I'm considering a move from Cincinnati to Cleveland sometime within the next year. Some friends and other people I have talked to about the move claim I must be in a "delusional" state of mind to want to move to Cleveland, especially from Cincinnati. While there are things I like about Cincinnati, I find myself attracted to Cleveland more. I know people always talk about the poor condition that the Cleveland area is in, and that it should be avoided, but that type of thinking only worsens Cleveland's problems. I actaully want to see Cleveland improve. If no one cares and people continue to flee the city, then change will never happen and the area will continue to deteriorate.

 

Aesthetically speaking, Cincinnati wins IMO, (although Cleveland does have beautiful Lake Erie). I just find myself naturally attracted to the greenery, parks, and architecture that Cincinnati has to offer.

 

On the other hand, what I dislike about Cincinnati is that the metro area is too Republican and too conservative. While there are some progressive and foward-thinking people in Cincinnati, the amount of staunch conservatives in the metro area seems to hinder any progress the city attempts to make. The more progressive areas of the city only make up small pockets of the city, and most are either located downtown, in the UC area/Northiside, or portions of the east side. Once you leave out of the 10-15 minute radius from downtown, the area becomes very conservative rather quickly (especially going towards the west side).

 

Whenever I'm in Cleveland, I always immediately feel at home. I really think a lot of it subtly has to do with the Connecticut roots of the area, which happens to be the state I was raised in. IMO, the vibe and mindset  between the two areas is not starkly different. Conversely, Cincy definitely has a southern feel; from the accents, the attitude, and culture (which I'm not too fond of). I stick out, and people constantly ask me if I'm from the area or where I'm from.

 

I've been looking at moving to the Lakewood or Shaker Heights areas. Both seem to be fairly liberal and diverse areas which is a requisite for any area I live in.

 

So I would like to hear it, am I crazy for considering leaving Cincinnati for Cleveland?

Hi HHS78, and welcome to the forum!  :wave:

 

Most everyone here would tell you that you're not crazy at all.  I think everyone should like living where they do, and if you feel at home in Cleveland, it seems to me that your gut is telling you something.

 

Before you make any move, especially in this economy, I hope you look into job openings in your field (not a Cleveland-specific comment, btw.  That would be my first worry moving anywhere.) 

 

Good luck, and if you end up moving here, I hope you'll participate in the Cleveland discussions here on UrbanOhio!

If I were you, I'd just stay in Cleveland for a month at a friend's place or whatever and get a solid feel for a place.  Many people go to cities, think the grass is always greener, and eventually move back (happens to EVERY city, Cincinnati and Cleveland included).  But if it feels right for the moment, I say why not?

Thanks for the welcome Confiteordeo. I've been snooping around on UrbanOhio for a while, so I figure it was about time to register.

 

And yeah, I would most definitely make sure I have a job lined up before making the move. I wouldn't dare move anywhere without a job in this economy. 

 

If I were you, I'd just stay in Cleveland for a month at a friend's place or whatever and get a solid feel for a place.  Many people go to cities, think the grass is always greener, and eventually move back (happens to EVERY city, Cincinnati and Cleveland included).  But if it feels right for the moment, I say why not?

 

That's what I have in the works now, probably around spring or early summer, is to stay with a friend of mine in Lakewood.

 

Yeah, I know about the grass is greener thing. I know several people who have moved down south (particularly the Carolinas), only to be disappointed and find that it is not the utopia they envisioned. I know a couple of people that moved to Charlotte and Raleigh who complain endlessly of the sprawl, lack of culture, the overwhelming presence of chain stores, etc.

 

Frankly, I cannot understand the allure of of many southeastern cities, especially Charlotte. I've visited CLT several times and found the city to be immensely underwhelming.

Whenever I'm in Cleveland, I always immediately feel at home. I really think a lot of it subtly has to do with the Connecticut roots of the area, which happens to be the state I was raised in. IMO, the vibe and mindset between the two areas is not starkly different. Conversely, Cincy definitely has a southern feel; from the accents, the attitude, and culture (which I'm not too fond of).

This makes the case pretty strongly that you should move to Cleveland. If for no other reason than to get it out of your system so to speak.

