Up until about three weeks ago, I had never been to Cincinnati. What I knew about Cincinnati was the Bengals, Big Red, and the fact that most East Coasters spell it Cincinatti, which I honestly don’t understand myself.
My husband was offered a job here, and his new boss wanted us to fly out to make sure we liked it before we decided to pack up and turn our beach baby into a landlocked littlun. With the holidays coming up, my husband and I decided to get on a plane the next morning. So my daughter’s very first airplane ride was a last minute jaunt to Cincinnati, or Kentucky technically. Before we left, we were barraged with tidbits from family and friends such as, “What will you do without an ocean?” “Where is Cincinnati?” “You’re not seriously doing this, are you?” and my personal favorite, which we heard over and over and over again,”Ohio is dangerous!” In other words, a lot of support. Fortunately, my husband and I do our own thing, and our first response when my husband was offered the job was, “YES!” But his boss insisted we check it out before officially accepting, so off we went.
To break it down, these are the top 5 outsider thoughts:
- A lot of people watched and still watch “WKRP in Cincinnati”
- A lot of people think Ohio is dangerous.
- “Well, at least your vote will actually matter!”
- People think it is a food wasteland and that I’ll die if I eat fish, especially sushi.
- “I despise Ohio State.” (in terms of college football)
And finally, more poignantly, when I asked friends what they think of when they hear “Cincinnati” more than one responded with, “Not much.”
I believe that experience is the best teacher, but I am also a research fiend, so as soon as Cincinnati became a possibility, I started studying. When we actually got out there, I realized what a bizarre trip it was. It was such a strange experience to be in a city and be half tourist, half future resident. On the one hand, neither of us had ever been in Cincy before, so we wanted to do all the “guide book” type things. On the other hand, we were also scouting out potential neighborhoods and trying to envision ourselves living here.
So we did a little of both. We ate Skyline Chili (why doesn’t it come in a bowl?!?!?), drove by the stadiums, cruised by Findlay Market, strolled past the main branch of the 12th largest library system in America (according to the Internet), drove through all of the towns I had “driven” through on my computer via Google Maps that piqued my interest as far as moving goes, did the Christmas walk through all the interconnected hotels downtown, and ate the ice cream even though it was freezing outside. We even watched Santa, an elf, and a reindeer rappel down a building outside Fountain Square followed by a pretty unbelievable firework display. When it was all said and done, we realized we could totally see ourselves living here and experiencing all of that again! Well, maybe not the chili three-way monstrosity unless I get pregnant again and have the same cravings I had last time–a lot of pasta and a lot of cheese. Chili can only make that better!
Once back in NJ, I started reading about events, restaurants, and activities. I’m not content unless my planner (yes, I have a paper planner) is filled with activities. I am seriously considering a zoo pass, a museum pass, the Flying Pig half marathon (maybe the full one day), seeing The National with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at the MusicNOW Festival, and finding out a way to procure tickets to the All-Star Game. I am also all about going to see the Reds, the Bengals, the Cyclones, shopping at Findlay market and buying all that award winning chocolate, finding the perfect breakfast place (harder than it may seem!), and signing my daughter up for swim classes at the Y. Oh, and definitely more Graeters. I have three other seasons of special flavors to try! Actually, I could go on and on and on. There is so much to do here!
We did speak with some people who had actual experience with Cincinnati. All of them told us that it’s a great place to live, a fabulous place to raise kids, and a haven for good food! Many told us that they will stay in Cincy forever!
So what were my impressions of Cincinnati based on a very brief experience?Top 5:
- There seems to be a revitalization of the city while keeping the architecture intact which makes me happy.
- The history is fascinating! Especially the part about the subway that was never used?!? I need to find out more and try and take the tour which apparently sells out quickly!
- There is a lot of craft beer. A LOT.
- People say “Please” instead of “Excuse me”
- There’s something about the East side vs. the West side, but I don’t really know why. It seems as though newcomers flock to the East side. Not sure if that’s viewed as a negative for locals? Like “Bennies” or Shoobies” in New Jersey?
We obviously decided that moving to Cincinnati was in the best interest of our little family. We think we made a great choice. But I still have a few questions that nobody seems to be able to answer:
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Where is Cincinnati? (Is it the South? Midwest? Northeast?)
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What is the best thing to do with a baby in Cincinnati? (Specifically a soon to be 8 month old…)
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Where are the best running trails that are suitable for a jogging stroller? I just got one and I can’t wait to use it!
1. South Midwest : )
2. Zoo passes are always good for little ones. Depending on what area you moved to there are lots of little classes, swim lessons, gymnastics.
3. Loveland bike trail…. It runs all the way from Columbus to the river and lots of places you can get on at.
Thanks Amy! I like that–South Midwest. I think I’ll go with that one! Zoo pass seems to be a big hit, so I think I may invest. I had no idea the Loveland Bike Trail went all the way to the river… I love long trails for biking/running, so that sounds perfect. Thanks for the tips!
