Walnut Hills - Cincinnati, OH Area Guide

Walnut Hills is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cincinnati. The neighborhood began as the 130-acre farm owned by James Kemper, a Presbyterian minister. The farmland stretched throughout most of modern-day Walnut Hills and East Walnut Hills. Gilbert Avenue was completed in 1868. This route through the center of Walnut Hills became an essential transportation route for travelers commuting between downtown Cincinnati and its northern suburbs.

Harriet Beecher Stowe lived with her family in Walnut Hills during the mid-1800s. She completed research for her book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" while residing in the neighborhood. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House operates as an Ohio historical site, offering tours, events and cultural programs.

Residents of Walnut Hills demonstrate a strong sense of pride for their neighborhood and its heritage. The We are Walnut Hills Festival takes place in May, where locals gather with food and music to celebrate this unique neighborhood.

When it comes to restaurants and nightlife, Walnut Hills' combination of casual bars, pubs, small restaurants and fast food proves an option for all tastes. Looking for something quick and easy? Skyline Chili and Frisch's Big Boy provide inexpensive, quick options.

For a taste of Eastern Europe, head on over to Andy's Mediterranean Grille. Sample red lentil soup, lamb shanks and baklava, all hand-made from family recipes. For a warm, authentic drink, give the Lebanese coffee a try.

Die-hard coffee fans will find a new favorite stop at Café DeSales in East Walnut Hills. Sip on a latte over lunch, or try a homemade egg sandwich made to order on your way to work.

When it comes to nightlife, Myrtle's Punch House is a must-try location. Opened by the award-winning founder of downtown bars Japp's and Famous Neons Unplugged, Myrtle's Punch House specializes in rum- and bourbon-based punches. Order a glass for yourself or a whole bowl to ladle out with friends.

If jazz is your style, The Greenwich is a Walnut Hills staple. With live jazz, spoken word and art, it remains a gem in the Cincinnati performance scene. Stop by for happy hour and live entertainment, and treat yourself to a taste of Greenwich Village right in Cincinnati.

While some areas of Walnut Hills are walkable, most people in the area travel by car. Most business and recreation areas have parking lots, and street parking is also cheap and readily available. The central business and restaurant district of East Walnut Hills is pedestrian-friendly, with coffee shops and small boutiques lining a short collection of city blocks. Interstate 71 can be accessed just a few minutes from the neighborhood, making it easy to travel downtown or to northern suburbs.

Most of Walnut Hills' major streets include bike lanes, making travel convenient for cyclists. SORTA, Cincinnati's public metro system, provides a variety of lines connecting Walnut Hills to the rest of the city. If you're looking for a cab, you won't be able to hail one easily on the street, but Uber and Lyft are available for locals looking for a convenient ride home.

German Cemetery, on the northern edge of Walnut Hills, offers a scenic option for walkers, with hilly paved trails weaving throughout historic grave markers. The cemetery offers a serene getaway from work or a place for quiet recreation.

Just beyond the southern edge of Walnut Hills lies Eden Park, one of the city's most famous and popular recreation areas. Popular for its breathtaking overlooks, shaded trails, and a variety of picnic and playground facilities, Eden Park is only a short walk or drive away for residents of Walnut Hills. Feed the ducks by Mirror Lake, or relax on a bench while enjoying an unmatched view of the downtown skyline and Ohio River.

The cost of living in Walnut Hills sits slightly below the city average. The median rental rate for a one-bedroom residence in the neighborhood is $610 per month. A wide range of residential options, from historic Victorian homes to redeveloped apartment complexes, are available in Walnut Hills.

Gas prices in the area usually compare equally to the national average. A trip from Walnut Hills to downtown on the SORTA metro bus costs $1.75. While restaurant and shopping options range from inexpensive to luxurious, the average price points generally match the rest of the city. You can expect to pay $4 to $6 for a pint of beer at local pubs.

Walnut Hills offers a variety of shopping options, from national chains to independent boutiques. Kroger provides convenient, affordable grocery shopping for local residents. CVS Pharmacy and United Dairy Farmers also provide conventional options for shoppers.

For a fresh, local grocery option, don't miss the Walnut Hills Findlay Market Farmstand. Open Thursday afternoons on McMillan Street, Findlay Market farmers and growers sell produce, baked goods, bread and gourmet popcorn.

Are you an avid cyclist looking to get your bike serviced? Are you a beginner, curious about purchasing a specialty bicycle? Look no further than the Cincinnati Bicycle Company. In the heart of East Walnut Hills on Woodburn Avenue, this independent bicycle service and retail shop offers a personal touch. These experts answer all your questions and have you on the road in no time.

Just down the road, Pistachio Press sells unique gifts for every occasion. Check out the large selection of handwritten calligraphy stationary.