Nice areas near WPAFB (Huber Heights: YMCA, schools, activities)

[JefferyT]

^
It's parklike because it used to be a park, the southern extension of Hills and Dales.

[ianewk]

Originally Posted by JefferyT

^
It's parklike because it used to be a park, the southern extension of Hills and Dales.

I had heard that and asked one of the neighbors who's been here since the place was built (over 50 years ago), and he didn't think that was true.

[JefferyT]

This was back in the 1920s. The part of the park south of Dorothy Lane was retained by the orginal owners, the Patterson family, and subdivided by the 1930s, but nothing built until after WWII. Some of the streets in the plats down there were the original park roads.

Nonetheless thats a nice area, particulalry since its somewhat hilly.

[ianewk]

Originally Posted by JefferyT

This was back in the 1920s. The part of the park south of Dorothy Lane was retained by the orginal owners, the Patterson family, and subdivided by the 1930s, but nothing built until after WWII. Some of the streets in the plats down there were the original park roads.

Nonetheless thats a nice area, particulalry since its somewhat hilly.

Thanks! That's neat knowing that now and it explains the chaotic street layout...which is sort of charming in a get-lost-in-your-own-neighborhood kind of way.

And yes, it's very hilly whish is a big plus for my cycling.

[wckdstepmother]

I love hilly - I'll have to check that area out. Thanks for all the info

[JefferyT]

If anyone is interested, an illustrated post on the history of the area, plus modern-day pix tour (including some of the larger houses): Kettering West of Far Hills

[ianewk]

Originally Posted by JefferyT

If anyone is interested, an illustrated post on the history of the area, plus modern-day pix tour (including some of the larger houses): Kettering West of Far Hills

Great post and fascinating read. I can't wait to get home and see the pictures.

Stupid Government computer firewall!

[ianewk]

Just went through it. Really cool!

That last house in the post is actually my neighbor.

[wckdstepmother]

ok, now I'm looking for a house in that area

[tgasper]

Did someone say South Park???! My favorite topic! I have a couple of houses that are not on the MLS right now.

One thing you'll learn about South Park is it's a full life range type of neighborhood. People may start out renting, then buy a small house, upgrade to a larger one when their family expands, then downsize to a smaller one as the nest empties. Many people in the neighborhood have lived in multiple houses.

Two things contribute to this phenomenon. 1) the diversity of the housing stock - everything from 600 sq ft cottages to 5000 sq ft grand Victorians and everythin in between. This is not a typical subdivision with cookie cutter houses that all sell for roughly the same amount. Some are totally renovated, some need to be gutted and completely renovated, some are at every stage in between. It's the beauty of a historic neighborhood. 2) the tagline for the neighborhood sums it up very nicely 'where neighbors become friends'. The neighbors there know each other well, look out for each other and become close friends, so it's hard to leave. Most of the people that move on, typically move because their job takes them elsewhere and there are lots of tears and heartache involved.

As for the schools, Emerson Academy is a charter school that has a good reputation. Many send their kids to Holy Angels or CJ - the Catholic elementary & high schools nearby. I went to Holy Angels and received an excellent education - it's a very middle class school with small class sizes. A lot of their students are not Catholic. CJ is an excellent college prep high school located downtown.

South Park isn't Wisteria Lane - it's a very diverse neighborhood architecturally, culturally and socio economically. The two demographics moving in right now include young professionals who crave an authentic urban experience and empty nesters from Oakwood who are tired of paying high taxes now that the kids have grown.

www.historicsouthpark.org or my site is www.fullcircledayton.com