The annual Harvest Home Fair in Cheviot began in 1855 and embodies the spirit of Cincinnati's west side. Featuring a parade, mini-marathon, art show, cold beverages, amusement rides, and more, this Labor Day weekend festival always excites the town.
In Cincinnati, the west side loves to claim it's the best side. That may indeed be true. If you ask folks from Cheviot, they will concur, and add that Cheviot is the best of the awesome west. Home to 8,375 people, this residential town in Hamilton County has all the things you need to make a place great -- awesome yearly events, a thrilling bar scene, niche shopping, and a variety of housing. Yeah, Cheviot pops with action, so if you come here, remember that you want a pop, not a soda.
Moving to Cheviot
All that activity on Harrison Avenue has you licking your lips. Hold on, now. You've got to nab a home first. Knowing that available rental properties in Cheviot abound and that 41.1 percent of homes are rented should make you pleased. The market is friendlier to renters here than the average Ohio town. There are more helpful things to learn, though.
Does Everything Work?
Especially check appliances, heating, and plumbing. About 39 percent of housing units were built before 1940, and while most are still working fine, some have deteriorated. Do not rent an apartment with obvious issues.
What Do You Want?
Whatever you want, Cheviot has it, from houses and townhomes to apartments and condos. Enjoy the feast, but do consider being flexible. For instance, if you are searching for two-bedroom rental apartments, consider also checking out smaller houses. If you hate yard work, know there are plenty of houses with small yards. Also, note that month to month leasing is rare in Cheviot, but negotiable with some landlords and management companies.
Do You Have Everything Ready?
Compared to other areas of Cincinnati, Cheviot is pretty affordable, which makes it a desirable place to reside, especially when you factor in a low crime rate and ample things to do. Landlords and management companies can be a little more thorough with the application process; they want ample evidence you can pay rent in addition to upfront costs like two months' rent and a security deposit. You probably have to show your credit score. Also, note that apartment communities like Dina Terrace Apartments do feature some paid bills, like heat. Be sure to ask what bills are covered with the rent price, and negotiate if you can.
Cheviot Neighborhoods
The town may only cover 1.17 square miles, but with so many residents, unique neighborhoods do exist. Before you move to Cheviot, think long and hard about your neighborhood choice.
Cheviot: Live it up here at establishments like the Public House Bar and Grill and Legends Nightclub. A very walkable area, living here offers easy access to convenience stores and specialty shops on Harrison Avenue and North Bend Road. Nearby bus lines abound.
Westwood Northern Boulevard / North Bend Road: A more car-dependent part of town, this mostly residential neighborhood also has bus transit. Harvest Home Park, clothing stores, and Five Borough's Pizza are some highlights.
Montana Avenue / Glenmore Avenue: If you want an apartment to rent, this residential area has ample selection. Driving and busing are most common here.
Living in Cheviot
Most folks drive, but walking is manageable for some parts and biking within town is simple. A vehicle, though, is convenient if you want to go downtown for a Bengals football game, the Bunbury Music Festival, or poker at Horseshoe Casino. On most days, though, there's no need to leave Cheviot, as drinks at Cheviot Cafe, meals at Maury's Tiny Cove, and walks through Mount Airy Forest bring all the necessary fun. Cheviot, though, can get sleepy at times. Just when you think the town will never wake up, it ignites to life with festivals like the Harvest Home Fair and WestFest Streetfest; to experience the west side's heart, simply go to Cheviot, and take in the music, food, drinks, and atmosphere at these popular events. If you need to cool off from the action, just go swim at the Cheviot Municipal Pool.