Relocating to Cinci; where to move? (Cincinnati, Hamilton: real estate, apartment, rentals)

[MsTery62]

Hi,

I am originally from Norwood and left the area in '84 when I joined the service. I ended up in the Philadelphia, PA region with my former husband and remained here after our divorce for the kids. My two boys are adults and on their own now (one in the USAF in England, and the other a local firefighter/career welder). I have never really cared for PA, the climate, the people, the cost of living, etc.

I have decided to move back to the area to be closer to family and friends, and if all goes as planned hope to make that move at the beginning of March. I was there a week or so ago checking into apartment rentals and job listings. I don't think I want to move back to Norwood (it's not the same as it was 30 years ago) but I do want to be within driving distance of my family and friends in Norwood and the Cincinnati area.

I was considering Northern Kentucky (Walton, Florence, etc.) because it seems to be more of a country setting, which is what I've been used to here in the rural area I live in PA. It's just myself and my dog moving, and I'll be looking for an apartment home rental, possibly in a community where I can meet new people.

What are the thoughts/suggestions on moving to Northern Kentucky vs. the Cincinnati suburbs in terms of the nicest place to live (lower crime, etc), and lowest cost of living?

[Sarah Perry]

Originally Posted by MsTery62

...What are the thoughts/suggestions on moving to Northern Kentucky vs. the Cincinnati suburbs in terms of the nicest place to live (lower crime, etc), and lowest cost of living?

I can't address much about apartment rentals, but one of the major contrasts that always first comes to mind about housing is that property tax on real estate is a lot higher in Hamilton County than it is across the river. I assume this would somewhat impact even rental costs.

[MsTery62]

Where is you current location and environment? Suburbs of Phila, PA, rural area, small town
Are you looking for similar in Cincinnati or a change?
Similar small town/country feel but close to the city
Where will your work location be? I work out of my home; may secure additional employment but location is unknown
[FONT=Verdana]Maximum commute time desired? 30 minutes[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]What is you budget for housing? $500-800/mo[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Rent or buy? Rent[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Type (Apt., Condo, Single Family) Lower Level apartment home/condo or single home[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Size (Approx. Sq. Ft., # Bedrooms & Baths) 2 bedrooms (1 to be an office), Sq ft doesn't really matter much[/FONT]
Other specifics? Pet friendly, Ground floor and some type of yard or setting for a dog
[FONT=Verdana]Neighborhood environment? [/FONT][FONT=Verdana]Not a big consideration, doesn't matter if its families or singles[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Very safe, low crime area? Yes please[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Schools? Not applicable/no kids[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Community amenities? looking at some communities with pools/fitness centers[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Walk to shopping, restaurants, entertainment? Not necessary[/FONT]
wimming, fitness center, running track, adult activities would be nice but not necessary
[FONT=Verdana]Private neighborhood association, swimming & fitness nice but not necessary.[/FONT]
Jogging & biking trails Love that idea

[kjbrill]

I would definitely be looking in the Kentucky area. With no kids to be concerned about you can be very flexible, particularly if you can continue to work out of your residence. I would believe the further south you go the better the property, likely newer and less expensive. If you can possibly consider buying, look for a condo. An end unit with a small yard could be ideal for your dog. Condo resales in the Cincinnati area have been absolutely horrible, so you may be able to buy one at a very good price with a very good low interest loan.

I know a couple of people, one being my niece, who are currently renting their condo for less than their basic outlay - mortgage & taxes. That is how far the resale market has dropped, but the rental has a cap above which people will not pay. So they are losing money each month. I feel this is fairly common. Offer a purchase price they can crawl out from under and I believe you have bought a condo. BTW, they are renting because job change required their relocating, not because they are stupid.

Just be conscious of any HOA fee. Those people seem to still be living on a different planet.

[John Blatchford]

I can't speak much for the Northern Kentucky area but I might consider Mariemont or Milford. Mariemont will probably be more expensive but is a nice suburban type area about 20 minutes outside of downtown Cincinnati. It has a really nice sort of main street but you'd probably be looking at a single house over a condo or apartment type place.

Milford is a bit more rural and has itself a nice Main street for itself as "old Milford". Very small town feel which it seems like you are looking for and I think you could find a place to rent for less than $600. Milford is about 30 minutes outside of Cincinnati. There are certainly more communities around Cincy but these two come to mind.

[kjbrill]

OP - You say you are in more of a rural, small town feel currently in PA. Places like Mariemont are nice, but the main reason to live there is for schools, as it is expensive. Similar for Milford. You have no need for schools, so steer away from the sections where this drives the cost up. You can also look west toward the Ohio/Indiana border, but I believe your best bet is KY.