Monfort Heights East - Cincinnati, OH

Monfort Heights East and surround Green Township began as farmland in the early 1800s. By 1920, over 800 farms were in operation throughout this area. The neighborhood was named after E.R. Monfort, the postmaster of Cincinnati in the early 1900s. "Heights" was added to the name because of the area's high elevation, overlooking much of the city.

Today, Monfort Heights East has evolved from an agricultural community to a more urban suburb, including shopping areas and businesses of all kinds. Interstate 74 brought more commuters and families from the center of the city to Monfort Heights East, sparking residential developments and the growth of parks and schools.

Though the neighborhood does not include any museums, the Green Township Historical Society hosts monthly meetings to discuss and share the history of Monfort Heights East and its surrounding communities. The group also plans educational events and programming for members of the community.

If you're looking for a variety of dining options that are as affordable as they are tasty, look no further than North Bend Road in the heart of Monfort Heights East. From fast food to local specialties, this area provides a wide range of possibilities. For a quick and inexpensive option, check out Skyline Chili or Frisch's Big Boy.

If you're in the mood for a taste of Thai, Thai Namtip can't be beat. Boasting the best Thai food in town, this local establishment serves up curry, stir fry and sushi for lunch and dinner. Locals rave about the cashew nut stir fry. If you like something with a kick, the shrimp pineapple curry might be right up your alley.

For limited but unusual pub fare and a friendly atmosphere, check out Tavern on the Bend. Don't let its modest exterior fool you; the killer mac and cheese combinations are sure to please. Be sure to order the Westside Mac crammed with cheese sauce, grilled chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce. The pub doesn't serve wings, but offers up great pretzel sticks and craft beers in a family-friendly sports-bar venue.

The relaxed, casual nightlife in Monfort Heights East appeals to residents looking for a few quiet drinks with friends. If you're looking for loud music and a fast-paced club scene, head into the city.

People in Monfort Heights East tend to travel by car. While walking might be a quick and convenient option for visiting neighbors in the largely residential community, shopping and dining areas are too spread out to access easily by foot. Fortunately, ample parking lots in major business areas provide plenty of cheap parking options for drivers.

If you're interested in commuting by bike, Monfort Heights East is a bike-friendly neighborhood. While few of the streets provide dedicated bike lanes, most routes are safe enough for cyclists to easily share the road with other vehicles. Mt. Airy Forest Park has dozens of miles of dedicated bike trails for more serious enthusiasts to enjoy.

Cincinnati's public metro bus, SORTA, also offers transportation options for residents. Several bus lines runs throughout the neighborhood, connecting locals with nearly every other area in Cincinnati. In addition, Uber is an option, and local cabs can be summoned with a quick phone call.

Directly adjacent to Monfort Heights East lies the largest park in the city, Mt. Airy Forest Park. Boasting nearly 1,500 acres of wooded hills, trails and open recreation areas, this park has free outdoor recreation options for residents of all ages. Bring your kids and dogs to the park's many open fields and playground areas for hours of outdoor fun.

The park provides dozens of miles of hiking, biking and bridle trails to explore. It also includes an enclosed dog park, gardens and Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible tree house. Relax on a large outdoor swing, or host your next family get-together at one of the park's many shelter houses.

Annual activities include Green-Up Day, where residents come together to maintain Mt. Airy Forest's many flower beds and foliage. If you're the competitive type, don't miss the park's annual Frisbee golf tournaments during the summer.

Residents of Monfort Heights East enjoy a cost of living comparable to the city average. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment is $595 a month.

Monfort Heights East maintains gas prices that reflect national and city averages. For those preferring public transportation, a ride on the SORTA metro bus to the city center costs $2.65. When it comes to restaurants and entertainment, plenty of inexpensive options make evenings out affordable. Most dining options remain casual and reasonably priced. You can expect to pay $4 to $5 for a pint of beer at local pubs.

Monfort Heights East includes a variety of affordable and high-end shopping options for residents of all tastes. When it comes to quick grocery shopping, Kroger is the popular one-stop choice for locals. If you're looking for more local and organic grocery options, Lettuce Eat Well Farmers Market in neighboring Westwood serves up locally grown produce and handmade baked goods. Residents from all over the west side of the city flock to this market all year.

For handcrafted gifts, don't miss Karen's Basket Factory and Country Store on Cheviot Road. This locally owned boutique has numerous handmade products including rustic signs, candles and custom-made baskets. The shop also sells gourmet food items, such as fireside cocoa mix and beer bread baking kits.

If you're an animal lover, Monfort Aquarium and Pet Shop will suit all your needs. Purchase a saltwater aquarium set and get top-notch advice and support from the experts at this boutique. If you're looking for more exotic pets, this shop has you covered. Bring home a mini eel, baby boa, or a rose hair tarantula.