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Cincinnati has always been a city of strong opinions and deep pride. Ask any local, and you’ll get an earful about chili, the Bengals, or which neighborhood has the best coffee. But in 2025, with the city at a crossroads of development, politics, and culture, we hit the streets—and the inboxes—to ask a simple question:
How do you feel about Cincinnati right now?
We expected mixed feelings. What we got was a nuanced, sometimes surprising look at where the Queen City stands—and where it’s headed.
“There’s momentum. You can feel it.”
Many residents point to an undeniable energy building across the region. From the riverfront to the suburbs, people are seeing investment, opportunity, and growth.
“I’ve lived in Clifton for 20 years and there’s a buzz I haven’t felt in a long time,” said Dana, a UC alum and small business owner. “The city feels younger, more alive, and more ambitious.”
New developments like The District at Clifton Heights, the expansion of TQL Stadium, and big infrastructure projects in Covington and downtown are fueling the sense that Cincinnati is stepping into something bigger than itself.
From neighborhood beautification efforts in places like Camp Washington and Walnut Hills to the revitalization of commercial corridors like Madison Road, Liberty Street, and Madison Avenue in Northern Kentucky, locals are seeing—and feeling—the change.
“It’s not the same city I grew up in—and that’s not all bad.”
Generational Cincinnatians admit the city has changed. But for many, that change feels long overdue.
“I remember when downtown was empty after 6 p.m. Now I’m struggling to find parking on a Tuesday night,” said Marcus, a lifelong Westwood resident. “People complain, but I see that as a good problem to have.”
The influx of new residents—from both out of state and abroad—is reshaping the city’s demographics and culture. With that comes new energy, yes, but also tension. Some locals express concern about affordability, housing availability, and whether the city’s character is being preserved.
But others are optimistic.
“We’re not losing who we are,” said Erica from East Price Hill. “We’re finally being seen for what we’ve always been—scrappy, smart, and creative.”
“We still feel underrepresented—especially politically.”
Despite all the growth, many conservative residents in Hamilton County say they feel pushed to the margins politically. With the city and county governments largely dominated by Democrats, some believe their voices are being drowned out.
“There’s a liberal monopoly on city politics. Whether you’re talking about council, the county commission, or even nonprofit leadership—there’s not much ideological diversity,” said Adam Koehler, a local entrepreneur and former candidate for office. “That doesn’t represent the full spectrum of this community.”
Others echoed that frustration, especially on issues like crime, education, and housing policy. Some say they feel that downtown leaders are out of touch with what families in places like Delhi, Colerain, or Norwood really need.
Still, a growing number of civic-minded residents are stepping up to challenge the status quo—not just in politics, but in media, education, and community building.
“It’s still a great place to raise a family.”
For all its changes and challenges, one thing about Cincinnati remains true in 2025: people still see it as a place to put down roots.
Affordable housing—compared to cities like Chicago, Nashville, or Columbus—remains a key draw. So does access to quality schools, outdoor space, and family-friendly attractions.
“I can own a home here, work remotely, and walk my kid to a great public school. That’s not possible in a lot of cities anymore,” said Michael, who recently relocated to Mt. Lookout from Brooklyn.
The city’s parks, museums, zoo, and access to trails and riverfront activities continue to make Cincinnati a livable, enjoyable city—especially for those with children.
“We’ve got to stop being afraid of becoming something bigger.”
One theme we heard repeatedly was Cincinnati’s tendency to play small. Whether it’s in business, national attention, or how we see ourselves—some locals say the city is still stuck in an outdated mindset.
“There’s still this inferiority complex,” said Leslie, a startup founder in Covington. “We’ve got billion-dollar companies, a vibrant arts scene, one of the best food neighborhoods in the Midwest—and we act like we’re in flyover country.”
That’s beginning to change. With startups gaining ground, national publications taking notice, and development projects reshaping the skyline, the narrative is shifting. But some say the final hurdle is mental—we need to believe we belong at the table.
The Verdict: Hopeful, With a Healthy Dose of Grit
So what are Cincinnatians saying in 2025?
They’re proud. They’re cautious. They’re energized. They’re frustrated. But above all, they’re invested.
From debates about growth and politics to excitement over food, sports, and the future of the city—Cincinnati is having a moment. And while no two residents see the city exactly the same way, one thing is clear:
People care. A lot.
And that, more than anything, is the fuel that will keep Cincinnati growing, fighting, and evolving well into the future.
