Is Cincinnati, Ohio, a Good Place to Live For Family?

Renowned for its skyline chili, diverse food scene, and relative affordability, Cincinnati holds the crown for southern Ohio beauty. But there’s more to a city than food and affordable housing. 
If you’re new to the Midwest or considering a move across town to Cincinnati, it’s not odd to wonder if Queen City is a great place to settle down with kids. 
What does the community feel like? 
How does the area feel? 
Is it safe in Cincinnati? 
Is Cincinnati a good place for a family to live?
These are questions begging to be answered… and like most cities, Cincinnati has its good and bad sides. So, here’s everything you need to know from the cost of living to education and transportation. 
Let’s get into it.

Cost of Living — Affordable But Know Where to Look

When raising a family, affordability is a top concern. 
The good news is that living in Cincinnati means a cost of living that is 4% lower than the national average. This lower cost of living makes Cincinnati a budget-friendly city for families. 
Although you will pay a little bit more for groceries (2% higher than the national average), housing is the biggest win here—falling 14% below the average in most U.S. cities. 
In fact, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking to buy or rent, the prices are more reasonable than those in larger cities like Chicago or New York City.

• Average House Rent: $1,348
• Median Home Value: $265,000

Note:
There are more expensive neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout. But suppose you are open to exploring areas like Westwood, Northside, or even across the river in Northern Kentucky with reliable Cincinnati movers guiding you, you will get a lot more bang for your buck.
The downside is that property taxes in some counties can feel hefty. This is especially the case in areas with higher-rated schools.

Safety — Mixed Reviews Across Neighborhoods

When it comes to safety, Cincinnati has a mixed reputation. There are neighborhoods with higher crime rates and some that are safer. 
Overall, Cincinnati has a total crime index rating that is safer than only 3% of all U.S. cities.
Despite this, is Cincinnati a good place to live? Based on recent data, Cincinnati’s crime rate is higher than the national average. 
However, many family-friendly neighborhoods, such as Turpin Hills, Taylor Creek, and Remington, are known for their safety and strong community focus.

Education — Plenty of Options, Different Quality

Cincinnati takes education seriously, which is a huge plus for families with kids. However, the Cincinnati Public School system has a mix of high-performing schools and the ones that are still working on improving.
For instance, Cincinnati has about five school districts. Of these five, only about two have a school quality rating that is higher than average. 

• The Forest Hills Local School District — Better than 95.1% of all U.S. school districts
• Oak Hills Local School District — Better than 84.7% of all U.S. school districts
• The Cincinnati Public Schools School District — Better than 17.5% of all U.S. school districts
• Finneytown Local School District — Better than 18% of all U.S. school districts
• Northwest Local School District — Better than 33.8% of all U.S. school districts

The city also has excellent higher education opportunities with the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University, so your kids don’t have to look far for college options.
Note:
The pros and cons of education in Cincinnati usually arise due to an uneven funding of its public schools. So, if educational quality is a priority, you might just want to pay close attention to school ratings when choosing where to live.

Outdoor Adventures — Family Time, All the Time

Is Cincinnati a good place to live for a family that loves adventures? 
Well, yes, and you’re in for a treat! Cincinnati offers a surprising number of parks (over a 100 of them), trails, and outdoor activities.
Some of the best options for most families include Smale Riverfront Park (with its interactive fountains and play areas) and Eden Park, which offers stunning views of the Ohio River.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the country’s oldest and most respected zoos, also provides plenty to see and offers an opportunity for a proper family bonding time. 
Other places to visit include:

• Riverwalk hiking trail for a good physical exercise
• Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum for nature and wildlife viewings
• Krohn Conservatory for flora and seasonal exhibits

Healthcare Quality and Access

Is Cincinnati a good place to live when it comes to healthcare access and availability? Absolutely! 
Cincinnati offers high-quality healthcare, with several top-rated hospitals and medical facilities. For instance, the University of Cincinnati Medical Center is the city’s leading healthcare facility. 
Families here also have access to reputable institutions like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, which has consistently ranked among the best in the nation for pediatric care. 
Note: there are 371 physicians per 100,000 people in Cincinnati. This per capita distribution is higher than the U.S. average of 210 physicians per 100,000 people.
However, while healthcare quality is excellent, out-of-pocket costs can add up depending on your insurance plan. But it’s important to note that relatively, healthcare costs in Cincinnati are 1% lower than the national average.

Transportation — Is Commuting an Easy Alternative?

Getting around Cincinnati is also relatively easy, especially compared to larger cities where traffic is a daily nightmare. 
Although most Cincinnatians live near three major highways, the metro area doesn’t suffer extreme congestion as commuting times are also fairly manageable. 
The average commute time is 28 minutes, which is 4 minutes less than the national average.
When it comes to public transportation, Cincinnati tends to have a decent system through the Metro bus service. For those living close to downtown, it’s even much easier to take advantage of it.
But if you’re in the suburbs, you will likely need a car to get around easily, as public transportation options can be limited outside the city core.

Final Verdict: Is Cincinnati a Good Place for Families?

Suppose your search for the perfect city includes features like affordability, proper healthcare, and family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools, then this city should definitely be on your radar.
Is Cincinnati a good place to live to raise a family?
Well  the city offers a balance of urban excitement and suburban quiet, depending on your family’s needs. But of course, there are some trade-offs. Crime rates are higher in certain areas, and public transportation could be upgraded if you live in the suburbs. 
But with the right neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, Turpin Hills, Madeira, and Pleasant Ridge, you will find that Cincinnati can be a fantastic place for families looking to set down roots.
So, are you making your move here with your family?