Perched along the winding Ohio River, Cincinnati is a prominent Midwest city that continually draws new residents from around the USA and the world. New arrivals moving to Cincinnati will discover a city that offers an excellent standard of living, especially for those who want to raise a family.
Living in Cincinnati as an expat
Cincinnati is a compact city with a growing economy and a diverse range of job opportunities. The outlook for the Greater Cincinnati area is very positive, as it is considered one of the fastest-growing economies in the entire American Midwest region.
There is plenty of choice regarding accommodation in Cincinnati, whether looking for a luxury condo close to the city centre or a humble home suitable for a large family. Each of the areas and suburbs in Cincinnati has its own unique charm.
Newcomers will enjoy plenty of choices when it comes to lifestyle in Cincinnati. With bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as a lively theatre scene and exciting shopping opportunities, residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment.
Unfortunately, the infrastructure for public transport in Cincinnati is not quite as extensive as in bigger US cities. Buses and taxis are viable options for getting around, but owning a car does make life far easier.
Cost of living in Cincinnati
The cost of living in Cincinnati is reasonable, and new arrivals often report that they can live comfortably on middling salaries. Though slightly higher than the state average of Ohio, Cincinnati's cost of living is much lower than the national average. The cost of utilities and groceries in Cincinnati is relatively high, but the low cost of housing makes up for it.
See our page on the Cost of Living in the USA
Families and children in Cincinnati
Those looking to escape the fast pace of city living will appreciate that residents of the Greater Cincinnati area pride themselves in taking the time to enjoy leisure activities and a good quality of life. Locals are highly family orientated, and many prominent community events are tailored to accommodate children. While there are no international schools, there are several good public and private schools in Cincinnati.
As is the case when moving anywhere in the US, newcomers to Cincinnati must ensure adequate medical insurance to cover their family's healthcare needs. There are numerous good hospitals in Cincinnati.
Climate in Cincinnati
Cincinnati's climate may take some getting used to, depending on where newcomers hail from. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can get bitterly cold and snowy. New arrivals can expect cloud cover throughout much of the year as well. Temperatures often drop to around 8°F (-13°C) in winter and max out at about 93°F (33°C) in summer.
Cincinnati is an excellent choice for Americans looking for pastures new or for expats who want something a little different to the country's popular and over-crowded coastal cities. As Queen City is an economically stable, growing and family-friendly city with plenty to see and do, moving to Cincinnati may be just the ticket.
Further reading
►Working in Cincinnati provides information regarding the city's job market and business culture
►Check out the Accommodation in Cincinnati page for more about the property market in the city
Are you an expat living in Cincinnati, OH?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Cincinnati, OH. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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