Since apparently, I am the only one to know the city well enough to know where NOBO is, surprise surprise
, I will offer my assistance.
The North of Broad, King Lincoln District, is an area that is just east of downtown and north of Broad and the neighborhood Olde Town East.
The King Lincoln District is a very diverse neighborhood that has always seen reinvestment in it's old, glamorous housing stock while coexisting with high poverty rates and nearby projects.
The King Lincoln District is home to the King Arts Complex, where live Jazz and other events play year round. The newly renovated Lincoln Theater, on Long St. (just one st. north of Broad St.) is a historic theater, previously abandoned, that is finishing a renovation and will feature local and national productions.
Also, some of the boarded up retail spots have been renovated and now the neighborhood has a local coffee shop and some local art galleries (both own by young professional African Americans.)
Now, the neighborhood is a diverse place (racially and economically.) Many of the well off, young professionals, retired couples, parents with children in private schools, are usually Caucasian.
Often, in Columbus and many other NE or midwestern cities, the gentrification of traditional black areas is not done by the black community themselves. Usually black flight occurs, or a senior citizen will pass, and then property is bought and renovated by a non-African American.
This is by no means a bad thing, and in the King Lincoln District, the majority of residents are African American, but it means that the "black young professional urban utopia" you may seek is not to be found here.
However, there are some black young professionals that are opening businesses, renting, and owning property in the King Lincoln District. This is a sign that maybe there is a underground trend starting and you may find the neighborhood the perfect place for you.
King Lincoln is near many cultural institutions, the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory, and the almost nearly renovated Olde Town East. And it does have a decent mix of high income, middle class, and poverty. Thus remember you will see poverty, be near some section 8 and projects, and see boarded up buildings.
But if your the urban pioneer type you will find that the area has gone over the "hump" and is increasing in value, safety, and becoming a more healthy neighborhood.
If you would like a neighborhood that is more grounded and known for being more "together" yet still diverse, I would look into Olde Town East (just south of King Lincoln District.)
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NOBO or King-Lincoln District Living
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