7 Slow-Paced Small Towns Near Cincinnati Where Life Is Still Simple
We all love the excitement and vibrancy of Cincinnati, but you can’t exactly refer to our city as slow-paced. Of course it’s all in how you approach it, but there are many small towns near Cincinnati where life actually is still simple, and locals and visitors love their laid back, relaxed attitudes and lifestyles. These 7 particular towns, found on all sides of the city, are the perfect combination of charming and slow-paced, and a visit to one may be just what you to need to simplify your life, even if only for a few hours.
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Lebanon has grown quite a bit over the years, but it's managed to maintain that laid back attitude. It's one of the best places in Cincinnati to enjoy a nostalgic afternoon of strolling past antique shops and historic buildings and even hopping aboard a train from the LM&M Railroad station in town.
Aurora is just across the river in Indiana and is filled with charm, history, and a relaxed lifestyle. The town has worked to revitalize its Main Street and you will often find festivals and other gatherings happening throughout town.
The city of Independence in Northern Kentucky is a rural town that is a bit like stepping back in time. The Farmers Market is held at the county Courthouse, there's a festive parade for most holidays, and locals love that it's just a bit removed from the hectic nature of nearby Covington and Cincinnati.
The town of Oxford may be known for the hustle and bustle from Miami University, but the town is actually a quaint, slow-paced place to live. Uptown is filled with restaurants and shops, the park has a wonderful farmers market and concerts in the summer, and the town itself is surrounded by sprawling farm land and rolling hills.
Yellow Springs is one of those towns that if you happen to find it by chance, you ask yourself, "Where am I?!" It's that charming and that idyllic. This colorful town is vibrant, creative, inviting, and has the perfect slow-paced attitude.
Though the official population of Rabbit Hash is only a few hundred people, anyone who enters its city limits begins to feel a slower pace of life. You can step back in time at the rebuilt General Store and walk along the river to take in the scenery and historic feel of this beloved area.
There is something about a historic town that just makes you slow down and appreciate the simple sights and sounds around you. New Richmond is a river town located east of Cincinnati on the Ohio River, and it's filled with interesting historic spots. It's removed enough from the city that you'll feel more relaxed, but there is still plenty to do to keep you intrigued.
Of course there are countless towns and neighborhoods around Cincinnati that embody the simplified, slow-paced lifestyle approach. These are just 7 of our favorites! Did your favorite small town make the list? What other areas around Cincinnati seem to live the simple life? Let us know in the comments!
And for another unique town near Cincinnati that’s perfect for a day trip, check out our previous article here.
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
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