Over-the-Rhine (OTR)

Cincinnati, OH

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$375,000 (OTR, mid-2025 estimate)
Median Home Price
92 (Walker's Paradise)
Walkability Score
Mixed; SCPA is highly rated for arts, but overall public school options are limited. Most families opt for magnet or private schools.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Central Parkway (south), Liberty Street (north), Sycamore Street (east), and McMicken Avenue (west).

Zip Codes

45202

Market Data Summary

Price Range$250,000–$750,000+ (condos, historic row homes, new construction lofts)
Price per Sq Ft$320–$450/sq ft (varies by property type and finish)
Inventory LevelsModerate; increased compared to 2022–2023, but still competitive for move-in ready and luxury units.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Historic row homesConverted loftsModern condosMixed-use buildings

Architectural Styles

ItalianateFederalContemporary urban infill

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesCompact urban lots, often <0.1 acre; some larger parcels for new developments.
Home Age RangeMid-1800s (restored) to new construction (2020s)
Construction QualityHigh for renovated/restored properties and new builds; some older stock may require updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a strong presence of young professionals, creatives, and urban dwellers; increasing number of families and empty nesters relocating from suburbs.

Community Vibe

Vibrant, artsy, urban, and walkable; strong sense of local pride and community engagement.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Artists/creatives
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Empty nesters
  • Investors

Family Friendly

Improving, but still more attractive to singles, couples, and empty nesters; limited private outdoor space and school options.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Washington Park
  • Ziegler Park (pool, playground)
  • Brewery District walking tours

Dining Options

  • Salazar
  • Sotto
  • Taste of Belgium
  • Please
  • Sacred Beast

Shopping Centers

  • Findlay Market
  • Boutique shops along Vine and Main Streets

Local Businesses

  • Findlay Market
  • Rookwood Pottery
  • OTR StillHouse
  • Iris BookCafé

Education & Schools

Mixed; SCPA is highly rated for arts, but overall public school options are limited. Most families opt for magnet or private schools.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Rothenberg Preparatory Academy

Middle Schools

  • School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA)

High Schools

  • School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA)

Private Schools

  • St. Francis Seraph School (K-8)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar
  • Metro bus lines

Major Roads

  • Central Parkway
  • Liberty Street
  • Vine Street

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5–10 minutes to downtown Cincinnati; 20–25 minutes to University of Cincinnati/Clifton; 20–30 minutes to northern suburbs.
WalkabilityExcellent; most daily needs accessible on foot or by bike.
ParkingChallenging; limited street parking, some buildings offer dedicated spaces or garages.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Urban investors
  • Empty nesters
  • Remote workers
  • Creative professionals

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture with modern updates
  • Proximity to Findlay Market and dining
  • High walkability and transit access
  • Vibrant arts and culture scene

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively for renovated units; premium for unique features (rooftop decks, parking, high-end finishes).

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Concerns about crime and safety.

Response Strategy:

Provide up-to-date crime statistics, highlight improved safety, and focus on active neighborhood watch and community engagement.

Objection: Limited parking options.

Response Strategy:

Highlight properties with dedicated parking or proximity to garages; promote walkability and transit alternatives.

Objection: Noise from nightlife and events.

Response Strategy:

Showcase soundproofing features, recommend units on quieter streets, and emphasize vibrant urban lifestyle.

Objection: School quality for families.

Response Strategy:

Discuss magnet and private school options, proximity to SCPA, and ongoing neighborhood improvements.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong, driven by ongoing redevelopment and high demand for urban living.

Rental Demand

Very high, especially for renovated units and short-term rentals (Airbnb).

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high for move-in ready and luxury properties; less for fixer-uppers.

Best For

  • Investors
  • Young professionals
  • Empty nesters
  • Short-term rental operators

Potential Concerns

  • Parking limitations
  • School quality for families
  • Noise and nightlife
  • Higher property taxes due to recent appreciation

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on historic tax credits and renovation incentives.

2

Highlight walkability, amenities, and unique property features in marketing.

3

Network with local businesses and community groups to stay informed on developments.

4

Advise investors on short-term rental regulations and market saturation risks.

5

Stage properties to emphasize light, space, and urban character.

6

Prepare buyers for competitive offers on premium listings.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Pendleton
  • Downtown Cincinnati
  • Walnut Hills
  • Mount Adams

Market Positioning

OTR is Cincinnati’s flagship urban neighborhood for culture, dining, and walkable living, appealing to buyers seeking authenticity and vibrancy.

Competitive Advantages

  • Unique historic architecture
  • Premier walkability
  • Thriving food and arts scene
  • Proximity to downtown

Price Comparison

OTR commands a premium over most city neighborhoods except Mount Adams and select downtown luxury buildings.

Investment Metrics

4.5–6% for long-term rentals; 7–9% for short-term rentals (Airbnb)
Cap Rates
5–7% gross annual yield (varies by property type and finish)
Rental Yields
18–22 (higher than city average, reflecting strong appreciation and demand)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-managed rentals, especially short-term; long-term cash flow depends on purchase price and management costs.
Cash Flow
4–6% annual appreciation projected through 2026, barring major economic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attracted by urban lifestyle and amenities; may need education on historic property maintenance and financing options.

Move-Up Buyers

Seek larger or luxury units with parking and outdoor space; value unique finishes and proximity to entertainment.

Downsizers

Drawn to low-maintenance condos/lofts, walkability, and cultural amenities.

Investors

Focus on rental yields, short-term rental potential, and value-add opportunities.

Relocators

Appreciate OTR’s reputation, access to downtown, and vibrant lifestyle; may need guidance on neighborhood nuances.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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