Uptown Cincinnati is a collection of five neighborhoods that boast a mix of educational, regulatory and healthcare institutions, with a population that cuts across all social categories. This unique combination of economic and cultural diversity creates a one-of-a-kind community that’s reflected in the area’s many independent shops and international restaurants. It’s also a fantastic place to live.
Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) reached out to local realtors who are experts in Uptown’s unique housing inventory and options to learn more about the unique offerings that attract buyers and renters. Their responses were so informative that UCI decided to host a virtual panel discussion featuring several of the realtors. The panelists fielded questions from attendees and Beth Robinson, President and CEO of UCI, moderated the discussion. The session can be viewed here.
“We appreciated the realtors’ insights regarding home values and the wider importance of invigorated neighborhoods like Uptown,” said Robinson. “The experts also talked about the economic and cultural diversity of the area and why Uptown is a good place and value to buy a home.”
Here are some of the abbreviated responses from our panel of experts, including: Bob Brocker from Huff Realty, Robert DiTomassi and Barbra Druffel from Comey & Shepherd, Sheila Holmes Howard from OwnerLand Realty, Chris Holtman from RealLink and Airbnb Host and Heather Herr, Team Herr at Coldwell Banker.
WHAT ARE THE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS CURRENT MARKET? WHY ARE PEOPLE CHOOSING UPTOWN?
Bob Brocker:
Some of the local employers like UC and CCHMC attract talent from all around the world who relocate and settle in Uptown which has helped develop a diverse and vibrant community. This helps maintain a demand for housing in all price points as there’s need for both high-end properties as well as options for first-time buyers. I have also found that many of the newcomers from other parts of the country want to be able to bike to work, like they did in their previous jobs. The Uptown neighborhoods certainly allow for that.
Robert DiTomassi and Barbra Druffel:
Many of our clients choose Uptown to be an integral part of city life (rather than having to drive far to participate in it). The opportunities we see range from move-in ready, well-maintained properties to homes requiring total restoration to their former glory.
Heather Herr:
Many of my clients are looking to live close to the core of the city that is near work or their interests. Many are seeking new developments such as townhomes and smaller homes, condos, turnkey living and convenience in an actively rising area. The target age group of my clients ranges from young professionals, and growing families, to those looking to downsize, retire or pursue investment purposes. Uptown is for everyone.
Chris Holtman:
Uptown is a desirable place to live for any age or stage in life – the location, walkability, accessibility, amenities and more. Our tenants and short-term rental guests choose to stay in one of our properties for a variety of reasons – they want to catch a basketball game at one of the local universities and explore the area; they want to live within walking distance of their job; they have appointments at one of the local hospitals; they want to live in a home with old school charm and character.
Sheila Holmes Howard:
Some of my clients who are young and were looking to purchase their first home find Uptown a great place to start. Some are empty nesters looking for a smaller, new, or well cared for home. It is a mixed bag. I’ve recently sold to many demographic groups in Avondale: single family homes, new construction, and rehabbed homes. The new homeowners work close by or remotely. The proximity to everything, move-in condition homes and a gorgeous view of the Urban Learning Garden at Rockdale Academy were some of their motivating factors.
WHAT MAKES THE UPTOWN AREA A UNIQUE PLACE TO LIVE?
Bob Brocker:
The entire Uptown area allows unique access and proximity to so much that Cincinnati has to offer, even by bicycle! It’s appealing to many of its residents to be able to pedal to the zoo, OTR and Findlay Market. Of course, living in Uptown means being near restaurants, entertainment opportunities and everything offered on UC’s campus. Beyond all of that, the Uptown architecture is just gorgeous and full of character. Many of the turn-of-the-century homes have retained so much original detail and charm even after being rehabbed to include the most modern amenities. No two houses are alike. I find that that is desirable to many buyers who value living in homes with historic character.
Chris Holtman:
Uptown is centrally located to just about everything you would need or want in greater Cincinnati. For nearby needs, you simply can’t match Uptown’s walkability to eclectic restaurants and bars, shops, parks, and amenities. Uptown is quite simply an energized, booming neighborhood ready for anyone to call home. And I should know as that is exactly what my partner and I have done!
Robert DiTomassi and Barbra Druffel:
Simply put, Uptown is unique because of its historic architecture and how much of it is still in place. Beyond preserved history, it offers density that makes for a good community along with parks and walkability.
Sheila Holmes Howard:
The Uptown Area is a mixture of diverse neighborhoods and people. Emerging new businesses along with existing businesses brings growth and sustainability. There are career path employment opportunities with some of Cincinnati’s largest employers located in Uptown. Residents will also reap the benefits of some new redevelopment projects. These include restaurants, shops, hotels, workspace, walking trails and much more.
Heather Herr:
I am passionate about urban living, residing in North Avondale myself for over 30 years. I have even raised my family here while selling real estate throughout the urban core for almost two decades. For our neighbors, Uptown offers a central location to all that makes Cincinnati inviting, while connecting local communities and neighborhoods. Uptown leadership brought together invested community leaders (residents, business owners and elected officials) to actively collaborate to make Cincinnati a better place to live. Some of the new developments in Uptown now provide the opportunities those groups identified.
WHY IS UPTOWN A GOOD PLACE AND VALUE TO BUY A HOME?
Chris Holtman:
Personally, my partner and I are advocates of Uptown Cincinnati and love our neighborhood’s walkability, the mix of new and old homes, the many restaurants and bars, and beautiful parks around every corner. Our neighbors are incredible, too! We invest in the Uptown area professionally, as well. As home renovators and owners of long and short-term rentals, we recognize that the opportunities the Uptown area provides are desirable to our current and future tenants. It’s our goal to make living or visiting Cincinnati as accessible as possible to everyone.
Sheila Holmes Howard:
The Uptown area offers a wide range of housing stock for purchasing or renting a place to live. Affordability of home prices is found in these neighborhoods compared to the suburbs or outside of Cincinnati. With the area’s growth, opportunities and knowing all the good things that are happening here, I am happy to make this neighborhood my home.
Heather Herr:
Investing in rising neighborhoods strengthens our city. And the urban core is rapidly growing due to that investment. I believe this area is the next generation of our city and the future of our region. More of my clients have realized the great value of inclusive communities near the core of the city. And I believe that home values will continue to rise in these areas.
Bob Brocker:
When it comes to the housing market, feeling confident about your real estate investment is very important. Uptown is appealing to buyers and renters who desire to live in a walkable community that is so close to downtown yet feels like a friendly, comfortable community. I think there will be ongoing demand for nearby housing in all five of the Uptown neighborhoods to meet the needs of Uptown’s partners who continue to grow and focus on attracting and hiring the best talent.
Robert DiTomassi and Barbra Druffel:
Uptown remains valuable to buyers if you compare prices to similar sized city neighborhoods with access to terrific cultural institutions and a range of large and small businesses. Gaslight Clifton has done a great job preserving the historic feel of the neighborhood while engaging the new and being welcoming to all.
Here’s the contact information of the realtors from the article and video.
Sheila Holmes Howard
Rob Porter
Heather Herr & Nikki Hayden
Bob Brocker
Robert DiTomassi and Barbra Druffel
robert.ditomassi@gmail.com
bdruffel@comey.com
Chris Holtman
RealLink and Airbnb Host