There's a possibility my family may be moving to Cincinnati and I'm hoping you folks can help me wrap my head around the neighborhood options (first for renting, later for buying). We're in our early 30s, have a preschool-aged child, and are looking for a neighborhood that's on the liberal end of the spectrum. I'm a former NYer, so anything with coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance would be an added bonus! Thanks so much for any insights you can offer.

Northside, Pleasant Ridge, Clifton Gaslight, maybe Over the Rhine would all be good places to start. Northside and Clifton Gaslight are probably the most liberal with good business districts. Pleasant Ridge has that potential but itsn't quite there yet and is a little further from the core. Over the Rhine would still be considered urban pioneering though there are families there.

Check out these following neighborhoods:

 

1. [*]

Clifton - The historic gaslight neighborhood is perfect for young families.  It's a progressive part of town and has one of the best neighborhood business districts in Cincinnati (which is saying a lot).  You have a grocery, movie theatre, library, post office, hardware store, banks, retail, dining and a couple of coffee shops.  If you can't afford anything on the north side of Ludlow, go on the south side where the homes are slightly smaller and more affordable.  Also, good public/private school options nearby.

[*]Hyde Park - Also has a great neighborhood business district and other great amenities within a short drive.  Price points can be higher here and it is one of Cincinnati's more prestigious neighborhoods.  Lots of runners/joggers and bicyclists around this part of town.  More conservative area, but nothing over the top.  Great school options here.

[*]Mt. Lookout - Next door to Hyde Park and features slightly bigger homes with slightly higher price points.  The business district isn't as good, but still within close drive to virtually everything you'll want.  Great school options here.

 

You can find rental properties in all of these areas, and the prices will mirror those for the ownership properties.  I could go on, but I'll let others give some input.  If you have any follow-up questions let me know.

Thanks for the quick responses. We're going to take a closer look at Clifton, Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, Wyoming and Mariemont because of school systems. The only thing that makes me nervous about the first three is that--from what I'm understanding--the elementary schools are great, but you're kind of doomed for high school unless you test into Walnut Hills. The thing that makes me nervous about Mariemont is that I've heard it's very stuffy and heavily Republican. I know nothing about Wyoming. It's such a balancing act with a kid--we want to be somewhere that feels comfortable to us, where we're not outsiders. . .but we also want the best education for our child. I'm sure there's a happy medium somewhere!

Clifton is the neighborhood that best fits your criteria.

 

Here is a link to a map of 2008 campaign donations. When viewed generally, it paints a useful picture of an area's political leanings. It's also a somewhat helpful tool in determining the "nice" areas of town, as a high concentration of large dots indicates a wealthy community.

 

http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/neighbors.php?type=city&city=cincinnati&search=Search

Thanks, JoeL, there's an interesting East/West divide on that map.

I'd add Oakley to the list, many young families find it to be a good alternative to the more expensive Hyde Park

Cincinnati has a deep and abiding East-West split. The East side is generally considered more cosmopolitan. Wyoming might be a good mix of options as well and not quite as conservative as Mariemont. If you are into Montessori schools, the Public Schools k-12 Montessori programs are extremely strong. Walnut is the strongest city high school, but it isn't that hard to get into.

Thanks for the Oakley recommendation, we'll check that out.

 

I was very intrigued by the Montessori schools, but have yet to find a good source of information on its successfulness (my husband feels most comfortable with test score data). I'm also trying to learn more about how the magnet schools work.

If you're willing to consider Northern Kentucky, my hometown of Fort Thomas has excellent K-12 public schools. All five schools in the district (three elementary, one middle school, one high school) have won national awards for excellence. Don't be afraid of the Kentucky address... Most of Ft. Thomas is closer to downtown Cincinnati than many neighborhoods within the city. I-471 makes the commute a snap, traffic permitting. A decent 2-bedroom apartment will run about $700/mo or so.