 

I stick out, and people constantly ask me if I'm from the area or where I'm from.

Well, that could get annoying...but from my perspective, I love meeting "Cincinnatians" who don't fit the stereotype so Cincinnati's loss would be Cleveland's gain although I'm inclined to think Cleveland needs more "conservatives" and Cincinnati needs more "liberals".

 

Good luck!

I think you answered your own question and you would be crazy not to move to Cleveland. The people who say you're delusional are probably just going to regurgitate the same old negative stuff Cleveland has had to deal with forever or they just don't want to believe Cleveland is actually a kick ass city with tons to offer. From what I can tell Cleveland's economy is also doing better than any of the other big cities so your friends are actually the delusional ones. I think you should go for it and not look back.

I think it's a great idea and that you would love it here. Lakewood is fabulous. And there is a more liberal feel to living in Cleveland.

 

It's not like you could never go back if you hated it. I don't understand why people are so much like that, oh, you can't leave, you might not like it! Duh, if you don't like it, you move back. 

 

We might be able to help you with job leads, finding an apt, etc. Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for picking Cleveland. Seriously, with the immense growth of the health care economy in Cleveland, if you can't find a job here then you are probably looking in a narrow field. You don't have to be a doctor, nurse or some other medical practitioner to win a health care job here. I find the growth that's happening along the HealthLine (Euclid) Corridor to be nothing short of remarkable.

 

If you want a Northeast US-type of experience with more liberal-minded folks, then the entire area from University Circle up the hill into heights (Coventry, Cedar-Lee, Cedar-Fairmount, Shaker Square, University Heights) will give it.

 

If you want Midwest US liberal, then the area from Tremont, Ohio City, Gordon Square, Edgewater into Lakewood, will give it.

 

And if you want a location where you don't need ever need to own a car, then go with downtown.

I don't see anything wrong with wanting to live where more people think like you do, whatever that may be. It could be politics but it could also be parenting styles, or what you like to do with your leisure time, or any number of other things.

I know cities leaning towards one side or the other is not new but it's a sad commentary on the state of our nation when someone moves because the politics of the area. Have we really become that divided as a nation?

 

Admittedly, the political sphere of Cincinnati is a contributing factor to my consideration of relocating, but it is only a small determinant. If I were looking to live in an ultra-liberal area, I would have remained in New England.

 

A few reasons why I'm thinking about moving to Cleveland is that I like water sports, cycling, and winter sports; Cleveland offers better options for all of these. As much as I like cycling, the hills in Cincinnati makes it a burdensome bout. Cleveland is a lot easier to cycle around since it's relatively flat and I also noticed that motorists tend to adhere to cyclist' space more there.

 

I'm also one of those crazy people that likes a lot of snow, so that's definitely a check plus for Cleveland. Plus Cleveland doesn't shut down for snow like Cincy does. It's snowing fairly hard right now and I'm watching school closings scroll on TV as I type. :roll:

 

I also like taking public transit, and RTA is significantly more efficient than Metro that we have in Cincy.

 

I also prefer Cleveland's music since, and it's better IMO than Cincinnati's.

 

Oh, and I almost forgot, the culture and diversity of the region! That actually weighs more in my decison than the politics of the area, although the two tend to coincide with each other.

Sounds like you might like the east side more than the west side, but my suggestion is to live somewhere where you'll have access to the Cleveland Metroparks and even the Cuyahoga Valley National Park:

 

http://www.clemetparks.com/recreation/hiking/index.asp

http://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm

 

If you want an urban setting with an access to the Towpath Trail into the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, then Tremont might be the best spot for you.

Where do you currently live in Cincinnati?  I think it's easy to get a certain perspective on the city based on where you are, as many parts of the metro are vastly different.  But if you want to try something new, why not? I say go for it if it's something you want to do.  Ultimately, you'll find the place that's right for you.

Take a look around Little Italy.  Great access to public transportation (Rail, BRT, and Bus).  It is immediately adjacent to University Circle, a great cultural hub (museams, galleries, severance hall, etc).  It is also very close to Cleveland Hts.... which is just as 'cool' as Lakewood, just in a different way.  You can look around the Heights as well.

