Clifton
Ranked 6th best neighborhood in Cincinnati
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Great for
- Medical Facilities
- Eating Out
- Schools
- Parks & Recreation
- Clean & Green
Not great for
- Lack of Traffic
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- LGBT+
- Trendy & Stylish
- Singles
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Reviews
Clifton
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
Editors Choice
"Eclectic living In a College Neighborhood"
Clifton is a neighborhood of contrasts, with new apartments near campus and grand old homes in the Gaslight District. University of Cincinnati's main campus is located in Clifton. That tilts the population to the youthful side of the scale and can make daytime parking a bit of a challenge.
Clifton is the “C” in the area recently dubbed CUF (Clifton Heights, University Heights, Fairview Heights). It's one long hill and a few blocks away from town; but don't try to walk it unless you have the spirit of adventure it takes to get you through the non-trendy parts of OTR.
Medical facilities
Good Samaritan Hospital is located on Clifton Ave. University Hospital, VA, Children's and Shriner's are nearby.
Churches
Clifton's 10 church congregation include Presbyterian, Catholic, Islamic, Episcopal, Church of Christ, Methodist, Church of the Nazarene, Seventh Day Adventist and Unitarian.
Walkability
Clifton has two walkable commercial areas. The McMillan Ave./Calhoun St. area is south of the UC campus. The Clifton Ave./Ludlow Ave. area is in the Gaslight District to the northwest of campus.
Calhoun/McMillan
--DuBoise and Student Bookstore sell student books. For used, old or rare books, try Duttenhoffer's on McMillan.
--Clifton Natural Foods is great for vitamins and staples for a healthy diet.
Clifton/Ludlow Ave.
Ludlow is lined with unique, independent shops like Ludlow Wines, Hansa Guild, Toko Baru and Toko Kidz, which sells Green kid's toys and more and Semesters, that sells sorority-themed clothing.
Eats
-The McMillan/Calhoun area has food chains like Chipotle, Subway and Five Guys, and independent eateries like Red Pepper Asian cuisine, Chicago Gyros and a favorite from my college days, Papa Dinos Pizza.
-Ludlow has a variety of restaurants including a Subway, Skyline Chili, Graeters, 5 Indian eateries, Habanero Latin American Fare, Sitwell's Coffee House and more.
Arts and Entertainment
-College Conservatory of Music (ccm.uc.edu) presents musical events.
-UC's College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning (daap.uc.edu) showcases graduating student's art and fashion designs.
-Clifton Cultural Arts Center (cliftonculturalarts.org/)holds classes, camps, art shows, “The Crafty Supermarket,” an the Clay Alliance Holiday Fair.
-The Esquire Theater on Ludlow shows art and foreign films and scheduled midnight screenings of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
-There are lots of small bars in the area. Mad Frog on McMillan is a popular student venue for live entertainment.
Recreation
-Burnett woods is a sprawling city green space across from UC on the Clifton/MLK Dr. Side. It has playground, nature center and a playful fountain at the Clifton/Ludlow corner.
-Mount Storm is great for a few secluded hours of meditation.
-Clifton Meadows Private Swim Club
Clifton is the “C” in the area recently dubbed CUF (Clifton Heights, University Heights, Fairview Heights). It's one long hill and a few blocks away from town; but don't try to walk it unless you have the spirit of adventure it takes to get you through the non-trendy parts of OTR.
Medical facilities
Good Samaritan Hospital is located on Clifton Ave. University Hospital, VA, Children's and Shriner's are nearby.
Churches
Clifton's 10 church congregation include Presbyterian, Catholic, Islamic, Episcopal, Church of Christ, Methodist, Church of the Nazarene, Seventh Day Adventist and Unitarian.
Walkability
Clifton has two walkable commercial areas. The McMillan Ave./Calhoun St. area is south of the UC campus. The Clifton Ave./Ludlow Ave. area is in the Gaslight District to the northwest of campus.
Calhoun/McMillan
--DuBoise and Student Bookstore sell student books. For used, old or rare books, try Duttenhoffer's on McMillan.
--Clifton Natural Foods is great for vitamins and staples for a healthy diet.
Clifton/Ludlow Ave.
Ludlow is lined with unique, independent shops like Ludlow Wines, Hansa Guild, Toko Baru and Toko Kidz, which sells Green kid's toys and more and Semesters, that sells sorority-themed clothing.
Eats
-The McMillan/Calhoun area has food chains like Chipotle, Subway and Five Guys, and independent eateries like Red Pepper Asian cuisine, Chicago Gyros and a favorite from my college days, Papa Dinos Pizza.
