Looking at moving to Madisonville (Cincinnati, Ravenna: apartment, high crime, houses)

[zbphill]

I'm looking at my first home to buy, I'm in my mid-20's, and white. I just got done looking at a house in madisonville, that I really liked. I have been reading other peoples threads about madisonville and other areas that has deemed black neighborhoods, which this neighborhood is. Anyways, my question is, if anyone lives their or nows anything about it? Looking at Sierra Park Pl. off of Ravenna St.

[Ohiogirl81]

I'm not familiar with Sierra Place specifically, but overall that seems like an OK area. Did you feel comfortable walking around there? What did the other houses look like - were they well cared for? Did you talk to any of the neighbors?

Madisonville has its share of issues, just like any other neighborhood in the city -- thefts, drug traffic, etc. The people in Madisonville are very aware of the problems the neighborhood has, and are working to correct them (block watches, citizen patrols, etc.). The neighborhood association is very vocal and active. Unfortunately, the city isn't helping much and has reneged on a couple of pledges for funding for redevelopment etc.

A better bet for you might be the Madison Place section, on the east side of Plainville Road. Part of Madison Place is within the city limits, part in Columbia Township. The houses are still very affordable, and is very balanced in race, age, etc. There's a high percentage of owner-occupied homes, which makes the neighborhood much more stable. Crime is pretty much non-existent. I moved away from Hurd Avenue two years ago after 15 years there. I loved it -- you're close to everything, it's an easy drive/bus ride downtown.

If you have any more questions, just ask. Good luck!

[zbphill]

Thanks for your help, I will check out madison place out.

[BobR2]

What public schools are there?

[aquila]

Originally Posted by BobR2

What public schools are there?

Cincinnati PSD

[AmandaElizabeth]

I lived in madisonplace for 15 years and i have no problems at all. People are really friendly. I've walked down on the streets in madisonville that people always say aren't so good like madison and bramble and never have had any problems there either. The most females will get is males trying to hit on them, but that's pretty much everywhere. People usually keep to themselves in madisonville.. the crimes that usually happen in madisonville are when people from other neighborhoods come down in madisonville trying to create problems.

[progmac]

most of madisonville is quiet. no reason to restrict yourself to the madison place section. i believe the southern parts of madisonville are generally considered more desirable than the northern parts. but if you liked the house, consider going for it and being part of the change for the better of the neighborhood.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by AmandaElizabeth

The most females will get is males trying to hit on them

Dang, that never happened to me when I lived in Madisonville ...

[Wilson513]

I am not sure there is a predicate for reviving this thread, but I can tell you that Madisonville is one of the high crime areas of Cincinnati. I have a friend who's son was shot in the head in his apartment there and another friend who is very active in the Citizens on Patrol. Look it up, but there is a huge drug trade in Mdville probably third to OTR, Avondale. I can't think of a street there I would feel safe living on with a family. Sorry.

[Sarah Perry]

I'm certainly on the cautious side, but I'd avoid Madisonville in favor of Madison Place, too. I have an acquaintence whose circumstances changed and who lived in a much more upscale area before moving to Madison Place a few years ago. She's happy with the neighborhood.