 

That said.... if you know people in Lakewood, I would recommend starting out there.  A new city can be very lonely when you don't know anybody and might skew your perception.

 

Whatever you do, good luck!  And please don't let 'others' influence what feels right to YOU.  That's all that matters.  Plus, southern ohio's image of Cleveland is as off-base as cleveland's image of southern ohio (straw hats, fiddles, swap-meets)... 

Where do you currently live in Cincinnati?

 

I live in Madisonville, and I'm generally pleased with the neighborhood. It's a fairly diverse, densely packed neighborhood, with a historic feel. It also has a fair amount of trees for being an urban neighborhood.

 

It's one of the few neighborhoods I can picture myself living in besides downtown/OTR, Clifton, Northside, and Walnut Hills.

Hm, Madionville.  I feel like you could achieve a lot of your desires by simply moving to another neighborhood, but if you want to try a different city then go for it.  Why Cleveland though? Given your desire for mass transit, liberal leanings, cold weather, water sports, and a diverse population why not look at Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, or NYC?

Hm, Madionville.  I feel like you could achieve a lot of your desires by simply moving to another neighborhood, but if you want to try a different city then go for it.  Why Cleveland though? Given your desire for mass transit, liberal leanings, cold weather, water sports, and a diverse population why not look at Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, or NYC?

 

CHILD HUSH!!

 

HHS78, do you want to live in the City or the 'Burbs?  If you want a true Cleveland experience you'll get it living in the city not the 'burbs.

 

Welcome and please ask as many questions as you want.

You should move while you're young and can do so on a whim. If you want it, do it! You can always change your mind.

 

Cincinnati's hills are great for cycling! They make a man out of you, and keep you in shape! Why would you want to go somewhere flat and boring? You need only embrace the challenge. It becomes a positive!

 

I do agree with edale that Madisonville is probably not the best 'hood for you. Your situation would qualitatively change a lot if you lived elsewhere. Particularly in terms of cycling. If you like it mostly flat, living in the basin is the only real choice. It gives you a pretty decent sized (densely populated!) area you can go without climbing significant hills.

 

I disagree with his "Why Cleveland?" thing, though. There are lots of reasons to choose a non-Chicago Midwestern city over Chicago or the East Coast. I think you know that already. Cleveland's a great city, and well-worthy of your move. (I still prefer Cincinnati, and I'm not sure all your criticisms are fair -- but to each his own. Go out into the world! :))

 

One more thing: Don't listen to anything MTS says. Unless you want very one-sided, strong opinions full of bias. :whip:

Why Cleveland?  How about an AFFORDABLE city with mass transit, liberal leanings, cold weather, water sports and a diverse population.  Or, more importantly, the fact that you immediately feel at home.  Don't listen to the haters that inevitably chime in (in their own subtle way) whenever anyone even suggests the notion that Ctown vmight be a preferable place to live.

 

Great.... now here comes the name changes and faux "love" (inside joke)

Well, looks like this thread is going to do wonders for the Cleveland/Cincinnati relationship.

 

HHS78 - I was in a similar position as you a few years ago..  I'm originally from what is now considered the Columbus "metro area", but moved out of Ohio for almost 20 years.  I came to a point in my life where I just wasn't happy with where I was living (Denver at the time, after living in Phoenix & Hawaii before that) and needed to make a change.  In short, I decided that I wanted to move my family back to Ohio, just needed to decide where..

 

So, we took three different 4-day trips to the 3 C's; Columbus 1st, Cincinnati 2nd, then Cleveland..  Without going into specifics in this thread (because it will undoubtedly take the thread further off course), we chose Cleveland.  I can now say that the only regret that I have was that we didn't move sooner, we thoroughly enjoy our life here.

 

With that said, I can tell you that I heard the same things you're hearing, from (probably like you) people who have no clue about the Cleveland metro area, and in many cases, had never been here..

 

So my message is go with your instincts, if it feels right, it's probably right..  If it's not right, you'll know very soon, and will just have to make the next decision in life.

OK folks, the guy is looking for relocation advice on where to live in Greater Cleveland. Not a geopolitical debate. The axe-man cometh...

