including the Metro bus service and the Cincinnati Streetcar, connecting key areas like OTR and The Banks. Metro bus services are mostly available in the downtown area and suburbs near the city center.
Luckily, the good news about living in Cincinnati is that you don't have to spend a lot of time on the road. The average commute time of 28 minutes is about 4 minutes less than the national average.
Note:
Cycling is already becoming increasingly popular, thanks to new bike lanes and trails. If you are moving here, consider ditching the car for short trips.
You might just even love the pedestrian-friendly areas, especially downtown.
Cincinnati experiences all four seasons!
Spring and fall are particularly stunning, with colorful landscapes and mild temperatures. Summers are warm, peaking at 88°F, and perfect for outdoor events, while winters bring light snow that rarely disrupts daily life.
However, daily life gets disrupted in Cincinnati sometimes. Winter temperatures can drop to as low as 25°F, bringing with it snowfall between 20 and 25 inches.
The light showers, averaging about 42.24 inches of rainfall annually, can sometimes bring flooding — quite occasional, though. However, when living in Cincinnati, you should stay alert and ready should adverse weather changes occur.
Average Seasonal Temperature in Cincinnati:
Winter — 37°F
Fall — 56°F
Spring — 55°F
Summer — 74°F
Is Cincinnati a good place to live?
Perhaps crime is the only major snag to the many advantages of living in the Queen City.
Cincinnati's crime rate is higher than both the state and national averages, with the city being only safer than 3% of all U.S. cities.
There is a 1 in 26 chance you will be a victim of property crime in Cincinnati. Theft is the most common property crime in Cincinnati.
While the crime rate has been steadily declining, there are still pockets of crime scattered all over the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Cincinnati.
Conversely, neighborhoods like South Fairmount, East Westwood, and South Cumminsville require careful consideration before you make them your home.
Cincinnati thrives as a social and cultural hub. The seamless blend of its rich history with modern vibrancy is evident in many parts or aspects of life in the city.
Moreover, the Cincinnati Art Museum and Contemporary Arts Center captivate with their world-class collections and cutting-edge exhibits.
For music lovers, major concerts at Riverbend Music Center and intimate jazz and bluegrass performances at Schwartz's Point are excellent ways to enjoy what you love.
But, that's not just it!
Cincinnati is nothing without its food scene. Beyond the iconic Skyline Chili, you will find a diverse culinary scene, from innovative spots in Over-the-Rhine to beloved mom-and-pop eateries in Hyde Park.
In 2025, living in Cincinnati means saying yes to a city that balances opportunity, culture, and community.
Not enough?
Perhaps additional big benefits like affordability, good public schools, fair weather, and ease of transportation. However, you may have to deal with the occasional risk of harsh weather and a higher-than-average crime rate.
Still, there are many neighborhoods where these are not everyday experiences.
