Relocating soon from Dallas (Cincinnati, Kent: fit in, condo, low crime)

[DalMa555]

Hi I've been looking at this forum for the past few weeks and was hoping to get some help with suggestions for areas to look for a home. The biggest hurdle will be my husband's desire to move back to the suburbs and my desire to live somewhere with a little more character. I've answered the questions below:

Have you searched this forum for answers to your questions before posting a new inquiry? Yes
What specific topic have you not found answers to?
Where is you current location and environment? Dallas Texas suburb – transferring soon
Are you looking for similar in Cincinnati or a change? Husband prefers suburbs I would like an area that is walkable with shops/restaurants, etc. Will consider Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky areas
Where will your work location be? I will work downtown and he may be working in the Blue Ash area
Maximum commute time desired? 30 minutes or less would be great
What is you budget for housing? Up to $250K (possibly a little higher)
Rent or buy? Buy
Type (Apt., Condo, Single Family) Single Family
Size (Approx. Sq. Ft., # Bedrooms & Baths) 2000 – 3000 SQ FT / Min 3bd 2 ba
Other specifics? 2 to 3 car garage
Neighborhood environment? Something with trees and sidewalks possibly walkable to shops and restaurants
Urban, young professional, nightlife We are (mid 40’s) empty nesters so no and yes
Mid-urban, close in neighborhood or suburb, stable investment Mid-urban for me and suburb for him and a stable investment
Suburban, low maintenance, quiet streets, soccer mom atmosphere Lower maintenance would be nice
Family oriented Not necessary
Older, distinctive architecture, individual character For me
Modern, 15 yrs old or less, move-in ready For him (we need a happy medium)
Diversity of income, race, housing? I am of hispanic heritage but do not speak any spanish – somewhere I’d fit in
Yard - none, small, large (1/2 acre or more) We have a dog so something with a taller fence
Very safe, low crime area? Yes
Can tolerate some degree of crime potential? How Much? NO
Private neighborhood association, swimming & fitness facilities Doesn’t matter
Schools? No kids at home
Not applicable N/A
Community amenities? Tennis courts would be nice but not required
Daily needs within walking distance, shopping, restaurants, parks, etc. Yes walkable if possible
Town/city community center for adults & kids Not necessary
Swimming, fitness center, running track, adult activities Nice but not required
Nearby fitness centers & clubs No
Close promity to public transportation? Nice but not required
Lots of parks & youth athletic leagues No
Jogging & biking trails Yes if possible
Other? Off leash dog park nearby would be nice

[abr7rmj]

Sounds like the Hyde Park and Mount Lookout areas would be perfect for you. You and your husband would have equal commutes and I think you'd both fall in love with the neighborhoods. There is shopping galore nearby and both neighborhoods are walkable, with easy access to downtown and Blue Ash. A little farther out (if your husband insists), Montgomery is a quaint little burb with a good dose of character in its business district. The commute for you wouldn't be that fun though as you'd be stuck in traffic in the morning and evening.

Welcome to Cincinnati!

[flashes1]

I was going to say Oakley or Montgomery (although you will likely find it challenging to find a nice house in your price range in Montgomery, but it's possible----but it arguably has the best combination of what you're seeking). Mount Lookout, as suggested by another poster, is a good idea.

[motorman]

As already suggested, Hyde Park-Mt. Lookout-Oakley! Three centrally located, charming communities not only connected to each other, but also to a variety of shopping, eateries, and entertainment. All close to downtown, yet near I-71 heading north to Blue Ash. And, yes, Montgomery has its own charm and is adjacent to the region's prestigious Kenwood shopping mecca, but traveling from there to downtown, via I-71, will prove tiresome and troublesome. (However, if you will be working regular hours downtown, there's the possibility that you could rely on public transit's express buses. Many Montgomery/Blue Ash suburbanites "park-and-ride" these "SunRun" buses Mon-Fri., which all use I-71.)