 

Then start a new thread. The guy is look for places to live. Stay focused on his original request for information.

I do agree with edale that Madisonville is probably not the best 'hood for you. Your situation would qualitatively change a lot if you lived elsewhere. I disagree with his "Why Cleveland?" thing, though.

 

Well, in the 3 years I've lived in Cincy, I have lived in Mt. Auburn, North Avondale, and Madisonville. Mt. Auburn was okay, but I grew weary of hearing random gunfire at night :shoot:, being accosted for money :yap: (while walking from work), and occassionally being offered drugs :banger:. I also was awakened one night by the sound of my car alarm after someone attempted to break in it. Needless to say, living there was definitely an experience.

 

I chose Madisonville because it seems like it's about 15 mins from everything, it also has convenient freeway access, and it's relatively quiet and safe (Gosh I sound like a suburbanite,  :oops:), but still in the city. And make no mistake; I didn't get 'scared' away from living in Mt. Auburn or North Avondale. lol. I like the housing stock in Madisonville, so I decided to rent a house there.

 

There are a few neighborhoods I like on the west side (Westwood stands out), but I don't like the isolated feel I get once I cross Mill Creek and go up in the 'hills'. Speaking of hills, all the hills and curves you have to traverse on the west side makes me loathe my manual tranny car.

 

As much as I hang out with friends in different areas of the city, I think I have a pretty good feel of the city.

 

Not to sound rude, but living in a different neighborhood is not going to make Lake Erie or light rail magically appear in Cincinnati. And while there are a few "diverse" neighborhoods in Cincinnati, the area lacks heavily in ethnic diversity, especially for a city of Cincinnati's stature. Cincinnati is predominately just black and white. Period!

 

Hts121 pretty much summed up what I look for in cities in very few words.

 

I think if Cincy had efficient rail tranist, this thread probably wouldn't exist.

why not look at Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, or NYC?

 

I grew up on the east coast so I'm kind of tired of the rat race and congestion. I have looked at Philly though, since it's the cheapest to live in of the four listed.

 

NYC and Boston; you better be pulling in a six figure income to live comfortably in those cities - I only make about half that.

 

I love visiting Chicago, but I can't see myself living there. I always said the farthest west I would live is Ohio.

 

While Chicago is a dynamic international city, it still feels very midwestern at it's core (not that that's a bad thing). I like Minneapolis, but feel the same way about it. I also consider Minneapolis "geographically inferior." I would throw Chicago in that category too, obviously to a lesser extent though.

 

 

 

If you have any questions about whether you should stay in Cincinnati...just watch one of the council budget meetings that are on TV.

If you have any questions about whether you should stay in Cincinnati...just watch one of the council budget meetings that are on TV.

 

Lol. I've actually watched a couple on TV. Everyone talking over eachother, yelling, and practically about to throw blows. "Insane" and "chaotic" are two words that immediately come to mind when describing those meetings.

 

They definitely seem to be marching in place.

I'd say you should give it a little while.  There are myriad reasons to be pessimistic right now about the city.  But, things will get better and having good people that care about it leave...doesn't help.

 

I would understand if you left, but i hope you will stay.

On the other hand, what I dislike about Cincinnati is that the metro area is too Republican and too conservative. While there are some progressive and foward-thinking people in Cincinnati, the amount of staunch conservatives in the metro area seems to hinder any progress the city attempts to make. The more progressive areas of the city only make up small pockets of the city, and most are either located downtown, in the UC area/Northiside, or portions of the east side. Once you leave out of the 10-15 minute radius from downtown, the area becomes very conservative rather quickly (especially going towards the west side).

 

With all due respect, this is because most of the progressives like yourself move to Chicago and other "liberal" cities.  Please consider sticking around, getting involved, and encouraging other similarly minded people to do the same.  Nothing will ever change here if the agents of change leave.  I hope you decide to stay.  If not, good luck with the move.  Cleveland's a cool town.

Jinx, diaspora!

I love visiting Chicago, but I can't see myself living there. I always said the farthest west I would live is Ohio.