-Ludlow has a variety of restaurants including a Subway, Skyline Chili, Graeters, 5 Indian eateries, Habanero Latin American Fare, Sitwell's Coffee House and more.
Arts and Entertainment
-College Conservatory of Music (ccm.uc.edu) presents musical events.
-UC's College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning (daap.uc.edu) showcases graduating student's art and fashion designs.
-Clifton Cultural Arts Center (cliftonculturalarts.org/)holds classes, camps, art shows, “The Crafty Supermarket,” an the Clay Alliance Holiday Fair.
-The Esquire Theater on Ludlow shows art and foreign films and scheduled midnight screenings of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
-There are lots of small bars in the area. Mad Frog on McMillan is a popular student venue for live entertainment.
Recreation
-Burnett woods is a sprawling city green space across from UC on the Clifton/MLK Dr. Side. It has playground, nature center and a playful fountain at the Clifton/Ludlow corner.
-Mount Storm is great for a few secluded hours of meditation.
-Clifton Meadows Private Swim Club
Pros
- Walking distance to everything you need
- Eclectic mix of people
- Nearby schools
- Proximity to downtown
Cons
- Occasional campus crime
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- LGBT+
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Clifton
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Clifton: a neighborhood great for students, professors, and medical professionals."
Clifton and the surrounding area is the heart of the Cincinnati medical community. You will find some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country in Clifton. You are also right by the urban campus of the University of Cincinnati, which has some of the top ranking educational programs in the country. The University of Cincinnati is also the area's largest employer. Between the medical facilities and the University, there is no lack of employment opportunities in the area, making Clifton an ideal location for educators and those in the medical field. Of course, it is also an ideal spot for students to live.
The actual Clifton area is mainly residential, although areas closer to the University and medical facilities have more commercial lots. Ludlow is the heart of the Clifton business district and is also in the area called "The Gaslight District." There are multi-unit homes and large single family homes in this area. As you head down Clifton Avenue the homes become grander and more expensive. The area is very hilly and wooded, making for an attractive residential area. Some of the homes are on secluded cul-de-sacs or quiet streets. Unfortunately, the closer you get to Interstate 75, the more run down the buildings become and the less safe the neighborhood is. Overall, however, this is probably one of the safer areas surrounding the University of Cincinnati campus.
Home prices typically tend to be higher than average in this neighborhood, due to their size and desirable location. Many medical professionals and university professors live here. Rents in this neighborhood tend to be a little higher than in nearby University Heights or Clifton Heights.
Ludlow Avenue is the heart of this area with some unique local boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Some of the most unique shops in Cincinnati are located on Ludlow. You can find unique gifts for friends or family at Toku Baru, a great Bohemian outfit at the Pangaea Trading Company or a wooly sweater for those cold Cincinnati winters at The Hansa Guild. These are just a few of the cool local shops that line Ludlow Avenue.
While I tend to think that Clifton is best suited to students with its proximity to campus, there are enough large single-family homes in this part of town to accommodate professionals wanting to live in a hip, urban college town that is conveniently located to the city.
The actual Clifton area is mainly residential, although areas closer to the University and medical facilities have more commercial lots. Ludlow is the heart of the Clifton business district and is also in the area called "The Gaslight District." There are multi-unit homes and large single family homes in this area. As you head down Clifton Avenue the homes become grander and more expensive. The area is very hilly and wooded, making for an attractive residential area. Some of the homes are on secluded cul-de-sacs or quiet streets. Unfortunately, the closer you get to Interstate 75, the more run down the buildings become and the less safe the neighborhood is. Overall, however, this is probably one of the safer areas surrounding the University of Cincinnati campus.
Home prices typically tend to be higher than average in this neighborhood, due to their size and desirable location. Many medical professionals and university professors live here. Rents in this neighborhood tend to be a little higher than in nearby University Heights or Clifton Heights.
Ludlow Avenue is the heart of this area with some unique local boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Some of the most unique shops in Cincinnati are located on Ludlow. You can find unique gifts for friends or family at Toku Baru, a great Bohemian outfit at the Pangaea Trading Company or a wooly sweater for those cold Cincinnati winters at The Hansa Guild. These are just a few of the cool local shops that line Ludlow Avenue.
While I tend to think that Clifton is best suited to students with its proximity to campus, there are enough large single-family homes in this part of town to accommodate professionals wanting to live in a hip, urban college town that is conveniently located to the city.
