Is Cincinnati in the South? No, It's the Midwest
Cincinnati, Ohio** is firmly in the **Midwest** (Great Lakes / Ohio Valley subregion), not the South.
Geographic Definitions
- Midwest: Census Bureau East North Central (OH, IN, IL, MI, WI) + West North Central.
- South: Census Bureau South Atlantic, East/West South Central (below Mason–Dixon / Ohio River).
Why the Confusion?
- Ohio River forms Cincinnati's southern border; Kentucky (South) is across the river.
- Historical ties: pork-packing supplied Southern markets; cultural exchange.
- Accent: mild "Midland" dialect, not Southern.
- Sports: Bengals (AFC North), Reds (NL Central) – Midwest divisions.
Regional Identity
Cincinnati self-identifies as Midwestern (Chamber of Commerce, tourism, media). The "Gateway to the South" moniker reflects geography, not regional classification.
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