Moving to Cincy in a few weeks (Cincinnati, Hamilton: waterpark, neighborhood)

[UncleRando]

Downtown is actually a great place to live...ask someone who lives down there what they think to get a true gauge; not someone who lives in the 'burbs. I also don't know how ANYONE could consider Clifton to be a place that is anything less than GREAT...I'm assuming people are just mixing up neighborhood boundaries here (Clifton essentially the gaslight district, Corryville/University Heights/Clifton Heights/Fairview just about form the boundaries of the University of Cincinnati.

Many people feel that these are not-so-good areas, but I tend to disagree for the most part. It is good to note that UC boasts the largest police force in Hamilton County aside from the Cincinnati PD and Hamilton County Sheriffs. The university (and the areas closely surrounding it) are actually VERY safe, but will see the occasional crime of opportunity that is normal around any major university.

Another area to look would be Covington...it's just right across the river and has some great housing stock. But like I said...I have NO problem whatsoever recommending Downtown as a place to live. I also place Clifton, Covington, Columbia Tusculum, East End and Mt. Adams on my list of great places to live that are close to Downtown.

Don't let my words, or anyone else's, be your deciding factor on whether you choose Downtown or not. The local media has enjoyed knocking Downtown for many years and this has seemed to rub off on many of the locals. I suggest going Downtown yourself and making up your own mind as to whether it is a place you would like to live or not. I don't think that over 7,000 (and growing rapidly) residents could be wrong.

[Pathwalker]

Not all downtown is bad, no. I think when we caution people about downtown, we're referring to places like the West End, and Over-The-Rhine. I couldn't in good conscience recommend those areas for a newcomer to move to, especially when wanting to raise a family.

As for Clifton, yes there are nice areas. I like the gaslight district. But unless things have changed recently (I admit I don't get down there nearly as much as I used to when I lived in Oakley), Short Vine has had a reputation for being a less-than-safe area. And Mt. Auburn can be iffy, too.

[UncleRando]

Originally Posted by WCRob

Not all downtown is bad, no. I think when we caution people about downtown, we're referring to places like the West End, and Over-The-Rhine. I couldn't in good conscience recommend those areas for a newcomer to move to, especially when wanting to raise a family.

As for Clifton, yes there are nice areas. I like the gaslight district. But unless things have changed recently (I admit I don't get down there nearly as much as I used to when I lived in Oakley), Short Vine has had a reputation for being a less-than-safe area. And Mt. Auburn can be iffy, too.

This is exactly it though...you are mixing up neighborhoods. Downtown is not the West End or Over-the-Rhine...they are each their own neighborhoods and should be treated as such. Silverton is CLEARLY different from Blue Ash or Sycamore Twp and it is treated as such. The same decency should be used for different city neighborhoods.

Clifton is not everything on top of the hill...the neighborhood of Clifton is essentially Ludlow Ave and the Gaslight District. Short Vine would be Corryville, Mt. Auburn is well...Mt. Auburn. You can't really be comparing Mt. Auburn to Clifton...there is a huge expanse separating the two.

I noticed that you defined yourself as living in Oakley...why not just say Hyde Park...that is no different from the generalizations you're making for the other nabes. Sorry if I'm sounding touchy, but I just think when someone is asking about "Downtown" they are primarily concerned with the CBD area...not with Laurel Homes next to 75 in the West End.

[jlrosen]

generally downtown is the CBD, bounded by mt adams to the east, river to south, central pkwy to north, central ave to west.

I have never had a problem in OTR or downtown.

worst thing that has ever happend to me was my car was broken into and the stereo taken. The exact same thing happened to my cousin in Mason, but in addition to the stereo they also took her gradebooks (she is a teacher).

Crime happens everywhere. A vigilant public is the only real answer.

[Pathwalker]

Originally Posted by UncleRando

This is exactly it though...you are mixing up neighborhoods. Downtown is not the West End or Over-the-Rhine...they are each their own neighborhoods and should be treated as such. Silverton is CLEARLY different from Blue Ash or Sycamore Twp and it is treated as such. The same decency should be used for different city neighborhoods.

Clifton is not everything on top of the hill...the neighborhood of Clifton is essentially Ludlow Ave and the Gaslight District. Short Vine would be Corryville, Mt. Auburn is well...Mt. Auburn. You can't really be comparing Mt. Auburn to Clifton...there is a huge expanse separating the two.

I noticed that you defined yourself as living in Oakley...why not just say Hyde Park...that is no different from the generalizations you're making for the other nabes. Sorry if I'm sounding touchy, but I just think when someone is asking about "Downtown" they are primarily concerned with the CBD area...not with Laurel Homes next to 75 in the West End.

Yeah, you are being a bit touchy there. To a certain degree, I see what you are saying regarding West End and OTR, although to a total outsider it would be easy to consider OTR as part of downtown. I know I certainly think of it that way.

I'm not sure why you're getting touchy about my comments regarding Clifton, though. I stated parts of Clifton were indeed nice. I separated that from Short Vine (Correyville) and Mt. Auburn. So I don't understand your contention with what I said.

[UncleRando]

I just think that if you're going to be giving recommendations on where and where not live...then you should at least have your neighborhood boundaries straight. I participate in a lot of efforts in the Uptown communities and most specifically with Clifton. That neighborhood is often lumped in with just about anything at the top of the hill, and it just isn't accurate.

I didn't mean to come off as a jerk or anything...I just know a lot of people get upset over these generalizations. I just want to help the effort and not hurt it (if that makes any sense).

[Pathwalker]

Sorry if you felt I was lumping Clifton in with just about anything at the top of the hill. You seem to be rather sensitive about all this, so I'm not going to argue with you about it.

[UncleRando]

I'm just saying that if you're going to tell someone NOT to live Downtown because it isn't safe...then you use data and/or issues from another neighborhood (ie West End)...then you are just misinforming people.

[The Don]

Clifton would probably be a fine location for you to move to given your parameteres of being close to downtown and asian stores. Clifton could be a bit pricey though and, as indicated by this discussion, you have to be particular about which part of Clifton you are interested in.
Gentrified Downtown housing is still a bit new in Cincinnnati, so I don't think it has much of a track record. It too is somewhat pricey, plus, there still is not a lot going on in downtown compared to the suburbs.
You may want to look at the blog on "moving to the west side". Prices are very reasonable and it is very convenient to downtown. I would consider Bridgetown, Delhi, Montfort Heights, White Oak. Stay away from Price Hill, Westwood, Farimont.
Less convenient to downtown are Sharonville and Blue Ash. Unless your work schedule is atypical, be prepared to spend a lot of time on I-75 or I-71. There are Asian stores in those neighborhoods though.

[jlrosen]

Originally Posted by The Don

plus, there still is not a lot going on in downtown compared to the suburbs.

I disagree with that statement. Aside from a movie theatre and comedy club, both of which are in newport which is within direct line of sight to downtown, I can't think of anything 'going on' in the suburbs that is more exciting than downtown. I guess it also depends on how you define suburbs, if you count mt. adams, clifton and northside as suburbs then that statement is more accurate.