 

The housing stock, streetscapes, and neighborhood density is very similar to Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout, although not quite as pricey. On the downside, the area tends to be more conservative (although not monolithic -- I saw plenty of Obama signs in Ft. Thomas during campaign season last year), and the downtown business district doesn't have as many options as the other neighborhoods mentioned above.

Mt. Adams is a more urban neighborhood, but is really great. Not as walkable because of the hills, but has great views, good restaurants, and is right next to Eden Park. The houses are smaller, but definitely for a family of three you could find plenty of options. Being from NY you should also check out Downtown. It's safe, affordable, and definitely on the rise.

 

Also for high schools Cincy is blessed with a really great variety of Catholic schools which rank among the top in the nation. Regardless of whether you are Catholic or not they are still a great option.

How did you know that a Kentucky address would scare me? Well, just a little bit.

 

Actually, you're not the first to suggest it, and I'm definitely willing to consider. I wonder, though, if there are also going to be troublesome tax implications for working in a different state that the one in which you live. A small hassle in the scheme of things if it's the right fit, I suppose.

Mt. Adams is a more urban neighborhood, but is really great. Not as walkable because of the hills, but has great views, good restaurants, and is right next to Eden Park. The houses are smaller, but definitely for a family of three you could find plenty of options. Being from NY you should also check out Downtown. It's safe, affordable, and definitely on the rise.

 

Also for high schools Cincy is blessed with a really great variety of Catholic schools which rank among the top in the nation. Regardless of whether you are Catholic or not they are still a great option.

 

I'd love to live downtown, but we'd like to avoid private school if we can.

How did you know that a Kentucky address would scare me? Well, just a little bit.

 

The fact that you're a New Yorker. :) I live in NYC now, and most people I talk to here think Cincinnati is in the middle of Nebraska, and they think Deliverance whenever I mention Kentucky. Truth is, many Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities wouldn't look out of place in Westchester or northern New Jersey. There's parts of Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport that could easily hold their own in Brooklyn.

 

The state line that happens to run through the middle of the Cincinnati metro area is fairly meaningless except on tax day and Election Day. Generally speaking, most people in Northern Kentucky refuse to be associated with the rest of Kentucky, and most people in Cincinnati refuse to be associated with the rest of Ohio. Greater Cincinnati is like its own city-state, and in terms of identity and geography, has much more in common with parts of Pennsylvania than either Kentucky or Ohio.

 

As far as taxes, I don't think it's a big deal... You might even save a few bucks, although the paperwork will be slightly more complicated. No different than living in New Jersey and working in NYC, except that there's no tolls and you have to pump your own gas.

Because so many people work across state lines taxes aren't really much of an issue just a little extra math at the end of the day. Fort Mitchell and Park Hills would also be worth considering on the KY side - they are in the Beechwood district which is pretty strong.

Looks like we've got lots of thinking to do, and even more research. Thanks for all your help. I reserve the right to further pick your brains once we narrow our now-hypothetical-but-possibly-very-real-in-the-near-future search.

No problem... I actually envy you. I've been in NYC for about three years total, and I've been itching to move back to Cincy. It has most of the things I like about an east coast city like NYC or Philly (except for decent rail transit, but they're working on that), but is much easier to live in.

No problem... I actually envy you.

 

Ha! I'll keep that in mind. It's very easy to romanticize "The" City (how narcissistic are NYers?!) once you're out of the grind. But yeah, I remember how tiresome it could be.

I think of NYC as like a hot jacuzzi. It feels great at first, but after a while it becomes miserable and you have to get out before you go into cardiac arrest. Nothing against those who manage to live here permanently, but for me, NYC is best enjoyed in moderation.

I'm a former NYer, so anything with coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance would be an added bonus!

 

Especially since that's a NY'er type of thing thing. ;)

I'm a former NYer, so anything with coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance would be an added bonus!

