Norwood
A city within a city, a Gem of the Highlands, tucked inside the Queen City.
Did you know Norwood is the second-most populous city in Hamilton County? Also called the Gem of the Highlands, Norwood is a city within a city, an enclave of Cincinnati, and has historically been home to several industries and factories and features a healthy mix of residential and commercial buildings interspersed throughout the city. Centrally located and chock-full of an ever-increasing number of businesses and restaurants, Norwood has a welcoming vibe that’s as friendly as anything.
The length of Montgomery Road is ripe for exploring. Nothing beats a good burger to fuel an adventure, so why not grab one at Gordo’s Pub and Grill to get your party started?
If you’re in the mood for Italian – and honestly, who isn’t, always? – Sorrento’s Italian Joint feels about as authentic as you can get. Delicious is a great word for the sausage dip, and you should definitely try one (or order and split more) of the Papa Enrico’s Legendary Pizza, particularly the Margherita.
Betta’s Italian Oven is another bonafide Italian option. Matriarch Betta de Luca immigrated with her husband in the late 1960s from Italy and opened Betta’s in 1995 in Mt. Lookout before moving to Norwood in the early 2000s. Definitely give their wood-fired pizza a try, or Betta’s eggplant parmigiano. Just around the corner from Betta’s is Cappy’s, a surprise craft beer destination. Pick up a six-pack of a new or just new-to-you brew, stop in for a wine tasting, or stick around and try something on draft.
Or perhaps you’re in the mood for Mexican fare. Taqueria San Marcos is a good call, and you can’t go wrong with Cancun Mexican, either. When you’re good and full, might as well bowl a few rounds at Stone Lanes. Watch a local team play at The Lateral Sports Bar. Treat yourself to a new ‘do at the Wild Honey Salon, which features gender neutral pricing and silent appointments by request.
As you make your way down Montgomery Road, take the opportunity to veer off into the pockets of residential areas. The housing stock in Norwood has been white-hot for the last few years, and the property value continues to increase. Plus, the architecture of many of the houses makes for some good eye candy.
On that note, let us now extol the virtues of Huber Lumber. This family-run hardware store is the Norwood go-to for finding all the replacements for the expanse of historic homes in the city. From molding to doors and more, if you’re DIYing your home renovation, Huber probably has just what you need to complete your project.
There’s a lot going on in Norwood – don’t miss out!
Norwood Storefronts
A Hi Computers & Electronics
Barber Shop Shea’s
Bettas Italian Oven
Brills Barber Shop
Cappy’s Norwood
Listerman Trail House
Fritts Painting and Carpentry
Gordos Pub and Grill
Huber Lumber Company
Salon Ekay
Stone Lanes
Teds Pawn Shop
The Lateral Sports Bar
The Shakti Factory
Wild Honey Salon
THESE BUSINESS DISTRICTS ARE COMING TO THE FOREFRONT
READING
Settled in 1797 and bearing the motto “the crossroads of opportunity,” the city of Reading has a friendly, suburban atmosphere with big-city proximity. The city spans nearly three miles and boasts several parks, a farmer’s market, and a healthy mix of business and industry. Reading has something for everyone, both in its own 10,000+ population and the broader community.
LOVELAND
Spanning across three counties in Southwest Ohio, the city of Loveland is known as “the sweetheart of Ohio.” Known as a resort town in its early days, Loveland is still home to much natural and scenic charm, including the Little Miami River, and is a major stop on the Little Miami Scenic Trail. With a growing population of over 13,000, Loveland holds much historic charm and enviable positioning in the region.
MILFORD
Founded in 1797, the city of Milford is still home today to several historical buildings, especially on the Old Milford Main Street, which is a popular destination for visitors across the region. Milford and its surrounding townships are also home to several substantial businesses. Milford is home to a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) that brings economic tourists from around the region to enjoy its offerings. Occupying nearly four miles and home to more than 6,000, Milford also hosts segments of the Little Miami River and the Little Miami Bike Trail.
EAST PRICE HILL
East Price Hill is an historical neighborhood carving an exciting path in the 21st Century. East Price Hill boasts the best of both worlds, melding an urban environment with a tight-knit community mindset. East Price Hill features an expanding crop of local businesses and is home to the Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village, dedicated to sustainability. Spanning three square miles, East Price Hill has more than 15,000 residents and counting.
MADISONVILLE
Located about ten miles northeast of Cincinnati, Madisonville is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, and is named for James Madison, fourth president of America. Home to an abundance of residential and commercial properties, and more than 9,000 residents, Madisonville is in the midst of exciting redevelopment that retains the charm of its rich history and diversity.
WALNUT HILLS
With its diverse mix of greenspace, historical buildings and new businesses and commercial endeavors, Walnut Hills is one of Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhoods, founded in 1804. Walnut Hills is home to several regional destinations, including Eden Park and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. The neighborhood of more than 6,000 residents has undergone a transformative redevelopment in recent years, rehabbing disused buildings and homes and infusing energy into the popular area.
NEW RICHMOND
Founded in 1814 along the Ohio River, the village of New Richmond is a charming river village home to over 2,500 residents. Spanning nearly four-square miles and located in Clermont County, New Richmond is home to a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) that brings economic tourists from around the region to enjoy its offerings. New Richmond is also home to three designated historical sites, including the Ross Gowdy House Museum, the world’s only Cardboard Boat Museum, and the Birthplace of President Ulysses S. Grant.
NORWOOD
Also known as the Gem of the Highlands, the city of Norwood is central to everything in the Greater Cincinnati region. Founded in 1809, Norwood has historically been a center of industry. In recent years, the three-mile-community’s robust retail and small-business hubs have taken the spotlight. Today, Norwood boasts a diverse mix of small and large-scale commerce, anchors several prominent regional businesses, and is home to more than 19,000 people.
LUDLOW, KY
Located along the Ohio River, the city of Ludlow, Kentucky is just over a mile in size and a suburb of both Covington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Elm Street is home to Ludlow’s central business district, with a variety of restaurants, retail, cultural and entertainment options suited for the city’s diverse array of nearly 5,000 residents.
FORT THOMAS
The largest city in Campbell County, Kentucky, Fort Thomas is located directly opposite of Cincinnati across the Ohio River, and officially part of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky metropolitan area, with more than 16,000 residents populating its nearly six square mile region. Named in honor of General George Henry Thomas, Fort Thomas was a key site in the Civil War, and remnants of war trenches are still visible.
BELLEVUE
Incorporated in 1870, Bellevue, Kentucky is located just three miles from the city of Cincinnati. The city boasts an abundance of historic and unique architecture, and to this day, the Fairfield Avenue Historic District serves as its main business thoroughfare for its nearly 6,000 residents. The city is also home to the Taylor’s Daughters Historic District, and has seen much renovation and historic preservation in recent years.
© Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber