Reading is a low valley and a steep hill, rolled into one hardworking community. This neighborhood is known for its year-round events and holiday celebrations that bring everyone together. “Around Halloween, Reading goes overboard,” says 23-year Realtor Bill Elfers with ERA Real Solutions. “All the cul-de-sacs on the hilltop have neighborhood parties and dress up the houses. It’s a really close-knit community.” Organizations like the Reading Fire Department and Cincinnati Public Library are frequent sponsors of these local festivals, and the Dan Beard Council leads scouting trips in the area. Narrow lots and tight streets add to this familiarity, and a large population of long-time residents make it likely that neighbors know each other names.
A Typical Reading Street from higher on the hill.
An aerial view of Reading showing how much of the area is built on a hill.
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Reading Farmer’s Market and Holiday Walk
On the corner of Reading Road and Vine Street, produce lovers can scour the Reading Farmer’s Market, held every Friday from June through September. The Running Scared 5k rings in October’s spooky season, and neighbors even shut down residential streets to get together. Sponsored by local businesses, December’s Holiday Walk draws the whole community for Santa Claus photos, a live Nativity set and an ice rink. Koenig Park hosts many of these local celebrations, such as the Valley Youth Organization’s Memorial Day Festival and American Legion Post’s 4th of July Festival. “Koenig festivals are a big draw for the community, and a lot of people participate,” says Elfers, a Cincinnati native.
Rows of houses line the streets, each with its own unique design, color, and character
The Streetscape of Reading Road.
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Valleyed and hillside Cape Cods
“There are mainly two kinds of houses in Reading,” says Elfers. “The valley houses were built in the late 1800s or early 1900s. After that, the Cape Cods up on the hill were built in the 1950s and 1960s.” Older homes will likely need more renovations and range from $200,000 to $250,000, with two and three bedrooms available. As the elevation increases, so do the prices – midcentury homes are often renovated and go toward $300,000. Pockets of newer homes built in the 1980s tend to be west toward Evendale, and these can run upwards of $400,000.
Reading has a number of newer built traditional style homes.
Cape Cod homes are the prevalent design in the Reading area.
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Bitter Sweet and bridal boutiques
Foodies can get breakfast crepes and omelets at Bitter Sweet and pick up a lunchtime hoagie at Angilo’s Pizza. North on Reading Road, they might also stop into Don Vonderhaar’s for fresh cuts of meat, local groceries, and city-wide catering. Shoppers can roam the floor at nearby Grand Antique Mall, a quirky warehouse with a little bit of everything, or go costume hunting at Talk of the Town. Brides-to-be are in luck, too — North America’s largest bridal district runs along Benson Street, with 44 stores and over 9,000 gown options.
Bitter and Sweet is a favorite among Reading residents.
If you shopping for that special gown be sure and stop by Lace Bridal Couture in Reading.
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Reading Elementary and High Schools
Reading Community City School District is rated in Niche’s top 10 districts for Hamilton County. In the neighborhood’s western portion and combined into one campus, Reading Elementary and High Schools are ranked C-plus by Niche. High schoolers also have the option of Mount Notre Dame, rated the number four all-girls high school in Cincinnati and an A-minus by Niche.
Mount Notre Dame High School
Private High School
Reading, Cincinnati, Ohio
Reading Community High School
Public High School
Reading, Ohio
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Koenig and Observatory Parks
In the western portion of the neighborhood and alongside Mill Creek, residents can hit balls on Koenig Park’s diamond or compete in the summer horseshoe league. Kids can jump around on the playground at nearby Quiet Park, and less than a mile east, Observatory Park has outdoor basketball and tennis courts. Though some of Reading is easily walkable, its eastern elevation allows for great exercise.
The entry sign for Quiet Park
Observatory Park
Reading, Reading, OH
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Quick commutes with Route 42, I-75
While not required, four-wheel drive in wintertime might be more suited for hillside roads, but lower routes like Benson Street should be less taxing. The namesake Reading Road — colloquially known as Route 42 — takes drivers 10 miles into downtown Cincinnati. They could also use Interstate 75, accessible along Wyoming Avenue.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Mark Chenoweth
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
K Lynne Engel,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Location and Great Investment!! Property back on the market due to buyer's financing denied. This 4 family unit is located in the heart of Reading on a very quiet street. All 1 bedroom units are occupied. Tenants pay for own utilities except for water. Each unit offers electric baseboard heat, lovely hardwood floors and they stay full. Off street parking. Please give 24 hours notice before
9495 Reading Rd. offers a 14-unit multifamily investment in the centrally located Reading neighborhood of Cincinnati. The property consists of a 12-unit building and a duplex, featuring a unit mix of 1 studio, 11 one-bedrooms, a two-bedroom, and a three-bedroom. With 13 of the 14 units currently occupied, this asset provides immediate income with room for growth. The 12-unit building is heated by
9481 Reading Rd. is a 10-unit multifamily asset located in the desirable Reading neighborhood of Cincinnati. The property features a unit mix of 6 studios, 2 one-bedrooms, and 2 two-bedrooms, catering to a wide range of renters. Heating is provided by a central boiler and two furnaces, all paid by the owner, offering a clear opportunity to improve operating expenses. This opportunity
Location and Great Investment!! Property back on the market due to buyer's financing denied. This 4 family unit is located in the heart of Reading on a very quiet street. All 1 bedroom units are occupied. Tenants pay for own utilities except for water. Each unit offers electric baseboard heat, lovely hardwood floors and they stay full. Off street parking. Please give 24 hours notice before
9495 Reading Rd. offers a 14-unit multifamily investment in the centrally located Reading neighborhood of Cincinnati. The property consists of a 12-unit building and a duplex, featuring a unit mix of 1 studio, 11 one-bedrooms, a two-bedroom, and a three-bedroom. With 13 of the 14 units currently occupied, this asset provides immediate income with room for growth. The 12-unit building is heated by
9481 Reading Rd. is a 10-unit multifamily asset located in the desirable Reading neighborhood of Cincinnati. The property features a unit mix of 6 studios, 2 one-bedrooms, and 2 two-bedrooms, catering to a wide range of renters. Heating is provided by a central boiler and two furnaces, all paid by the owner, offering a clear opportunity to improve operating expenses. This opportunity
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Powell's Garden Apartments offers a large variety of floor plans in our studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments located near Blue Ash in Northeastern Cincinnati, Ohio. We are conveniently close to I-75, 126 Ronald Regan Highway, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash Campus City of Blue Ash. Bus stops are minutes away. Powell's Garden offers Classic and Modern Rehabbed units with some paid
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