The most misspelled city in the land.

So I've come to the conclusion that I would love to live in Cincinnati, but only in Mount Adams.

 

A lot of the city is ghetto, but Mount Adams (located on a big hill on the east side) is charming beyond belief.  The first time I spent a weekend in Cinci 6 years ago, Mount Adams was what I saw.  Which explains why I've always had a dreamy idea of the city.

 
Because it's so hard to get to, Mount Adams is fairly untouched by the advances of modern architecture.  The charm is unbelievable, and the people are so friendly.  I would love to live here.  And check out the neighborhood's view!

 

While in downtown Cinci, we did get to relax by the river during the chaos that is Riverfest (thousands of people crowding around- not for the claustrophobic!)

I love the idea of living by a river.  There are so many more options as far as activities go.  And I think that cities on the water have a richer culture than land locked places.  We have Lake Erie here at home, but everyone knows how not awesome Lake Erie is.... (although, it has been getting better lately!)

 
The fireworks display at Riverfest was great, as always.  The display was so long, that 20 minutes into it, I actually got bored.  Now that's a long fireworks show!
 
I had a list of lots of places to go and things to do.  Mainly I wanted to get a feel for the different neighborhoods, because, like I said yesterday, we were trying on the city for size. But, as it was Labor day on Monday, everything I wanted to do was closed!  So sad.  Does anyone know what Northside and Clifton is like?  I'd love to know...  We visited them on Monday when everything was closed.  I think they would be more affordable places to live.  And I don't want to entirely give up my hopes for Cincinnati!

 

Sometimes I wonder if I have my head in the clouds... if we'll ever move.  But it's my dream that I can find a home in a place that inspires me.  I just don't know if this place exists...  Or at least, I don't know if we can afford it... But I can dream, can't I?

Comments

[Meghan]

Cincinnati is not a bad place to live. I live in the outer areas further from the city and i have lived in the city as well. I would say from my point of view that mt. Adams is not a bad area however there are a few places that I would not live! Happy location hunting!

[Genevieve]

Looks like a lovely place to live! Is it a big city? I don't know much about the MidWest...we also have moving on the brain, but I wonder the same things, mostly can we afford it?! It's fun to dream though. Good luck figuring it all out!

[chemgirl]

I think that you could probably make any place inspirational, especially with your amazing photography skills! I love your photos. Good luck in your hunt. My paradise is in Arcata, California, but like you say, you have to be able to afford to live there. Humboldt county is not a place where career opportunities are booming. :)

[cassidy hogue]

I've lived in Clifton the past two years and it was truly a great place. I love how close to everything I was and how many different eclectic shops and people live there. Norwood is also another good area; close to Rookwood but far enough away that its quiet and
great to live in. Cincinnati is just such a diverse little city. I love it.

[Mandi]

Thanks Cassidy!  I always wonder how nice or safe cities are, because I know visiting during the day and living there are two different things.  I've kinda had my eye on Clifton.  :)xoMandi

amanda johnson psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

[Katie]

I don't live in Cincy I opted to move to Indy instead - because of a job. But I grew up right outside the city. The thing about living in the city is no matter where you go you will have crime and "sketchy characters" - if you are not comfortable with that it's best to stay in the burbs. I visit Cincy often - I haven't been to clifton in quite some time and last time I was in Norwood I was a little disgusted with the trash in the streets Kentucky just across the river has some nice areas that are pretty affordable. If I was to move back to Ohio I would likely look in the Covington area there are some cool old houses for rent that are adoreable. Good luck with your search - if you want to come further west there's always Indianapolis - we have some great neighborhoods.

[Tiffany Z.]

Hey Mandi... Clifton is near the University of Cincinnati, so with that comes a lot of college kids. As far as crime goes, I have heard that Clifton is bad for break ins... My husband and I live in Fairfield, which is about 30 minutes outside of Cincy. Feel free to email me if you have any area-specific questions!

[sandra]

I'm in Chicago and have visited Ohio maybe 5-6 times so I have no opinion. I just wanted to say your photos are a-mazing!

[Leslie]

Love the photos! I just moved near Dayton from Indy and I love going to Cincy... Cinci?? Never know which one to use! I haven't been to Mt. Adams' yet, but can't wait to go! I do feel like you have to be a little more careful there than I did in Indianapolis. Great photos!!

[sara]

Mount Adams reminds me of San francisco.

[Melanie]

Hi Mandi, I love your pictures and have a few questions: where the vintage frames are from, how you photographed the fireworks and the last picture in the blog (the nighttime one - so beautiful!) and how you give your pictures the lovely, vintagy tint. Oh, and your layouts are stunning, so inspirational. Thank you!!!

[kerry lynn]

totally reminds me of sf :)
xo

[alexandrea]

ok.... so i have lived in cincinnati since i was 3. i live in the suburbs but go into the city for everything.....
but the comments above dont do it service at all. A great friend of mine went to loyola chicago for under grad and it was everything he could do to get back.
Yes a river does make the city kinda dreamy but a river means paper mills too!!
If you love paper like i do( kinda obsessed really).. cincinnati is a mecca. I have lived all over (NYC, Chicago,Atlanta..) and the paper warehouses here are hard to beat. Plus you have a small town attitude which equals suppliers easily supplying free samples!
As for vintage.... clifton/ludlow area called the "Gaslight District" has tons of vintage and unique boutiques.
Northside, over the rhine, and clifton ( the ones on your list) are the toughest ares of the city hands down.if thats all you saw its a terrible sampling.
when you come back ..contact me
ill give you the REAL CINCI tour...