$232,546Average Value$142Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Underground Railroad history and modern-day redevelopment 8 miles from Downtown
Along Hamilton Avenue, some brick storefronts have histories dating back a century or more, and a handful of homes here once served as stops along Cincinnati’s Underground Railroad. College Hill is a neighborhood ripe with stories. Figures like Josiah Henson, the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom’s Cabin," escaped from Maryland and made his way through the woods near what is now College Hill's Six Acres Bed and Breakfast. It also took the city three tries—once in 1911, 1915, and finally in 1923—to fully annex College Hill. Today, it's now one of Cincinnati’s most populous communities, home to over 16,000 people and just 8 miles from Downtown. In part thanks to CHURC, or the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, the last 10 years have seen quite a few changes along Hamilton Avenue. “One of our goals is to make it a walkable neighborhood so that people who live in the outlying streets can walk to the business district and be able to do their shopping, pick food and entertainment without needing to drive,” says Craig Schultz, CHURC’s Director of Real Estate Development. Over the last few years, the corporation has transformed a former bowling alley into affordable apartments, sponsored community engagement opportunities like “Light Up College Hill” during the holiday season; and worked to revamp public parks and sidewalks. After the acquisition of the College Hill Plaza in 2024, CHURC now owns close to 50 buildings in the neighborhood. “We’re ensuring everything economically fits well into the neighborhood,” says Schultz and the next few years will see even more changes on the outskirts of Queen City.
Impressive historic architecture is evident throughout College Hill
Historic homes, such as this one off of Hamilton Avenue, are scattered throughout College Hill
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Century-old homes and pockets of new construction
It’s common for bungalows, Tudor-inspired homes and Foursquares in College Hill to date back 100 years or more, but prospective buyers will also find a collection of mid-century ranch-styles and move-in-ready New Traditionals, built in the 2000s, for sale here. The majority of single-family homes tend to hover between $150,000 and $300,000, although there are a few outliers, like modern builds that sell for upwards of $500,000. “In College Hill, they have small houses that are compartmentalized, usually three or four bedrooms,” says Doug Spitz, Lead Realtor at DWELL513, adding, “You’ll also find brand new apartments.” Lot sizes are relatively compact, around 8,000 square feet, and Spitz describes streets “lined with mature trees” and sidewalks. Many bungalows and Tudor-inspired houses have single-car garages, but some of the oldest properties have detached garages located at the end of narrow driveways. College Hill's CAP Index Crime Score is a 5 out of 10, a point higher than the national average of 4.
College Hill residents enjoy working out on the residential sidewalks.
An array of architectural designs can be found in College Hill.
Many homes built on brick foundations can be found in College Hill.
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A neighborhood library, walking trails and a forest preserve
According to Taylor Hedges, who’s worked as the youth librarian at the College Hill Branch Library for the last two years, it’s common for library patrons to walk over from their homes or apartments. “We really try to meet the needs of the community,” she says, adding, “Which now means job assistance, technology readiness and English classes for speakers of other languages.” The library is also located next to Pleasant Hill Academy, the local elementary school, making it “really big with the after-school crowd.” Nearby, residents can explore the paved trails and wildlife at the LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Preserve, which is home to families of deer, foxes and mink. There’s also an onsite nature center. Mt. Airy Forest, which spans close to 1,500 acres, is also located just outside the neighborhood and is a popular spot for hiking and disc golf.
Blooming flowers can be found along Hamilton Ave in College Hill.
College Hill can safely walk their beloved pets on the residential street sidewalks.
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The New Tech Program at Aiken High School
Some students in College Hill live a short walk away from public schools like Pleasant Hill Academy, which serves prekindergarten through Grade 6 and earns a C-minus rating on Niche. Next stop is Aiken High School, which serves Grade 7 through Grade 12, and receives a C rating. Aiken’s New Tech Program aims to build technology skills through a hands-on learning approach and curriculums that feature co-taught courses, pairing subjects like English and social studies and math and engineering. The neighborhood is also home to magnet schools like the College Hill Fundamental Academy and higher-learning institutions like the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University which can be found further south, closer to Downtown.
College Hill has a plethora od sculptures and monuments.
College Hill is home to educational institutions dedicated to fostering academic excellence.
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Lights Up College and Northside festivities
When it gets cold, Amber—who’s seen many changes along Hamilton Avenue over the course of her eight years at Bacalls Cafe—recommends an event called Light Up College Hill. “All the businesses pass out hot chocolate,” she says. There are train rides, visits with Santa and even live reindeer. “Of course, there’s also football,” she says; and it’s common for residents to cheer on the Bengals from the cafe’s bar. Less than a block away, Marty’s Hops & Vines is a popular stop for local musicians, and Brink Brewing hosts chili cookoffs and makers markets. Northside, another Cincinnati neighborhood a few miles down the hill, has a long history tied to the LGBTQ+ rights movement. There are regular drag shows at Good Judy’s and “They also have the best Fourth of July Parade,” according to Charles Thompson, innkeeper at Six Acres Bed and Breakfast in College Hill, who’s also worked as a firefighter for the city.
Bus 17 towards Findlay Market and premier medical centers
“I like the bus because when I get Downtown, I don’t have to worry about parking. We also have a free streetcar downtown,” says Thompson. Bus 17 runs down Hamilton Avenue towards Findlay Market and into Over the Rhine, a neighborhood known for its shopping and dining. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is about 20 miles—or 30 minutes—from College Hill via Interstate 75, and Queen City is also known for its top-rated medical care. Hospitals include Cincinnati Children’s, which is located within the neighborhood itself, along with Christ Hospital, a 555-bed facility in Mount Auburn. In general, College Hill is the type of neighborhood where loyalties remain strong. “College Hill has a ride-or-die mentality where people will stay in the neighborhood forever,” explains Spitz, adding, “If you’re a West Sider, College Hill is the best of the West.”
