Moving to Cincinnati this weekend w/questions (Fairfield, Norwood: apartment complex, rental)

[Prayingforrain48]

So I just received a job offer and will be moving from Alabama to Cincinnati this weekend. I'll be bringing up my fiance and twin boys in a couple of months, but for the present moment I'll be renting a room in the Rosewood area. What is the general reputation for that area?
I'll be spending a good amount of my time looking for a place for a more permanent rental. So far I've been considering Covington, Newport, Norwood, and Oakley. I'm looking for something that's not too expensive, but also something that's safe. My twin boys are just three years old, so the school district isn't a factor yet (I plan to move to the Blue Ash area before they're starting school). I would like to know which of the previously mentioned areas any of you might suggest and why. Thanks.

[Pathwalker]

Okay - I'm from Cincinnati. Born here, lived here all my life. And I have to ask....

Where is Rosewood?

Do you mean Roselawn?

[Pathwalker]

Anyway, I wouldn't personally want to live in Roselawn - but it's okay if you're only wanting to stay there temporarily.

As for the choices you referenced, I would go with Oakley. Actually, Covington's not bad, either. It depends on how much you're wanting to pay, and what amenities you want close-by. Oakley is an up-and-coming hip neighborhood, but it's in the shadow of Hyde Park, which is a pretty upscale place full of expensive older homes on tree lined streets, and there are a lot of yuppies in the area. It has a lot of great quirky shops and restaurants, and some cool parks. The rents in Hyde Park are really high. Oakley is cheaper, and you're still close enough to all the great things in Hyde Park. Both areas are decently safe, and would be good for bringing up your young children for a few years until you move to Blue Ash.

Covington is a city full of older homes as well, but it's pretty reasonable. The great thing about Covington is that you sorta feel like you're in a different city, as opposed to being on Cincinnati's south side. At the same time, you're decently close to all the great things about downtown and the riverfront areas. Newport is basically the same.

Norwood is "ehhh" in my book. I mean, it's okayyyy I suppose. But it just doesn't light my fire. Some areas are safe enough, but stay away from the parts close to Avondale.

[Prayingforrain48]

Yes, I did mean Roselawn, sorry.

Thanks for the second post though. That is exactly the sort of information that I've been looking for.I'll have to spend some time in Oakley and Covington to figure out what I think of both.

[Pathwalker]

Originally Posted by Prayingforrain48

Yes, I did mean Roselawn, sorry.

Thanks for the second post though. That is exactly the sort of information that I've been looking for.I'll have to spend some time in Oakley and Covington to figure out what I think of both.

LOL! I actually found myself looking on a map of Cincinnati, thinking "IS there a Rosewood?" Some maps have a tendency to list various neighborhoods by what they are known as by their residents. For example, on the west side of Cincinnati, in Delhi, there is a place called Palisades. And it might show that on the map, but there really isn't an actual city called Palisades in the Cincinnati area. So I thought maybe that was what was going on when you referenced "Rosewood". Anyway, Roselawn is just one of those places that has never really appealed to me. That whole part of the city never really appealed to me, except for maybe up the hill in Amberley.

If you want any other info, let me know.

[cincyUK]

outstanding... welcome to town.

If you are working downtown, newport / convington are great neighborhoods that offer the closest commute of any you mentioned. Newport is the most vibrant and up-and-coming of all, with an outstanding new shopping / entertainment center (newport on the levee), and great bars / dining. Very urban down there though until you get up on the hill out of the river bed.

A few words on Norwood: you don't want to live there... enough said on that.

Oakley is decent, but in that area I would instead check out Mt. Lookout / Hyde Park which are a neighborhood or two over and much nicer / closer to downtown.

Also check out Wilder, Mt. Adams, Bellevue and Ft. Thomas (good schools in Ft. Thomas for the twins).

[Pathwalker]

Keep in mind, the OP is looking for a place that isn't too pricey. That kinda disqualifies Mt. Adams, Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout. Of course, I suppose it depends on the specific price range they have in mind.

[Prayingforrain48]

Roselawn isn't one of the area that I'd considered staying in long-term, so it doesn't bother me too much to hear that you all generally wouldn't want to live there. Heh, as long as I don't have to hear any gunshots while I'm there, I'll be fine (you don't think that I'd be hearing gunshots there, do you?). I'd looked up properties in Covington, but hadn't done too much looking in Newport, so I'll have to do more of that. Also, all of my *looking* has been online thus far, so I'll actually get to investigate these places after I arrive in town on Saturday!
Also, as I mentioned earlier, for the first couple of years I'm looking for a place that's relatively inexpensive (a two bedroom apt for around 800?). I know that I'll be spending more than that when I move to the Blue Ash area in time for the twins to start school. Thanks for all of the answers so far!

[Pathwalker]

Originally Posted by Prayingforrain48

Heh, as long as I don't have to hear any gunshots while I'm there, I'll be fine (you don't think that I'd be hearing gunshots there, do you?)

Possibly. Unlikely, but maybe. They have had a recent killing in Roselawn Park so it's kinda hard to say. I'm not trying to scare you. If you're only going to be there for a month or two, you'll be okay. But I would advise finding a rental as soon as you can.

Originally Posted by Prayingforrain48

Also, as I mentioned earlier, for the first couple of years I'm looking for a place that's relatively inexpensive (a two bedroom apt for around 800?).

Actually, for $800 you could get a really decent 2-BR apartment in the suburbs......Fairfield, West Chester, Montgomery, Sharonville.....other places, too. Is there a particular reason you're wanting to live closer in toward the core of the city? Montgomery is right next to Blue Ash. So is Sharonville. Both would be good areas. West Chester and Fairfield are two areas I've resided in, and they are both safe as well. The apartment complex I just moved away from last year has GREAT 2-BR units for less than $800 - and it's a safe, clean community. Quiet. Dishwashers in the kitchen - washer and dryer hook-ups in each apartment. Private patios, or balconies. Storage right off the patio or balcony. French doors. Vaulted ceilings on top floor. Fireplaces. Very nice place! It was in Fairfield.

Regardless, for what you're wanting to spend on rent, you won't have any problem finding an apartment in Oakley, Covington, or Newport. Some other places are a bit out of your range, but don't worry about that - you'll find a decent apartment in a safe area for that much money.

[snowstormxu]

A couple comments here:

Don't hang around Roselawn any longer that you have to. I drive through that area every now and then on Reading Road and it's not a pretty sight. This is especially important since you have kids.

Oakley= good
Covington=so-so
Newport=so-so, but really becoming a hot place to be
Norwood= I wouldn't recommend it-- city is bankrupt I think?

By the way, I live in Blue Ash and have lived here for 30 years. I've been all over the country and have yet to find a place as good as this one to raise kids. Lots to do, especially in the summer, and Sycamore schools were just ranked among the top 10 in the state.