Potential Relocation - Fixers in Bexley or Berwick (Columbus, Mason: houses, neighborhoods)

[oakstgal]

My family of four might be moving to Columbus next year and we've narrowed down our neighborhoods to Bexley and Berwick. (We need to be in the South end for work.) Bexley seems to have a nice mix of walkability and the schools are great but the houses are on smaller lots. I saw some homes in Berwick for the about the same price for a lot more home and the local public school seems okay but not as good as Bexley's. Some of the homes I see need to be renovated. Is this a good move financially in these neighborhoods? Or should I buy a house that is relatively fixed up already. Thanks in advance and any feedback on Bexley or Berwick is also appreciated.

[jbcmh81]

Bexley will probably maintain/increase value over the long run more than Berwick, but you'll definitely save more in taxes and initial housing costs in Berwick. Bexley definitely has better schools.

[PerryMason614]

Originally Posted by oakstgal

My family of four might be moving to Columbus next year and we've narrowed down our neighborhoods to Bexley and Berwick. (We need to be in the South end for work.) Bexley seems to have a nice mix of walkability and the schools are great but the houses are on smaller lots. I saw some homes in Berwick for the about the same price for a lot more home and the local public school seems okay but not as good as Bexley's. Some of the homes I see need to be renovated. Is this a good move financially in these neighborhoods? Or should I buy a house that is relatively fixed up already. Thanks in advance and any feedback on Bexley or Berwick is also appreciated.

Berwick is your place if you want cheaper overhead and don't mind living in a mixed community (50% black). Berwick isn't bad but it is in Columbus (with Columbus Schools) and when you live in a big city don't expect the high level of services you get in a nicer suburb like Bexley. If you send your kids to private schools, it shouldn't matter.

Berwick and Eastmoor are fine west of James Road. Sometimes the areas East of James are advertised as being Berwick and or Eastmoor. I wouldn't buy a house there. The southwest part of Berwick south of Scottwood until of the freeway is a bit on the ratty side. I don't think that's really part of Berwick anyway.

Bexley is the place if you're more concerned with property values, schools, high level government services and resale. It is mostly white and probably 25% Jewish.

[cbusflyer]

Originally Posted by PerryMason614

Berwick is your place if you want cheaper overhead and don't mind living in a mixed community (50% black). Berwick isn't bad but it is in Columbus (with Columbus Schools) and when you live in a big city don't expect the high level of services you get in a nicer suburb like Bexley. If you send your kids to private schools, it shouldn't matter.

Berwick and Eastmoor are fine west of James Road. Sometimes the areas East of James are advertised as being Berwick and or Eastmoor. I wouldn't buy a house there. The southwest part of Berwick south of Scottwood until of the freeway is a bit on the ratty side. I don't think that's really part of Berwick anyway.

Bexley is the place if you're more concerned with property values, schools, high level government services and resale. It is mostly white and probably 25% Jewish.

Right on the money, the biggest question to ask yourself is, do I pay for private schools if you don't want Columbus public or do I pay the higher property value and taxes for great public schools.
Berwick does have complete sidewalks like Bexley and it also does not have an independent police force.
Home values are through the roof in Bexley right now. Houses are selling before they are even listed on the market. When they they do make it to market they are often gone in a few weeks.
There are still many diamond in rough houses. South Bexley has the smallest lots, Central is next with North having the largest. Also as you move from west to East the homes decrease in size and price.
Personally the sweet spot is Central, located close to the school and walking distance to Main and to Jeffrey Mansion.