I'm seriously considering moving into a loft/warehouse style apartment or regular apartment in downtown cincinnati. I was wondering what places are best to rent from? which area of downtown to stay out of and such.. any info would help greatly .. (moving from suburban Akron)

Kinda need more info on what kind living you are really looking for.  Do you want to live near one of the colleges?  Here are some to get you started in and around the city center.

 

http://downtowncincinnati.com/livinghere

 

Downtown Testimonials - http://downtowncincinnati.com/testimonials

 

Downtown Neighborhoods

The various neighborhoods within downtown Cincinnati have something unique to offer their residents. Before you decide where you want to live downtown, it's a good idea to consider which neighborhood best matches your city style. From the quaint Lytle Park district to the center of town, you have your choice.

 

Piatt Park - Perhaps one of the more densely populated residential neighborhoods downtown with living options ranging from the Lofts at Shillito Place to the Gramercy and Garfield Towers, you can wake up with a nice stroll through Piatt Park, the city's very first park, and grab a cup of coffee at Café de Paris. The nearby Court Street outdoor market sells fresh produce Tuesday through Friday each week. With the Main Library around the corner, the Shakespeare Company just off the park, and the shopping core within three blocks, you're among great neighbors.

 

 

Lytle Park - This neighborhood rests in the more quiet part of downtown where some of the city's largest office buildings reside, as well as the treasured Taft Museum of Art. This mix of residential and business property is perfect for someone who loves downtown living, but likes to be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of the center of town. With Lytle Park at your front door and the riverfront parks within a short walk, any moment can be a relaxing one. If this sounds like the place for you, then check out renovations underway at The Edge condominiums or the apartments for rent at Lytle Tower or The Phelps.

 

 

Fourth Street Historic District - If Lytle Park is for relaxing, then the Fourth Street Historic District is for keeping busy. This neighborhood is home to some of the most unique shopping and dining in downtown Cincinnati from small businesses such as Bromwell's and Koch Sporting Goods to downtown anchor Saks Fifth Avenue and four-star restaurant Jean Robert at Pigall's. Fourth & Plum Apartments and the Biltmore are among some of the earlier residential properties, while the recently renovated McAlpin condos and Parker Flats - currently under construction - represent newer options.

 

 

Riverfront - The changing landscape of the riverfront will afford new luxury living options such as One River Plaza but is also home to one of the first high rise apartment buildings downtown, One Lytle Place. Attending a Reds or Bengals game is just steps from your door. With sweeping views of the river, the hills of Mt. Adams and the city skyline, what more could you want?

 

 

St. Xavier Park - Just a few blocks east of Fountain Square is St. Xavier Park with some of the most impressive residential conversions - the Krippendorf-Dittman Shoe Building now the Sycamore Place lofts and the century old Power Building now the Renaissance Apartments. Silverglades Grocery offers residents in the neighborhood a great market, and Arnold's Bar & Grill serves up great food, live music and the oldest bar in the city.

 

 

Greater Downtown - Several thousand people live adjacent the central business district in what is often referred to as greater downtown. From the well established Adams Landing and Betts Longworth neighborhoods to the up and coming Gateway Quarter in Over-the-Rhine and the newer Captain's Watch and Foster's Point town homes along Riverside Drive, the options are plentiful. And the center of town is a stone's throw away.