 

Especially since that's a NY'er type of thing thing. ;)

 

Well, naturally I assumed that people in Cincinnati conduct their lives from their automobiles, only getting off the highway when absolutely necessary, like. . .say to visit a strip mall. :evil:

Regarding schools.

 

Our children attend Cincinnati Public, and I would not let the high school options worry you.  Walnut Hills is excellent and your child will likely get in, however there is also SCPA and Clark Montessori and others that are pretty good too.  I know many successful people who went to these schools.  For grade school our kids attend Fairview Clifton German Language.  You have to wait in line overnight usually to get into this magnet program.  Preschool is a good time to move here, because it is harder to get into the magnet schools with an older child.  Keep in mind that once your child is in a magnet program all siblings get priority and can also go there without waiting in any lines.

 

Many of my freinds rave about the montessori schools especially Sands, Dater and North Avondale. 

 

If I was not a dedicated urbanite but wanted the best schools, I would probably choose Wyoming.

Alright, I"ll be the one to suggest a couple west side pros for you.  Don't let that political map scare you too bad!  We are in transition over here! 

 

I will throw three options that have good schools and a walkable neighborhood plus is within 6-7 miles from downtown. (As a crow flys)

 

Cheviot - is in the Cincinnati Public School system and has THE most affordable prices on houses within the region.

 

Bridgetown - is in Green Twp. nextdoor to Cheviot but is within the Oak Hills School District.  They also have very affordable housing with the added benefit of a MUCH better public school system.

 

Delhi - is in Delhi Twp. and is also in the Oak Hills District, but walkability is not as good. 

 

http://www.oakhills.k12.oh.us/

 

These areas offer a more small town feel in the big city which I feel is due to the sparsity of Interstate access.

 

 

 

Jskinner, thanks for the insights on the education front, and for bringing your great blog to my attention. I'll definitely be perusing it with great interest.

 

Thanks also, oakiehigh, for representing the West side. All options are on the table!

The only thing that makes me nervous about the first three is that--from what I'm understanding--the elementary schools are great, but you're kind of doomed for high school unless you test into Walnut Hills.

 

Coming from someone who attended Walnut Hills from 7th through 12th grades, moving on from Mt. Washington Elementary, it's not difficult to test in.  In fact, you get three tries.  Additionally, the test is not very representative of who will do well there.  Many people who got perfect scores from my elementary school failed out after their first year.  Others who didn't do so well on the test (but passed) ended up doing very well at Walnut Hills.

 

In saying all that, I'd actually recommend that you look into Mount Washington as well.  It's as far east as you can get while still staying in Cincinnati, but it has more of a small town feel to it.  Very comfortable, safe, and good for children, I'd say.  The school is within walking distance of the center of town.  Transportation to and from Walnut Hills and other CPS high schools is served by the city's Metro buses, which are triple-digit, extra school routes.

Thanks for the first-hand perspective on the school. I was a pretty good student but horrible at standardized tests because I would get so nervous I'd be puking. Hopefully my child won't inherit those test nerves! I'll have a gander at Mt. Washington, too.

 

So, how did you like the high school?

Well, I was going through a difficult period in my life, but you really can't get any better than Walnut Hills, if you're looking at something within the city's school district.  The school is ranked nationally, has the most AP course opportunities of any school in the nation, and pulls people from all over the city.  There were definitely opportunities I had there that I wouldn't have received elsewhere.

 

Yeah, the test is really just logic problems and puzzles, at least when I took it.  I'm not good at them either, and I'm glad that I squeaked through.  But, as stated before, you're definitely not down and out after one try.

Thanks.

I'm a former NYer, so anything with coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance would be an added bonus!

