relocating from Boston to Ohio or NKY (Cincinnati, Kent: real estate, houses)

[ruby32]

Good Afternoon, My family (husband, daughters 12, 8 and 4) are relocating from the Boston area to NKY or Cincinnati . My husband will be working in Covington, KY so it seems we have a lot of options, as far as his commute. After meeting with a few realtors, we have somewhat narrowed it down to Madeira, Mariemont and Terrace Park for the Ohio side and Union and Villa Hills for the NKY side. I was hoping to get some thoughts on which area would be a better fit for my family. We are looking for small towns w/safe, friendly neighborhoods, good schools. We are looking for homes in the $700K range but, really don't want a city feel or large schools. Appreciate any help. Thank you.

[Sarah Perry]

Originally Posted by ruby32

Good Afternoon, My family (husband, daughters 12, 8 and 4) are relocating from the Boston area to NKY or Cincinnati . My husband will be working in Covington, KY so it seems we have a lot of options, as far as his commute. After meeting with a few realtors, we have somewhat narrowed it down to Madeira, Mariemont and Terrace Park for the Ohio side and Union and Villa Hills for the NKY side. I was hoping to get some thoughts on which area would be a better fit for my family. We are looking for small towns w/safe, friendly neighborhoods, good schools. We are looking for homes in the $700K range but, really don't want a city feel or large schools. Appreciate any help. Thank you.

You have some good sounding options, but also take a look at Ft. Mitchell, Ky.

[Wilson513]

Ft. Mitchell has good schools but you will have trouble spending 700K unless you buy two houses. Ft. Thomas is very charming, has good schools and some river view properties and both are convenient to Covington.

Most of the natives here would not voluntarily live on the opposite side of the river than where they work. Crossing the river every day assures that no commute will be enjoyable. Think about that.

Having said that, Mariemont, Terrace Park and Madiera (distant third) are all great places to live. But that will be a very unpleasant commute for the husband.

[Sarah Perry]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

Ft. Mitchell has good schools but you will have trouble spending 700K unless you buy two houses. Ft. Thomas is very charming, has good schools and some river view properties and both are convenient to Covington.

Most of the natives here would not voluntarily live on the opposite side of the river than where they work. Crossing the river every day assures that no commute will be enjoyable. Think about that.

Having said that, Mariemont, Terrace Park and Madiera (distant third) are all great places to live. But that will be a very unpleasant commute for the husband.

It's true there's not much in Ft. Mitchell that costs that much, but here are a pretty nice looking couple of listings (there were two others priced higher):

118 West Maple Ave, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 (MLS# 386504) - Coldwell Banker West Shell - CBWS.com

163 Seville Ct, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017-2763 (MLS# 390434) - Coldwell Banker West Shell - CBWS.com

I think that kind of money sure gets you more for the $$ than in Terrace Park AND the property taxes are lower. OP, I'm wondering if you are thinking Boston area real estate prices. If so you may be pleasantly surprised.

[Wilson513]

Originally Posted by Sarah Perry

It's true there's not much in Ft. Mitchell that costs that much, but here are a pretty nice looking couple of listings (there were two others priced higher):

118 West Maple Ave, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 (MLS# 386504) - Coldwell Banker West Shell - CBWS.com

163 Seville Ct, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017-2763 (MLS# 390434) - Coldwell Banker West Shell - CBWS.com

I think that kind of money sure gets you more for the $$ than in Terrace Park AND the property taxes are lower. OP, I'm wondering if you are thinking Boston area real estate prices. If so you may be pleasantly surprised.

Haha! You found a couple. Geez. Compare that second one with Terrace Park. That quite a place for under $600k.

[Sarah Perry]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

Haha! You found a couple. Geez. Compare that second one with Terrace Park. That quite a place for under $600k.

I KNOW! I'm drooling here. Not really, used to have a house that was too big for a 50-something couple and three cats. No walk in the park, an equally "big" relief to get a place that was a better fit.

But yeah, that house looks like a beauty, and really I was thinking about how the smallish, highly rated Beechwood SD sounded right up the OP's alley.

[progmac]

Mariemont seems like the best option. It is a charming upper middle class area with a walkable center and a rich history. More interesting than terrace park in that respect. Commuting over 471 to Kentucky isn't too bad, way better than over 71/75. And compared to Boston, it is "nothing."

[Sarah Perry]

Originally Posted by progmac

Mariemont seems like the best option. It is a charming upper middle class area with a walkable center and a rich history. More interesting than terrace park in that respect. Commuting over 471 to Kentucky isn't too bad, way better than over 71/75. And compared to Boston, it is "nothing."

Same problem, though (although what a problem to have). Even less in that price range in Mariemont than in Ft. Mitchell.

[Wilson513]

Originally Posted by progmac

Mariemont seems like the best option. It is a charming upper middle class area with a walkable center and a rich history. More interesting than terrace park in that respect. Commuting over 471 to Kentucky isn't too bad, way better than over 71/75. And compared to Boston, it is "nothing."

Mariemont is nearly perfect with great schools and a small town feel. But, the commute is not that great. You come in Columbia Parkway. But 471 goes to Newport, then you have to go through both Newport and Covington. Or, I-75. Its not horrible, but did you see that house Sarah found? You won't see anything like that in Mariemont.

[kjbrill]

You have to be nuts not to locate in NKY. You can afford a fine home in several areas. To put up with the daily hassle of commuting across the river just does not make sense. The Beechwood school district sounds like the smaller environment you are looking for.

I love Madeira which is where I grew up, and also Mariemont, Terrace Park, etc. But if you will be working in Covington, stay in NKY, probably Ft. Mitchell. Life is too short to spend it sitting in traffic either being late to work or coming home.

And as far as those average commute times, this winter is kicking the crap out of that.