 

While Chicago is a dynamic international city, it still feels very midwestern at it's core (not that that's a bad thing). I like Minneapolis, but feel the same way about it. I also consider Minneapolis "geographically inferior." I would throw Chicago in that category too, obviously to a lesser extent though.

 

As a Chicagoan who moved from Cincinnati a few years back for somewhat similar reasons I couldn't help but chime in on this statement.

 

I think you're right about Chicago being Midwestern at its core, but on in my mind I think this is a good thing.  Part of what I like about Chicago actually is that its simultaneously Midwestern and Cosmopolitan, you can enjoy a great deal of culture, but still get the whole Midwest charm thing where people are quite approachable and easy to get along with.  (I'd argue more Midwest charm than I experienced in Cincy which can be quite standoffish to outsiders - Cincy's kind of a weird mix of Southern and Northeastern, hard to approach people and cliques in a stereotypically Northeastern way and also kind of intolerant in a stereotypically Southern way).

 

I think I'd prefer Cincy if it ever got its act together, but I feel as though that may never happen (though there are a few nice things starting up down there).  I have a funny feeling that a lot of people who leave Cincy want to see the place succeed but got fed up with living there - a weird side affect would be following Cincy news closer than the city you wind up in news. At least that's how its worked for me.

 

Btw, for a touch of East Coast feel in Chicago, (even if you don't move there) check out the older neighborhoods, like Pilsen, Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village and Lincoln Park, they are kind of at the tail end of the 19th century feel that Cincinnati and East Coast cities have a lot more of.

That's odd... I get the feeling that a lot of CTown's ex-pats get some sense of joy from seeing the City fall on hard times and have some weird desire to downplay the current momentum.  Almost as if they are trying to justify the fact that they simply weren't tough enough to 'make it' on the north coast ;)

Jinx, diaspora!

 

:lol:

thanks for saying my name...not talking would have really put a crimp in my plans.

Hmmmm.... that's playing loosely by the rules.  At the very least, your name has to be said 3 times, no?

It's funny hearing people I should stay. People I know here personally say I should remain because Cincy needs more people that actually care about what happens to the city, instead of leaving. It means a lot to me hearing those sentiments and has me constantly debating if I should remain here, go to Cleveland, or try to make my Philly move work.

 

But anyway (off of the soapbox :-D)

 

JOhio: Clifton and Pleasant Ridge are definitely neighborhoods I can live in with no problem. Oakley is just a bit too yuppie for my preference. I think some of you guys have the mislead impression that I dislike living in Madisonville. I like it here, and if I do decide to remain in Cincy, "Madville" is probably where I will continue to reside. I also don't dislike living in Cincy. There are just certain aspects I dislike and other things I wish the city could improve on.

 

Diaspora: Don't make me feel guilty for considering leaving. Lol

 

Jimmy James: Same to you :-D

 

NeilWorms: Great post. Cincy does have a weird southern and northeatern mix. Physically, I think if you "flattened" out the hills in Cincinnati and placed it somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic region, it would blend in fairly fine. Socially, Cincy is much more southern than northern IMO.

 

I also agree with you 100% that if Cincy got it's stuff together, I would love it here instead of just having mediocre feelings about the place. I've said it before that Cincy has amazing potential, but a lot of the natives do not realize it due to factors such as lack of travel, intolerance, being satisfied with the status quo, etc.

 

Wicker Park is definitely my type of neighborhood. I'm not familiar with Pilsen.

 

(I'll send this before the wireless internet goes out in the office...AGAIN!) Argh!

Just stay in Ohio.  F&ck Philly.

Just stay in Ohio.  F&ck Philly.

 

Agreed!  It's the armpit of america.

I who moved to Cleveland 12 years ago and I totally love it.  But given the constant negative media attention, I think our theme song should be "I'm not like everybody else" by the Kinks.  The following link portrays the Sopranos and I am not trying to play on the crime thing.  I just think that we have a different attitude given the constant negative reaction to the phrase "I live in Cleveland."

 

I who moved to Cleveland 12 years ago and I totally love it.  But given the constant negative media attention, I think our theme song should be "I'm not like everybody else" by the Kinks.  The following link portrays the Sopranos and I am not trying to play on the crime thing.  I just think that we have a different attitude given the constant negative reaction to the phrase "I live in Cleveland."

