Westwood - Cincinnati, OH

Over 30,000 residents call Westwood home, making it Cincinnati’s largest neighborhood. This 6-square-mile neighborhood began in the early 1800s when tradesmen, investors and professionals began to establish country estates in the area, seeking refuge from the heat, smells and smoke of the city.

Westwood was incorporated as a village in 1868, and residents began establishing a local school system. Westwood Town Hall, constructed in 1889, served as the seat of government for the village and was home to the town's jail and fire department. During this time, Westwood consisted mostly of sprawling farms and large estates.

Today, Westwood maintains much of its rich heritage, with 19th-century architecture neighboring newer, contemporary homes. While there are no museums in the neighborhood, it boasts a thriving art scene. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts on Glenway Avenue presents popular musicals and plays throughout the year, partnering with Cincinnati Young People's Theater.

When it comes to restaurants and nightlife, Westwood's combination of casual bars, pubs, small restaurants and fast food provides options for all tastes. If you need something quick and easy, Wendy's, Chipotle and Panda Express remain affordable options.

Stop by the original LaRosa's Pizza on Boudinot Avenue in Westwood for a taste of history. Now a Cincinnati staple with restaurants throughout the city, LaRosa's began in this small neighborhood shop. Order a classic pepperoni pizza, or change it up with custom made-to-order toppings.

For enchiladas and hot tortilla chips, look no further than Cancun Mexican Restaurant. Load up on your favorite Mexican dishes and the best margaritas around. For the best in East African cuisine, give Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant and Cafe a try. Locals rave about the injera, and the restaurant's weekend coffee ceremony can't be missed.

When it comes to nightlife, residents of Westwood prefer to sip a few beers at a casual local pub to partying at a lively club. For a few relaxing drinks with friends, check out the brew options at JTaps Sports Pub and Grill. This family-oriented establishment also serves food and hosts trivia nights.

Most people in Westwood travel by car, and public parking in shopping, business and recreation areas is cheap and readily available. Westwood is quickly accessible by both Glenway Avenue and Interstate 74, making it easy to travel anywhere else in the city. Business areas are pedestrian-friendly, but most commercial and dining options in the neighborhood are spread too far apart to walk among them easily. If you plan to move to Westwood, using a car or the city bus makes travel more convenient.

Westwood's major streets do not include bike lanes, but those who prefer to cycle are welcome to share the road with other vehicles. Cincinnati's public transit system, SORTA, also offers a variety of lines connecting Westwood to nearly every other area in the city. Uber and Lyft are available for late-night pub crawlers looking for a quick and convenient ride home. If you're looking for a cab, you won't be able can't hail one right off the street, but a quick call has one ready to pick you up within a short wait.

Adjacent to one of the largest parks in the nation, Westwood provides a variety of options that are sure to please everyone looking for outdoor fun. Mt. Airy Forest Park, directly north of the neighborhood, encompasses 1,470 acres of semi-wooded land. Hike, cycle or run the park's massive trail system. The park is free and dog-friendly, so bring your furry friend along for a hike or picnic in one of the park's many shelter areas.

Bracken Woods, a smaller urban park in Westwood, is home to the Robert J. Brodbeck Nature Preserve. Stop by this serene nature getaway during lunch or take the family for a weekend hike while observing local wildlife.

Want to get active in the dirt and grow your own produce? Westwood provides community garden plots for residents. For a small donation, locals can lease their own garden plots and collect fresh tomatoes, peppers and green beans all summer long. The neighborhood provides a tool shed and water on site for gardeners' convenience.

The cost of living in Westwood is comparable to the city average, while the cost of rent is moderately lower than other areas in the city. The average rental rate in the neighborhood is $477 per month. One-bedroom apartments range in rent from $435 to $540. A wide range of residential options, including one-family homes, apartment complexes and smaller rental units, exist in Westwood.

Gas prices in the area usually within range of the national average. A trip from Westwood to downtown on the SORTA metro bus costs $1.75. At local shopping and dining destinations, the average prices generally match the rest of the city. You can expect to pay $4 to $6 for a pint of beer at local pubs.

Shopping in Westwood ranges from value stores to luxurious specialty boutiques. Walmart and Kroger provide convenient grocery shopping for local residents. Ollie's Bargain Outlet and United Dairy Farmers also offer affordable options for shoppers.

For a fresh local grocery option, don't miss the Lettuce Eat Well Farmers' Market on Westwood Northern Boulevard. Open Friday afternoons year-round, local farmers and growers sell produce, baked goods and other homemade wares.

If you love games or comic books, you can't miss a trip to Rockin' Rooster, Westwood's comic shop. Along with browsing rows of comic books, graphic novels and gaming products, you can sign up for one of the many game tournaments hosted at this store.