North Riverdale Area (Columbus, Dayton, Kettering: rental, credit, buying a home)

[mad1827]

Hello all,

I'm looking into buying a home in this area of Dayton (near Hillcrest) and am hoping to pick up some friendly advice from locals who know the area well

(I will be happy to elaborate on my situation)

I'm self-employed and going back to school, will be earning credits either @ the Sinclair Campus or online.

I'm recently married, no children. The two of us are 1st time home-buyers. Have been responsible tenants for years together, excellent credit etc.

We found a house that REALLY suits our needs perfectly and for the right price, however, the location itself from what I understand thus far is a bit sketchy (hopefully not the worst) But we really think we could manage for awhile.

-What our goals are:

To pay off the home in 3-5 years (not a problem whatsoever)

Use as a rental income as we venture closer to the Columbus area.

In the mean time, finish college (me) & grad school (him) and save $

We are extremely quiet people, keep to ourselves, have common courtesy and don't like drama.

We are fairly street smart, as we both grew up in Chicago.

-What I'm questioning:

Is this area really that horrible or is it being blown out of proportion because it is "inner city" and overgeneralized?

Will we be ok for a few years here as we plan to be mostly indoors and going outside the area to do our shopping etc... (from what I've gathered there are very few stores to choose from within that neighborhood anyway)

If you can offer your opinions/advice from what I've provided, it would really go far with me!

We are pretty flexible people, but we're frugal and simply cannot afford a Kettering home. We also kind of prefer being closer to a downtown as opposed to out in a burb.

Thanks!!!

[Amandarthegreat]

Howdy. The only parts of that area that are unsafe are Pointview Avenue and parts of Main Street. I am also from Chicago-land; some people majorly overreact about Dayton. Could you send me a PM with your email? My mother is a neighborhood rep in that area and she can answer better than I can.

[SWOH]

^The best poster for advice on this subject just answered. She'll know what's best there.

All I can add is best of luck!