Best Cities Near Cincinnati, OH to Live in 2025

Are you considering a move to the Cincinnati area and looking for the perfect place to rent? With a variety of small and big cities nearby offering different lifestyles and amenities, finding the ideal neighborhood can be a daunting task.

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best cities near Cincinnati for renters. We'll provide insights into factors such as distance from downtown, commute times, rent prices, and transit options. Whether you're seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle, a peaceful suburban retreat, or a balance of both, you'll find valuable information to help you make an informed decision.

Let's dive into the best cities near Cincinnati for renters!

Cities Near Cincinnati, OH

1. Newport, KY

• Distance from Cincinnati: 1.8 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 7 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: 35 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via bike: 15 mins
• Starting rent: $1,125
• Population: 13,812
• Median household income: $50,278
• Walk score: 93
• Transit score: n/a
• Bike score: 67

Newport, KY, offers a vibrant and walkable urban experience just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Tracing its roots back to the eighteenth century, this city offers a mix of historic architecture, trendy shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Families love the Newport Aquarium and the twelve beautiful parks scattered around the city. With its convenient location, lively atmosphere, and affordable rent rates, Newport is an excellent choice for renters seeking a city-like lifestyle.

2. Fort Thomas, KY

• Distance from Cincinnati: 5 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 11 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: 43 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via bike: 30 mins
• Starting rent: $1,250
• Population: 16,973
• Median household income: $95,391
• Walk score: 44
• Transit score: n/a
• Bike score: 36

Fort Thomas, KY, is a charming community that offers the perfect blend of urban life and natural spaces. Renters will appreciate the city's well-maintained parks and nature preserves, excellent schools, and the beautiful East Row Historic District.

Newport Racing & Gaming gives adults a place to play during the evening. The city's proximity to downtown Cincinnati offers easy access to amenities and job opportunities, but with rentals at slightly more affordable rates.

3. Norwood, OH

• Distance from Cincinnati: 7.8 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 12 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: 22 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via bike: 40 mins
• Starting rent: $1,395
• Population: 19,046
• Median household income: $58,095
• Walk score: 67
• Transit score: 45
• Bike score: 44

Norwood, OH, is a diverse and affordable suburb located just a short drive from downtown Cincinnati. Renters will find a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and convenient amenities, though you may pay a bit more to rent in this area than some other nearby cities.

Known as the "Gem of the Highlands," Norwood offers a slower pace of life than the big city and features plenty of recreational opportunities for families. It was also home to the first Frisch's Big Boys, a much-loved Ohio restaurant chain.

4. Erlanger, KY

• Distance from Cincinnati: 10 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 20 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: 1 hour
• Commute time to Cincinnati via bike: 58 mins
• Starting rent: $980
• Population: 19,777
• Median household income: $74,147
• Walk score: 21
• Transit score: 11
• Bike score: 23

Erlanger, KY, is a growing suburb with a variety of housing options and amenities. Renters will find a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes, many at slightly lower rates than what you might find in surrounding areas. However, median income is also high relative to the cost of living.

Erlanger offers a balance of urban and suburban living and is still connected to the big city via public transit, making it an attractive option for renters seeking a convenient and affordable location.

5. North College Hill, OH

• Distance from Cincinnati: 10.6 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 21 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: 39 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via bike: 56 mins
• Starting rent: $960
• Population: 9,463
• Median household income: $51,971
• Walk score: 71
• Transit score: n/a
• Bike score: 50

North College Hill, OH, is a diverse city just outside of Cincinnati that's a great option for renters looking for a more affordable area. Renters will find a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and convenient amenities.

Though seemingly farther out than Erlanger, it's actually faster to commute via public transit from North College Hill. You can also arrive by car in around 20 minutes. Locally, you'll also find access to jobs, entertainment, and shopping. Another bonus is that North College Hill is also a bit more walkable than other distant suburban areas.

6. White Oak, OH

• Distance from Cincinnati: 11.5 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 18 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: 31 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via bike: 1 hour 1 min
• Starting rent: $775
• Population: 19,541
• Median household income: $71,465
• Walk score: 31
• Transit score: 21
• Bike score: 24

White Oak, OH, is a small and friendly community that's connected with lots of good transit options for commuters. Renters will enjoy the city's quiet neighborhoods, parks, and recreational facilities like Stricker's Grove amusement part and the German Pioneer Heritage Museum.

The public transit commute time from White Oak is just over thirty minutes, which is better than some closer cities on our list. You'll also find some of the lowest starting rent rates among the cities here.

7. Reading, OH

• Distance from Cincinnati: 12.7 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 18 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: 58 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via bike: 1 hour 39 mins
• Starting rent: $850
• Population: 10,380
• Median household income: $59,996

Reading, OH, is a growing suburb with a variety of housing options and amenities. The city's economy is powered by the aerospace and automobile businesses in the area. Like other suburbs mentioned here, renters will find a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes.

