Any 'urban' "hip' towns on the outskirts of Cincinnati? Great schools, walkable downtowns? (Columbus: crime, how much)

[Zen_master]

Originally Posted by Sarah Perry

I wonder if Gahanna would more fit the bill.

we're on the same page. I suggested this in the Columbus forum. I question the authenticity of this query given the OP has blasted this same post in the Columbus and Cleveland forums as well.

[Sarah Perry]

Originally Posted by NicoleWh

Thank you, neilworms2...I'll look into Mariemont.

I'm not sure why I'm the 'OP'...this is the first time I've ever posted to a forum. And yes, I know I posted to the 3 c's with the same post.....this is extremely overwhelming, and if I'm going to look in person, I have to narrow it down. Whitefish Bay is an idillic place to live, but we are looking in Ohio for various personal reasons...so it's hard to give up what I have, but we do hope we can find a place that's not too isolated with a bigger house. We're pretty cramped here....no yard, kitchen the size of a large bathroom...with 3 kids, that's a frustration for us. So, in search of that, we're willing to leave our idillic town. I don't mean to annoy anyone by posting in all 3, but I feel like I'm searching for a needle in a haystack, except I don't get to actually 'look' at the haystack, lol. So forgive me! I do appreciate all the help so far though!!

OP is shorthand for "original post" or "original poster."

[motorman]

Originally Posted by Sarah Perry

I wonder if Gahanna would more fit the bill.

Originally Posted by Zen_master

we're on the same page. I suggested this in the Columbus forum. I question the authenticity of this query given the OP has blasted this same post in the Columbus and Cleveland forums as well.

Yep--nothing wrong, I guess, with compiling a handy shortlist of highly desirable "3-C" communities--and now that several forum members have made some excellent recommendations (Gahanna, being one), this couple's Xmas-shopping list can be whittled down even further, depending upon the exact # of coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and school crossing guards, etc., that are desired. Now, it seems that the question that looms paramount is which one of these community school systems has limited itself to just the right amt. of diversity (if you know what I mean), but, with research, the answer can be determined.

As for myself, I'd add that flagship NKY community perched atop the the hills just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati--Fort Thomas. A proverbial Yuppie-Mayberry-Paradise it is (along with all the necessary trimmings), but then again, I'd ax it off this couple's window-shopping list for one reason alone... Unless hubby owns something like a 300cc motor scooter, he ain't gonna be too thrilled venturing up and down and around the streets of Ft. Thomas, winter or otherwise. (After all, those beautiful scenic hills surrounding Cincinnati do have some specific disadvantages.)

[NicoleWh]

Originally Posted by Zen_master

we're on the same page. I suggested this in the Columbus forum. I question the authenticity of this query given the OP has blasted this same post in the Columbus and Cleveland forums as well.

I'm sorry that I 'blasted' my post....please understand, it's really hard to pick a city to live by when you've never been to the state. Honestly, it would be much easier if my husband said 'My job is moving me to Cincinnati' but he works from home, so EVERYWHERE is open to us. But we are choosing your wonderful state to move to, so please have some understanding.

[NicoleWh]

Originally Posted by motorman

Yep--nothing wrong, I guess, with compiling a handy shortlist of highly desirable "3-C" communities--and now that several forum members have made some excellent recommendations (Gahanna, being one), this couple's Xmas-shopping list can be whittled down even further, depending upon the exact # of coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and school crossing guards, etc., that are desired. Now, it seems that the question that looms paramount is which one of these community school systems has limited itself to just the right amt. of diversity (if you know what I mean), but, with research, the answer can be determined.

As for myself, I'd add that flagship NKY community perched atop the the hills just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati--Fort Thomas. A proverbial Yuppie-Mayberry-Paradise it is (along with all the necessary trimmings), but then again, I'd ax it off this couple's window-shopping list for one reason alone... Unless hubby owns something like a 300cc motor scooter, he ain't gonna be too thrilled venturing up and down and around the streets of Ft. Thomas, winter or otherwise. (After all, those beautiful scenic hills surrounding Cincinnati do have some specific disadvantages.)

You make it sound like we are stuck up yuppies, among other 'undesirable' things...I assure you we are not. We are just moving from a very great place, with 30-40 miles streets connecting everything (everything is accessible) and top schools...so it's hard to compare with when we choose another place to live. We like to be out with our kids, and my husband likes to work in parks/coffee houses since he has that option. We also like small business, art, culture. So...we are being picky, I get that, but I would say we just want to enjoy our home, in and out of it.

[neilworms2]

Btw, since you are posting in the other forums in Ohio, I would recommend Bexley in Columbus or further down the road Dublin which has an ambitious/forward thinking program to "urbanize itself" - Dublin, Ohio, USA Media and Resources » Dublin, Ohio, USA

Columbus is not as beautiful as Cincy (only a hand full of cities are in this country) but it is a lot more progressive and the economy is way better than Cleveland's.

