Clifton Heights, Cincinnati. What a place. Living here has made me stronger, but also a little jumpy. I love it here, but being nervous to leave my place after 6:00 pm is also kinda rough... Basically, I have a love/hate relationship with Clifton and it's confusing at best.
It's Truly a College Town:
Wanna go to BW3's? How about French Fry Heaven? Maybe Chipotle? Canes? Toppers? Insomnia Cookies? In the mood for Keystone Mac? Or how about the 37 sushi places and the 543 Chinese Restaurants that are just on McMillan and Calhoun? What if I mentioned that nearly all of them took the Bearcat card? It a wonderful life for the college kids in Clifton who don't like to go hungry.
It's Always Loud and Busy:
If you're not a fan of a bustling night life or delivery that takes over 45 minutes, Clifton may not be for you. It's definitely something to get used to, but it doesn't take long. However, the constant noise may take a little longer. People yelling at 3:00am, or the constant revving of engines is definitely enough to become annoying.
Everything is Super Close:
Wanna go downtown? It's just down the road. Need something from Target? It's just 5 minutes away? In the mood for a cute dinner and candle making? Over The Rhine is just down the hill! Need cold meds or band-aids? CVS and Walgreens are with-in walking distance! The Kroger should open soon and you can practically see it from campus! And rumor-has-it, the highly discussed Target that's rumored to open up on Calhoun should begin construction soon! Exciting times!
It can be a Little Dangerous:
Clifton is known for being a little rough. I hear sirens go by and wonder if someone else was hurt or overdosed again. I hear screaming and wonder if someone is in trouble or if they are just playing in around. A door will close a little too hard or someone will drop something and I'll jump 50 feet because living here can make you a little jumpy. It just comes with the territory, I suppose.
This Place is Super Unique:
I've never known a place like this and I'm not sure I ever will again. There's always something to do, and the places to explore are endless. Honestly, figuring out the quirks of this place has been an interesting adventure all on its own and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Clifton is a both wonderful and kind of not, all at the same time. I love it here, and I kind of can't wait to get out. This place is an enigma wrapped in more enigmas, and after living here for a while, it somehow makes sense and I just can't expect anything less.
