Looking for good schools in area with older housing. Assistance appreciated.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by t45209

The point is, I think people fall victim to this myth that new automatically equals better and less costly.

You wouldn't catch me living in anything built after 1970! Maybe even 1960.

[Sarah Perry]

Originally Posted by t45209

I totally second this!!! I've never lived in a house that is less than 70 years old, and because I paid attention to what I was buying, my expenses in these homes have been no more than routine upkeep and things that I elected to upgrade. At the same time I have friends who live in expensive houses in neighborhoods that are less than 20 years old and have had to deal with flooded basements, replacing bathrooms because of failed plumbing, and mold and rotten sheathing behind siding, and the list goes on. Most of the problems are from shoddy construction methods, but you'd expect better from supposedly high end builders.

The point is, I think people fall victim to this myth that new automatically equals better and less costly.

You make a good point. The house hubby and I bought was a custom, which in this case only means the owner was directly involved in some of the building decisions, not that the house has particularly upscale finishes, etc. It's solidly constructed and at age 7 when we bought it had had enough time for many types of problems to start to become evident. That said, we made some tradeoffs--things like laminate coutertops, drywall and contractor-grade woodwork in return for convenient layout, ample storage space and wiring appropriate for 21st Century lifestyles.

[kjbrill]

You are right, new does not necessarily mean good. Shoddy workmanship and/or materials can make a relatively new house an albatross. But one thing is sure, age equals decay. If you don't believe this just look at yourself.

Anyone buying an older home needs to have a thorough inspection, hire it yourself not through the realtor, and appraisal of the overall condition. This should cover the gamut from the physical condition of the house to such items as energy consumption (do a thermal profile) and other items which will dictate your cost of ownership.

[kjbrill]

OP - I went back and looked at your original post in which you commented you would be commuting to the Kenwood area. That, plus your desire for a older home would settle it for me.

You have commented Mariemont is too expensive (overpriced to me) for what you like. Terrace Park is also expensive, but at least many properties have a nice lot, unlike Mariemont. You stated Montgomery and Blue Ash are too suburban.

I would concentrate on Kenwood, as follows:
(1) Either the section south of I-71 which is actually Madeira, extending down Kenwood Rd towards Madisonville and west along Euclid Rd towards Silverton. This is Madeira school district, I know for a fact there are some nice properties there, even if they don't meet the classification of grand old homes.
(2) The section north of I-71 called Kenwood (Sycamore Township) which is in Indian Hill school district. Because it is township which doesn't regulate things too well, you have to look for the desirable homes.

If you look at the top ranked local school districts, Madeira, Indian Hill, Mariemont, and Sycamore are always near the top.

I strongly advise you to compromise. Select a nice, adequately family sized home, hopefully bought for a price you can consider upgrading, perhaps even before you move in, and in a first class public school district. Save your money on everything - the cost of the home, the taxes, the cost of private schools, the waste of time and money in your job commute, and enjoy your time in Cincinnati.

One thing I will never forget from my parents advice - don't be house poor! Don't buy a grand style home you cannot afford to furnish. I have found this good advice - don't step out beyond what you can reasonably afford to upkeep to the level it deserves.