Moving to Mason from California

[skarl001]

We live in Mason, in a neighborhood full of people who have relocated from other places. My husband and I have lived in AZ, TX, TN, Chicago, etc., and we like it fine here. Not our favorite place, but I haven't noticed the problems that you mention. I miss the friendliness of people in the South, and we'll be moving to Charlotte next month, but I have to say that while I don't love the midwest, I think the Mason are has been quite nice overall. My son goes to public school, and even thought my neighborhood is upper end, I can only think of one kid here who goes to private school.

[madame_zora]

I have lived in Ohio the majority of my life, and of all the cities here, I find Cincinnati to be the most prejudicial and tense. The economy here is very tough right now, and that just doesn't tend to make people happier. We've lost about 20% of our population in the last five years though, which means the housing market is quite good. The northern suburbs are probably more "liveable" but you'll find far less diversity there.

It really depends on what you're looking for. As a person of mixed race and "liberal" ideas that people should be treated equally, whether they be men or women, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation, I find this to be a tough place to be happy. I would not like to put my children in schools here, public or private. They will learn to look down on others, and that's not a lesson I'd like to unteach.

[QueenCty]

Just to set the record straight, Cincinnati has not lost 20% of its population. Additionally, there should be a distinction that the city population (while many older cities continue to lose population) has remained flat over the past 5 years while the metro has grown 3-4 percent in the same timeframe. The job market is the best in Ohio with 24,000 jobs added to the metro last year according to the state -this is not explosive but it is a respectable rate of growth.

I have heard that some people feel it is hard to meet people, but I would consider the responsibility to also fall upon the person and know many people who have made a lot of friends. I lived away from Cincinnati for 8 years, and was pleasantly surprised that since I have been back at least half of the people I meet socially are from somewhere else. Over the past 10 years 90% of the newcomers I have met love it, most of the others like it, and I know of only 1 that hated it (although she and her family remain after 10 years). In summary, to the original poster I would say take a visit for yourself and you will find a healthy economy with moderate growth. You will find the city more liberal than the suburbs, and while I wish the metro was more progressive, the city always leans democrat.

[CALI TO CINCY]

Well...we made the move to Mason and have been here for about a month. Right now I am watching the most intense thunderstorm I have ever seen outside my window - pretty cool actually.

So far, we have been pleasantly surprised with the area. The people here are much friendlier than SO CAL, which has been very inviting. Also, generally life seems a bit simpler and more relaxing. Overall we've been very happy. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for and what type of lifestyle appeals to you. Mason does feel a bit rural to me, compared to what I am used to. We haven't bought a house yet and will probably buy one more toward the city when we do-maybe Blue Ash, Montgomery or Madeira. It feels a little more like home to me in denser communities. But generally, we have been happy here so far!

Any transplants out there who have had a GOOD experience in the area??

[Cinci-bound?]

CALI TO CINCY-

More transplants are coming soon. We're definitely relocating from LA in late August. We're spending memorial day weekend checking out the different neighborhoods such as Wyoming, Mason, Liberty Township, Montgomery, Marimont, Madiera, Blue Ash.

Glad to hear you are enjoying it. I can't wait to experience a real thunderstorm and see a real firefly. Have you seen any yet?

Cinci-bound?

[cincylifer]

Originally Posted by CALI TO CINCY

Well...we made the move to Mason and have been here for about a month. Right now I am watching the most intense thunderstorm I have ever seen outside my window - pretty cool actually.

So far, we have been pleasantly surprised with the area. The people here are much friendlier than SO CAL, which has been very inviting. Also, generally life seems a bit simpler and more relaxing. Overall we've been very happy. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for and what type of lifestyle appeals to you. Mason does feel a bit rural to me, compared to what I am used to. We haven't bought a house yet and will probably buy one more toward the city when we do-maybe Blue Ash, Montgomery or Madeira. It feels a little more like home to me in denser communities. But generally, we have been happy here so far!

Any transplants out there who have had a GOOD experience in the area??

Glad to see you made it here safely...I have been in cincy my entire life, and if I were you, I would make the move a bit south to Blue Ash or Montgomery...Mason does have a lot offer, the community center is second to none, however you will face a lot of traffic, which even that probably is nothing to you , having come from CA.....the primary reason I would choose Blue Ash, or Montgomery, is the schools, Mason has excellent schools, but since they are building SO many new houses in the area, the schools cannot keep up with the growth....they constantly come back for new school levies.

Now these days it seems that all districts are asking for levies, however Mason, has them more than average....Montgomery and Blue Ash are in sycamore school district, which is rated excellent, its also it bit more diverse than Mason...

check out https://webapp2.ode.state.oh.us/reportcard/archives/ for more info on schools...

[spedteach1972]

I have lived in this "Indiana/Ohio" belt all my life. Something no one is really talking about is the weather/ health issues related to Ohio. These are things that if you don't HAVE to move to Ohio -- DON"T!! You will probably develop colds all of the time, flu several times a year even with the shot, allergies, asthma, fibromyalgia, and a whole list of other issues. This belt is the worst for health issues. When I visited California, all of my health issues where gone within 24 hrs - and let me tell you - there are many!! I have to take anywhere from 20-25 pills to get me through the day. In California I needed 4. I am trying to save up enough money to be able to re-locate there - any suggestions?

[lalagonegaga]

Sorry to hijack, but I'm a native Californian, so here goes. I'd suggest Central Cali for the reasons you mentioned. The area around Salinas is absolutely beautiful and a lot more reasonably priced than surrounding areas. Of course, you will have sticker shock upon living here. The price of EVERYTHING will cost more, but it's a trade off. Better health and weather? More Money. Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey are also stunning and gorgeous, and you might find more opportunites as well, but be prepared to pay a lot more.

I'd steer clear of SoCal (my 'hood, so to speak). There is a palpable distance between people; call it aloof, fake, snobby, whatever. Plainly speaking, folks just aren't nice down here. Oh, they're nice enough, but you'll soon find that veneer wears off to reveal the ugly layer underneath. It's very hard on the psyche, just a tough place. And you won't have ANY disposable income (assuming you're not already a millionaire). Seriously, just none.

Hope this helps. Anything else, ask away.

[CALI TO CINCY]

spedteach1097 -

If you are moving to So Cal, you might want to consider the Conejo Valley, north of L.A. Thousand Oaks is VERY nice, this is where I grew up. It is expensive but I'm not sure what cost of living you are looking for.

Avoid the Inland Empire!

In Northern California, I think the greater Sacramento area has some hidden gems that are still reasonably affordable.