Clifton Ave, Clifton

Clifton Ave. is one of my favorite streets in Cincinnati, but it definitely takes some getting used to. It takes sort of a random path through CUF and Clifton, and can be congested, especially when construction is underway. Once you get used to the sharp turns, it becomes a really nice street to drive down. You'll pass all sorts of interesting sights, such as the shops and restaurants up near UC, the UC campus, the business district of Clifton (Ludlow), and then a row of beautiful old homes that make that part of the drive interesting and beautiful.

The homes near the Cultural Arts Center, mosque, and Fairview German School are truly beautiful. There are many stately, older homes on this part of Clifton Ave. with large front- and backyards. These homes are pricey but beautiful, many being over a century old. If you don't mind being so close to a relatively busy street, it's a great place to consider living. There are some good schools nearby, such as Fairview, Annunciation, UC, and Cincinnati State, and as I said before it's easy to access much of the area from this location. You'll also have all the benefits of living in Clifton, such as nearby award-winning hospitals (Children's, University Hospital, etc.) and diverse and interesting neighbors. Ludlow is also a great place to have nearby, with its shops, restaurants, bars and movie theater. I can tell you from experience that it's amazing to have Ludlow within walking distance!

Overall, Clifton Ave. is great because it winds through so much of the area. It'll take you past UC, Burnet Woods, Ludlow, Mt. Storm Park, and finally down to Kenard, where you'll find Kroger, BP, some other shops, and highway access. It's a beautiful place to live, whether you live on it or on one of its smaller side streets. I highly recommend it, both for its convenience and charm.

Clifton Ave. can be confusing. It comes up the hill out of town. At the top of the hill it zigs this way, then that way through the Heights (CUF) before it keeps going straight. It runs right past the huge University of Cincinnati Campus and an equally huge student housing complex across the street. It borders the western edge of Burnett Woods, then passes Good Samaritan Hospital.

With all those activities, you might imagine that traffic on Clifton is a concern. It is, and it's worse when U. C. is in session

After passing Burnett Woods, Clifton Ave intersects with Ludlow Ave. where you'll find restaurants and several small shops. It passes Ludlow and keeps going through a more residential area. You'll still pass several churches and a Mosque as well as the Clifton Cultural and Art Center. Mount Storm park is also hidden away on Lafayette Street several blocks off Clifton.

You'll fall in love with the large, old beautiful homes in the area, but be careful. Just as you're feeling comfortable with the leisurely drive, the street suddenly curves off to the right then to the left, then it takes a sharp downhill plunge. Just take your time.