7.1 out of 10

North Avondale

Ranked 7th best neighborhood in Cincinnati
39.1557488403481 -84.4938917609222
Great for
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Clean & Green
  • Schools
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Parking
Not great for
  • Shopping Options
  • Nightlife
  • Eating Out
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+
Editors Choice

"North Avondale: “A Beautiful Piece of Heaven in the Middle of the City”"

As the title of this post suggests, North Avondale has been described as “a beautiful piece of heaven in the middle of the city...a place where you know your neighbors and care about each other.” As a former resident of the neighborhood, I fully agree with this description.

North Avondale is known for its grassy, winding streets and stately, old single-family homes, which house a diverse assortment of Cincinnatians. North Avondale was historically a prestigious neighborhood in which many old Jewish families found solace as a result of the Jewish exodus from the Ohio River Basin, but in recent years the neighborhood’s wealth has diminished alongside rising crime rates.

While the area is pleasant and friendly during the day, a night-time walk through the streets is not recommended, especially as one approaches neighboring Avondale, known for its high crime rates.

Although the neighborhood may seem dangerous at first glance, the North Avondale Neighborhood Association (NANA) has been very active in bettering the quality of life in North Avondale. Included in these efforts are Neighborhood Block Watches and Citizens on Patrol, which have increased awareness, safety and solidarity among residents.

Aside from improvements in neighborhood safety, NANA has contributed much more to the area, most notably its community center, which includes a full-size gym and youth programs, the Adopt-a-Plot project, and festive block parties that increase the sense of community within the neighborhood.

In terms of schooling, North Avondale is home to the North Avondale Montessori School, the New School, Xavier University, Burton Public School, Zion Temple Christian Academy, Shiloh Preparatory School, and Cincinnati Christian College. Nearby schools include Roger Bacon Catholic High School, the SCPA - School for Creative & Performing Arts, St. Ursula, University of Cincinnati, Walnut Hills High School, and the Summit Country Day, among many others.

North Avondale’s location near downtown Cincinnati has its perks. In fact, many of Cincinnati’s schools, shopping areas, and recreational facilities are easily accessible. The Cincinnati Zoo, the ballpark, the Art Museum, the football stadium, Music Hall, CVG Airport, and Newport on the Levee are minutes away, as are countless other entertainment and shopping opportunities. Within North Avondale itself you’ll find the Avon Nature Center, the NANA Community Center, six public park areas, and more than 15 religious institutions.

Overall, North Avondale, with its tree-lined streets, beautiful homes, and diverse community is truly an oasis in the midst of a busy city.
Pros
  • Gorgeous properties
  • Location near downtown
  • Neighborly solidarity
Cons
  • Somewhat dangerous
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"North Avondale is a centrally located stately neighborhood"

North Avondale is a centrally located community with relatively easy access to both major interstates (75 & 71), as well as close proximity to Downtown Cincinnati, Xavier University (part of the campus is in North Avondale), University of Cincinnati, major hospitals, the Cincinnati Zoo, and major shopping areas. Overall, it is nicer than Avondale, but has almost as many problems with crime these days. The area to the north of Clinton Springs is the safest part of the neighborhood, experiencing less crime than the area to the south, closest to Avondale.

You can find many large, beautiful single-family homes for quite reasonable prices in North Avondale. That's not to say that all the properties are a bargain as there a number of historically significant homes (North Avondale is known as Cincinnati's "mansion district") for sale, but there are quite a few very nice ones to be had for great prices. North Avondale is filled with many winding streets that are lined by stately old trees. There are streets in the community that are more spaced out, giving the feel of more park-like settings for many of the neighborhood homes.

Within the community, the North Avondale Neighborhood Association is a very active citizens group that has been around for more than 45 years. They host many special events, hold meetings about community issues, and generally try to improve the quality of life in North Avondale.

There are lot of churches in the North Avondale community, but very few businesses as North Avondale is primarily a residential neighborhood. The Clinton Hills Swim Club is a private, members only swim club located in a wooded setting up a winding drive. The facility offers a variety of games and activities during the open season (summer months.) The North Avondale Recreation Center is located on Clinton Springs and offers low cost annual memberships for community members. The facility features a variety of amenities from a fitness center, computer center, and game room to softball and soccer fields to tennis courts.

