Best and most diverse places to live in ohio

[Tenzo]

Originally Posted by 14thandYou

I don't think of Merion Village as a particulaly safe area. I had a couple of friends who lived there and the amount of property crime they witnessed was immense. It borders German Village, which is of course a nice area...but it also borders areas that are anything but nice.

I've seen it change for the better in the 16 months I've lived here.

But then everything is realative. I'm used to big cities.

[14thandYou]

Originally Posted by Tenzo

I've seen it change for the better in the 16 months I've lived here.

But then everything is realative. I'm used to big cities.

Yeah, my wife and I live in central DC, so I know a bit about crime rates. And I don't know that you risk getting shot or stabbed in Merion, but the number of smashed car windows, things stolen off of front porches and other vandalism/property crime was really something to behold. Now, that was several years ago, so perhaps it has improved. My friends moved away from there so my firsthand experience/knowledge of the neighborhood ceased circa 2007.

[GoBuckeyes]

Gahanna is a great suburb. It's diverse, not-snobby, family friendly, close to lots of shopping and restaurants. I just loved it. We're moving back soon!

[Tenzo]

Originally Posted by 14thandYou

Yeah, my wife and I live in central DC, so I know a bit about crime rates. And I don't know that you risk getting shot or stabbed in Merion, but the number of smashed car windows, things stolen off of front porches and other vandalism/property crime was really something to behold. Now, that was several years ago, so perhaps it has improved. My friends moved away from there so my firsthand experience/knowledge of the neighborhood ceased circa 2007.

Yes, smashed car windows and plant theft make up about 90% of the crime. After living 4 years in Philly where there was a shootout EVERY weekend within 4 blocks of our house (and we lived in a nice area). I have trouble remembering that theft of a pot of geraniums is a note worthy crime.

[14thandYou]

Originally Posted by Tenzo

Yes, smashed car windows and plant theft make up about 90% of the crime. After living 4 years in Philly where there was a shootout EVERY weekend within 4 blocks of our house (and we lived in a nice area). I have trouble remembering that theft of a pot of geraniums is a note worthy crime.

See, the difference for me is that, even in neighborhoods with higher crime rates, my risk of being injured in a gunfight are exceedingly low. Unfortunately, the risk of having my car burlarized or my property vandalized is significantly higher. Certainly getting shot or mugged is worse than having your car broken into, but the latter has a far greater likelihood of affecting me. Personally, my preference would be to live in a neighborhood that didn't have a high incidence of either type.

[ca2oh]

Hey laydee. Maybe we can become buddies. I, too am an AA female moving to Columbus around Feburary with my family for employment . I also have a pre-school aged son!
Maybe we can have a new to Columbus support group. LOL. Its so hard to meet good people as a busy adult. Who knows? Anyhow, I also asked questions about great places to live for people in our situation and others have responded with a couple other communities: Upper Arlington, Westerville, German Villiage and of course Hillard (Per Tenzo and Daytonnian) Good luck!

[tech2enable]

Originally Posted by 14thandYou

See, the difference for me is that, even in neighborhoods with higher crime rates, my risk of being injured in a gunfight are exceedingly low. Unfortunately, the risk of having my car burlarized or my property vandalized is significantly higher. Certainly getting shot or mugged is worse than having your car broken into, but the latter has a far greater likelihood of affecting me. Personally, my preference would be to live in a neighborhood that didn't have a high incidence of either type.

Exactly, but statistics can be skewed, police departments have been known to fumble statistics , and there is also a problem of under reporting incidents.

Now one interesting note to follow, a lot of supposedly safe neighborhoods have had incidents and crime although to a lesser extent than a lot of more dangerous neighborhoods, petty crimes such as being robbed may not be reported , and thieves may target specific wealth areas or places to do their actions.

It's best not only to get an insider's view but to observe at various times throughout the day an area and notice traffic and moving patterns, as well as typical hangout spots, people coming from after school and work, how trafficked or well accessible and lit the area is.

It may be helpful to make friends with or know a few neighbors too.

[tech2enable]

Originally Posted by ladee27

Im a single mother of one relocating to Ohio from St. Louis, Missouri. My employer is located in Dublin. Im looking for areas around Dublin that would be suitable for my son and I. After reading some of the threads, I think Dublin itself may be a little too upscale for someone like me to live. I am an African American looking to stay in a pretty diverse area close to hospitals, grocery stores and shopping malls. I definitely need to be near really good hospitals; particularly a Children's hospital. My son was 3 months premature and still battling some respiratory issues. My son is in daycare but currently does half day pre-school, so being in an area with good schools is a MUST! Any suggestions??? Thanks in advance for any help!

Ohio counties such as delaware have been highly rated to live in, I make no opinion on that being highly subjective, biased, or based on some misinformation but the crime rates and environment and income is probably much better than most areas and so the schools are too, so it does have its good to live in qualities.

Truth, nationwide there are wealthy African American neighborhoods but not that many as a percentage compared to whites or even Asians, Columbus comes in mind to a commute as for diversity, there are a lot of Asians and people from other countries who do live in Ohio , I know of family and friends who have mentioned this , I am not sure of the air quality in that particular region but moving may or may not help, as allergens can be introduced anew, it helps not to live in an location with horrible pollution though. Are you willing to commute, be aware that while you may and should have a lot of options, it may or may not be the same as other cities.

[NeoSoulBrotha]

I would consider some areas of Old Town East, as well as Berwick, and some areas of Bexley. If you're looking for a more suburban community, there's Whitehall/Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, as well as several predominantly AA suburbs along the Morse Road corridor towards 71.

I would especially look at the area near Franklin Park and Bryden Ave, which will put you in a decent, stable community close to Nationwide Children's Hospital. Keep in mind that as you move south towards Livingston the neighborhood gets a bit sketchier.

Good luck, and I hope you enjoy Columbus! If you're looking to meet some new people once you get here, check out this organization: ASCEND

Jonathan