Re-considering our move to Cincinnati (Cleveland, Lancaster: house, neighborhoods, schools)

[Cincybound]

My husband is getting out of the army and we are planning to move to Cincinnati in the very near future. He is from upstate New York and I am from Georgia. We are an interracial couple with 2 bi-racial children. We are looking for an area that has the following:

Diversity
Culture
close to downtown
Great schools (I have an 8 year old and a 5 year old)
parks within walking distance
neighborhood cafes/shops


I've read some of the posts on this board and I am wondering if it is a good idea to move to cincinnati at all. If the locals here seem to stick to other locals, how are friends made? We haven't experienced any racism (atleast to our faces) in Georgia and only once in New York, it seems as if it's the norm to express hatred in this city. My husband and I love meeting new people, but is it really that hard?

[LancasterNative]

Hi Cincybound!

I think Cincinnati receives lots of undue criticism. It's stereotyped as "reactionary" and "bigoted" etc. but the fact is, there are truly open-minded and friendly people in every community--just as there racist idiots in every town, large and small.

For what it's worth, I grew up in a smaller community (Lancaster, hence my screenname!) and lived three doors over from a family that fit your exact profile: bi-racial couple, mixed-race kids. Nobody thought a thing of it; we just thought of them as neighbors.

To be honest, the most ignorant and racist people I've ever met were in Cleveland.

Anyway, I've spent time in Cincinnati and found some delightfully charming and colorful neighborhoods close to downtown. Mount Adams is really cool, right next to Eden Park although it's probably a bit pricey. When people say "diversity" in Cincy I usually think of Clifton, up past the university. Several big parks near there, including the zoo. A little further from downtown but still in the city are Mount Lookout and Hyde Park--both beautiful residential areas with interesting and unique commercial districts as well (More info on these last two: http://www.cincinnati.com/local/hydepark/ (broken link))

Not really sure about Cincy schools, but hopefully someone here with kids will be more knowledgable in that area

Anyway, best of luck with your move!!

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Cincybound

We haven't experienced any racism (atleast to our faces) in Georgia and only once in New York, it seems as if it's the norm to express hatred in this city. My husband and I love meeting new people, but is it really that hard?

Cincinatti is known for serious racial tension

In 2001, there were 3 days of rioting that devestated the city into a state of emergency.

Here's a link about the 2001 riots: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_Cincinnati_riots

Riots don't happen overnight. There's got to be some serious racial tension in a city for an uprising like that.

Here's a link with a timeline of racial events and demonstrations from spring 2000 to spring 2001:

http://www.enquirer.com/editions/200...ension_in.html

For an interracial couple with bi-racial children, I think you are wise to seriously reconsider moving to a city plagued with racial tension.

[Ohiogirl81]

There is a lot of racial tension in Cincinnati; no use arguing that. On that level, I don't think Cincinnati is any different from anywhere else.

But on an everyday level, there are plenty of neighbhorhoods both within and outside of the city limits where people of all races and nationalities live shoulder to shoulder and get along just fine. If you're pleasant and friendly, if your dog doesn't bark outside all night, if your kids don't tear up the neighbor's tomato patch or loiter on street corners, and if you take care of your house and your property, your Cincinnati neighbors will return the favor. (naturally those examples aren't directed at you personally; they're just examples)

Are you moving to Cincinnati because you want to, or because it's a convenient spot on the map? That also will make a big difference. There's nothing a Cincinnati resident loves more than an out-of-towner who falls in love with the city.

[LancasterNative]

Great post, Ohiogirl81. Well stated!

[lydunn]

Well from a biracial child myself it's different hear. I mean you do see alot of black males with white woman but not many black woman with white males. I have met alot of white men that want to date me because I am in the corporate world. Honestly I guess it depends on how thick your skin is. I am looking towards the West being that I am single this is not the place for me. Good luck on whatever you decide

Originally Posted by Cincybound

My husband is getting out of the army and we are planning to move to Cincinnati in the very near future. He is from upstate New York and I am from Georgia. We are an interracial couple with 2 bi-racial children. We are looking for an area that has the following:

Diversity
Culture
close to downtown
Great schools (I have an 8 year old and a 5 year old)
parks within walking distance
neighborhood cafes/shops


I've read some of the posts on this board and I am wondering if it is a good idea to move to cincinnati at all. If the locals here seem to stick to other locals, how are friends made? We haven't experienced any racism (atleast to our faces) in Georgia and only once in New York, it seems as if it's the norm to express hatred in this city. My husband and I love meeting new people, but is it really that hard?

[Bigbluelandrover]

Wyoming.
Close to downtown..easy access to 1-75. walking community. cafes,shops, sidewalk community. Glendale is also.. Excellent schools in Wyoming and the community is diverse..Lots of charming beautiful homes...You won't regret it!.