Hi Jamie!!! Welcome to Cincinnati! Aka “The Nasty Nati” “Cin City” “Queen City” “Cincy” “porkopolis” and I’m sure many more. So I was interested in your question about where is Cincinnati. I’m looking at houses right now and it’s been a big debate because I am trying to get a grant that requires “city limits.” So this is my take in general Cincinnati as a whole is all of it north, south, east, west and everything in between. However, there is this weird thing in Cincinnati where we divide things more by neighborhood. And some neighborhoods within the city have their own school/tax/ police, etc. So places like Golf Manor, Norwood, Wyoming, Elmwood are some of the more central ones. Then you’ve got your east and west townships like Columbia Township, Anderson Township, Delhi Township. Super confusing I know!!! If you search Sibcy Cline for Cincinnati, it will literally only show Downtown. So I don’t think there is a short answer at all, probably just more confusion! The eastside/westside debate is another baffling saga. I was raised on the eastside moved to the westside (which is basically unheard of) and I have difficulty getting my family to come to the westside and my husbands family to the eastside. I usually reference Westside story with the sharks vs. jets. lol So now on to more tangible ideas. The best thing to do with your baby. My vote is the Family Enrichment Center in Northside. That was our favorite place to go when my son was that age. GREAT place!! Amazing! Can’t say enough good things about it. As far as the jogging thing, I can’t personally speak on it but have heard great things about Loveland Bike Trail and Lunkin. Good luck!!! And welcome again.
Hi Cassie! Ok, now I don’t feel so bad for being so confused when looking at a map of Cincinnati! Guess it will just take time to learn all the little nuances. I do want to know more about this East Side/West Side thing, though. I find it fascinating. I hadn’t looked up the Family Enrichment Center yet, so I will definitely take a look. Never thought an airport would have jogging trails, either, so that’s a good tip. Thanks so much!
1. Midwest, for sure. Though our proximity to Kentucky means you can get sweet tea most places :).
2. The Museum Center. I love the Children’s Museum specifically because of their age appropriate area for the littlests. Lots of sensory stuff, things to climb on, and small scale water and sand play, plus a nursing room and easy access to bathrooms equipped for changing diapers. If you pull the trigger on the pass (which I totally recommend) it’s included.
3. I don’t run, but I love stroller-friendly walking paths and definitely the Loveland Bike Trail and Mason (one of the northern suburbs) has lots of great running trails.
Thanks Casey! I didn’t think about access to sweet tea. My mom is from Charleston, SC, and one of my favorite things about visiting my grandparents was the homemade sweet tea! Also, that’s a great tip about the Children’s Museum. Looks like the pass will be worth it. I will definitely check out the Loveland Bike Trail and Mason. Thanks for the suggestions!
My 2 little ones (and baby #3 on the way) just relocated here for my husbands job as well! We moved from the Deep South (I’m talking Mississippi people!!) in fact I grew up on the gulf coast with the beach in my backyard, so I totally understand the “landlocked” feeling!!! So far we LOVE Cincinnati, there is so much to do and explore. I also expect there to be even more fun to be had once it warms up (we are totally not used to this cold, although everyone tells me it’s been a “mild” winter). We have a museum pass and it’s been a lifesaver! We plan on getting a zoo membership once the weather gets nicer too!
And….I def consider this the Midwest….especially when coming from the south!! We are so excited to be in our new city! We live in hyde park and the walking/running here is endless!!
Hi Paige! Yes, I would imagine it’d be hard to consider Cincinnati Southern coming from Mississippi! We are actually looking to move to the Hyde Park area; we will be living there as of Saturday in an apartment and will start house hunting soon after. It’s great to hear that you’re loving it–I can’t wait to get settled!
Great guide to Cincinnati. This city has a lot to offer for both locals and newcomers!
I can certainly relate to the feeling that my vote actually mattered when I lived in Cincinnati proper. I’m actually kind of dispirited now that I live in a not-as-important, non-swing state. I still get out and vote, though, so that I can feel that I’m part of the process and to set an example for my little one.
This city has so much to offer. You highlighted some great points, especially the craft beer scene which is exploding out here. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome! As a fellow New Jersey transplant, I can honestly say it’s a great place to live, but there’s nothing like the smell of the ocean. I miss it, but frequent visits to grandparents with a house at the shore certainly helps! I have a one-year-old and live on the east side. Summit Park in Blue Ash is fantastic and Sycamore schools are also wonderful for the future. We have passes to the Zoo and to the Children’s Museum. The Cincinnati Nature Center is also a good place to check out. So many great parks in the area and the new(ish) park downtown (Smale) is also great. We often go to Reds games over the weekend and leave early to hit the park. Enjoy exploring your new city!
I think it’s just if you live on the west side it’s a battle to come to the east side and vice versa. I’m a central eastsider and I just hate hwy 75. I also feel the revival of downtown has pushed some people to the west side because they have to go somewhere and have seen unfortunately the south west side go down. So many beautiful homes not being taken care of.
There is a great path over by Newtown by the river! I had a hard time between naps to get my 8 month old out and about. Hike it baby would be nice considering the weather is nice and that would get you involved as well as finding the best jogging paths. Ps there are so many parks! Good Luck!