Greenhills? (Cincinnati, Forest Park, Finneytown: to rent, crime rate, townhouses)

[bertandernie]

What does everyone think about Greenhills? We're considering relocating there.

[goyguy]

Greenhills is a sleepy suburb, one of three "greenbelt" communities in the US built during the New Deal era and the last one to remain surrounded by woodlands. One section dates back to the 1930's and '40s, and includes a sizable collection of townhouses built during those times which is now at risk of demolition. The risk is due to there being no more developable land. The Chamber of Commerce types have an interest in broadening the village's appeal to take in the big chunk of the population which insists upon only moving into a brand-new home. Greenhills' other section was built largely during the '50s and '60s, and consists of the same ranch/Cape/colonial styles of houses that "sprouted" in subdivisions throughout the nation in those years. The greenbelt I alluded to is Winton Woods, a sprawling county park whose lake forms part of Greenhills' southern boundary. To the east, west, and north, the "belt" has gotten pretty decimated due to land development and road construction.

As a place to raise kids, I'd rate Greenhills out of the top tier but above average. It's the kind of town where you don't have to cross your fingers before giving a child permission to go trike or bike riding through the neighborhood. If tossing a ball around or playing tag haven't vanished from society completely, Greenhills is one of those communities where it's easy to visualize turning a corner and hearing cries of, "CAR!" You got it, we're talking Pleasantville. Even the most notable local retailer is Johnny's Toys.

BUT...the public school system is Greenhills' Achilles' heel. One unfortunate social aspect of the 20th Century was housing covenants and real-estate "steering." African-Americans looking to buy or rent in Greenhills were shown properties in neighboring Forest Park instead. Consequently, that "intentionally integrated" town now houses a Black majority while Greenhills remains almost entirely White. In seeking to "level the playing field," the school systems of the respective communities merged to form the Winton Woods district. Greenhills High School is now Winton Woods Middle School, and Forest Park High is now Winton Woods High. Although no major racial tensions exist, many White parents in particular are favoring private, parochial, and "Christian" schools for their offspring. In my opinion, one of the key ingredients of a city or town's "glue" is well-regarded schools happily supported by the citizens. Greenhills falls way short in this department. It's a sad commentary on attitudes to have schools continue to successfully prepare many young people for rewarding lives through either higher education or solid occupational grounding, only to be shunned because they're "too, you know, uh, what's the word I'm looking for, oh yeah, diverse."

The Cincinnati Mills, Tri-County, and Northgate malls are all a short drive away from Greenhills. Good grocery stores can be found in nearby Forest Park, Springdale, and Finneytown. So while there's virtually nothing save for Johnny's Toys (and an IGA, if it still exists) within the town's boundaries as far as shopping is concerned, you don't have far to go. The up side of Greenhills' complete lack of mega shopping centers and "big box" stores is the corresponding complete lack of parking lots by the acre. It lends nicely to the overall small-town aesthetic and helps the crime rate stay low.

As a dyed-in-the-wool city kid and "intentional integrator," my take on Greenhills leans toward unfavorable. But of course that's just me.

[CincyExpert]

I'd recommend Greenhills for retired people and young people looking to buy their first home. It doesn't seem like that bad of a place to live, but it does seem very "blah" to me. The above poster does have a very good view of what life is like there though.

[wastina]

I have a friend who grew up in Greenhills and is back with his parents as an adult. He says that the merge with Forest Park really brought the community down. You might want to check out Springdale or Glendale nearby, for improved and nearby alternatives.

[YoMikey617]

Greenhills is ghetto.

[bertandernie]

Yo, Mikey--

What do you mean exactly by "Greenhills is ghetto"?

Thanks!
Bertandernie

[CincyExpert]

By no means is Greenhills "ghetto". "Blue collar" might be a better term.

[lydunn]

Along Winton rd the townhouses make the area look bad...I mean many times I have seen sheets hanging up to the windows. I remember years ago going with my mom to love at a place there and having the feeling of them (landlords) of not wanting to rent to (certain people) now please I wouldn't stay there even if the rent was free...certain parts of it has become very trashy.