I-126 runs along the upper edge of College Hill offering convenient transportation
Go Metro busses offers College Hill transportation to and from the community
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Businesses old and new along Hamilton Avenue
Bacalls Cafe, located on Hamilton Avenue, has attracted a few of the same regulars since it first opened 50 years ago. “There are people that come here who have been coming here since the beginning,” says Amber, who’s worked at the restaurant for the past eight years and knows plenty of customers by name. “We’re one of the oldest businesses in College Hill.” During their lunch hours, local employees from neighboring businesses like Hodapp Funeral Home and Schwartz Jewelers, stop in to order burgers or the house chili, and TVs play Bengals games during football season. The last few years have also seen an influx of new establishments like Kiki, the brain child of James Beard award-winning chefs Hideki and Yuko Harada, or Tortilleria Garcia which serves authentic Mexican fare. Hamilton Avenue also has a McDonald’s for quick bites, and the nearest grocery store is Kroger, a short drive up the street.
Enjoy a delicious chicken sandwich with a side of sweet potato from Sleepy Bees in College Hill.
Enjoy a warm cup of coffee from Sleepy Bee's in College Hill.
Sleepy Bee in College Hill is its newest location, opening this past summer on Hamilton Ave.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alexandra Parker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
McEvoy Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Paul J. Pies Park
Soccer
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Laboiteaux Woods
Bike Trails
Trails
Nature Center
College Hill Park
Trails
Parking Lot
Multi-Purpose Field
Fox Preserve
Bike Trails
Trails
Bradford-Felter Tanglewood Park
Trails
Transit
Airport
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International
39 min drive
Bus
Hamilton Ave 5400
Bus
Daly Rd & Brushwood Ave
Bus
Hamilton Ave & Dixon Cir
Bus
W. North Bend Road & Faircrest Dr
Bus
Belmont Ave & Monticello Ave
Bus
North Bend Rd & Hempwood Ave
Bus
Hamilton Ave & Marlowe Ave
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.413 Reviews
5.0Current Resident
1/19/2022Niche Review
New project coming this year bringing a lot of new affordable housing with a lot of new commercial development. It's quite exciting - this neighborhood is really changing for the better.
3.0Current Resident
4/16/2018Niche Review
I am a current resident and like living here. I have been her for over 20 years and had no problems.
4.0Niche User
8/11/2016Niche Review
Friendly faces in a safe neighborhood. Public schools in the area aren't the best, but other CPS schools and private schools nearby are great.
3.0Current Resident
5/23/2017Niche Review
My overall experience in College Hill has been great. I enjoy walking to the local stores and restaurants to try new and interesting foods. The one thing that I would change about College Hill is the violence that happens, the shootings and the drug activity.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
College Hill
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
College Hill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in College Hill, Cincinnati sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in College Hill, Cincinnati over the last 12 months is $215,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this move-in-ready ranch located on a quiet cul-de-sac in College Hill! This home features 3 beds, 1.5 baths, and boasts numerous updates for comfort and peace of mind. The majority of the house has stunning bamboo flooring, while the kitchen has tile for easy cleaning + stainless steel appliances and updated cabinetry. All major mechanicals plus the roof have been replaced within the
This mid-century ranch has all the possibilities imaginable. This is the perfect home for investors and first-time renovators. Why? Because it truly has great bones. Many newer big ticket items have been done for you. HVAC 2019, Roof 2011, Whole House Generator 2021! Hardwood flooring under most if not all the carpeting. The rooms are spacious. The basement is framed for easy finishing and
Est. 2,695 sq ft of living space awaits in this beautifully renovated home. Featuring 4 beds/2.5 baths, spread across 3 floors. The main level is filled with natural light, due to large windows throughout, & showcases hardwood floors, elegant woodwork, and 2 fireplaces. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the living area w/ a spacious dining room, ideal for entertaining. The kitchen offers
Sparkling, move-in ready bungalow situated on a quaint street walkable to the exciting College Hill Business District. 1930's Charm blends seamlessly with modern convenience. Tastefully renovated kitchen w/quartz countertops, custom tile and SS appliances. Stylish updated bath. Brand new HVAC. Welcoming front porch and large deck overlooking fabulous yard with low maint. turf grass. Hurry.
Welcome to our North Bend Apartments in the highly sought after North College Hill area in Cincinnati, OH. This property features modern units a fridge, stove, and AC units for your convenience. With a centrally located laundry room on-site, you'll never have to worry about finding a laundromat again. This affordable apartment is perfect for those looking for a pet-friendly option, with small
Nice 3 berm ranch, large updated kitchen w/stainless steel appliances with walk out to enclosed patio, updated bathroom, newer laminate flooring, freshly painted interior and exterior, new roof. Very comfortable home ! No Pets Owner Agent
Join Our Family !Huge Apartments, nestled in a peaceful environment!Recently updated features include, new common area flooring, new paint, and consistent improvements!Water fee charge $50 depending on amount of bedrooms and occupants
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alexandra Parker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
14,922
Median Age
42
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$45,092
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$63,606
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.4%
College Graduates
29%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.9%
% Population in Labor Force
62.7%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
71/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
40/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
