Downtown vs. The Burbs (Cincinnati, Wooster: loft, how much, homes)

[JayReh]

Help ... we are relocating to Cincinnati from just outside of Lousiville, KY. We have looked at several areas around Cincinnati and are trying to decide between several. We currently live in a rural area - a neighborhood with mature trees, large 1-2 acre lots but would like a change of pace when we move... we think. (We lived in a loft in downtown Louisville before the birth of our son.)

We have a 9 month old son and would like to live in a neighborhood within walking distance of a park, shopping and things to do. But of course we are also wanting safety....

Our realtor has showed us homes in Hyde Park, North Avondale = (we especially liked a home there), Columbia-Tusculum(sp?) - and in areas further away from downtown like Anderson and Mariemont. We have liked homes in all areas and would love any advice. Schools aren't as important to us yet as our son is only 9 months and see this next home as a transition location - potentially moving in 3 to 4 years. Safety is the primary desire for us.

Thanks for any help....

[Ohiogirl81]

Mariemont is so safe it's downright scary! Theirs is a very, um, active police department. (the older you get, the more you appreciate that, LOL) But it's a beautiful little town with a couple of great parks, movie theater and restaurants on the square, and an easy bus ride or drive into downtown. There's not a lot of traffic except on Wooster Pike and Plainville and Madisonville roads, so your little one will be pretty safe as he learns to toddle about.

As much as I firmly hold the belief that criminals are mobile and any location has a risk for personal crime, North Avondale unsettles me just a bit if safety is your primary concern.

You spelled Tusculum just beautifully!

[Pathwalker]

I suppose it depends on how much you are wanting to spend, and whether you ultimately decide you want to live downtown or in the suburbs. Hyde Park would definitely give you exactly what you're looking for. So would some areas in neighboring Oakley, but they'd be less expensive there. Both are EXTREMELY walkable areas, and have great access to parks and shopping. Hyde Park is a bit more yuppieish, but it is also the kind of place where you would actually want to settle down and raise a family. The schools aren't that great, being as it is the Cincinnati school district, but if you could send your kids to private schools, it would be your best bet.

Other areas to consider would be Wyoming, Montgomery, Mason.....

[mimi in cinci]

If you like North Avondale you might want to try East Walnut Hills. There are lots of big beautiful old homes in a protected historic district.Very family friendly (tons of little kids)and yet still eclectic enough to be interesting.It's walking distance to O'bryonville with art galleries,coffee shops and boutique shopping.It borders 2 little parks and Eden Park is very close too.Yes, it's Cincinnati Public Schools but there are several private schools in the neighborhood.
Good luck, Cincinnati is a great place to live.