27 :: Don’t Trash the ‘Nati
Cincinnati has had its fair share of negative press in the last decade … and then some. Stories of racism, violent crime, corporate greed, and poverty have dotted the headlines, and even many people who live here seem to like to talk bad about the city.
But in reality, the Queen City is a fantastic and unique place to live … I’ve only been here seven years, and every day it seems that I discover something new that I like about this place. So, without further ado, here are my top ten features of Cincinnati, in no particular order:
- Lots of world-class fine arts, including opera, ballet, orchestra, and some pretty good museums. Having UC, Xavier, NKU, and Miami nearby provides quite a few opportunities too.
- A beautiful riverside skyline … with a new skyscraper (it’ll be the tallest) on the way. If you’ve ever driven up 71/75-N into the city, especially as the sun is low over the city, you know that it is truly one of the most gorgeous cities in America.
- A really vibrant religious community, with lots of faiths and churches that are actively involved in real good work.
- A unique partnership with northern Kentucky, with lots of development along the river (i.e. Newport on the Levee and the upcoming Banks project).
- A booming economy … it’s one of the top five places to buy a home right now (according to Money Magazine) and the third most affordable place in the nation to live well (according to Forbes). The new IKEA is also a great indication of the financial stability and prime location of Porkopolis.
- Great sports … Bengals, Reds, the Cincinnati Masters, and one of the only non-profit community-building marathons in the world (the Flying Pig).
- Amazing local foods like Montgomery Inn, Graeter’s ice cream, LaRosa’s pizza, Skyline chili, The Maisonette, Findlay Market, and UDF.
- Lots of sweet history … it’s the original midwestern boomtown, the home of river steamboats, the first major inland city in America, and a big player in the abolition of slavery.
- The home of Procter & Gamble, Kroger’s, Sunny Delight, GE Aviation, Macy’s & Bloomingdale’s, Convergys, Chiquita, Great American Insurance, Western & Southern Financial Group, The E. W. Scripps Company, and Fifth Third Bank. Cincinnati is actually sixth in the country in Fortune 500 companies.
- Some of the most amazing people on earth … there’s just something about them, and it’s one of the only places I’ve been where people seem to leave and come back, where they not only miss their hometown but choose to return and settle down.
So what do you think … did I forget anything?
May 27th, 2008 at 4:33 pm EST
Cincinnati was the first city to pay firefighters.
more good ones here: http://www.cincyusa.com/cincinnati/facts/
AND CORNHOLE!
I too love Cincinnati; having grown up around Philadelphia (and having lived in Colorado). Its a great city, not too huge and not too small. Affordable. Tons of activities for anyone (museums, trails, parks, high-end shopping, etc). I get angry at those who make fun, because they’re just wanting to compare to a city that we’re not — yeah, the Bengals and Reds suck, but its not just about sports.
May 27th, 2008 at 5:10 pm EST
Oh, how could I forget cornhole? I think I was subconsciously trying to erase the memory of that game from my mind after the “Speed Cornhole” accident/injury that I caused yesterday (so sorry, Alexandra!).
And wow, three presidents? That’s sweet … hmm, on second thought, maybe I shouldn’t have left the public parks and the beautiful seasons off the list. Oh, and Jerry Springer, our former mayor!!!
May 27th, 2008 at 9:40 pm EST
I have seen people playing cornhole when we go camping, but when I looked into buying a set it was ridiculously EXPENSIVE. Is there an affordable way to get a set, besides having to sew my own bean bags???
May 28th, 2008 at 11:49 am EST
Call it homesickness for camp friends, but I very briefly thought of leaving this SO EXCITING place called Michigan and relocating to your neck of the woods. Mind you, they’re just thoughts but the list you’ve developed makes the thoughts more attractive.
PS, have you ever played Washers? It’s basically like Cornhole but the set up is simpler. Just a small wooden box with a cyllinder inside. I don’t remember all the rules offhand but you have to throw washers into the device. I figure, same game but cheaper to make.
May 30th, 2008 at 12:55 pm EST
Most of the roads, if not all, are paved. It has sidewalks…public water fountains strategically located to sate the publics thirst. Almost all wildlife has been flushed out, so bear and cougar attacks are extremely low, however, squirrel attacks are more frequent…
Aqua life and zoo’s are also pretty nice.