 

Especially since that's a NY'er type of thing thing. ;)

 

Well, naturally I assumed that people in Cincinnati conduct their lives from their automobiles, only getting off the highway when absolutely necessary, like. . .say to visit a strip mall. :evil:

 

Ahhh ... gotta love generalizations that cover everyone within its boundaries! ;)

There's a possibility my family may be moving to Cincinnati and I'm hoping you folks can help me wrap my head around the neighborhood options (first for renting, later for buying). We're in our early 30s, have a preschool-aged child, and are looking for a neighborhood that's on the liberal end of the spectrum. I'm a former NYer, so anything with coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance would be an added bonus! Thanks so much for any insights you can offer.

 

hey 003, I relocated from Ny about a year ago...welcome.  Grew up in Westchester and lived in Manhattan for several years as well. I think the neighbhorhoods mentioned on this thread all have their positives. We looked a lot in Mt Lookout and Hyde Park but could not justify the price i.e. one eason I moved was to get more for your money. We eneded iup in Madeira becasue we found a house in walking distance to town, it has a little town center reminiscnet of a Northeast town and the schools are good. It is a bit right winged for me but this whole city is so other than Clifton, you won't really get away from that as far as the neighbhorhoods you are looking at.  I

I don't think you need to force yourself to live in a "liberal" neighborhood.  If it's good schools you want, your choices are extremely limited after the first condition.  The few neighborhoods in Cincinnati that could be considered liberal will be Cincinnati Public Schools, and although it has great high school options (as mentioned above) there is something to be said for a lot of Cincinnati's suburban school systems.

 

Anyways, I consider myself pretty conservative/libertarian and have spent half my time in college living in New York City for an internship.  I really enjoy it; so I'm just suggesting you not put too much weight on that aspect!  Unless you live out in a rural area, you probably won't be made to feel uncomfortable because of your political leanings.

Prospect Hill. Very liberal. Walk to everything(downtown/OTR).  Many pre-school aged children. This is a great place to raise a child.

When we moved here we looked at Hyde Park, Clifton, Mt. Lookout and North Avondale.  Fell in love with North Avondale. Although you certainly don't get the walkable business strip, you are in the absolute heart of the city, close to anything.  2 miles to Walnut Hills High School for our older son (amazing amazing school, and don't worry about testing in).  And our younger son goes to The New School, a private montessori in the neighborhood to which he can walk. Of course, North Avondale Montessori is also nearby, but we fell in love with the New School, and it has been an excellent experience

 

North Avondale, although in the middle of the east side west side divide, lies squarely on the liberal end of the spectrum, not unlike a Clifton. The residents in our neighborhood come from all walks, former mayors, symphony conductors, broadway producers, city government employees, doctors, lawyers, academics, etc.  While it is true you cannot very easily walk to a coffee shop, there is a Cincinnati park nature preserve at the end of our street, which then leads to a public golf course.  There is also a neighborhood swim club, Clinton Hills Swim Club, which was the first integrated swim club in the city, and which our kids love (me too).

 

My wife is a real estate agent and can help you out on this stuff as well. Let me know and I will PM you her contact info.  She has a good feel for out of towner's perspective, particularly those with kids. 

Prospect Hill. Very liberal. Walk to everything(downtown/OTR). Many pre-school aged children. This is a great place to raise a child.

 

x2!

Prospect Hill. Very liberal. Walk to everything(downtown/OTR).  Many pre-school aged children. This is a great place to raise a child.

 

 

x2!

 

Not many amenities in Prospect Hill though, so you'd have to drive many places for simple things like groceries and smaller shopping options.

Prospect Hill. Very liberal. Walk to everything(downtown/OTR). Many pre-school aged children. This is a great place to raise a child.

 

 

x2!

 

Not many amenities in Prospect Hill though, so you'd have to drive many places for simple things like groceries and smaller shopping options.

 

You can walk to DT in 15 mins., hop on the 39 or 24 and be at a grocery store or restaurant in mins. The proximity is the amenity.

Sorry to be late responding, I didn't realize that there had been additional replies. Thanks so much for all the information to consider. Ram23, I appreciate your perspective and can see how closed minded my postings may seem. Truth is, I've never really lived anywhere that wasn't uber liberal, so it's good to hear from you that unless we live somewhere rural, the difference won't be so pronounced as to make us feel unwelcome. Certainly good schools trump anything, and a little political diversity might just prove enlightening.

