Clifton

Clifton, a neighborhood just north of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, brims with architectural character. Like a painting, the closer you look at the passing houses, the more detail and texture you see — rippling clay roofs, angular wood paneling, delicate and colorful porch accents. “People that live in Clifton are very proud to live there. Clifton has been established for a very long time,” says Alicia Stoughton with Keller Williams Advisors. First recognized as a village in 1850, the neighborhood has carefully preserved its historical charm. It still feels like a quaint village today, protected from the urban commercialization that has energized downtown Cincinnati.

“Clifton surrounds the University of Cincinnati, which definitely has an influence on the community. You have a huge variance of student housing all the way to million-plus priced homes,” Stoughton says. Among the mix of local houses, Tudor Revivals channel old-English architecture with ornamental stone and woodwork, while Victorian styles are known for their colorful exteriors and rounded turrets. Estates in the north area often increase in price and occupy up to or around 1-acre lots. Moving south, the houses cluster together in closer community to each other on around 10,000-square-foot lots. Craftsman bungalows and multi-story cottages are some of the area’s most modest options, typically listing between $100,000 to around $200,000. Including open lots marketed below $10,000, the median listing price settles around $215,000.

The community can gather at one of the many trendy establishments along Ludlow Avenue, the neighborhood’s hub for restaurants and small businesses. Biagio’s Bistro is ideal for a cozy, dimly lit dinner. “It's delicious. Biajio, himself, is there almost every night to make the food. You have to try the tomato soup,” Stoughton says. After the soup and maybe a plate of pasta, you can browse the catalog of dessert options, including chocolate turtle cake, banana cream pie and creme brulee.

Heading west along Ludlow Avenue, you’ll likely notice the diamond-patterned walls and red marquee of the Esquire Theatre. This 110-year-old theater has entertained Clifton residents since the early-20th-century era of silent films. A few buildings down, music floods from the opened doors of Ludlow Garage, a popular music venue cherished by Cincinnatians. Watch their upcoming schedule for a show that may pique your interest, and once there, grab a table, a burger and a beer, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

For some time spent outdoors, people from all over to city visit Clifton’s Mt. Storm Park to appreciate the panoramic view of the Millcreek Valley. The 57-acre park also features a playground and a gazebo, perfect for photo ops. In the winter, snow enthusiasts trek their sleds up the park’s steep-sloping hill over and over again – a small price to pay for blissful fun. Clifton also borders Burnet Woods, a 90-acre park full of hiking trails and picnic shelters. Paths hug the park's lake, creating a meditative walk for bird lovers, anglers and poets alike.

In between park visits, local youth can attend Clifton Area Neighborhood School, one of 65 facilities under the Cincinnati Public Schools District. The district has an overall B-minus rating and individual B ratings in Niche.com's "college prep" and "clubs and activities" categories. according to Niche.com. Located back on Ludlow Avenue, Clifton Natural Foods and Clifton Market cater to everyday grocery needs. “Clifton is definitely urban, but it has very quiet streets as well,” Stoughton says. With a strip of local businesses within the neighborhood and proximity to downtown Cincinnati, Clifton accesses all the amenities of urban life without losing the village-like charm established back in the neighborhood’s earliest days.

Written By

Elise Steele

Photography Contributed By

Bob Benkert

Video By

Syd Silberman