10 Areas to Avoid in Cincinnati, OH [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As an experienced traveler and tourist, I’ve visited my fair share of cities across the country. While most have their rough patches, Cincinnati, Ohio has some areas that visitors should take extra precaution in or even avoid altogether if possible. Knowing the areas to avoid in Cincinnati ahead of your trip can help ensure you stay safe and avoid any potentially dangerous situations.

When visiting a new city, it’s always wise to do your research beforehand on the safe areas, as well as the locations you may want to steer clear of, especially if traveling alone or with family. While Cincinnati has plenty of great things to offer visitors, there are unfortunately some areas that pose more risk than reward for tourists. In this article, I’ll outline the key areas to avoid in Cincinnati, based on safety data, local reputation, and my own experiences visiting the city.

Having this insider knowledge on the areas to avoid in Cincinnati allows you to plan your trip accordingly. You can feel confident sightseeing in the safest and most exciting parts of Cincinnati while minimizing time in the locations known for higher crime rates. Read on for the essential guide to the areas to avoid when visiting Cincinnati to maximize your safety and enjoyment during your Ohio getaway.

1. English Woods

English Woods is a small neighborhood that sits between Bond Hill and Roselawn on the northeast side of Cincinnati. Although it covers less than half a square mile of land, English Woods has gained a reputation over the years as an area to avoid due to high crime rates.

As an isolated pocket community, English Woods has struggled with poverty, urban blight, and one of Cincinnati’s highest violent crime rates. The area is known for frequent drug dealing, gang activity, prostitution, and gun violence. Abandoned homes sit beside overgrown, trash-filled lots. Visitors who accidentally venture into English Woods may feel unsafe. Robberies and assaults do occur, especially at night.

Due to its small size and lack of major attractions, English Woods offers little for tourists anyway. but the high crime rates provide more than enough reason for visitors to avoid the area entirely. When planning your Cincinnati itinerary, I’d recommend skipping over English Woods altogether and spending your time in the city’s safer neighborhoods.

2. South Fairmount

Sitting along the Ohio River west of downtown Cincinnati, South Fairmount was once a more vibrant community. But today, it has developed a reputation as an area to avoid due to high poverty levels, urban decay, and frequent criminal activity.

As an isolated neighborhood cut off from Cincinnati by highways, South Fairmount has struggled economically. Pockets of abandoned homes and vacant lots dot the community. Violent crime rates here are some of the city’s highest, especially for robberies, assaults, and gun violence. Illegal drug trade is also problematic throughout South Fairmount.

For visitors to Cincinnati, South Fairmount offers very little in terms of tourist attractions or amenities. Due to the frequent criminal activity, it is not considered a safe area, especially at night. As a tourist, I’d recommend avoiding unnecessary time in South Fairmount. With popular sites like the Cincinnati Zoo, museums, and sporting events located in other parts of the city, it’s easy to spend your getaway in safer areas.

3. North Fairmount

Bordering South Fairmount to the north, North Fairmount is another westside Cincinnati neighborhood that visitors may want to avoid. High poverty rates, abandonment, urban decay, and crime make this area potentially unsafe.

As with its neighboring community, North Fairmount has suffered population decline and economic isolation. Today, the area is marked by vacant, crumbling homes, many showing signs of fires and vandalism. Violent crime rates here are nearly triple the national average. Illegal drug trade fuels much of the crime.

For travelers, North Fairmount offers very few amenities in the way of lodging, dining, entertainment, or cultural attractions. Combined with the area’s reputation for crime, there is very little reason for visitors to spend significant time here. By sticking to Cincinnati’s better-known attractions in safer neighborhoods, tourists can have a much better experience.

4. West End

The West End sits next to downtown Cincinnati. Though historically it thrived as a hub for Cincinnati’s African-American community, today it grapples with high rates of poverty, crime, and urban decay.

Many homes, churches, and buildings in the West End stand abandoned or in severe disrepair today. Violent crimes like robberies and assaults occur at some of Cincinnati’s highest levels. Illegal drug activity is problematic as well.

While the West End may seem convenient given its proximity to downtown, it is definitely an area tourists should avoid. The crime rates coupled with the lack of major attractions for visitors make it more risky than it’s worth. Tourists are better off spending time in downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine, or other popular sites across the city. Avoid the West End, especially at night, for a safer visit.

5. Over-the-Rhine

Over-the-Rhine sits just north of downtown Cincinnati. It was once a dangerous area to avoid but has undergone major urban renewal in recent years. However, some parts of the historic neighborhood still pose potential risks.

While Over-the-Rhine has seen significant revitalization and is considered one of Cincinnati’s up-and-coming arts districts, some northern sections remain underdeveloped and unsafe. Parts of Liberty Street, Vine Street, and Mulberry Street continue to have issues with criminal activity, particularly at night. Muggings, robberies, and assaults are risks after dark.

