California

California is a lesser-known neighborhood in Cincinnati that definitely deserves some love on StreetAdvisor. California is situated along the Ohio River, neighboring Mt. Washington and East End. Though it’s farther away from Downtown than most Cincinnati neighborhoods, and is therefore less frequented, this is essentially what gives the neighborhood its charm.

Two major Cincinnati landmarks are located in California--Coney Island and Lunken Airport. While Coney Island was a major attraction a few decades ago, it now lives in the shadow King’s Island. It is a great place to bring young kids, though, especially those who want to take a swim in the park’s big pool or who aren’t necessarily seeking the

The second important Cincinnati landmark in California is Lunken Airport--which is indeed still a functioning airport. While it’s used mainly for smaller aircraft as well as personal planes, they do a lot for the community here as well. You’ll find many activities for children (I believe they do air shows and free hot dogs on certain days of the week) and they’re always open to interested visitors.

Aside from Lunken Airport and Coney Island, most of the neighborhood is residential. You’ll find beautiful condos, apartments and single-family homes, either in wooded areas or along the river. These homes are naturally more secluded than those found in other neighborhoods such as Mt. Adams or OTR, but keep in mind the downside that this area is prone to flooding.

Overall, California is a relatively upscale neighborhood with reasonably-priced properties. Its location is beautiful yet convenient, and great for families with children. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with relative seclusion that’s still within city limits, definitely check out California.

California living Cincinnati-style is not quite the California dream, but pretty good all the same. California is on the eastern edge of Cincinnati and runs along the Ohio River. The residential area is mostly wooded and secluded from the main traffic areas. There are some houses that are along the river; these tend to not be as nice mainly because they are subject to flooding.

There are many benefits to living in California, not the least of which is the beautiful location and the convenient access to the highway, as well as proximity to Downtown Cincinnati. It is the closest you can come to country living in the city confines. The places that are closes to the route of Kellogg Avenue are the most urban, as there are a number of businesses that run along this road.

Coney Island is at the edge of California. It was once a popular amusement park, but is now home to a large public pool, Sunlite Pool, and Riverbend Music Center. Coney Island is a popular place for many outdoor events and his home to the Appalachian Festival and the annual Summerfair Art Show, one of the top rated art shows in the country. California Woods Nature Preserve is a large park with acres upon acres of forested terrain which includes walking trails, a butterfly and hummingbird garden, and a nature center which provides many educational programs.

Many of the businesses in California have to do with airplanes or transportation at Lunken Airport. There is also the Sky Galley Restaurant for some traditional American dining. If it doesn't have to do with flying, then the business may have something to do with boating as California is right on the Ohio River. Four Seasons Marina has boat docking, sells boat related gear and has a full service restaurant and outdoor tiki bar. The Sand Bar is right next to Four Seasons and offers sand volleyball, live music, bar games, food, and more.

California is not only a nice community to live in, but it is also the playground for many in the Cincinnati area. So, even if you don't decide to live here, certainly come and play here.

Ask a typical Cincinnati resident where the neighborhood California is, and they'll probably give you a blank stare. It's at the eastern edge of the city and a place most people won't ever come close to unless they're on their way to a spring or summer event in the area. California is off the beaten path and you can bet the people who live there chose it for that distinctive quality.

My first memories of the neighborhood center around California Woods, a beautiful city park and nature preserve where Cincinnati Public School teachers used to take students for an annual outing. The neighborhood has changed for the better since then. Even the older homes and businesses have a freshly painted, upscale look.

California resident's incomes are nearly 3 times that of the average Cincinnatian. Their home values are nearly three times the average as well, although being close to the river can be a bit of a hassle when it hits flood stage.

Arts and Entertainment on Kellogg Ave.
If you lived in California, you'd have easy access to a variety of entertainment, most of it along Kellogg Ave. There's California Woods of course, and the river has docks and river adjacent restaurants.

Riverbend Entertainment Center (www.riverbend.org) on Kellogg Ave. is an outdoor amphitheater where acts like Def Leopard, Rascal Flats, Stevie Nicks and the Cincinnati Pops orchestra come out to play.

Coney Island (coneyislandpark.com) is right next door. It used to be the city's main amusement park way back before Kings Island opened its gates. It still has classic rides, water slides and mini golf; but it's known mostly for Sunlight Pool and Moonlight Gardens, an old fashioned fairy princess setting for an outdoor wedding. Coney is also the home of Summerfair (summerfair.org), a nationally known arts and crafts event in June.

River Downs (riverdowns.com ) has been holding horse races on Kellogg Ave since 1925.

Parks and Recreation
In addition to large and wonderful California Woods, the California golf course is located at 5924 Kellogg Avenue,

River activities: The river is nearby, which means boating, bars and river based fun.

Schools
Cincinnati Public Schools
-Cincinnati Gifted Academy (3-6) 3555 Kellogg Ave (giftedacademy.cps-k12.org)
-Riverview East Academy (Preschool-12) 3555 Kellogg Ave (rivervieweast.cps-k12.org)
-Sands Montessori School (Preschool-6) a Cincinnati Magnet School up the hill in Mt Washington. (sandsmontessori.cps-k12.org)

Private schools
McNicholas High School 6536 Beechmont Ave. (mcnhs.org)