Moving to Cincy, need input on location ideas...so far looking at Blue Ash, Sycamore District, Proximity to Downtown (Mason: house)

[Totogel]

We love the area of Blue Ash and it's amenities. Also like the fact it has access to great Sycamore School District. It also seems to be located ahead of key major traffic zones and centrally located. Seems I can get anywhere in 20 minutes or so. I think i can get downtown in 20 also. We also seem to be getting hooked on their nice Blue Ash rec center and nice family/community aspect of that. Any other similar type areas that you would recommend that blends those aspects above?

Madeira, mariemont, Anderson, Montgomery, symmes, amberly, new town....any reco's on these areas? Any areas missing? Pros / cons of each area.

Access to great health club/ workout facilities are important, as well as great access to kids activites with really friendly neighborhoods. School district similar to sycamore is important. Kids are 3 and 1. House range is $500ish, but willing to go up to $700ish for the right combination of the above aspects.

Lived before in Loveland 5-6 years ago and liked the burbs, but felt a bit far away and spent a lot of time in Montgomery, Kenwood, and Deerfield. Frankly, like the shopping, homes, and lifetime fitness in Deerfield, but not interested in that traffic zone everyday.

Thanks to all for guidance, perspective, and wisdom.

[kjbrill]

Blue Ash is a very nice location and you have identified most of its pluses.

I remember years ago when I lived in Madeira and we had relatives in Loveland. For some reason the trek out Loveland Madeira road between the two just seemed like it took forever. Loveland just felt like the sticks and still does to me. I can understand why you spent so much time in Montgomery, Kenwood, and Deerfield.

In Blue Ash you have the option of going to the Kenwood Towne Center area or jumping on I-71 and going north to Deerfield. Between the two you should find about anything you want.

The Blue Ash Rec Center is a definite plus. The Blue Ash YMCA is another attractive facility.

The Lifetime Fitness in Deerfield is also a nice facility but a tad on the expensive side. My brother and SIL just decided to leave there and join our Mason Community Center which is completing a major expansion. But there is no way I am going to try and convince you to move to Mason, as you are familiar with the traffic problems which exist here. For us retirees living here who rarely have to leave the city it is just fine. For those having to commute for a job regularly it can be a nightmare.

Blue Ash sounds like the place for you. You are familiar with the surrounding areas and I believe already know much of why they are not as good a fit. The Rec Center and such facilities are just fabulous for a growing family, and the school district is top notch. Locate your house and settle in.