 

 

Excellent clip!

That's odd... I get the feeling that a lot of CTown's ex-pats get some sense of joy from seeing the City fall on hard times and have some weird desire to downplay the current momentum. Almost as if they are trying to justify the fact that they simply weren't tough enough to 'make it' on the north coast ;)

Agree..  Thin line between love and hate analogy comes to mind..

Just stay in Ohio.  F&ck Philly.

Just stay in Ohio.  F&ck Philly.

 

Agreed!  It's the armpit of america.

 

Hey hey now! :shoot:

Ease up on Philly. I root for the Eagles and Phillies.......and Sixers I guess.

 

 

Just stay in Ohio.  F&ck Philly.

Just stay in Ohio.  F&ck Philly.

 

Agreed!  It's the armpit of america.

 

Hey hey now! :shoot:

Ease up on Philly. I root for the Eagles and Phillies.......and Sixers I guess.

 

 

 

Oh Dear....please don't bring that ghettofied Philly rude attitude or behavior to Cleveland!  We have standards!

NeilWorms: Great post. Cincy does have a weird southern and northeatern mix. Physically, I think if you "flattened" out the hills in Cincinnati and placed it somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic region, it would blend in fairly fine. Socially, Cincy is much more southern than northern IMO.

 

I also agree with you 100% that if Cincy got it's stuff together, I would love it here instead of just having mediocre feelings about the place. I've said it before that Cincy has amazing potential, but a lot of the natives do not realize it due to factors such as lack of travel, intolerance, being satisfied with the status quo, etc.

 

Wicker Park is definitely my type of neighborhood. I'm not familiar with Pilsen.

 

I'm amazed how little people in Cincy travel... If they'd only get out in the world a bit more it would be a way better place.

 

Pilsen is a gentrifying but still a little gritty Mexican/artist neighborhood just southwest of downtown Chicago.  Its probably the most east coast feeling neighborhood in the city, lots of 19th century large brick townhouses/apartments, the major streets feel like they are right out of Over the Rhine, but maybe a little newer in construction: http://www.chicagocondos-online.com/neighborhoods/pilsen/

 

I've been to the South and the South maybe intolerant, but its balanced by a Southern charm, an outward friendliness/politeness that makes up for the inward intolerance.  As long as certain topics aren't discussed, you can get along with people okay.  In Cincinnati there isn't the charm, you can't even fake getting along with people, its just this bitter jaded cliquish attitude.  That's why I kind of felt there was a touch of Northeast in its attitude - the lack of Southern charm.

In Cincinnati there isn't the charm, you can't even fake getting along with people, its just this bitter jaded cliquish attitude.  That's why I kind of felt there was a touch of Northeast in its attitude - the lack of Southern charm.

I did not pick up on this on my trip down to Cincinnati this summer, I actually thought the opposite. The people that I interacted with downtown and up by UC were friendly and helpful.

 

HHS78 - I think I know that feeling that you are talking about, the feeling that you belong here (in Cleveland) and that you are apart of the city, so I would say go for it. If things work out, then great. If they don't, then you can always move back or to some other place.

Socially, Cincy is much more southern than northern IMO.

 

I just really can't agree with that at all. Being northern is absolutely part of Cincinnati's identity. It has southern flavor (most of which is a 20th century, post-depression addition), but it's definitely not "more southern".

 

The mix of north, south, east coast, and midwest gives Cincinnati a cultural diversity it lacks in ethnic diversity.

I'm not picking on anyone, but we're ripping on cities too much in this thread. Folks need to dial it down.

I just really can't agree with that at all. Being northern is absolutely part of Cincinnati's identity. It has southern flavor (most of which is a 20th century, post-depression addition), but it's definitely not "more southern".

 

The mix of north, south, east coast, and midwest gives Cincinnati a cultural diversity it lacks in ethnic diversity.

 

I can respect that since it's a highly subjective matter anyway. Cincy IS a mix, but the social culture of the area has a noticable southern tilt to it. If I were to just drive through the city on the freeway, I would say visually Cincinnati is undoubtedly northern. However, once you actually interact with the people here, the southern vibe in the air is evident.

