Northgate - Cincinnati, OH

Northgate lies within Colerain Township, an area with rich history that began long before European settlers arrived in southwest Ohio. Several Native American tribes occupied the area, including the Shawnee. Europeans first established settlements in Northgate and the surrounding neighborhoods at the end of the 18th Century. Many German immigrants made a living by farming the area throughout the 1800s and 1900s.

Today, Northgate is better known for shopping and dining than for farmland. With the establishment of Northgate Mall and other major business areas, the neighborhood has evolved into a modern suburban neighborhood.

While the neighborhood does not include any museums, residents do enjoy several annual traditions. The Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society in Northgate hosts Oktoberfest, celebrating the neighborhood's German heritage. Festival-goers enjoy beer, authentic foods and German dancers. Northgate Mall hosts Circus Saturdays, where the whole family can attend magic shows, acrobat demonstrations and more.

Chain and fast food restaurants dominate Northgate, with plenty of affordable options for residents seeking a quick, traditional meal. Popular options include Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Chipotle. For more local flavor, take a trip off the beaten path away from Northgate Mall.

Red Squirrel Restaurant, a local favorite on Colerain Road, specializes in double-decker sandwiches. Try a ham or corned beef double decker, complete with chips and a pickle. Breakfast diners insist on Red Squirrel's hillbilly hash and apocalypto sandwich. For dessert, don't miss homemade pie and cheesecake.

If you're in the mood for authentic local diner fare, step into Frank's Diner on Pippin Road. The classic independent diner serves breakfast specials all day, and locals rave about the friendly atmosphere and low prices. For dinner, try turkey and beef or five-way chili spaghetti.

When it comes to nightlife, sports bars and casual pubs fill the streets of Northgate. For some evening entertainment to pair with drinks, stop into Colerain Bowl to try your hand at a few frames.

The shopping centers and restaurants in Northgate lie on busy roads, so most people prefer to drive instead of walk. Shopping areas in the area provide plenty of free parking for drivers, and the neighborhood lies directly adjacent to Highway 275 and 126. Driving proves to be a convenient, safe and affordable option.

The roads in Northgate do not include dedicated bike lanes, but experienced and cautious cyclists find it possible to share the road with other vehicles. When it comes to public transportation, Cincinnati's SORTA bus provides several routes throughout the neighborhood. Don't expect to hail a taxi even in the busiest shopping areas. Plan to call ahead for a cab instead. Uber also offers service throughout Northgate and surrounding neighborhoods.

Northgate includes several parks and recreation areas for outdoor fun. Visit Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve on Poole Road for a chance to get up close and personal with nature. The park offers a half-mile Pin Oak Trail, which features a wildflower and butterfly garden. The park is free and welcomes children and leashed dogs. Don't miss the nature preserve's gift shop and educational center. Several nature exhibits and special events throughout the year educate visitors about the unique natural features of southwest Ohio.

If you're a sports enthusiast seeking recreational facilities or seasonal league teams, the Olympian Club is the place for you. For a small fee, members can join a variety of teams, including soccer, baseball, basketball and volleyball. Olympian Club provides teams for people of all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens.

Most costs in Northgate reflect averages across the city, though rental costs tend to be significantly lower than in other areas. Low residential rates attract many young people and first-time homeowners to the area. Renters in Northgate pay an average of $485 a month.

When it comes to shopping and dining, expect to pay the same prices in Northgate as in other parts of Cincinnati. Plenty of restaurants surrounding Northgate Mall give diners many options, from inexpensive to upscale. On average, expect to pay between $4 and $6 for a pint of beer at local bars.

Drivers in Northgate pay gas prices that generally reflect city-wide and nationwide averages. When it comes to public transportation, Northgate and surrounding neighborhoods lie within the SORTA metro system's Zone 2. A ticket on the SORTA bus to downtown Cincinnati costs $2.65.

Northgate Mall, in the center of the neighborhood, serves as a shopping hub for people from all over the west side of Cincinnati. The mall includes hundreds of stores and restaurants, from large department stores to specialty boutiques. Unlike some premium malls in other Cincinnati neighborhoods, Northgate Mall provides options for all tastes and budgets.

Several large grocery stores serve Northgate residents, including Walmart, Meijer and Kroger all within a few city blocks. If you're looking for more locally-grown and organic food options, you won't find any farmer's markets within the immediate area. Nearby neighborhood of College Hill does host a farmer's market on Thursday afternoons, if you're willing to make a 15-minute drive.

For musical shoppers looking to buy a piano or organ, don't miss Kathy's Happy Organs in Northgate Mall. The shop sells a selection of new and used pianos and organs. Kathy's Happy Organs also provides piano and guitar lessons for musicians of all ages and abilities.

If you plan to get a new tattoo or piercing, Northgate's Red Dragon Tattoo and Piercing has the expert services you're looking for. Locals rave about the quick, polite serve and immaculate attention to detail at Red Dragon. The store's owners call Red Dragon the cleanest, brightest and most beautiful tattoo shop in the city.