West End - Cincinnati, OH

Traditionally a blue-collar neighborhood, the West Side of Cincinnati used to be rivals with the more white-collar East Side.With the ample work opportunities from hundreds of Fortune 500 companies, Cincinnati’s recent development has spread its gentrification process throughout West End.

Visitors can tour the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, which houses four museums under one roof. Children love the Omnimax Theatre: a 5-story, 79-foot diameter dome that plays rotating films about the museum.

Annual events include the Cincinnati Music Festival: a two-day music-thon at Paul Brown Stadium. Since 1962, the Cincy Music Fest has brought the most popular jazz, R&B, hip-hop and soul performers from around the world to play on the famous Ohio River.

New and traditional American cuisine at low-to-moderate prices rules the West End. Restaurants and bars dot many of the sidewalks just outside West End, including Incline Public House, a pizza joint with all kinds of eclectic American food. Test your new-found sense of taste with fried stuffed olives followed by a smoked beet and portobello sandwich. Drink up a view of the city from the vista at the top of the hill, but get there a little before dinner to secure parking.

Gather your buds for some brews at Nicholson’s, a classy gastropub in the heart of downtown. Ask this Scottish pub for its latest recommendations on Scottish whiskey, or try the Grapefruit & Basil cocktail if you’re feeling zesty. Munch on duck fat fries until closing time, or at least until the next showtime at the movie theater across the street.

Stuff your face with sushi mixed with steak and chicken at Fusian, a casual sushi joint on Vine Street. Somewhere between American fast-food and traditional Japanese dining, this choose-your-own sushi place allows you to pick your own wraps, proteins, veggies and toppings all rolled up like a burrito.

Lounges and cocktail bars infuse the nightlife of West End with a jazzy atmosphere. Hipsters, end your work week by dressing real nice and heading over to Igby’s. Bob your head to the music while sipping the latest microbrew. Overlook 6th Street during your next party, renting out the balcony for your best friend’s 30th.

West Enders generally drive to commute to work and run daily errands. However, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) and the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) both serve the greater Cincinnati area, with base fares as low as $1.25.

Residents tend to call taxis when they need a ride, as cabs don't come readily available outside of major transportation centers. Download the Uber application, and hail a cab to take you as far as Forest Park or Fort Mitchell.

Four major freeways remain easily accessible from West End, making this neighborhood a sweet spot for quick trips outside the city. Although West End generally has sidewalks for easy walking, be careful in some rougher areas of the city. Bike lanes are not always available, so remain alert while biking through West End.

Families in West End enjoy the many parks scattered throughout the city, giving them a time-out from work and city life to catch up with each other. On Sundays, gather your family and puppies, and wander on down to Washington Park. Hang out for free with other locals, letting the kids loose to play in the large, open space, or go during nighttime to hear the latest local bands, as well as the majestic Opera in the Park.

Take a day to travel outside the city just over the river into Kentucky to Devou Park for full views of downtown Cincinnati. Host your pals for a round of golf on its 18-hole course. With an amphitheater for concerts, trails for biking and running, a fishing pond and a museum, be sure to head out early for easier parking and less crowds.

The general cost of living in West End runs significantly lower than in downtown Cincinnati, with one-bedroom residences costing an average of $470, compared to upwards of $700 in the heart of downtown.

With some of the lowest public transportation costs in the country, you can reach the city’s center for $1.75. The typical pint of beer costs you $5 to $6, while gas prices remain 5 to 6 percent lower than the national average.

A healthy mix of shopping malls and small boutique stores dot West End and downtown Cincinnati. Park for free to shop at Crestview Hills Town Center, a large outdoor mall on Dixie Highway. Take your time meandering through stores such as Victoria's Secret before grabbing burgers at Five Guys. Take a stroll down East 7th Street for window shopping at Saks, Macy's, Talbots and more.

If boutiques call your name, try Sloane Boutique on Vine Street. This store provides super rare and trendy women's clothing at moderate-to-expensive prices. Grab your best friend, and head out for an afternoon of browsing the hippest new fashions from Funktional and House of Harlow. Ask the friendly staff for help accessorizing your latest finds. Inquire about the next trunk show with huge discounts on their best designer items.

For less pricey boutique options, try Portaluca just off the 71 freeway. Designed for thrifty shoppers, this store provides dressy pants, sweaters and suits for the fashion-minded business lady. Search for last year's model of Steve Madden shoes, or burrow for low-priced business blazers. All of your purchases support the "Dress For Success" campaign, which promotes economic independence for women.

Locals find fresh fish, meats, veggies and other produce at Findlay Market on Race Street. Snack on Blue Oven bread while sipping tea, then finish with a vanilla gelato. Arrive early to greet local farmers and purchase fruits and vegetables fresh from the farm.