Relocating this fall from Chicago (Cincinnati, Mason: renting, how much, cheap house)

[cincihouse]

My husband, 6 week old daughter & I are looking to relocate to Cincinnati late this fall. We have family in Western Hills, but would like some unbiased opinions on where to move

Any suggestions on good neighborhoods/areas for young families? We are interested in neighborhoods that have access to parks/shopping/restaurants and have houses with backyards (a rarity in Chicago!). We are planning to come in town next weekend to look around and would appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

[Linda Pratt]

Do you have school aged children and are great schools a priority for you? (Sometimes even people with children will pick cheap price over great schools).
Will you be buying or renting?
What price range?
Where will you be working?

[cincihouse]

We have a newborn daughter, but schools are relatively important as we are looking to put down some roots. My husband believes that private schools are the way to go...I am not as positive.
We are looking to buy with room to grow, so 3+ bedrooms and 2 baths with the maximum price being $250,000.
My husband will be working downtown and I will be staying at home with baby, so it would also be nice to find a community where I can make so social connections with other 30somethings.

[homeschool513]

This may be too late to help you. My dad lives in Tinley Park, IL and they are always amazed at how cheap houses are here and how much space I have compared to their house.

If you are looking for a great area, try Landen. It is straight up I-71 from the downtown area. For your husband, there is a park and ride express bus that picks up at King's Island (in the Landen area). The schools (Kings Local School District) are rated excellent. There are walking trails throughout Landen. Every neighborhood has a pool or has access to a pool. There is a fabulous MOMS (moms offering moms support) group in the area too. Shopping is located just a short 5 - 10 minutes away on Mason-Montgomery Rd.

We have lived here for 9 years and wouldn't trade it for anywhere else in Cincinnati. And we have lived in several areas!