The Port Surpasses 200 Home Sales, Strengthening Neighborhoods Across Hamilton County

The Port has historically worked in neighborhoods where disinvestment and vacancy have limited homeownership opportunities. This work, often described as “market making,” involves building where private developers may not be ready to invest, to stabilize conditions that can unlock future investment. By addressing site constraints, raising subsidies, managing appraisal gaps, and accepting development risks, The Port acts as an intermediary to support neighborhood improvement and build market confidence.

To date, The Port has developed housing units in more than 30 jurisdictions throughout Greater Cincinnati, with the most sales occurring in Evanston, East Price Hill, West Price Hill, and Walnut Hills. Projects range from new construction on vacant lots in places such as Lincoln Heights to the rehabilitation of historic housing stock in neighborhoods like Sedamsville. Guided by community input and data on foreclosure and vacancy, the residential strategy is grounded in creating conditions for improved community health and vibrancy.

The Port’s residential strategy has evolved in response to shifting needs across the region, with a broader focus on addressing the factors that shape residents' ability to access and maintain quality housing.

In 2022, The Port expanded its residential strategy to include rental homes by acquiring a 194-unit single-family portfolio previously owned by an out-of-town investor. That initiative, known as CARE Homes, reflects a targeted response to shifts in the local housing market and their impact on homeownership opportunities and neighborhood continuity. Over four years, The Port has returned 72 of those homes to local ownership at an average sale price of $158,911. Across its full single-family portfolio, the average sale price is approximately $195,000.

More attention has been placed on responding to increased institutional investor activity in the single-family housing market and supporting legacy homeowners facing rising property values and tax pressures. Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to sustaining homeownership and neighborhood vitality.

Investments in housing quality and long-term affordability underscore the Port’s approach. Rehabilitation and new construction projects routinely incorporate improvements such as roof replacement, lead-safe renovation practices, updated electrical systems, and upgraded heating and cooling. These efforts are designed to address common housing-related health and safety concerns while improving overall living conditions, public health, and quality of life, a priority highlighted nationally in April, during National Healthy Homes Month.

Beyond construction and sales, The Port’s efforts in the housing market include supporting existing legacy homeowners through home repair programs, reinforcing its holistic approach to housing stability.

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