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Victoria Lee best-worst

Cincinnati vs Austin — which is better?

Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. Rent is about $953/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Is this normal for Cincinnati?
43 upvotes

4 Replies

Josiah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Parker
I've lived in Springfield for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss

The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options

Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Lucy A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.

I've been here 7 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Sebastian
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's decent for what you get.

Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in construction you might struggle.

People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.

Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
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