Commuting by bike is probably not feasible from Reading, but public transit and car are both great options. The city's lower starting rent rates make it a popular choice for commuters.

8. Edgewood, KY

• Distance from Cincinnati: 14.3 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 19 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: 58 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via bike: 1 hour 1 min
• Starting rent: $1,330
• Population: 8,398
• Median household income: $117,308
• Walk score: 45
• Transit score: n/a
• Bike score: 33

Edgewood, KY, is a small community that's especially great for families thanks to abundant parks and recreation centers. Kids especially love the Silverlake Recreation Center, which features a wading pool, water slide, and water-based gymnastic equipment. It's also slighly faster to get to Edgewood by car than some closer cities on this list, though public transit commute is still around an hour.

Renters also enjoy the city's quiet neighborhoods and low crime rate. However, you might pay a little more to rent here than some other cities on our list.

9. Independence, KY

• Distance from Cincinnati: 17.9 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 23 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: n/a
• Commute time to Cincinnati via bike: 1 hour 16 mins
• Starting rent: $1,075
• Population: 29,503
• Median household income: $92,355
• Walk score: 11
• Transit score: 10
• Bike score: 13

Independence, KY, is a charming community with a lot of natural beauty. Home to the Boone County Distilling Company, Independence offers abundant dining and recreational opportunities that provide the best of Kentucky. Renters will appreciate the city's well-maintained parks, excellent schools, and safe neighborhoods.

With a median household income much higher than other cities on this list, but also relatively low starting rent rates, you might find that the cost of living in Independence is very reasonable. It could be a great place to consider if you're a young professional looking to set aside some savings.

10. Mason, OH

• Distance from Cincinnati: 25.1 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 31 mins
• Commute time to Cincinnati via public transport: 2 hours 40 mins
• Starting rent: $1,425
• Population: 35,660
• Median household income: $121,082
• Walk score: 18
• Transit score: n/a
• Bike score: 42

Mason, OH, is a thriving suburb with a variety of housing options and amenities. Renters will find a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. The city is best known for its attractions, including The Grizzly Golf and Social Lodge as well as a Great Wolf Lodge, in addition to a number of parks and pools.

While you can commute to Cincinnati via public transit, the route is not very direct, and it is much longer than the time it takes to drive. Therefore, we think this area is best for those who plan to use a car to visit the city.

11. South Lebanon, OH

• Distance from Cincinnati: 28.7 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 33 mins
• Starting rent: $1,330
• Population: 6,793
• Median household income: $108,194
• Walk score: 21
• Transit score: n/a
• Bike score: 38

South Lebanon, OH, is a growing suburb with a variety of housing options and amenities. Renters will find a mix of apartments and single-family homes at decent rates. It is one of the smaller areas on this list, and offers fewer amenities than other cities, but it's also growing thanks to commuters and remote workers.

You'll find a slightly higher median income and lifestyle in South Lebanon, and the city is not connected to Cincinnati via public transit. However, for those who have the budget, South Lebanon is a great place to raise a family.

12. Springboro, OH

• Distance from Cincinnati: 40.9 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 49 mins
• Starting rent: $1,730
• Population: 19,475
• Median household income: $113,182
• Walk score: 18
• Transit score: n/a
• Bike score: 32

Springboro, OH, is a thriving city about an hour from Cincinnati with a variety of housing options and amenities. Renters will find a mix of units, including apartments and houses. Adults can enjoy an evening out at La Commedia Dinner Theater, while kids love Kacie Jane Park and Splashpad.

The city's convenient location and strong economy make it a popular choice for commuters. However, it may be more of a challenge to find apartments in this area, and you may also pay a bit more in rent than other areas mentioned here.

13. Centerville, OH

• Distance from Cincinnati: 47.4 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 53 mins
• Starting rent: $950
• Population: 25,754
• Median household income: $79,509
• Walk score: 45
• Transit score: n/a
• Bike score: 47

Centerville, OH, is a charming community that's especially great for history buffs. Featuring an unusually high number of early stone houses, Centerville is a great example of a historical city that offers a modern lifestyle.

Centerville is especially popular among retirees and provides proximity to both Cincinnati and Datyon. You'll find abundant coffee shops and restaurants as well.

14. Dayton, OH

• Distance from Cincinnati: 54.2 miles
• Commute time to Cincinnati via car: 58 mins
• Starting rent: $950
• Population: 135,512
• Median household income: $41,443
• Walk score: 45
• Transit score: n/a
• Bike score: n/a

Dayton, OH, is the closest major city in Ohio to Cincinnati, and offers a more affordable cost of living. Its cultural attractions and job opportunities make it a popular choice for many renters. The National Museum of the United States Air Force, the world's largest military aviation museum, is especially popular, as is the Wright Brothers National Museum.

Dayton's proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as well as its several universities (University of Dayton, Wright State University, and Antioch College) make the city especially popular among military personnel and students alike.

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