Northside

Northside is such a cool neighborhood! It can only be described as unique. I think it holds characteristics of all its surrounding neighborhoods, yet has turned into something exceptionally distinct over the years.

Northside does have some similarities to Clifton, in that it has a lot of individually-run shops, restaurants and cafés instead of chains. On the other hand, when driving from Clifton into Northside, you can tell immediately when you’ve crossed the border. You’ll see rows of old buildings, many people walking through the streets or waiting for buses, and some unusual sites such as painted wall murals and bizarre storefronts.

Most everyone can find their niche in Northside, unless they’re looking for something really upscale or suburban. Comprised mostly of houses, many of which are two-family residencies, Northside is ideal for those looking for their own space, but not expecting something massive. On the other hand, it’s not too difficult to make your own decision of what size space you’ll live in, as you can find anything from a one-floor rental in a house, to an apartment or single-family residency. It’s truly an accommodating part of town.

Though it might look rough around the edges, Northside is pretty welcoming to people of all walks of life. Diverse in every sense of the word, it’s home to many in the GLBT community, as well as families, couples, young adults, students, and singles. Though it’s one of the more diverse neighborhoods in town, I have friends who live in Northside and am always surprised at how much they feel connected to their neighbors and fellow residents. Driving through Northside, it seems residents have a tight bond and truly love their neighborhood.

If you’re not looking to live in Northside, I definitely suggest a visit at the very least. There are many great restaurants, cafés and bars to choose from. My favorites include Sidewinder Café and Honey, which serves an amazing breakfast/brunch.

Overall, I find Northside to be the perfect place for those with an open mind and a willingness to live alongside a diverse group of people. It’s a really fantastic neighborhood that offers so much to Cincinnati. It’s also in a great location, minutes from the highway, downtown, and many local private and public schools. UC and Cincinnati State are also mere minutes away, and accessible by bus. Check it out!

Northside is a great small neighborhood that definitely promotes a sense of community. Today, more than ever, Northside is vibrant and inclusive community. It is family friendly, yet friendly to all lifestyles, as there is a significant GLBT population in Northside.

Northside is a pedestrian friendly urban neighborhood conveniently located just five minutes from Downtown Cincinnati. It has many small shops and local businesses and restaurants located along the main thoroughfare of Hamilton Avenue. Everything in Northside is within walking distance. When you want to leave Northside, you can easily access the interstates or main surface streets. If you don't want to drive, then take the bus, as Northside is home to the second-largest Metro (bus system) hub in Cincinnati.

Another wonderful feature of the Northside community is their sense of community. There are many community events from the Northside Arts in the Park in June, Northside Second Saturday every month, the Annual Neighborhood Yard Sale in August, to the Farmer's Market open on Wednesdays throughout the year. These are just a few of the community events happening in Northside.

Northside also has a number of parks and green spaces throughout the community. Many events are held in Hoffner Park, which is located in the center of Northside. Mt. Airy Forest, the largest park in Cincinnati, can also be found in Northside.

There are many dining and entertainment options. You can have a vegetarian brunch at Melt or lunch at Take the Cake Cafe( or take home some tasty sweets from their bakery). Then have an eclectic dinner at Honey. When you're done eating, head over to The Comet or Northside Tavern for late night drinks and live music.

Overall, Northside is a great urban neighborhood with a small town feel. The sense of community and pride in Northside amongst the residents is almost palpable. With it's convenient location and community events and amenities, Northside has much to offer as a place to live. Also, because many of the homes in Northside are older on small urban lots, housing prices are quite reasonable, making Northside an ideal place to live for singles, young professionals or first-time home buyers.

Northside.net refers to its neighborhood as an “Urban Village,” and that's true. It's a tight community of older homes and apartments and diverse people with a few blocks of unique businesses to balance things out. I lived in Northside several years ago and always felt at home walking down one side of Hamilton Ave., up the other, and stopping at a quirky little store, the library or a restaurant in between.

Northside is 5 minutes from Downtown and you don't even have to hit the highway. People there are friendly and business owners welcome you, especially the sweet old guy in his mid eighties who owns the hardware store. He can barely walk some days, but he opens his doors six days a week no matter what.

What's happening in Northside?
Everything in Northside happens on or Near Hamilton Avenue. There are several bars. The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Greater Cincinnati on Hamilton is a hub for activism and information on Cincinnati Pride events. The library on Hamilton offers programs for children.

Hoffner Park is the site of neighborhood festivals and events, including Art in the Park which promises a “young, hip, wacky, crafty fine art sale.” Northside Second Saturdays showcases art openings, later hours for shops, restaurants and happy hours.

Shopping
Northside shops seem perfectly tailored to fit the neighborhood. Each has a hip and fun look or feel: Designs by Dana and Skincraft Tattoo Parlors, Schenz Costume and Theatrical Supply, Yoga-ah Studios, Shake it Records and more.

For groceries there's a Sav-a-lot on Apple, Darou Salam on Hamilton and a Farmer's Market at Hamilton and Blue Rock from 4 -7 P. M. on Wednesdays from spring to fall.

Restaurants and Bars
Melt Ecclectic Deli has sandwiches, soups and vegetarian options. White Castle sells the original sliders by the sack. There's Sidewinder Coffee, Tea and Spirits and even a KFC/Taco Bell combo.

Medical facilities
The Northside Health Center: A Cincinnati Health Department facility is located at 3917 Spring Grove Ave. Mercy Mt. Airy, University Hospital and several other medical facilities are about 15 minutes away.

Parks and Recreation
Hoffner Park and several other small neighborhood parks are located in the Northside. Mt. Airy Forest has hiking and horseback riding trails, and picnic areas. It begins at the bottom of Colerain Ave. in Northside.

Schools
Chase Elementary is a Cincinnati Public school
Cincinnati State College and University of Cincinnati are five minutes away.

You'll feel safe walking the streets of Northside during the day, but take care at night. There are occasional crimimal incidents, but Northside Citizens on Patrol Volunteers walk the streets to help keep them safe. The Northside Community Problem-Oriented Policing group works with Cincinnati police to resolve crime issues.