Cincinnati, OH Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Cincinnati, OH: What You Need to Know

Cincinnati, in southwestern Ohio, is a midsize city (population: 303,940) known for inventing a unique chili recipe.

A Rich Local Culture

People who try Cincinnati chili for the first time either hate it or love it. Not that it matters to locals who consume more than two million pounds of their beloved chili annually. The city celebrates Chilifest at Yeatman's Cove along the riverfront every September. What makes Cincinnati chili different? Ingredients include cinnamon and chocolate or cocoa. Also, the chili is usually spooned over spaghetti (or a hotdog), and topped with chopped onions, lots of shredded cheddar cheese, and refried beans or kidney beans.

The Local Sports Scene

The city is home to the country’s first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings. It was founded as an amateur team in 1863 and turned professional in 1869. Today the team is called the Cincinnati Reds (MLB), a five-time winner of the World Series title. Local fans also root for the Bengals (NFL), FC Cincinnati (MLS), and the Cyclones (East Coast Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres).

The Cost of Living in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is an affordable city with a cost of living that’s 13.2% lower than the national average. Food and housing are also inexpensive – 23.7% and 19% lower than the national average, respectively. Cincy’s median gross rent is $709; median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $968. Ohio has a progressive income tax system with a top rate of 4.797%. Municipalities charge up to 3% of additional income taxes. The state’s sales tax rate is 5.75%.

Know Your Neighborhoods

There are more than 13,000 people who live in downtown Cincy. Over-the-Rhine, at the heart of downtown, offers condos, apartments, and rowhouses. It’s only a few blocks away from the business district. If you want downtown amenities without living there, Hyde Park is a good choice, plus you’ll be close to Hyde Park Square and the great restaurants around the park. Those who prefer the suburbs should check out Mount Washington for its affordable apartments and split-level houses. Madeira, also within commuting distance, has great schools and plenty of community activities.

Schools and Higher Education

There are nine colleges and universities in Cincinnati including the University of Cincinnati (37,866 students), Xavier University (7,127 students), and College of Mount Saint Joseph (2,162 students). In addition, there are 23 colleges within a 50-mile radius of the city. There are 189 primary and secondary schools in Cincinnati serving 102,287 students. The city’s student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the 18:1 average for Ohio public schools.