Oakley – Not Hyde Park “Near” Anymore!

One of Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhoods is really picking up speed in her old age! Oakley claims the prize of being 1 of the Top 5 Best Cincinnati Neighborhoods, straight from The Cincinnati Magazine.  HGTV viewers may have seen an episode on one show  where a local fellow proudly wore his “Oakley is not Hyde Park” t-shirt. Ok. That’s true. But what Oakley “is” is “happening”, thriving, affordable and a great place to live!  Oakley Square brings visitors out for shopping, food and fun.

Madison Road, Oakley’s main drag, is home to most of the restaurants, shops and business of Oakley.  Oakley After Hours is held the last Friday of the month, April – September.  Visitors enjoy Happy Hour specials, special sales events, live bands and a good time.  The 20th Century Theatre is a great location for concerts, movies, and weddings.   

Oakley Rec Center, located on Paxton Road has a good senior program, and an after school day camp.
Duck Creek Antique Mall   is 22,000 square foot of treasure hunting fun
Check out Late for the Sky Productions, located in Oakley.  Their designs for custom board games are really creative. Such a talented group! Check out specialty games like City in a Box,  Bible-Opoly & Mayberry-Opoly. 

It’s reported that Phoebe Ann Oakley Mozee, called Annie by her family, took the stage name of Annie Oakley, after the Oakley area she called home.  Annie Oakley was of course, one of the big stars of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

In Oakley, you’ll find older housing. New construction is very, very rare but you’ll find plenty of renovation.  Many homes are 80, 90, and 100+ years old. Per the MLS, the most current average sales price is about $195,000.   There is plenty of charming, well kept affordable housing in Oakley. The market there is great for first time buyers.

There is also no shortage of beautiful, upscale Victorians with gleaming hardwood, stained glass, “wow” kitchens, and Rookwood fireplaces.  Many are within walking distance to Hyde Park Square or Oakley Square.

So why, when discussing Oakley, am I presenting the chef and his creations? Restaurants!! Here are a just a few to check out:

• Dewey’s Pizza – No shortage of garlic on these pies! Love that wild mushroom pizza!
• Hugo- Sophisticated Southern, named after the 1989 Category 5 Hurricane. No really. Read about it   online and check out the amazing menu
• Oakley Pub & Grill – Check out the mushroom burger
• Kona Bisto–  Great casual date night restaurant
• Boca – Upscale Italian. Great “special” date night restaurant
• Bonefish Grill-  Love that seafood!
• Fatburger – The name says it all!
• Aglamesis Brothers – Ice cream parlor decked out in pink Tiffany décor