[kjbrill]

Originally Posted by NicoleWh

You make it sound like we are stuck up yuppies, among other 'undesirable' things...I assure you we are not. We are just moving from a very great place, with 30-40 miles streets connecting everything (everything is accessible) and top schools...so it's hard to compare with when we choose another place to live. We like to be out with our kids, and my husband likes to work in parks/coffee houses since he has that option. We also like small business, art, culture. So...we are being picky, I get that, but I would say we just want to enjoy our home, in and out of it.

You don't need to get yourself in a twist. I think we can appreciate what you are looking to do.

Just some reminders, the hills around Cincinnati are not very conducive to either a lot of walking or using a scooter, unless it is a big Cushman Eagle from the 50s. When you get north of the city, such as where I live in Mason, things get a lot flatter. We have great schools, but a walkable downtown not really. Since it is relatively flat a scooter ride would be quite practical. We have a lot of jogging/bicycle trails, but bringing home groceries for the week - not practical.

Columbus and Cleveland are both in what I call the plains of Ohio - pretty flat. In Cleveland you will have a lot more snow from the lake effect, but coming from Wisconsin should be used to that.

Southern Ohio along the river and Eastern Ohio as you get to the foothills of the Appalachians are the hilly part of the state. Western, Central and Northern Ohio are pretty damn flat.

From what I remember of Wisconsin it is pretty damn flat. In fact, do you even have a snow ski hill in the state? Ohio says they do but that is a lie.

If you do consider Cincinnati, put the schools at the top of your list. Some responders indicate private schools are an alternative. You have 3 kids so I view that as prohibitive. For the cost of tuition for 3 kids at private schools you can up your mortgage substantially and purchase a home in a suburb with great public schools.

Since your husband works from home not concerned about an everyday commute, I suggest in addition to Mason, West Chester, Liberty Township, Loveland, Landen/Kings Mills you go even further north to places like Springboro with some beautiful homes and good schools. It is considered a southern suburb of Dayton, but so what, it has some nice amenities and you are still within easy striking distance of Cincinnati for a night out. Take a look at Lebanon, it is the county seat of Warren County, and parts are an old town as it was founded before Ohio became a state. It is still a little rural, but just may offer the small businesses and other characteristics you are looking for. One thing for sure, you will find the larger house you are looking for there at a price you can afford.

[SonnyDaze]

Go with Wyoming if you want a community with good schools and similar demographics to Whitefish Bay. Go with Mariemont if you want good schools and the walkable "downtown".

[motorman]

Originally Posted by NicoleWh

You make it sound like we are stuck up yuppies, among other 'undesirable' things...I assure you we are not. We are just moving from a very great place, with 30-40 miles streets connecting everything (everything is accessible) and top schools...so it's hard to compare with when we choose another place to live. We like to be out with our kids, and my husband likes to work in parks/coffee houses since he has that option. We also like small business, art, culture. So...we are being picky, I get that, but I would say we just want to enjoy our home, in and out of it.

At this point, an answer to a simple question would be helpful--and that is, if the Milwaukee suburb you're presently residing in is so loaded with amenities, just why are you wanting to move? Next, please consider how each of us boosters of our "3-C" cities probably felt when we discovered your query on all three forums, with only the name of the city changed--a real turn-off, to say the least. (As for myself, I felt like a woman who sits in one of those notorious windows of Hamburg or Amsterdam, and competes for "attention" and "affection.") When I discovered such, I simply lost interest in the entire thread, although at this point I can assure you--if it is the "3-Cs" that truly attract you--none of them will disappoint you.

BTW, you and hubby may want to look at several upscale Detroit/Indianapolis suburbs that have recently appeared on similar threads: Northville, Berkley, and Birmingham, MI; and Carmel and Fishers, IN. Not only are all these choice suburbs flat (which may be important for hubby to know), but Carmel, in particular, has accumulated accolades from many sources. My suggestion is to give all these OH/MI/IN communities a "look-see' before making your decision. (Or, if still undecided, just put all the names in a hat and go that route...)

[t45209]

Originally Posted by NicoleWh

You make it sound like we are stuck up yuppies, among other 'undesirable' things...I assure you we are not. We are just moving from a very great place, with 30-40 miles streets connecting everything (everything is accessible) and top schools...so it's hard to compare with when we choose another place to live. We like to be out with our kids, and my husband likes to work in parks/coffee houses since he has that option. We also like small business, art, culture. So...we are being picky, I get that, but I would say we just want to enjoy our home, in and out of it.

If there are two neighborhoods in the Cincinnati area that have been accused of having a stuck up yuppie vibe, it's often Mariemont and Wyoming. Don't get me wrong, they are nice neighborhoods, but really do not seem to fit what you are looking for.

Also, in an earlier post you mentioned how cramped you are in your current living situation. If that's a concern, then you can virtually write off Mariemont. The houses are older, with tons of character, but generally small, like English cottages. You won't find anything spacious in Mariemont.

Wyoming, on the other hand, you will find massive homes, from stately Victorians to mid-century mod executive homes.