Help!! Moving to Columbus. Am I making the right decision? (Lexington: salons, condos)

[kareninelptx]

I've heard wonderful things about Columbus but I have options. My choices are Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Northern KY.
Can somebody tell me the pros and cons of Northern KY? Should I consider looking there or should I stick with Columbus?
I'm getting cold feet I guess. I live in El Paso, TX and it was 75 degrees yesterday and we were out playing golf. I know that is not going to happen with any of my options but any guidance is appreciated. I love the outdoors and especially golf. We have a 10 month old little girl. We love food and wine. I just picked up scrapbooking. I guess everyone with a baby does for a while but I really enjoy it. Pretty much home bodies but like to go out every once in a while.

[lexingtony]

I've never lived in Columbus, but have visited plenty of times, and I really like it there. One of my co-workers moved from Lexington to Columbus about 5 years ago, and she loves it there, too. Of the options you mentioned, Columbus would be my first choice with Indianapolis in second.

[censusdata]

NKY has the lowest crime by far of the areas mentioned. Indianapolis had 130 murders last year, Columbus had 110, Cincinnati had 90, Pittsburgh had 73, and Northern Kentucky had ONE

Covington and Newport have really cleaned up their riverfronts. Both now have several high rise condos. Newport has one of the nation's most visited aquariums and and new urban street mall with lots of restaurants called Newport on the Levee

Here are some of my pics of Covington and Newport

[Al555]

Originally Posted by kareninelptx

I've heard wonderful things about Columbus but I have options. My choices are Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Northern KY.
Can somebody tell me the pros and cons of Northern KY? Should I consider looking there or should I stick with Columbus?
I'm getting cold feet I guess. I live in El Paso, TX and it was 75 degrees yesterday and we were out playing golf. I know that is not going to happen with any of my options but any guidance is appreciated. I love the outdoors and especially golf. We have a 10 month old little girl. We love food and wine. I just picked up scrapbooking. I guess everyone with a baby does for a while but I really enjoy it. Pretty much home bodies but like to go out every once in a while.

I lived in Columbus for 25 years, raised children there, built my career there. Of the choices you listed, Columbus would be the last place I would move to. Obviously, what I am about to say is entirely a matter of opinion (many do like Columbus), but in my view Columbus is a city that has little history and little character. It is the poster child for ugly urban sprawl, with mile after mile of BP gas stations, tanning salons, and chain restaurants built on defoliated, flat farmland. The downtown is still tawdry and mostly undeveloped, although surrounding areas (Arena district, Short North, and Brewery District) have done better. If you like aluminum and vinyl sided suburban tracts, it's your place. (Sorry for the tone. I just really don't like Columbus).

In my experience, Pittsburgh is the best choice, offering a beautiful downtown, a great blend of sports, culture, great health care, a diverse, ethnic personality, history, and interesting geography.But I'd definately choose Northern Ky over Columbus.

[QCP]

Originally Posted by Al555

In my experience, Pittsburgh is the best choice, offering a beautiful downtown, a great blend of sports, culture, great health care, a diverse, ethnic personality, history, and interesting geography.But I'd definately choose Northern Ky over Columbus.

I agree. I grew up in the Cincy area and have since moved south, but if I were faced with your choices, I too would choose Pittsburgh. The Burgh is a very underrated city.

[ttyl1979]

I would go Columbus without a doubt!! But I'm a....I love sprawls and shopping centers with clean parking lots, newer houses type of person......