Living Downtown - Pros and Cons? (Cincinnati, London: lower-class, apartment complexes, lease)

[margdelg]

I'm a single male relocating to Cincinnati for a 2 year assignment. I'm hearing very mixed things about living downtown. In my apartment hunting thus far, I've been drawn to downtown living because the apartment complexes seem modern and well-equipped; however, many posts indicate that nightlife is dead and culture/leisure options are limited. I'm seeking an area with young professionals, decent nightlife, and some sophistication. Some diversity would also be a plus.

I'd appreciate any clarification on any of the following:
-Perspectives on downtown living
-Names of modern, well-equipped apartment complexes in Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout or Mt. Adams (perhaps these are non-existent)
-Opinions on the optimal time to visit Cincinatti for a couple days to view apartments and potentially sign a lease (I'm seeking to begin a lease anytime between Sept 1 and Sept 10)

Thank you!

[Barca_fan]

It depends on where you're coming from and what you like to do. I've lived in cities bigger than Cincinnati most of my life, so from that perspective, I don't think downtown is very vibrant. It's a little inconvenient for basic shopping (groceries and other needs). Parking fees is an additional thing to keep in mind. If you don't work in downtown, you will most likely need a car, and you may have to pay for parking. In terms of apartment complexes, Brookstone, Drexel at Oakley, and Centennial Station are some names that spring to mind. Some of my friends live in Brookstone and Drexel really like it but find it to be too expensive. The time frame you've chosen is probably sufficient provided you have done your homework and talked to the managers beforehand. Welcome to Cincinnati!
-

[jlrosen]

Originally Posted by margdelg

I've been drawn to downtown living because the apartment complexes seem modern and well-equipped; however, many posts indicate that nightlife is dead and culture/leisure options are limited. I'm seeking an area with young professionals, decent nightlife, and some sophistication. Some diversity would also be a plus.

Downtown would be a great choice. I don't know who these posters are that say downtown lacks nightlife and there is nothing to do, they are simply incorrect. Go downtown virtually any day of the week and there is activity.

[Cincy-Rise]

Originally Posted by jlrosen

Downtown would be a great choice. I don't know who these posters are that say downtown lacks nightlife and there is nothing to do, they are simply incorrect. Go downtown virtually any day of the week and there is activity.

margdelg, I second jlrosen's comment.

Take it from someone that's lived in Downtown. I think HuskerDu also lived downtown (although in a much more lower-class apt. ... 4th & Plum ... lol, j/k).

Check out Towne Properties ... these folks bend over backwards for their tenants. Seriously. Call the Downtown office and ask for Danè. Lived in the Shillito for 2 1/2 years. Every month they throw a get together at the rooftop pool or rent out a bar/restaurant and give you a couple of drink tickets. It's a great way to meet your neighbors ... something that the burbs lack.

I've met people from London, Scotland, NYC, and Chi-town ... everyone that I've met loves living Downtown.

Also, when you move Downtown and work Downtown, your auto insurance can be changed to a "leisure" status ... meaning that it's reduced to an extremely small monthly payment.

Nightlife is amazing DT. When you're stuck at a redlight for 2 cycles because of traffic ... this isn't a sign of a lack of nightlife, wouldn't you agree? Call me crazy, but 40+ restaurants/bars in 3 years also isn't a sign of a "dead" downtown.

Cons:

Lack of an extensive grocery shopping options. DT Walgreens do usually carry more than suburban locations, such as fruit and dairy products, but that plus Finlay Market help out. If someone asked me where I grocery shop, I ask them where they grocery shop. However, I've read that a 35,000 sq. ft. grocery store will be added at the Banks?

We need more pub-like bars.

We need a movie theatre.

We need a DT bowling alley.

Most American DT's are not 24/7 DT's, thanks to American's aside from NYC. If we can ever be compared to NYC, I'll rejoice. You get my point.

Downtown Cincinnati is extremely safe, thanks to someone/cops always passing by whether it's 4 am or 8 pm.

Most DT garages have gates that come down or up based on a magnetic key pass that's about the size of a credit card. It you're a DT resident, your apt. will usually offer you a hefty monthly discount. If you're smart, you can rent your space during football season ... stretch your dollar, you know what I mean?

Your new best friend is this site:

Downtown Cincinnati Incorporated :: Living Here

[margdelg]

Thank you so much for your help...downtown sounds pretty good.

[wilson1010]

Originally Posted by margdelg

Thank you so much for your help...downtown sounds pretty good.

I think there are a lot of reasons to live downtown. And, in OTR. But, night-life is not one of them. I think I may snap a few photos this weekend of what the center of downtown looks like at 9PM on Sat. night just to prove this point. If I am bored enough, I will. I guaranty that unless the Aronoff has a show letting out, there won't be hardly anyone on the street you would want to meet.

[jlrosen]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

I think there are a lot of reasons to live downtown. And, in OTR. But, night-life is not one of them. I think I may snap a few photos this weekend of what the center of downtown looks like at 9PM on Sat. night just to prove this point. If I am bored enough, I will. I guaranty that unless the Aronoff has a show letting out, there won't be hardly anyone on the street you would want to meet.

Walk up to 7th street and it will be busy.

[Cincy-Rise]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

I think I may snap a few photos this weekend of what the center of downtown looks like at 9PM on Sat. night just to prove this point.

No need ... other's have already done it.














If you go to Fountain Square on a Saturday night, you'll have to deal with this mess ...














Nada on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Nada Donwtown Cincinnati on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Winter Fashion at Twist on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Swizzle at Twist on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[ScranBarre]

Wow! There's a few hotties in those pics! Me a single young professional in need of a better half! Cincy, here I come?!

[wilson1010]

That's a one in a hundred. Now I'll have to do it for sure.