North Avondale Montessori is one of the magnet schools in the Cincinnati Public Schools and offers education for children from ages 3 -12. The New School Montessori is a private Montessori school also located in North Avondale.

Overall, North Avondale has a lot to offer as far as convenience and ambiance. If you play it safe and don't tempt fate, it can also be a pleasant and safe neighborhood to live in. You can find some lovely and large older homes in on quiet streets, making North Avondale a very attractive neighborhood to call home.
Pros
  • convenient location
  • highly active citizens group
  • stately and historic homes
Cons
  • Somewhat dangerous
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
Michael Teggart
Michael Teggart PRO I have to disagree with your assessment of North Avondale’s crime. The neighborhood is a completely separate neighborhood from Avondale and the difference in crime is day and night. Go to any crime mapping service and you can see a virtual boundary between North Avondale and Avondale. To say North Avondale has “almost as many problems with crimes these days” is completely inaccurate.
2yrs+
SuzM
SuzM I realize that North Avondale and Avondale are two separate neighborhoods, as is clearly reflected in my reviews of both neighborhoods. I have also gone to crime tracking websites and read a number of articles. Crime in North Avondale has been a problem, not as great as in Avondale. However, the portion of North Avondale that is closest to Avondale AND the area along Reading Road continues to see a good deal of crime. As I said in my review, the area of North Avondale to the north of Clnton SPrings has much less overall crime. There have been major efforts and increased police patrols in Avondale, which have helped reduce crime in that area. In fact, this year-to-date, there have been no homicides in Avondale; there has been at least one homicide this year in North Avondale. While crime in North Avondale is not as extensive as in Avondale, it is still an issue...as with any inner city neighborhood. Daylight hours in both neighborhoods tend to be safer than at night. I am not saying that North Avondale is the same as Avondale on any level, but the areas in the neighborhood where crime is more prevalent and location is definitely something to consider when moving to that area. If you look at my overall review and rankings of the two neighborhoods, North Avondale fares much, much better.
2yrs+
Shannon Crutchfield, Realtor
Shannon Crutchfield, Realtor PRO Speaking as a resident, NA is a great place to live because of it's location and charm. It's so centrally located and close to the major highways. There are many housing jewels in the neighborhood tucked away on private drives and others on the main drags (Reading, Mitchell, Clinton Springs). This is one of the few neighborhoods where I think it has something to offer every taste! Also as a member of NANA, I agree with Michael.
2yrs+
Shannon Crutchfield, Realtor
Shannon Crutchfield, Realtor PRO Want to meet the North Avondale Neighborhood Association, see what businesses are in North Avondale, and visit with local University art students? Come to North Avondale Connects, at Seasongood Park, from 2-5pm, on Oct 28th!
2yrs+
Heather Herr
Heather Herr PRO Next year the North Avondale Business Association will hold the same event (North Avondale Connects) earlier in the fall in order to have better weather. We are discussing using some of the store fronts and making this a walking event. We have the best collection of secret businesses along this road and by next year well be ready to showcase this unique and wonderful event. Those of you who made it this had a great time and we had a wonderful turnout!
2yrs+
Heather Herr
Heather Herr PRO And bring the kids, my girls has a blast meeting all the local business owners and buying gifts for this holiday.
2yrs+
Shannon Crutchfield, Realtor
Shannon Crutchfield, Realtor PRO Heather, it was a blast! Having it as a walking event would be awesome!
2yrs+
Heather Herr
Heather Herr PRO Shannon I agree. I look forward to see you there if not sooner!
2yrs+
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Unranked Streets in North Avondale

"Beechwood Ave: A Perfect Representation of North Avondale's Charm"
39.1577901510005 -84.484280805683

Betula Ave

4.5/5
"Beautiful Betula"
39.160823164231 -84.4857344946551
"Burton Woods- Home of The New School Montessori"
39.1567643714043 -84.4867305500086

Dana Ave

2.5/5
39.148336268935 -84.4800471924027

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