During the day, popular spots like Findlay Market and the Brewery District are generally safe for tourists to explore. But at night, visitors should exercise additional caution in northern Over-the-Rhine or avoid it altogether. Sticking to Main Street Entertainment District or central Over-the-Rhine provides a better experience.

6. South Cumminsville

Tucked between Millvale and North Fairmount, South Cumminsville is a small urban Cincinnati community. But it stands out as an area to avoid due to disinvestment, poverty, and frequent criminal activity.

Abandoned and decaying homes mark the Cincinnati landscape in South Cumminsville. It has one of the highest violent crime and robbery rates in the city. Drug dealing activity and gun violence are problematic. Given its small size and lack of amenities, South Cumminsville has a little draw for visitors anyway.

Due to the combination of urban decay and frequent criminal activity, South Cumminsville is considered an unsafe area, especially at night. As a tourist, it’s best avoided. Cincinnati offers safer communities to stay, dine, and sightsee in. Don’t let South Cumminsville put a damper on your Ohio getaway.

7. Westwood

Westwood sits on Cincinnati’s west side, just north of South Fairmount. Once a thriving neighborhood, today it grapples with issues of urban decay, poverty, and frequent criminal activity.

Drive through Westwood and you’ll see many vacant homes and lots, some covered in trash and graffiti. Robberies and assaults occur more frequently here compared to other Cincinnati neighborhoods. After dark, criminal activity increases, making Westwood potentially unsafe for visitors.

Aside from a few minor attractions like the Westwood Town Hall, there is little reason for tourists to visit Westwood anyway. Its reputation as a high-crime area makes Westwood a location visitors should avoid, especially after dark. Plan your Cincinnati itinerary in the city’s safer, more vibrant communities for a better experience.

8. East Price Hill

East Price Hill makes up the eastern half of the Price Hill neighborhood on Cincinnati’s west side. While West Price Hill has stabilized in recent years, East Price Hill continues to deal with issues of crime and urban decay.

Some parts of East Price Hill have poverty rates over 40%. Abandoned homes dot the neighborhood. Violent crimes like robberies and assaults are more frequent compared to Cincinnati overall. Drug dealing activity is problematic as well.

With a limited number of shops, restaurants, and amenities, East Price Hill does not offer much for visitors anyway. The higher crime rates make it an area travelers may want to avoid, especially after dark. Spend your time in Cincinnati’s rejuvenated downtown or vibrant east-side neighborhoods for a better trip.

9. CUF

CUF stands for Clifton Heights, University Heights, and Fairview—three neighborhoods that merge just north of the University of Cincinnati. While the area has stabilized closer to campus, its fringes still have issues with crime.

On the outskirts of CUF near the I-75 underpasses, violent crime rates are higher compared to the rest of the neighborhood. Muggings, robberies, and assaults do occur near these areas, especially at night. Some blocks appear rundown or abandoned.

Visitors should use caution around the I-75 fringes of CUF at night. However, the bulk of the neighborhood near UC’s campus is generally safe for tourists to explore and offers many shops, eateries, and attractions. By sticking to the well-populated areas, travelers can safely enjoy CUF’s amenities.

10. Sedamsville

Once a more prosperous riverside community, Sedamsville fell into decline over the 20th century. Today it remains one of Cincinnati’s most dangerous neighborhoods for visitors to avoid due to frequent criminal activity.

Bordering the Ohio River near the city’s western edge, Sedamsville is marked by many vacant buildings and homes, urban decay, and poverty. Violent crime occurs here at more than triple the national average. Muggings, robberies, and assaults are risks, as are gang activity and drug trade.

In addition to high crime rates, Sedamsville offers very limited amenities in terms of shopping, dining, accommodations, or tourist attractions. For visitor safety and enjoyment, Sedamsville is best avoided—especially after dark when crime rates surge. Plan your Cincinnati trip around safer communities instead.

Conclusion

Cincinnati certainly has some areas that visitors should avoid for safety reasons. By steering clear of neighborhoods like English Woods, South Fairmount, West End, and others with high crime rates, you can better maximize your time exploring Cincinnati’s vibrant sites and attractions in the city’s safer districts.

Doing your homework on the areas to avoid in Cincinnati allows you to plan a trip tailored for safety, convenience, and enjoyment. You’ll get to experience all the highlights of Cincinnati, from museums and parks to restaurants and sporting events, without unnecessary risks interfering. Avoiding certain neighborhoods also ensures you don’t miss out on making the most of your time in this historic Ohio city.

With the right knowledge and precautions, Cincinnati can be a remarkable destination for tourists. By sticking to the safer, more vibrant communities, you’ll enjoy your Ohio getaway that much more while avoiding any uneasiness. So what are you waiting for—start planning that Cincinnati trip! Just make sure to reference this guide on the areas to avoid when you do.