Symmes Township (Hamilton, Mason, Blue Ash: middle-class, houses, neighborhoods)

[DIATON]

Can anyone tell me what it is like to live in Symmes Township?

[goyguy]

It's your everyday garden-variety middle- to upper-middle-class suburban area: a collection of subdivisions ranging from ranch houses and split levels dating back to the '50s and '60s to more recent McMansions. The business districts are decentralized (gotta have a car), mainly around Fields-Ertel Rd, Loveland-Madeira Rd, and most extensively along Montgomery Rd. Most of it's in the well-regarded (just shy of "top notch") Loveland public school system. "Diversity" there means you're not Catholic or WASP. The Jewish population is sparse compared to neighboring Montgomery and Blue Ash. Loveland itself has a small Black community, and in the 21st Century it's practically a given that there must be a smattering of Asian (Indian, Japanese, etc) folks as well. But being a "minority" would cause you to stand out, not that you wouldn't be accepted as long as you fit the prevailing economic criteria.
In short, it's a nice place to raise kids in, while kids will be itching to leave when they reach their teens.

[Daytonnatian]

It's a suburb, basically. Compare it to any other newer suburbs (especially areas primarily built out in the '90's)


It's close to shopping in Mason and Kings Island. 'Nuff said.

[DIATON]

Thanks very much.

[DIATON]

With two young teenagers, where's the best place to live in Mason?

[cincylifer]

fyi, a lot of symmes township is in Sycamore School District, which is one of the top districts in the city

[blue60]

We are interested in the Sycamore school district. What are the pros and cons of living in Montgomery vs. Blue Ash vs Symmes. I see that the homes in Symmes are less expensive. What is the trade-off? Thanks!

[Sunnydee]

Originally Posted by blue60

We are interested in the Sycamore school district. What are the pros and cons of living in Montgomery vs. Blue Ash vs Symmes. I see that the homes in Symmes are less expensive. What is the trade-off? Thanks!

I live in Montgomery, so my views are biased. Montgomery is lovely, safe, walkable, and mostly residential. From my home I can walk to two parks, a nature preserve, and Sycamore High School, which is nice if you have teenagers. It's a rather low key, quiet sort of place and the downtown business district is historic.

Blue Ash is lovely, safe, walkable, has more industry, but is definitely residential. Blue Ash has a lot more going on and big events with big name entertainment such as The Taste of Blue Ash, a Fourth of July extravaganza, and others throughout the year. I go to Blue Ash for entertainment and this year I saw Kenny Loggins there. The downtown business district is eclectic and has a little bit of everything including a Veterans Memorial, amphitheater, library, post office, and various businesses.

Symmes Township is interesting. Part of it is in the Loveland School District and the other part is in the Sycamore School District. It's nice, safe, and parts of it are walkable. I'm sure it's a nice place to live, but it doesn't really do much for me. I frequent their library, but they don't really have a downtown area like the other two communities do. I never feel like Symmes has a heart, but maybe that's just me.

I'd definitely pick Montgomery or Blue Ash over Symmes, which may explain the price differential. I'd suggest visiting all three communities, walking around, and getting a feel for each area. If you do that you'll know which area is best for you. Welcome to town!

[blue60]

Thanks Sunnydee for the helpful information. I felt the same way when I visited the area in June. Do you know if there are any issues of residents of one town looking down at people in the other town? Where I live now, we have people who look down on others because of what part of town they live in even within the same town and attend the same schools which I find annoying...

[wilson1010]

Originally Posted by blue60

Thanks Sunnydee for the helpful information. I felt the same way when I visited the area in June. Do you know if there are any issues of residents of one town looking down at people in the other town? Where I live now, we have people who look down on others because of what part of town they live in even within the same town and attend the same schools which I find annoying...

Blue, I almost always agree with Sunnydee's observations on our neighborhoods, but today I have to disagree a bit. Montgomery, Blue Ash and Loveland all have equally nice housing. But, they all have equally less desirable parts. Montgomery's downtown is divided by US 22 which is one of the busiest roads in the area running right down the middle of town. What should be a charming downtown is a big PITA.

Likewise, Blue Ash has a boring but expensive bedroom part with nothing in walking distance. And, it has a portion that is a bit run down.

As Sunnydee correctly pointed out, Loveland is also a divided community. Not only is it in two school districts, but part is in Clermont County and part in Hamilton County.

All three have really nice choices but you are going to have to be careful not to make a mistake in any of the three.

Best of luck.

PS no one will look down on you in any of these communities. They are all nice and just three of maybe 20 or so good choices in the area.