Madisonville - Cincinnati, OH

Madisonville, originally called Madison, was named after President James Madison. Joseph Ward, the first permanent settler in Madisonville, traveled with his wife and family from New Jersey. Originally planning to settle further east in current-day Columbia-Tusculum, Ward's family sought higher ground in Madisonville to avoid flooding along the river.

After its establishment in 1809, Madisonville quickly grew as shops and a post office opened in village. With the development of the Red Bank Expressway, the neighborhood evolved from a small village to a thriving suburb. Today, Madisonville continues to change and grow and new businesses and restaurants call the neighborhood home.

While there are no museums in the neighborhood, several annual events keep residents entertained with food, art and entertainment. The annual Songfest in December brings together area churches to celebrate the holiday season with collaborate musical performances, worship and fellowship.

When it comes to restaurants and nightlife, Madisonville's combination of casual pubs, small restaurants and fast food proves an option for all tastes. Looking for something quick and easy? Penn Station, Subway and Rally's are inexpensive, quick options.

Stop in at Mazunte for bottomless handmade tortilla chips and some of the best authentic tacos around. Seating can be limited, especially when the outdoor patio closes during winter months; but, this Madisonville hot spot is worth the wait. Try the crispy, deep-fried tacos dorados, or sip on Mexican-style fruit drinks and margaritas on the rocks.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, give Ali Baba a try. Located conveniently along Red Bank Road, this Greek restaurant offers an array of authentic dishes. Locals rave about the falafel sandwiches and chicken shawarma.

When it comes to night life, Madisonville doesn't get wild. Residents prefer a relaxed, casual bar scene. If you've always dreamed of being a regular at the local watering hole, look no further than Bramble Patch, just off Plainville Road. Belly up to the bar for $3, and enjoy the friendly staff and jukebox music.

Most people in Madisonville travel by car, and public parking in shopping, business and recreation areas is cheap and readily available. The neighborhood is quickly accessible by both Interstate 71 and the Red Bank Expressway, making it easy to travel anywhere else in the city.

While Madisonville's major streets do not include bike lanes, the neighborhood does offer several miles of paved bike trails along its southern edge. Cincinnati's public transit system, SORTA, also offers a variety of lines connecting Madisonville to nearly every other area in Cincinnati. Uber and Lyft are available for late-night residents looking for a quick and convenient ride home. If you're hoping to catch a cab, you can't hail one right off the street, but a quick call has one ready to pick you up within a short wait.

Two parks in Madisonville provide a getaway for a picnic lunch, walk or game of frisbee. Bramble Park features two playground areas and a picnic shelter, with plenty of space for outdoor games. Little Duck Creek Park also provides picnic tables and shelter for anyone looking for a serene outdoor getaway. Both parks are free and welcome leashed pets.

In addition, the Madisonville Recreation Center provides recreational and exercise options for residents of all ages. From swimming to weight lifting, this facility provides recreational services at a minimal cost of $26 a year for adults, with a small additional fee to access some fitness facilities.

The cost of living in Madisonville is comparable to the city average. In the neighborhood, the average resident spends $838 per month on a one-bedroom apartment; however, rents can vary between $750 to over $1,000 depending on location. A wide range of residential options, from small apartment buildings and single-family homes, to larger residential complexes are available. A trip from Madisonville to downtown on the SORTA metro bus costs $1.75.

Because most bars and restaurants in Madisonville are casual and low-key, dining and drink options are generally affordable. You can expect to pay $3 to $5 for a pint at a local pub. While gas prices in Cincinnati fluctuate frequently, they reflect national prices on average.

Shopping in Madisonville is easy and convenient, with many stores and businesses located along the Red Bank Expressway. Walmart and Family Dollar provide convenient, affordable shopping for local residents.

For a fresh local grocery option during the summer months, don't miss the Madisonville Farmer's Market. Open Saturday mornings from June to October, local farmers and growers sell produce, baked goods and other homemade wares.

Play it Again Sports provides second-hand athletic equipment for fitness buffs. Looking for a gently-used treadmill or some replacement golf clubs? Play it Again Sports has what you're looking for. From free weights and small workout accessories to equipment and apparel, you can stock up on fitness items without breaking the bank.

Baseball card collectors from all over the city flock to Dean's Cards for their wide selection and friendly customer service. Whether you're new to card collecting or have been stocking up cards for years, this shop can keep you busy browsing cards for hours.

Looking to get your creative juices flowing with clay? Stop by Madison Clayworks, where visitors can purchase art from local potters and watch while they work in the studio. The shop also offers classes for all ages.

For the your closest furry friends, Red Dog Pet Resort offers the best pet recreation and boarding services in the area. Red Dog members can enjoy fitness classes, state-of-the-art dog parks and a wide variety of boarding options for their pets.