Northern New Jersey to Cincinnati public school vs private

[SoFresh99]

I am not sure what kind of lot size you are talking about but generally lot size varies with proximity to a little "downtown," so tiny lots but walkable to the "center" or big lots nearby nothing "a la indian hill." The most vibrant centers are:

Hyde Park (zoned to CPS Hyde Park elementary(new reopening of old building, performance not established, word of mouth is good), nearby to many catholic private schools), direct highway access limited, urban jiggy jog to get to N/S highway

Oakley (mostly zone to CPS Hyde Park elementary, some zoned to Madisonville John Parker) easier N/S highway access than other the other two CPS "squares."

Mt.Lookout (zoned to CPS Kilgour, having crowding issues , Hyde Park kids previously zoned to Kilgour are having siblings sent to Hyde Park Elem. now that it is open; many catholic private nearby) highway access for N/S very limited, same *** to get to N/S highway

Old Montgomery (sycamore schools, kids go to Montgomery elementary, mixed housing stock, easy access to cross county highway for commute to West Chester)

Madeira (small school system, i71 10min)

Mariemont (small schools, highways not easily accessed N/S)

Wyoming (small schools, excellent access to West Chester)

Non-catholic private schools are Seven Hills and Cincinnati Country Day both of which are on the east side, so a decent choice if you live in east Cincinnati proper but are afraid of CPS.

I would say Wyoming should be your first choice but if you don't love it Old Montgomery would be a great second choice due to cross county highway AND bigger lots that still offer walkability to the center.

[flashes1]

I recommend Montgomery, but Hyde Park probably fits the OP's needs best....but it might be a little too far away to work. Try making the commute a few times before buying the house----you might find it tolerable.