Blue Ash and other suburbs (Cincinnati, Dayton: for sale, renting, how much)

[CO to CINCI]

We're moving from Denver to Cincinnati by September, and would like to be in the Sycamore School District, without spending more than $225k. We noticed this home has been on the market since at least March, and were wondering, what's wrong with it? Only $209k in Blue Ash with 5 bedrooms? There has to be a catch! Is it by traintracks, a factory, in a less than desirable part of town, etc?

Comey & Shepherd: Listing Display


My husband and I are both Buckeyes (he is grew up in a Cinci suburb, so we are fairly familiar with the area), and will be working in downtown Cinci. Although we don't have children, we want to be in an "Excellent" school district. We are also considering Montgomery (though we doubt we can anything nice, not in need of work in our price range), Anderson Township, Eastgate, Maineville and Mason. Traffic is not a huge issue, as our commutes are atrocious now, and the worst traffic in Cinci won't compare to my daily 15-mile, 1.25 hour commute each way, M-F, but it would be nice to not spend too much time in traffic!

We would also consider Northern Kentucky, but I don't even know where to start our search. Any suggestions?

Any input on the home in Blue Ash, or things to consider (good and bad) when trying to choose a suburb would be appreciated. It seems like there are many good choices, so that makes it tough to choose.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!

[Pathwalker]

Well, right off-hand I'd say that house is so cheap because the neighborhood is right next to an industrial area/commercial area, and it's a mix of older and newer homes. That house, in my humble opinion, seems like it might be cheaply built. I can't fathom how they've squeezed 5 bedrooms in there. My mom's house looks basically the same, and she only has 3 bedrooms. It's one of those places you'd really have to check out first.

For what it's worth, you could get a really nice place in West Chester for the same money, and Lakota is one of the best school districts in the area. Plus, you'd be right close to I-75 and I-275 for your commute downtown.

P.S. Check out this house, and this house, and this place for examples of what is currently on the market in West Chester for the amount you'd like to spend.

West Chester is a really nice, friendly, family-oriented area. Great shopping, restaurants, close to or short drive to a lot of good recreational areas. Very diverse. I really think you'd like it there. I'm not just saying that because I live in WC. I honestly think it's one of the best places in the Cincinnati area. Plus, the taxes are lower up here than they are in Hamilton County.

[kitnguye]

I am familiar with the street that house is located on, and really, I would avoid it. Rob is quite correct that it is located next to a very commercial/industrial area. In fact, if you download google earth and zoom in on the house, the backyard backs right up to a very factory-looking commercial building. My daughter's classmate lives in that neighborhood (about one block over) and let's just say it is sketchy. When you drive through, you may see about 5 cars in front of each home/driveway, 3-4 of which are in a various states of disrepair. The homes also do not look as nicely maintained. I wouldn't pay anywhere near 209K to live in that neighborhood. Oh, and train tracks do run very closely by. However, you are also buying the school district, so I guess that is why the house price is so inflated.

I can share your frustration about finding a house in that price range. When we moved a year ago, we also started out in a simlar price range (at DH's insistence) and were also looking for a home in Sycamore Schools. Let's just say that after 2 hours with the realtor, we bumped it up significantly (well over 100K higher).

In my experience, if you find a house that appears too low it's because it: a) sits in front of a road which gets a good amount of traffic b) backs up to the highway c) has a large power generator in the front/back/sideyard d) is located very close to a commercial area/office park. Google Earth was invaluable when we looked at MLS listings from out-of-state and needed to see what surrounded the address.

What is your most important consideration in house shopping? For us, it was: schools, diversity, commute - in that order. Do you want new construction? With new construction, don't expect to pay less than 750K in Sycamore Schools (which is why our "new to us" house is stuck in the Brady Brunch era.) If diversity isn't an issue, I would choose Loveland. The schools are excellent and the main arteries to downtown don't seem AS congested.

This house looks lovely: Sibcy Cline Realtors® Listing Details: 185 Cedarbrook Dr

If I were NOT working downtown, I would also consider West Chester. The schools are excellent and the community is diverse. The I-75 commute is what deterred us from that area. I can't believe how inexpensive those houses are that Rob linked to. MLS 106725 would easily be 325K in Montgomery (though it would have trees

[Pathwalker]

kitnguye is quite right about how much you'll have to pay for a decent home in a nice Sycamore neighborhood. There are excellent schools in other places of the Tri-state, where you can buy much more for you money, and it will be in a better area. I agree Loveland is a nice place, too. For what you would be saving in $$, along with the quality of home you could get in a really nice neighborhood, it would be worth the extra bit of time for your commute. Seriously.

P.S. I just checked greatschools.com, and Lakota has the same quality level as Sycamore. On a scale of 1-10, they both ranked 8. Can't get much better than that in the Cincinnati metro.

[Linda Pratt]

Good schools; Mason, Lakota, Monroe, Lebanon, Sycamore

Great value (housing); Monroe, Lebanon

Best value (housing); Monroe

Great Location to both Cincinnati & Dayton from I-75; Monroe, West Chester

[Jelevenson]

My house is for sale in the Sycamore School District. Great neighborhood right by the high school. 5 bedroom 1/2 acre lot. We are having an open house this Sunday June 10. $339.000 is what are list price is. For more information you can check Leist Realtor web site. It is on Marlette Drive 45249

[Pathwalker]

Originally Posted by Jelevenson

My house is for sale in the Sycamore School District. Great neighborhood right by the high school. 5 bedroom 1/2 acre lot. We are having an open house this Sunday June 10. $339.000 is what are list price is. For more information you can check Leist Realtor web site. It is on Marlette Drive 45249

The OP stated they didn't want to spend more than $225,000.

[CO to CINCI]

Thank you for the candid information regarding the Blue Ash house! I knew there had to be a catch! They definitely squashed a lot of tiny little bedrooms in as well! Oh well!

We've ruled out Blue Ash and Montgomery, as we don't want a fixer-upper, and are looking forward to having more space (2000 sq. ft), even if it's somewhat of a cookie-cutter home. Maybe our next home can be in one of those areas!

We're looking into many of the areas that were suggested, but found all the suggestions helpful.

We're definitely not interested in renting (we'll stay at a Marriott Residence Inn while waiting to close on a house if need be), and are very firm about our maximum price being $225k, but thank you anyway.

We're slowly narrowing down our list of areas that fit our needs. I appreciate everyone taking the time to give helpful information!

[Pathwalker]

Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress. If you have any other questions, just ask. I hope you enjoy your new home when you get here.