Pros
- University of Cincinnati
- convenient location
- unique boutiques
Cons
- high cost of housing
- limited parking options
- treacherous streets in bad weather
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- LGBT+
- Students
Clifton
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Clifton: The Best of Both Worlds"
Clifton: The Best of Both Worlds
Walking through Clifton, you'd never know you were located mere minutes from the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The neighborhood has a distinct small-town feel; it boasts its own movie theater, grocery store, shopping street, and countless beautiful homes with lush green surroundings. Look closely and you may even spot a family of deer in someone’s backyard. Hop on the highway, however, and you’ll find yourself downtown in minutes.
Clifton’s proximity to major Cincinnati attractions such as the Great American Ballpark (home of the Cincinnati Reds), the Paul Brown Stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals), and the main business district of Cincinnati has made it a prime locale for those looking to truly experience the city while still living in a relatively secluded and safe environment.
Ludlow, Clifton’s main shopping street, is filled with trendy boutiques and unique dining experiences. People come from all over town to experience the neighborhood’s famed Indian cuisine, catch an Indie flick at the Esquire Theater, or grab a scoop of Cincinnati’s famous Graeter’s ice cream. Fortunately, Clifton’s bustling nightlife does not compromise its safety. In fact, the neighborhood is explored day and night by Cincinnatians of all ages and is consistently chosen as the ideal neighborhood to spend an evening, a weekend, or even a lifetime. In regards to safety, Clifton has also become famous as one of the biggest medical centers in the country. Surrounding medical facilities include the nationally-ranked Children’s Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, and University Hospital, among countless others.
Often described as “eclectic,” Clifton is home to a diverse group of people, including students, recent graduates, young adults, families, and even the elderly. Parents with young children will appreciate well-known schools located nearby, which include the Fairview German School, Walnut Hills High School, Annunciation, and many more. Those looking for private schooling will find Ursula Academy, the Summit Country Day School, and St. Xavier High School a short drive away. College students in Clifton have easy access to Xavier University, Cincinnati State, and, most notably, the University of Cincinnati. In fact, UC’s sporting events, libraries, and other resources are thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by all local residents, students and non-students alike.
Clifton’s diverse medley of residents has turned it into a true Cincinnati gem that can only be described as unique. If you’re seeking a quiet, conventional, cookie-cutter suburb, you may be disappointed. If you have an open mind and are looking for a buzzing, dynamic neighborhood, however, Clifton might be the place for you.
Walking through Clifton, you'd never know you were located mere minutes from the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The neighborhood has a distinct small-town feel; it boasts its own movie theater, grocery store, shopping street, and countless beautiful homes with lush green surroundings. Look closely and you may even spot a family of deer in someone’s backyard. Hop on the highway, however, and you’ll find yourself downtown in minutes.
Clifton’s proximity to major Cincinnati attractions such as the Great American Ballpark (home of the Cincinnati Reds), the Paul Brown Stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals), and the main business district of Cincinnati has made it a prime locale for those looking to truly experience the city while still living in a relatively secluded and safe environment.
Ludlow, Clifton’s main shopping street, is filled with trendy boutiques and unique dining experiences. People come from all over town to experience the neighborhood’s famed Indian cuisine, catch an Indie flick at the Esquire Theater, or grab a scoop of Cincinnati’s famous Graeter’s ice cream. Fortunately, Clifton’s bustling nightlife does not compromise its safety. In fact, the neighborhood is explored day and night by Cincinnatians of all ages and is consistently chosen as the ideal neighborhood to spend an evening, a weekend, or even a lifetime. In regards to safety, Clifton has also become famous as one of the biggest medical centers in the country. Surrounding medical facilities include the nationally-ranked Children’s Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, and University Hospital, among countless others.
Often described as “eclectic,” Clifton is home to a diverse group of people, including students, recent graduates, young adults, families, and even the elderly. Parents with young children will appreciate well-known schools located nearby, which include the Fairview German School, Walnut Hills High School, Annunciation, and many more. Those looking for private schooling will find Ursula Academy, the Summit Country Day School, and St. Xavier High School a short drive away. College students in Clifton have easy access to Xavier University, Cincinnati State, and, most notably, the University of Cincinnati. In fact, UC’s sporting events, libraries, and other resources are thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by all local residents, students and non-students alike.
Clifton’s diverse medley of residents has turned it into a true Cincinnati gem that can only be described as unique. If you’re seeking a quiet, conventional, cookie-cutter suburb, you may be disappointed. If you have an open mind and are looking for a buzzing, dynamic neighborhood, however, Clifton might be the place for you.
Pros
- Nearby schools
- Eclectic mix of people
- Proximity to downtown
Cons
- Located near somewhat dicey areas
Recommended for
- Singles
- Families with kids
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
