Minneapolis to Cincy - comparisons please. (Norwood, Bryan: crime, house, transfer)

[jeannetest]

My husband,originally from Cincy and a product of Sycamoure schools, is in the running for a job in Cincy. This job would mean a move for our family from Minneapolis - (we live in the city,not suburbs). We have two small children. I am a native Minnesotan, and while I don't consider myself a granola, I am most comfortable in a liberal, semi-progressive environment - and want these influences for my kids... in their schools, cultural experiences, friends, etc... Are there neighborhoods in Cincy that offer this? Are we crazy to even consider this move? I have only visited the city on holidays, so I am not sure what the city is REALLY like and would appreciate some insider information.

p.s. I am not interested in hearing more about the racial tensions - I have read the previous, exhaustive threads about this...thanks.

[traysea]

Try Wyoming, OH.
I have friends there and love it. I think town is cute, it's very close to downtown (ok, not walking close but close to get down to zoo without it being a hassle).

I live in Northern KY and really like it.

If your looking to have an environment that your kids can get exposed to things (vs. living in a bubble).. I'd try living on the east end. Not knocking west end, but I grew up in CT and when I moved to Cincy, the west side didn't have what I was looking for.

I was a Hyde Park kind of person. Since my hubby is from Covington, we eventually traded in hyde park for Park Hills, KY and tried Covington, KY, Ft Mitchell, KY and now Villa Hills,KY. All close to downtown and have their own "feel" to them.

It really depends on your budget. If you have the desire to not have a yard and really live urban.. I'd suggest Covington personally b/c I know it's rather safe (depending on where you live). I really don't know where I'd live in the city on the OH side.. without having money....

O Bryanville is adorable and I love East Walnut Hills and Eden Park area, but it's not affordable for the type of house I'd want to have. I am also not sure of how bad the crime is when you step outside your house.

Newport,KY is another option.. I know several folks that live in Newport with kids and finally got out of the suburbs.

Other areas that are not really close to downtown but have a sense of community .. Norwood (it's a little rough but I'd consider it if I wanted to live more urban) and Pleasant Ridge.

Madiera is my favorite area (outside of Indian Hills) and again.. it's all up to your budget.

Hope that helps!

[traysea]

Oh, I also love Clifton .. but you know I hear too many stories of crime it puts me off.. but we used to have friends that lived in the gaslight district and I truly LOVED that area....

The area might have gotten better over the years. I know I am not afraid to go to the areas in the gaslight Clifton area but I am just not sure if I would be out and about with my kids.. (there all types hanging around 24x7) and that might be fine, but I am too neurotic to really expose my kids to all that city living has to offer (yet!).

[tillie]

Not sure what part of Minneapolis you are from. But if it's like St. Paul...you'll find older homes here. Tree lined streets.... the children can bike to school...the pool, etc. There's diversity here with an international flair because of P&G exec transfers...not sure what your budget is though..