The Gaslight District of Cincinnati

A gaslightPhoto by Rene Muller on Unsplash

One of my fondest memories of Cincinnati was living in the Gaslight District of Clifton. I was a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati and I wanted to live in an area within walking distance of the university. The Gaslight District seemed to fit the bill as the perfect location. I spent many long nights at the university lab and being so close to my apartment in the Gaslight District while studying and working was a godsend.

However, there is more to the Gaslight District than just proximity to the University of Cincinnati. I consider it to be one of the best neighborhoods in the city. It has a unique charm and appearance that is very different from other Cincinnati neighborhoods.

Background

The Gaslight District is named after its original gas lamps that line the streets of the area. The old-time lamps provided artificial light from the combustion of fuel gases. The streets are still lit today using the original gas lamps.

The Gaslight District is a part of Clifton which was one of Cincinnati's first suburbs. Clifton is centrally located in the city and houses major academic and medical facilities like the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and University Hospital. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens are also located nearby.

The area is friendly and residents of the Gaslight District include a hippy-like mix of college professors, students, doctors, nurses, and a few retired people who like the unique atmosphere of the neighborhood.

The biggest advantage of living in the neighborhood is that I could walk everywhere. I even walked to the grocery store which was right next to my apartment complex. Every few days, I would also walk to the nearby Graeter's ice cream for a dish of their signature black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream.

Notable points of interest

The Gaslight District is known for its historic, old homes and buildings. There is even a house called The Boulter House that was built by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. In addition to the old homes, there are bustling shops, bars, coffee houses, and restaurants in the area.

One of the most notable and recognizable buildings is the Esquire Theater.

The Esquire Theater first opened in 1911. Ever since then, it has served as a classic movie house. The theater mainly shows independent and artsy movies that you will not find anywhere else in Cincinnati.

As for dining establishments, there are Indian restaurants, Mediterranean food, and all manners of ethnic cuisine in the neighborhood. For good old Cincinnati fare, there is Skyline Chili located on Ludlow Avenue.

The area is also associated with its own celebrity. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is rumored to have been a resident of the Clifton neighborhood.

The Gaslight District with its bohemian ambiance may not be for everyone. However, it is the perfect example of the old being merged with the new. The historic old houses and gas lamps may linger permanently but every so often, new businesses crop up in the area. Still, it is a Cincinnati gem and worth visiting at least once.

Source: Wander Cincinnati

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