Cincinnati Area 55+ Retirement Communities

The Cincinnati, OH area offers many advantages for active adults who want to retire in the midwest. The Cincinnati metro is affordable when compared to other large cities and there are a variety of activity and entertainment options. 55+ communities in the area are located outside of the city which gives retirees the chance to enjoy small town living within easy reach of large city amenities.

Cost of Living

Retirees on a budget will appreciate that the cost of living in the Cincinnati area is about 13 percent lower than the national average. Housing costs in Cincinnati are particularly affordable, with prices that are about 30 percent lower than the U.S. average. Groceries, utilities, healthcare, and transportation are slightly lower than national averages.

Ohio's income tax ranges from 2.7 to 3.9 percent, Social Security benefits are not taxed but other types of retirement income are. Ohio property taxes are higher than the national average but there are programs to assist low income seniors.

Climate and Geography

The Cincinnati area is in a humid subtropical climate zone so summers are hot and humid while winters are cold and snowy. Average summer temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees but the humidity is often above 80 percent. Winter temperatures range from the low 30s and mid 40s and while snowfall amounts vary the average is about 20 inches.

The city of Cincinnati is located on the north bank of the Ohio River which provides a border between Ohio and Kentucky. The area outside of the city is characterized by farms, small towns, forested state parks, and rolling hills.

Recreation, Culture, and Entertainment

Cincinnati residents enjoy a large variety of recreational and entertainment options. No matter if your idea of a leisurely day is browsing through 18th century paintings or 18 rounds of golf, the Queen City has it all. 

Golf

Seasoned golfers and beginners alike will find courses to enjoy in the Cincinnati metro area. Top courses include the Kenwood Country Club in Cincinnati, the Heritage Club in Mason, and Lassing Pointe Golf Course in Union, KY. 

Performing and Visual Arts

Cincinnati has several live performance venues and art museums including the Cincinnati Music Hall which is home to the Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Ballet. Aronoff Center for the Arts is a multi-use venue which hosts plays, musicals, and other events. The Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art all have their own unique collection and different types of artwork are displayed in each.

Museums and Historical Sites

History buffs will enjoy exploring some of the many sites and museums in the area. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center tells the story of the Underground Railroad and the ongoing struggle for equality. The Cincinnati History Museum highlights local history from its Native American roots to present day. One of the most interesting historical and archaeological sites in the area is the Serpent Mound built by Ohio indigenous people a thousand years ago.

Outdoor Recreation

The Cincinnati metro area has many ways for 55+ adults to stay active. The area has miles of trails for hiking, the river for watersports, and Kentucky mountains for rock climbing. Popular hiking and biking spots include the 50 mile Little Miami Scenic Trail, Sharon Woods, and Caesar Creek State Park which is also popular for fishing and camping. The Ohio River and its tributaries provide a perfect playground for water sports enthusiasts to enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Red River Gorge in Kentucky is a few hours southeast of Cincinnati but is famous for its world class rock climbing routes.

Parks and Gardens

Cincinnati has several parks with conservatories, arboretums and rose gardens that are perfect for relaxing and learning about plant life. Khron Conservatory is a large glass building featuring several biomes, including deserts, tropical rainforest, and a bonsai garden. The rose gardens at Ault Park and Smale Riverfront Park feature a variety of rose types and are popular venues. The arboretum at the Cincinnati Nature Center features over 1,000 varieties of trees and plants.

Other Activities

Cincinnati has other activities that will be enjoyed by adults and grandkids including the world famous Cincinnati Zoo, the Loveland Castle, Newport Aquarium and sightseeing cruises on the Ohio River.

Further information about things to do in the Cincinnati area:

• Cincy Region is the official tourism website for the Cincinnati area, and it offers information on local attractions, events, dining, and lodging. It also includes suggested itineraries and a calendar of events.
• CityBeat is a local alternative weekly newspaper that covers news, events, and culture in the Cincinnati area. It offers listings of concerts, theater shows, and other events happening in the area.
• Cincinnati Magazine is a monthly publication that covers local news, events, and culture in the Cincinnati area. It includes restaurant reviews, feature stories on local businesses and attractions, and other useful information for visitors.
• Cincinnati Parks website offers information on the many parks and outdoor recreational areas in the Cincinnati area, including maps and trail guides.

Health and Wellness

Top hospitals in the Cincinnati metro area include the Good Samaritan Hospital, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and Bethesda North Hospital. Area organizations host a variety of wellness events throughout the year, including yoga and fitness classes, health fairs, and workshops on topics like nutrition and stress management.

Planning Your Cincinnati Metro Area Retirement Visit

Day One

Morning:

• Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, which is one of the top-rated zoos in the country. 

Afternoon:

• Head to Findlay Market for lunch. Findlay Market is a historic public market with a wide selection of food vendors and shops. 
• Explore the Cincinnati Art Museum, which has an impressive collection of more than 67,000 works of art from all over the world.

Evening:

• Enjoy a dinner at the popular restaurant Boca, which is known for its contemporary American cuisine and award-winning wine list.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with a visit to the Coffee Emporium, a local Cincinnati institution popular for its quality coffee and bakery. 
• After breakfast take a short walk to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which tells the story of the Underground Railroad and the struggle for freedom.

Afternoon: 

• Enjoy lunch in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and try some of the area's famous Cincinnati-style chili at Skyline Chili or Camp Washington Chili. 
• After lunch, meet with a 55Places real estate expert to visit 55+ communities in the area to get a feel for the neighborhood and what they offer to residents.

Evening: 

• Have dinner at Sartre OTR. The restaurant offers a modern take on French cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Residents love their extensive wine list which includes a selection of organic and natural wines from around the world. 
• After dinner, take a short walk to attend a performance at the iconic Cincinnati Music Hall, which is home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, and the Cincinnati Ballet.

Getting to the Cincinnati Metro Area

There are several convenient transportation options for getting to the Cincinnati area, depending on your location and preferences.

Cincinnati is located at the intersection of several major highways, including I-71, I-75, and I-275. Coming from the east coast, you can take I-71 or I-75 south, from the west take I-70 to I-75 south.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is the main airport serving the Cincinnati area, the airport is in Hebron KY, just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport is served by several major airlines, including Delta, American, United, and Southwest. 

Greyhound and Megabus both offer bus service to Cincinnati. The city is also served by two regional bus companies.  Kentucky's TANK (Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky) and the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar operates within the city center.