Williamstown, Crittenden, Dry Ridge, Walton? (Lexington, Louisville: apartment, to rent, buying)

[nico7]

Hi All,

I'm considering relocating for a job in Cincinnati. I would like to live somewhere that's an easy drive to Lexington & Louisville, and commutable to the "Norwood area" of Cincinnati (not sure if that's a separate town or what). Low cost of living is important, and schools are not a consideration. I would be looking to rent a 1- or 2-bedroom apartment (I know buying a place would be better, but I don't have money for a down payment). Does this sound like anyplace you know? The apartment only has to be clean.

I think the most important question is, how far can I get towards Lexington, and still have a 45-minute commute (counting rush hour on 75/71)? Another question is, how fast do people drive on 75/71? Almost everyone goes 75-80 mph where I'm coming from.

Thanks for any replies,
-N

[RuralGuy]

Assuming you want to stay close to I-75, I think anything farther south than Walton will definitely put you past 45 minutes commuting time to Norwood when you take rush hour traffic into consideration. You might also consider moving to Florence or Erlanger, which is a little bit farther North but will give you way more apartment options. You can get to Lexington in about 75 minutes from those locations.

Edit: Regarding driving speeds, posted speed limits range from 55-70 mph on area freeways, and people generally drive in the 65-80 mph range. But don't count on hitting that speed once you get into rush hour traffic.

[nico7]

Okay, great. Thanks, RuralGuy, that's a big help. I will look at Walton and north, including Florence & Erlanger.

-N

[tomocox]

I would have to tell you to go to Warsaw. I-71/75 can be a bear both ways during commute times. From Warsaw there are two good alternatives if you needed.

[rnc76]

^^^I've only driven past Warsaw on the interstate MANY times, but what other routes are going to get you to Cinci? I just looked on mapblast and nothing seems obvious.

[tomocox]

US 42/127 is not a bad alternative. I haven't driven it lately in a commute "drive time" but when I71-75 is partially or fully shutdown, it will do better than US 25, etc. It's not too far either to go back to the bridge near Bellterra/Markland Dam and head up the Indiana side if need be.