Family of 4 moving to Cincinnati suburbs from Atlanta (East Cobb Marietta area) (Mason: daycare)

[miaomiao29]

We are looking to relocate to Cincinnati suburbs area from East Cobb in Atlanta. We are in our mid 30's and a mix family (Caucasian and Asian - from Taiwan). My work is in Blue Ash area and I have a pre-K and 2nd grader. Our budget is $275K - $350K. I'd prefer my commute to be less than 30 minutes. We'd like to be in a very good public school district with a home that doesn't require overhaul (okay if we need to change out the carpet to hardwood and a little upgrading). Currently we are in a 15 year old 2400 sq (3BR, 2.5 bath, + office) home with a very nice backyard (.35 acres in a walkable neighborhood, 1/2 mile from a small elementary school and relatively close to shopping. We like to take the kids biking and walking and Pokemon hunting... we are looking for a similar set up in a neighborhood with lots of kids to play with... I'd like the kids to play a sport and get into swim lessons. My husband works remotely so high speed internet is a must. I've been told Mason is the ideal district for schools and I've read that even though the schools are very large, they are good. We looked around West Chester but not sure if we like it and are considering Wyoming but we think we won't be able to afford it.

Can you all help provide some suggestions on neighborhoods we can look into, specific elementary schools that you would recommend? We are okay with a larger school - I think what's more important is the level of parent involvement and how responsive the school is to problems that come up...
Are there any local swim classes like the YMCA you'd recommend?
Recommendations for a Pre-K daycare?
Favorite local parks for both the playground and Pokemon?
I would appreciate any suggestions for good Taiwanese or Chinese restaurants! :-) Thank you!

[Sarah Perry]

Originally Posted by miaomiao29

We are looking to relocate to Cincinnati suburbs area from East Cobb in Atlanta. We are a mix family (Caucasian and Asian - from Taiwan). My work is in Blue Ash area and I have a pre-K and 2nd grader. Our budget is $275K - $350K. We'd like to be in a very good public school district with a home that doesn't require overhaul (okay if we need to change out the carpet to hardwood and a little upgrading). Currently we are in a 15 year old 2400 sq home with a very nice backyard in a walkable neighborhood, 1/2 mile from a small elementary school and relatively close to shopping. We like to take the kids biking and walking and Pokemon hunting... My husband works remotely so high speed internet is a must. I've been told Mason is the ideal district for schools and I've read that even though the schools are very large, they are good. We looked around West Chester but not sure if we like it and are considering Wyoming but we think we won't be able to afford it. Can you all help provide some suggestions on neighborhoods we can look into, specific elementary schools that you would recommend? We are okay with a larger school - I think what's more important is the level of parent involvement and how responsive the school is to problems that come up... Also - would appreciate any suggestions for good Taiwanese or Chinese restaurants! :-) Thank you!

I can't recommend specific elementary schools, but I think for your situation finding a home in the Sycamore School District is practically a no-brainer. It covers the same area as your work, is one of the top-rated districts in the area, and if it matters, there will be at least a few other Taiwanese families. I don't know that in your price range you'll find something with ALL the amenities you have now, but it should be possible to find something livable. I'd say get into that district at all costs, even if you do have to sacrifice a little. Best wishes on your move!

[Wilson513]

Lucky you. Blue Ash will be perfect. Look for houses there, in upper Reading, Amberely, and Kenwood.

[SalamanderSmile]

As everyone said, just live in Blue Ash or Montgomery and send them to Sycamore. The City of Montgomery has a community pool and certain areas have nice walkability to the cute "downtown" but it will be pricey to get right. There are certainly homes that come up in your price range despite tremendous pressure by developers in that area. Look around the intersection of Montgomery Rd and Cooper Rd. and then leap up and look around north of that along Montgomery Rd. up to Tollgate.

Choosing the City of Blue Ash is also fine and they have great lifestyle amenities in their superb rec. center/pool and new awesome park. The taxes are low for what you get, however there is very little walkability or anything to walk to per se. Your money will go much farther in Blue Ash than Montgomery.

http://www.blueash.com/departments/p...rec_center.php

http://summitparkblueash.com/

https://www.montgomeryohio.org/pages/pool/

https://www.montgomeryohio.org/pages/parks/

https://www.sycamoreschools.org/