 

Okay, so we're *definitely* moving to Cincinnati. . .and soon. Caseyc, if your wife is interested in assisting us with a rental, let me know via PM. I'm making the rounds leaving messages with the agencies today.

I've found craigslist to be a pretty decent source of rental listings... I can also post some links I've bookmarked, as I may be doing my own housing search in Cincy sometime within the next year.

 

One nice thing about the rental market in Cincy is that any broker trying to ask a tenant to pay a finder's fee would get laughed out of town.

Thanks, Living in Gin, that would be great. I was thinking of hooking up with a real estate agency so that they could tour us around the prospective neighborhoods. Ultimately, we'd be buying, so I wouldn't feel too bad about it!

Here's my entire "Cincinnati Housing" bookmarks file:

 

<A HREF="http://www.cinciapartments.com/">Campus Management, LTD.</A>

<A HREF="http://www.cincyrents.com/">Cincinnati Apartments Plus</A>

<A HREF="http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/">craigslist: cincinnati, OH</A>

<A HREF="http://www.downtowncincinnati.com/">DowntownCincinnati.com</A>

<A HREF="http://grandinbridgeapartments.com/">Grandin Bridge Apartments</A>

<A HREF="http://www.grandinproperties.com/">Grandin Properties</A>

<A HREF="http://www.cinrent.com/index.html">Kingston Management</A>

<A HREF="http://www.medevelopers.com/">Middle Earth Developers</A>

<A HREF="http://www.mtadamsapts.com/">Mt. Adams Apartments</A>

<A HREF="http://www.rentclifton.com/">RentClifton.com</A>

<A HREF="http://www.sundancemanagement.com/pages/">Sundance Management</A>

<A HREF="http://www.towneprop.com/Cincinnati/CincinnatiApartments.asp">Towne Properties</A>

<A HREF="http://www.uptownrents.com/">Uptown Rental Properties</A>

<A HREF="http://www.cbws.com/">Coldwell Banker West Shell</A>

<A HREF="http://www.huff.com/">Huff Realty</A>

<A HREF="http://www.sibcy.com/">Sibcy Cline</A>

<A HREF="http://www.piedmontmews.com/">Piedmont Mews Apartments</A>

<A HREF="http://www.urbansitesproperty.com/">Urban Sites Properties</A>

<A HREF="http://www.gaslightproperty.com/">Gaslight Property</A>

<A HREF="http://www.redmontdev.com/">Redmont Development Corp.</A>

<A HREF="http://www.nkyrents.com/">NKYRents.com</A>

<A HREF="http://www.ucapartments.com/">Deering Properties</A>

I'd also say that depending on the neighborhood you may find the best rental houses are entirely private. Where your family's employment will be might be worth considering especially as while Cincy is no New York in terms of traffic, certain places are more accessible to places throughout the region than others.

Thanks so much, Living in Gin.

No problem. And don't forget apartmentratings.com, where tenants write reviews of their apartment communities. Some reviews obviously involve personal grudges or sour grapes over some petty complaint, but when an apartment complex has a large number of consistently bad reviews, it's a good idea to steer clear.

 

That site has prevented me from making some bad decisions in the past... In 2002 I was looking for an apartment in the Philadelphia area, and was seriously considering a particular apartment complex in South Jersey. I loved the apartment they showed me, but decided to pass on it when I read several reviews that mentioned a history of serious fires in the complex. Six months later, the building I almost moved into burnt to the ground in a 3-alarm fire. It was the community's third serious fire in less than two years.

Six months later, the building I almost moved into burnt to the ground in a 3-alarm fire. It was the community's third serious fire in less than two years.

 

Similar situation here, only we actually rented the place! Thankfully our unit was unharmed and we were vacating within the week.