It's strange how some cities get their names. Mount Healthy was originally titled Mount Pleasant when it became a village in 1817. A cholera epidemic hit the Cincinnati region in the late 1940s, but Mount Pleasant remained disease-free. Many folks even relocated here to avoid the epidemic. In honor of its luck, Mount Pleasant officially became Mount Healthy in 1850.
Welcome to Mount Healthy, where the name has a cool story! Mount Healthy (or Mount Pleasant as it was known) experienced growth in the early 1800s due to its location at the midpoint between Cincinnati and Hamilton. It served as a resting point for travelers. Today, it is a friendly city that covers 1.4 square miles in Cincinnati's north side. Located in Hamilton County, there are a total of 6,098 residents. It may belong to the greater metropolitan region, but the city has maintained its own vibe. That vibe can be seen at the bars, restaurants, and shops. Even the green space here feels a little healthier (that's a pun!). Anyway, despite its size, this city boasts the necessities you require to build a fruitful lifestyle.
Moving to Mount Healthy
You get a market that's friendly to renters (exactly 50 percent of properties are renter-occupied). Finding a home for rent in Mount Healthy can be accomplished rather quickly if you analyze the market first. Allot two to three weeks during any time of the year. You could complete the process within a week if you move as fast as a coyote. The key is knowing how things work here. So grab a pen and a bowl of the famous Cincinnati chili. It's time to find ideal rental housing in this city.
What Do You Need?
If you prepare yourself, renting a pad in Mount Healthy shouldn't cause any headache, but you need know what you want first. Just realize that Mount Healthy has a wonderful mix of single family homes, townhomes, condos, apartments, and mobile homes. Single family homes only account for 50.7 percent of units, which means there are plenty of choices. Any kind of housing appetite can be satisfied.
Has It Aged Like Wine?
Mount Healthy boasts some gorgeous Cape Cod and Victorian style homes that date back to the last half of the 1800s and early 1900s. In fact, 27.2 percent of homes were built before 1940. These single family homes are quite splendid, and most have aged gracefully. Some, though, have not. Before renting one, make sure appliances work, plumbing runs fine, electrical wiring is safe, and the heating and air-conditioning are efficient. If you rent in a condo or apartment community, browse through reviews and, if possible, directly ask other tenants about the place.
Budget the Bills
All bills paid apartments aren't a universal thing in Mount Healthy. Chances are you are going to be paying the bills separate from rent. Be sure to factor this into your rental budget. However, many apartment communities do offer some bills paid. Free heat or free water is a common perk management uses to attract more tenants. Take advantage of those offerings. If you lease from an individual owner, see if you can talk the landlord into adding some free things. Hint: giving more money upfront is the best way to get a discount.
Cash Out!
When you have a place you like, get down to business like Charlie Sheen would. First, you need to provide a credit report, bank statements, and personal info. Once you've been properly vetted, fork over one or two months' rent. Also, you are going to need a deposit in case your Flying Pig Marathon party gets out of control. Then you can sign and get the keys.
Mount Healthy Neighborhoods
Over 6,000 people are packed into 1.4 square miles. With so much action, distinct streets and neighborhoods have formed in Mount Healthy. While Compton Road provides entertainment, Heritage Park provides relaxation. If you know what kind of housing and surrounding environment you want, your choice of neighborhood in Mount Healthy won't be hard.
Major 'Hoods
Mount Healthy: The center of the city is right at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Compton Road. You'll find apartments, condos, and single family dwellings in this very walkable part of town. There are numerous bus stops too. Notable spots include Fortune Express (an eatery), Just One More (a local bar), and Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Lynnview: This somewhat walkable 'hood also has nearby bus stops. Covering the east side, this is where Mt. Healthy High School, Rinks Bingo Hall, and a variety of housing are located.
South: Ronald Reagan Highway cuts through this area, which makes traveling around the region easier. You can walk for small errands. Brickyard Pond, Heritage Park, and Arlington Memorial Gardens Cemetery make this the city's most beautiful area.
Top Apartment Communities
Compton Groves Apartments: Right near the center of town, this complex features a pool and fully equipped kitchens. Choose from one bedroom apartments to large three bedroom pads.
Lake of the Woods Apartments: Right by Ronald Reagan Highway, this complex has a pool, picnic area, and private fishing lake. Heat is included. Choose among one to three bedroom homes.
Compton Lake Village Apartments: In the Lynnview area, this complex features short term leases, a resident clubhouse, and a pool. These may not be premier apartments, but they do have wooded and lake views.
Living in Mount Healthy
Getting around the city via foot or bicycle is quite manageable. Buses make getting around the larger area feasible, but most locals still drive for convenience. It makes attending a Bengals football game, visiting Newport Aquarium, or going to Findlay Market much simpler.
Mount Healthy is a part of Cincinnati. That's evident by the Reds jerseys and conspicuous consumption of Skyline chili. However, it is distinctly Mount Healthy within its boundaries. Eateries like Pit to Plate Barbecue and Brotherton's Family Restaurant ensure there's excellent local cuisine. Bars like Vince's Other Place and Reminisce Sports Cafe make sure party animals can play. Stores like Covered Bridge Antique Mall and Aquatics & Exotics bring niche shopping to the city.
While here, checking out historical sites like The Free Meeting House and The Toll House can teach you a little local history. After you've done that, enjoy modern Mount Healthy. What you'll find is that this city is looking to the past and future simultaneously. It's not perfect, but it's got what you need. There's no reason why you can't live happy and healthy in Mount Healthy!
