Cincinnati's Best Suburbs (Mason, Lebanon, Washington: appointed, house, living)

[ohiosgreat]

Just wondering if anyone is from or familiar with the Medina, Ohio area -- were looking at relocating and currently live in Medina - (we have also lived in Granger Twp - which is just outside of Medina - close to Bath Twp), we would like to find a place outside of Cinci that is comparable with Medina (Granger Twp) -

would like to find a place that is a little bit rural (not a development) -- but within 10 to 15 minutes of whatever you may need (like a Medina Twp - Bath Twp - Granger Twp-) any insight?

[flashes1]

Originally Posted by ohiosgreat

Just wondering if anyone is from or familiar with the Medina, Ohio area -- were looking at relocating and currently live in Medina - (we have also lived in Granger Twp - which is just outside of Medina - close to Bath Twp), we would like to find a place outside of Cinci that is comparable with Medina (Granger Twp) -

would like to find a place that is a little bit rural (not a development) -- but within 10 to 15 minutes of whatever you may need (like a Medina Twp - Bath Twp - Granger Twp-) any insight?

Is the quality of schools a concern? Lebanon, Little Miami, Milford, are good options for what you're seeking if schools are of no concern.

[ohiosgreat]

schools are not a concern personally - only for resale value -
what is Lebanon, Loveland, and Maineville like - the character, stigma, reputation, etc.... ?

[kjbrill]

Originally Posted by ohiosgreat

schools are not a concern personally - only for resale value -
what is Lebanon, Loveland, and Maineville like - the character, stigma, reputation, etc.... ?

Lebanon is an old town, and the county seat of Warren Co. Mason, on the south side of the Co. has surpassed it in population but that is due to its closer proximity to Cincinnati. Lebanon has a quite historical downtown but is a mish-mash of old and new. I had a relative who ran a grist-mill and a saloon in Lebanon back in the 1800s. Lebanon is surrounded by newer subdivisions, but you can still go about 10 minutes out of town and be in pure country. It is large enough to meet your ordinary needs.

The majority of Loveland is in the adjacent county to the east, Clermont, but it does straddle 3 county lines. It is also an old town, sitting on the banks of the National Scenic Little Miami River. Like most places, it is now ringed with subdivisions. When I was a boy growing up in Madeira a trip to our relatives in Loveland was an excursion.

Mainville is definitely more country, hence its village tag. If you are looking for a country atmosphere this is likely it. But about 10 minutes west, cutting through Landen and then to Deerfield Township you will find all of the shopping you need.

[flashes1]

Originally Posted by ohiosgreat

schools are not a concern personally - only for resale value -
what is Lebanon, Loveland, and Maineville like - the character, stigma, reputation, etc.... ?

I personally like Loveland a lot out of those three primarily because it has beautiful rolling terrain and its closeness to the Loveland Bike Trail which follows the Little Miami River (there's some gorgeous land around there). Downtown Loveland has the quaint factor-----nice restaurants and a couple bars----and right on the Trail and the River. The schools are pretty good, too....which might help resale value....there's a wide range of rural people to high income earners. A disadvantage to me----is it's relatively difficult to get to 71 at least from most of the rurual parts of Loveland (my family hails from Columbus and I work downtown----so 71 is my life blood----but this may not be as important to you).

Downtown Lebanon is nice, although not as quaint as Loveland in my view..but it does have a really nice restaurant in The Golden Lamb...one big advantage for me is Lebanon's proximity to 71. There's also some really nice rolling terrain in Lebanon, but no big river to make it really hilly. The schools are pretty good.

[MMDC]

Hey All - We will be making our first visit to the Greater Cincinnati Area a week from Friday to begin familiarizing ourselves with the region. While in town, we intend to specifically visit:

Wyoming
West Chester
Mason
Loveland
Symmes Twp
Miami Twp
Milford
Union Twp
Anderson Twp


Other locations that we may visit (depending on time and your advice) include:
Blue Ash; Madeira; Mariemont; Montgomery; and Fort Thomas, KY

We would appreciate your thoughts on these suburbs and will also be taking recommendations on places to go for happy hour and/or dinner in these areas. Thanks very much.

MMDC

[kjbrill]

Originally Posted by MMDC

Hey All - We will be making our first visit to the Greater Cincinnati Area a week from Friday to begin familiarizing ourselves with the region. While in town, we intend to specifically visit:

Wyoming
West Chester
Mason
Loveland
Symmes Twp
Miami Twp
Milford
Union Twp
Anderson Twp


Other locations that we may visit (depending on time and your advice) include:
Blue Ash; Madeira; Mariemont; Montgomery; and Fort Thomas, KY

We would appreciate your thoughts on these suburbs and will also be taking recommendations on places to go for happy hour and/or dinner in these areas. Thanks very much.

MMDC

A rather ambitious list - good luck! Depending on how you you expect to be here I would say it is rather aggressive. If a weekend visit - no way. You can barely drive through all of those locations let alone get a feeling for what they offer. Carve maybe a third of that and consult a map to see what you may be interested in each locale. If you are going to experience anything but hit-skip-miss you will have to spend more time in each area. Otherwise you might just as well stay in Medina and throw darts at a map.

[MMDC]

Hey Brill - thanks for your reply. We are driving-in from Washington, DC and have four days to canvass the locales mentioned. Are there any must see's or good restaurant's (casual) that we should check out?

[kjbrill]

Originally Posted by MMDC

Hey Brill - thanks for your reply. We are driving-in from Washington, DC and have four days to canvass the locales mentioned. Are there any must see's or good restaurant's (casual) that we should check out?

In 4 days you may get a representative evaluation. Just plan your tour around Cincy with a map. In four days you should have at least 2 Cincinnati chili lunches. If you are thinking about moving here you must at least understand our gourmet delight. Don't worry, if you are driving around town you cannot miss them, they are everywhere.

I am going to give you just one dinner reference, the Village Tavern in downtown Montgomery. Is this my favorate place - NO. But if you want a dose of the current young yuppie, place to be seen, it is the place to go. If it is the place you want to avoid I understand that also.

[Sarah Perry]

I enjoy Gabby's in Wyoming. You'll get a good feel for the kind of people who live in the neighborhood, along with good food and service.