Cincinnati residents living in the CUF experience all the excitement, challenges, and intelligence that comes from living in a college town. The CUF defines three established, interdependent suburbs in Cincinnati; Clifton Heights, University Heights, and Fairview.
What residents can tell you is that the acronym CUF really stands for: “cultural urban fun.” Let’s check out the vibe in the CUF these days.
Like most cities, the CUF is densely populated neighborhood with 10,901 people per square mile. The rest of Cincinnati has a lot more elbowroom, with just 3,816 people per square mile. Since parking is at a premium you’ll see a lot of walking and bike riding, although much of this community is built on some precarious hills. The good news is the average age here hovers around 24 years old – which means those youthful knees can take the abuse.
The primary resident population is students, so the income per capita is considerably less than the rest of the city. But unemployment hovers around 5.5% which is lower than Cincinnati, and even the state. The largest employer in the CUF is the University of Cincinnati followed closely by Good Samaritan Hospital.
Residents in the CUF are young, primarily white, and generally more physically fit than the rest of the state. This is an energetic, youthful neighborhood that is fairly quiet during the day but very lively at night.
When it comes to the “c” word, the CUF Cincinnati embraces a respect for multiculturalism in all its forms. Thanks to the University of Cincinnati, students from all over the world make their way to the CUF. Local businesses cater to this demographic. Whether you need a cheap burrito or a new pair of jeans, the CUF is a great place to have dinner or shop; it is a lively district with lots of entertainment options.
There's live local music on Calhoun and McMillan and like most college towns, there are more bars per capita than any other area in the city. Small independent shops house bicycle dealers, bookstores and artist hangouts. There are tons of places to steal Wi-Fi, have a mocha latte, and study. Or go dancing until 3 am, drink too much, and stagger home.
One cool cultural benefit of living in a college town is the student organized shows that crop up regularly. The UC College Conservatory of Music is in the CUF along with the UC College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning. There's the annual April Heights Music Festival that brings in local bands to jam all day alongside some great food trucks and artists tents.
Residents have expendable income that they put to use enjoying local music, beer, and dancing. There is a permanent police presence in the area to help curb the youthful indiscretions. We love the restaurants in the CUF; American style food stands next to those with a Korean origin and Skyline Chili is around the corner from pricey fine dining.
On Saturday morning, you’ll stand in the Starbucks line with physicians from Good Samaritan Hospital, other bleary-eyed UC students, and blue-collar workers heading to their retail jobs. The neighborhood is smart, hip and exiting during the day, but it’s under the lights at nighttime that the city really comes out to play. The CUF is a small college town tucked into a larger urban setting. There’s an excellent transit system, but you can walk to anything you need.
Area Vibes says the CUF scores high for liveability (76% score), amenities (A+) and cost of living (A+). On the downside the CUF is flunking on crime stats. There is a lot of petty crime, and violent crime in this area is 21% higher than the rest of the city.
There is an increasing amount of urban redevelopment on the CUF’s narrow streets. Developers have moved in, tearing down many of the remaining old and possibly historic buildings to create some of the most modern, clean condos in the region. These units are pricey but much nicer than the more traditional student housing available in the area. They certainly don’t compare to the multi-unit rehabbed apartments found in the elderly Italian homes in the region. The urban lofts that are replacing the classic wood framed and brick buildings have urbane character, with clean lines, glass and vaulted ceilings.
In 2012, developers kicked off U Square at the Loop, an $80 million retail and housing complex across from the University of Cincinnati. Today, we hear it’s completely occupied, with street-side retail and upper floor apartments. Residents can stroll downstairs for a hot yoga then grab a cold craft beer.
The area also features the Community of the Year, according to the local homebuilders association. Check out The Village of Stetson Square for the best in urban housing, packed with perks for the young mobile professional, hip college student, or young at heart empty-nester. Take your pick from large single-unit condos in brick multi-story buildings, or new apartments with floor to ceiling windows, full granite kitchens, and Jacuzzi tubs. Don’t forget about the 24-hour fitness center and private movie theater. Parking is absolutely horrible in the CUF, so some of these units have attached garages, which is a big plus. The rent on these units runs higher than the rest of Cincinnati, averaging about $623. With that said, readers should note that this is unbelievably inexpensive when compared to other urban areas like New York, San Francisco – or even Cleveland.
The CUF is a college town wrapped by a city. The neighborhood is culturally interesting and exciting. While the area is primarily inhabited by students, it is also suitable for young urban professionals, empty-nesters, or even first time home buyers seeking a high value home close to work and play.
