Norwood North of the Lateral (Cincinnati, Montgomery: for sale, house, neighborhood)

[home4frog]

I saw a house on Rolston Ave that we like. It's a short drive to work for my husband to Children's. The specific block seems well-maintained, but couldn't get a good feel for the neighborhood in general. Seems like most of the services (post office, library, Kroger) are south of the lateral. Nothing really in walking distance. Even the park seemed kind of run down. Am I missing something. I haven't been able to find a house that suits our needs south of the lateral. Should I keep looking there, or is this an okay area?

[motorman]

In general, nothing wrong with your area, but on the north side of the Lateral, the farther east of Carthage Ave. (and uphill) you go to Montgomery Rd., the better the homes. And, if you cross Montgomery and venture up Indian Mound Ave., you'll be looking at some of the biggest homes in Norwood.

However, you may be answering your own question when you mention that nothing on Rolston Ave. is in walking distance--the fact is, it isn't. Why settle for a home in this location when you could possibly find one in SE Norwood (the large residential area bordered on the N by Smith Rd., the E by I-71, the S by Dana Ave., and the W by Montgomery Rd.)? Please reconsider this part of Norwood immediately behind the immense Surrey Sq. Kroger's. Very walkable; very near several of Cincinnati's most desired retail in Oakley and Hyde Park, etc.

Something else worth knowing, considering your husband works at Children's Hospital--if your family moves near Surrey Sq. you'll be on two major Metro bus routes (#4 & #51) that will give you easy assess to downtown, Oakley/Hyde Park, and the hospital district. (in fact, the crossttown #51 runs right in front of Children's!) These two lines run frequently, and on weekends and holidays--and thus would be an invaluable asset if something happened to your car. Hope these comments have helped!

[home4frog]

Originally Posted by motorman

Why settle for a home in this location when you could possibly find one in SE Norwood (the large residential area bordered on the N by Smith Rd., the E by I-71, the S by Dana Ave., and the W by Montgomery Rd.)? Please reconsider this part of Norwood immediately behind the immense Surrey Sq. Kroger's. Very walkable; very near several of Cincinnati's most desired retail in Oakley and Hyde Park, etc.

I will see what I can find in the area you indicated. The thing is I really don't want a 3-story house, and would like to have at least 2000SF. The house we are considering was a surprise with it's square footage and open floor plan. It was converted from a 3-family to a SFR. But it may have some structural issues, so still researching...

[Sarah Perry]

Originally Posted by home4frog

I will see what I can find in the area you indicated. The thing is I really don't want a 3-story house, and would like to have at least 2000SF. The house we are considering was a surprise with it's square footage and open floor plan. It was converted from a 3-family to a SFR. But it may have some structural issues, so still researching...

If it's the one I checked out just now on a realtor's site, the photos make it look like a pretty spiffy rehab. Off the top of my head, and knowing nothing specific about the street, I'd say you pay somewhat in terms of risk about the neighborhood for what looks like a very reasonable price. Of course, if it's not structurally sound it may not be a bargain at any price.

Anyone know if that church to residence coversion in Norwood on some residential street I've forgotten the name of is still for sale? Now, THERE was some space. :-)

[motorman]

Originally Posted by home4frog

I will see what I can find in the area you indicated. The thing is I really don't want a 3-story house, and would like to have at least 2000SF. The house we are considering was a surprise with it's square footage and open floor plan. It was converted from a 3-family to a SFR. But it may have some structural issues, so still researching...

Please don't allow me to discourage you from closing on the Rolston Ave. home, if it suites your needs and feels right for you. And by car, none of the previously mentioned retail (Surrey Square, Oakley, Hyde Park, Pleasant Ridge, etc.) will be all that far away. Yet also realize that, in a recent survey of Ohio's most "walkable" communities, Norwood was ranked as one of the top three! No argument here--the mix of residential streets to the E & W of Surrey Sq. and the retail mix along the Montgomery Rd. corridor there had a lot to do with such a ranking. I wouldn't want your family to miss out in being closely connected to all that. (By the way, if you haven't been inside the Kroger store, you owe it to yourselves to take a look!)