HHS78,

 

I'm not really trying to guilt you into staying, i'd be gone tomorrow if my wife and i could find commensurate jobs in Michigan (our home).  But, since that's not happening, we've decided to make the best of it.

 

Unfortunately, we're quite progressive people and it's tough down here.  Most of the "liberals" i've met here would qualify as pretty far right wing in a lot of towns.  It's unbelievable. It's so easy to get down on things when all you hear is people ragging on the streetcar or telling falsehoods about 3C.  This election was particularly dispiriting...but, if i'm going to be here for awhile, i have to look at what makes it great.

 

Great parks, a really interesting arts scene, lots of friends that are similarly displaced from their hometowns, etc.  It's all in what you make of it.

I think a lot of what people interpret as "southern" in Cincinnati is actually German. The west side perhaps epitomizes the insularity and conservatism which people tag the city with, but the west side's culture is primarily rooted in German Catholic immigration from the 1800s. Some of them crossed the second Rhine (the Mill Creek) and stewed there for a few generations, rarely emerging from their little corner, and voila. You get your typical Cincinnati conservative, without any of the historical baggage that comes along with your typical southern conservative. Then, of course, the wave of Appalachians was sparked by the depression, and people start to paint the rigid Germans as descendants of Robert E. Lee.

 

To my mind, these Germans have more in common with the fascista-Italian types you find on the East Coast or in Cleveland (who are generally Democrats, but certainly not liberal) than they have in common with American southerners.

Unfortunately, we're quite progressive people and it's tough down here.  Most of the "liberals" i've met here would qualify as pretty far right wing in a lot of towns.  It's unbelievable. It's so easy to get down on things when all you hear is people ragging on the streetcar or telling falsehoods about 3C.  This election was particularly dispiriting...but, if i'm going to be here for awhile, i have to look at what makes it great.

 

Great parks, a really interesting arts scene, lots of friends that are similarly displaced from their hometowns, etc.  It's all in what you make of it.

 

I pretty much feel the same way you do. Luckily I'm not a pessimist. If I were, I would be one miserable person because there are definitely some negatives I could dwell on if I really wanted to. I'm an optimist so it's not hard for me to make the best of unfavorable situations.

 

I've noticed the same thing you stated about a lot of the self-proclaimed liberals here. Out of all my friends here, most are moderate at best, with maybe 2 or 3 actually being what I consider liberal. Those 3 are not natives of Cincy.

 

I've met some of the parents of my friends who claim they are "liberals" and I can see why they think of themselves of liberals. I went to a cookout in July with a female friend, and her parents asked me what church I attend. I thought about lying and making up a church I attend, but I told them the truth; that I don't attend church. That was proceeded by an interrogation of why I do not attend church follwed by a "sermon" concerning the power of faith (and no I'm not an atheist).

 

As for the election, I was HIGHLY disappointed. Kasich's victory for me was equivalent to my favorite football team losing the SuperBowl......in Bengals fashion :lol:. I had a knee-jerk response to the election and said to myself that "I need to get the hell out of this town." I eventually came to my senses and calmed down. I think if Cincinnati and Ohio keeps this kind of stuff up, the median age is certainly going to increase over the next few years.

 

But as I've said before, there are many great and unique things to like about Cincinnati which actually creates great contemplation on whether or not I should move.

I think a lot of what people interpret as "southern" in Cincinnati is actually German.

 

Nope! For me it's the prevalent Appalachian culture in the area and the accents. And yes, a lot of native Cincinnatians DO sound southern to my New England ears, especially the blacks (.....waiting for assertions of racism).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm black and Panamanian btw.

I think a lot of what people interpret as "southern" in Cincinnati is actually German.

 

Nope! For me it's the prevalent Appalachian culture in the area and the accents. And yes, a lot of native Cincinnatians DO sound southern to my New England ears, especially the blacks (.....waiting for assertions of racism).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm black and Panamanian btw.

 

I really want to meet a Panamanian black with a Boston accent.

 

Oh, that gives me goosebumps.