3 Cincinnati Neighborhoods for Retirees

Cincinnati where the river winds
Cross the Mason and the Dixie Line
Heaven waits for me I know
In Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio

Connie Smith - Cincinnati Ohio Lyrics |

Welcome home to lovely, historic, Cincinnati, Ohio. It’s a wonderful town to retire in.

Historic City with a Big Heart

Cincinnati was founded in 1788 between the Ohio River and the Licking River. Steamboats brought settlers and shipped goods downstream. Commerce and industry flourished here: the Medical College of Ohio was founded in this city, and it served as a hub for the anti-slavery movement. To this day, Cincinnati honors historic sites where the underground railroad helped hundreds of people gain freedom. Today Cincinnati is the cultural center of southwestern Ohio. It’s home to pro sports teams like the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals. There are several theatres, and the Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Opera. The University of Cincinnati operates the College Conservatory of Music and there are more than one hundred art galleries in the city. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is known worldwide for its conservation efforts. Cincinnati is the 27th largest metropolis in the United States, but has a lower cost of living that the national median. Like any city, it has had challenges with outward population migrations to the suburbs and has struggled to revitalize downtown. The Cincinnati suburbs are, in a word, lovely. Making a retirement home in one of these excellent communities where the cost of living and home prices are lower than the nation average, but home value is higher, is an absolute win for perspective homebuyers. If you’re dreaming of retirement, we’ve selected our top three favorite suburbs for your consideration.

Indian Hill – Show Me the Money

Indian Hill - Helpful Statistics

Population: 5,785 (2010 census)
Households: 2,236
Median Age: 44.58
Median Income: $65,991
City violent and property crime rate is lower than national average.

If you can afford it, Indian Hill would probably be our first choice for retirement. Some very wealthy families live on these winding roads and a drive through the community gives glimpses of the “average” home, which sells for $1 million – and up. It is a very quiet, safe community with tree-lined streets, multiple parks and walking trails, recreational activities like soccer and lacrosse fields, and playgrounds. The city was “green” way before green was a national trend. Zoning has remained 100% residential or agricultural. You will find no golden arches here. The schools are ranked at the highest levels on most scholastic achievement and advance placement tests. This affluent village has its own municipal water supply, police force and fire department. It’s no wonder it’s attracted some notable people, from Neil Armstrong and Peter Frampton to Marge Schott and Robert Taft.

Mount Adams – Simply “Wow.”

Mount Adams - Helpful Statistics

Population: 2,350 (2010 census)
Households: 13,241
Median Age: 34.53
Median Income: $58,236
City violent and property crime rate is lower than national average.

If having a gorgeous view is a factor when considering where to retire, take a moment to breathe in the "mountain" air of this suburb. Overlooking the Ohio River, the Kentucky hills and the Cincinnati skyline, this community rises above the rest of the suburbs – literally and figuratively. The community was named for President John Quincy Adams and retains some of the feeling of that era. Winding lanes, historic churches, local shops and restaurants make the narrow streets of this suburb feel like a European village. The fast food retail mall mentality doesn’t exist here; these businesses are not found in this community. An elegant park appropriately named “Eden” wraps around Mount Adams. Artists and young professionals make their home here along with empty nesters and old Cincinnati families of great wealth and prestige. Area Vibes gives Mount Adams an 81% livability score, noting housing quality, access to education and employment, amenities, and cost of living. While living here will cost you 32% more than the rest of the city, the median household income is more than 105% higher. The downside is that it also caters to upwardly mobile college graduates, so while crime is low, there’s also a lot of vibrant nightlife. But if you think all this excitement will keep you young, then consider picking up a condo in Mount Adams.

Mariemont – Colonial Style, Modern Amenities

Mariemont - Helpful Statistics

Population: 3,380 (2013)
Households: 10,752
Median Age: 39.3
Median Income: $81,904
City violent and property crime rate is lower than national average.

We’d like to close with one of our favorite communities around Cincinnati. If you’re a fan of history, consider Mariemont. Walking through this village will transport you back to colonial times. Mariemont is a planned community; designed to honor history and days gone by. It is one of the most desirable communities around Cincinnati and has won many awards:

• Best Hometowns in Ohio, Ohio Magazine
• Most Livable Community, Great Places in America
• Tree City USA (for 24 years consecutively!)
• National Historic Landmark

Historically, Mariemont has great importance to archeologists charting indigenous populations in the Ohio Valley. Artifacts from the area can be found in the Smithsonian Institution as well as other museums around the world. Mariemont is very popular with retirees: there are 20 senior living communities in the city. The Mariemont Lifestyle website calls it, “one of the nation’s most walkable communities with all the desired amenities for a healthy and engaging life.” There are outdoor and indoor rec facilities and parks, small shops, and lots of activities for families and retirees. As you might imagine, all this charm comes with a price. Single-family homes and condos have some of the highest costs in the region. But we cannot imagine a more picturesque and lovely retirement location.

Retire in Style – In Cincinnati

While we’ve shared our favorite retirement communities, there are others in the area that are just as lovely. While Cincinnati may not typically be top of mind when looking at retirement, perhaps it should be. An overall low cost of living, low crime, and mild winters combine with picturesque communities, making the area well worth considering.