Paddock Hills - Cincinnati, OH

Paddock Hills' major street, Tennessee Avenue, once held the Miami and Erie Canal. Paddock Hills served as a temporary resting place for people traveling along the canal in the 1880s. What was once a rural area with rolling hills and farmland has developed into an urban neighborhood. General Bragg led the construction of Avon Fields Golf Course, now part of the Cincinnati Recreation Commission.

Though the neighborhood does not offer any museums, neighboring Norwood has a historical society with photos and memorabilia that includes Paddock Hills. Several local churches in the area host music and art events, including a summer Jazz on the Lawn event held at the Church of Resurrection. Other annual events include the Paddock Hills Annual Women's Tea and a neighborhood Halloween party.

Paddock Hills boasts a few of the best restaurants in Cincinnati. If you're in the mood for Chinese cuisine, stop by Blue Gibbon, one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. A neighborhood staple for over 30 years, this restaurant along Tennessee avenue welcomes diners from all over the city. Sample spicy General Tso's Chicken, or opt for lettuce wraps and fried won tons.

Sugar 'N Spice Restaurant has been a breakfast and brunch hot spot for locals and visitors alike since the 1940s. People flock from all over the city to chow down on wispy-thin pancakes, Mexican omelets and bottomless coffee. Belly up to the bar-style counter for a uniquely authentic diner experience, or enjoy a cozy booth with three or four friends.

Residents in Paddock Hills looking for nightlife destinations will have to travel to neighboring Norwood or Bond Hill for some casual bars and pubs. In Bond Hill, Garfield Tavern serves up inexpensive drinks and a casual atmosphere. Gordo's in Norwood offers and extensive beer list along with gourmet burgers.

Paddock Hills is a small, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood for locals hoping to run a few errands or grab lunch without needing to take a car or bus. While many people in Paddock Hills prefer to travel by car, parking is widely available at local restaurants and businesses. Most commercial areas include free parking lots, with reasonably priced street parking also readily available. The neighborhood's proximity to Norwood Lateral Highway offers a quick link to Interstates 71 and 75, making travel to other areas of the city fast and simple.

If public transportation is more your style, several lines of the SORTA city metro bus run through Paddock Hills. The bus system makes it affordable and convenient to travel to most other areas of the city. Cabs are not a common sight in Paddock Hills, but Uber and Lyft are available and widely used by students traveling to and from neighboring Xavier University. Cyclists share the road with cars and buses in Paddock Hills, and while the hilly terrain can make cycling a challenge, it remains a feasible options for those willing to brave the hills.

The large parks in Paddock Hills make this neighborhood attractive to residents of all ages looking for outdoor recreation. Set on the beautiful rolling terrain that makes Paddock Hills famous, Avon Fields Golf Course is a city-owned golf course offering affordable access to driving ranges and an 18-hole course. Locals are pleased to find this golf course reasonably priced, compared to other neighborhoods' more exclusive country clubs and private golf courses.

On the east side of Paddock Hills, Lower Millcrest Park offers recreation options for the whole family. Its grassy trails and large fields make excellent options for a walk with the dog or afternoon hike. Kids will enjoy the park's several playgrounds. Lower Millcrest Park is free and also includes a large parking lot, shelter house and baseball fields. The park hosts baseball leagues and a summer racing series.

The cost of living in Paddock Hills tends to remain slightly lower than the city average. With low rental rates and affordable shopping options, living in this area is certainly affordable. The average rental rate is $464 per month. Residential options include multifamily homes, small apartment complexes and a few large apartment buildings.

Traveling by city bus to surrounding areas or downtown costs $1.75. For those preferring to travel by car, gas prices generally reflect national averages. Dining and drinking options are generally casual rather than upscale, and you can expect to pay $3 to $5 a pint for beer at local bars.

Paddock Hills offers residents a few local shopping destinations, all high-value, affordable options. For those seeking large shopping centers and high-end boutiques, a quick trip on Interstate 71 leads to Norwood and Kenwood. In Paddock Hills, locals can do some affordable shopping at Family Dollar and pick up a few grocery items at Thornton's. Just a few miles away in Norwood, Kroger offers a wider grocery selection as well.

For those looking for fresher, locally-grown produce, the neighboring communities of Hyde Park and Walnut Hills host farmers markets. While Paddock Hills does not have a farmers market of its own, these nearby options will surely suit shoppers' needs.

If you're in need of quick and attentive auto repair, look no further than Huber and Kessel on Reading Road. Locals rave about this repair shop's affordable prices, customer service and attention to detail.

For the do-it-yourself-ers out there, Cincy Tool Rental has your equipment needs covered. Whether you need to rent a specialty power tool, painting equipment or chairs and tables for your next large party, this rental shop in the heart of Paddock Hills will have what you're looking for.