Is Mount Auburn safe?
Cincinnati, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Mount Auburn as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Mount Auburn
“Go with care. Mount Auburn is a historic hilltop community offering incredible city panoramas and significant landmarks like the William Howard Taft National Historic Site. While areas surrounding The Christ Hospital and primary historic corridors are generally calm, visitors should stay mindful of property crime and avoid poorly illuminated side streets after dark.”
City infrastructure projects and neighborhood development initiatives continue to focus on traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements along the Auburn Avenue corridor.
About the area
Perched on the ridge directly north of Over-the-Rhine and Downtown Cincinnati, Mount Auburn features a mix of grand 19th-century architecture, scenic parks, and a major regional medical complex. The neighborhood bridges urban revitalization with quiet residential blocks, offering expansive skyline vistas alongside steep hillside streets.
- Historic / Hillside
- Medical Corridor
- Scenic Overlooks
- Urban Transitional
Walking and biking in Mount Auburn
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 42/100
A Cincy Red Bike-share station is available near The Christ Hospital, though steep hillside inclines and limited dedicated bike lanes make e-bikes preferable for most riders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Anchored by The Christ Hospital campus, providing 24/7 security presence and well-maintained central corridors.
- Rich architectural heritage including the William Howard Taft National Historic Site.
- Centrally located with convenient access to Downtown Cincinnati, OTR, and the University of Cincinnati.
Cons
- Property crime rates, including auto break-ins and theft, are elevated compared to national averages.
- Pockets of economic distress and rental vacancy persist on secondary residential streets.
- Steep topography and spotty street lighting can make nighttime pedestrian travel feel isolated.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is generally low within Mount Auburn's interior residential core, but individuals experiencing homelessness or panhandling can occasionally be seen near major bus stops along Reading Road and near the southern stairway connections to Over-the-Rhine.
What Mount Auburn is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally peaceful as hospital staff commute and residents walk dogs along historic streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Bustling around the medical campus and Taft historic site with steady local traffic and park visitors.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and quiet in residential sections, though visitors should remain attentive as foot traffic thins out.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and occasionally isolated on side streets; vehicular travel or rideshares are recommended over walking.
Transit, parking and getting around
Cincinnati Metro operates several frequent bus routes through the neighborhood, including Routes 17, 19, and 24 along Auburn Avenue and Reading Road, offering direct connections to Government Square in Downtown Cincinnati.
On-street parking is widely available on residential streets but subject to occasional permit or hill restrictions; paid parking garages and visitor lots are located around The Christ Hospital campus.
Things to do in Mount Auburn
- Tour the William Howard Taft National Historic Site to see the restored birthplace and library of the 27th U.S. President.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline and basin from Jackson Hill Park.
- Walk along the Auburn Avenue Historic District to view Greek Revival and Italianate mansions.
Local favorites
- William Howard Taft National Historic Site · Historical Landmark & Museum · 4.7★ (430)National park site featuring guided tours of President Taft's birthplace and interactive historical exhibits.
- Milton's Prospect Hill Tavern · Neighborhood Bar · 4.6★ (385)Longstanding, relaxed hillside tavern known for craft beers, a dog-friendly patio, and eclectic local charm.
- Al-Madina Market · Middle Eastern Grocery & Grill · 4.6★ (260)Casual corner market serving freshly made shawarma, gyros, and authentic Middle Eastern pantry staples.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
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