Christine Schiefer

Chase Ave. is one of my favorite streets in Cincinnati. If I were ever to move to Northside, this is the first place I'd look. You could describe it as a sort of embodiment of all that is Northside. It's vintage and classy, as the houses are older and haven't been renovated, but also modern and trendy, as it runs right into Northside's most well-known boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafes, all situated on Hamilton Ave. In terms of dining, you've got Melt, Sidewinder, and the Northside Tavern, among others. In terms of shopping, there's Shake-It Records, a Northside staple, as well as a couple nearby vintage/thrift stores and tattoo parlors.

All in all, what makes Chase Ave. great is that it's primarily residential, but still right in the heart of Northside, providing easy access to all the shops and restaurants that help make Northside great. Since you'll find many bigger, single-family homes on Chase, it's a prime location for families. That being said, it's great for singles, students, and couples as well--including same-sex couples. That's because Northside is widely known to be one of Cincinnati's most inclusive neighborhoods. It's been home to the GLBTQ Community Center since 1999, and hosts a big Pride Parade every year.

Additionally, Northside has nearby highway access and is minutes away from downtown. This means schools, medical services, and other accommodations are all nearby. Many of these things are also in walking distance, including a few nightlife options. Otherwise, buses run through Northside and provide access to much of the city. You've really got the best of both worlds here on Chase Ave. Check it out!

Martin Dr. is a really cool road, mostly because of its location. It's a hilly street that directly connects Columbia Parkway with Eden Park, not to mention the rest of Mt. Adams (via Hill St or Parkside Pl). Beyond that, though, Martin Dr. has some of the best views around. Mt. Adams is known for its beautiful views of the city, and Martin Dr. is a great example of this.

There are a few homes on Martin Dr., but not many. The ones you'll find are nice single-family properties that have excellent views, obviously. They're a bit close together, which some people might find unappealing, but many do have garage parking or driveways which is always hard to come by in Mt. Adams. They homes are beautiful but not very large, so I wouldn't recommend this street to big families. To be honest, I wouldn't recommend Mt. Adams in general to big families, just because the neighborhood is known for its younger crowd, its nightlife, and its beautiful homes that are smaller in size than those in other parts of Cincinnati.

Art Museum Dr. is about as cute as its name suggests. It's a pretty road that takes you past Eden Park and the Cincinnati Art Museum before leading you to Paradrome and Ida, which will take you into the heart of Mt. Adams.

As you start driving into Mt. Adams, you'll find a road on the left that leads up to the Cincinnati Art Museum. As I've said in a previous post, the museum is nationally-renowned and a great place to spend an afternoon. One of the oldest art museums in the country, it houses a number of changing exhibitions and also offers events throughout the year. Check the museum's most recent exhibitions here: http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/explore/exhibitions/current-exhibitions.

Art Museum Dr. connects with Eden Park Dr., but you can also spot the park on the other side of the drive up to the museum. The park is beautiful and its well-known Mirror Lake is a fun place to take a walk or ice skate in the winter. There are also performances and festivals in Eden Park. Here's a brief description: http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/index.php/eden-park.

Art Museum Dr. also goes right past the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, another great Cincinnati hotspot. The Playhouse is a Tony Award-winning theater that puts on some truly excellent performances each year. You can see the upcoming season here: http://www.cincyplay.com/shows/.

Art Museum Dr. doesn't have any residential properties, as it's mostly just a thoroughfare into Mt. Adams. You can't find properties on the street, but it is a really nice street to know if you're moving to the Mt. Adams area, as it's connected to so many Mt. Adams landmarks. People often bike or jog down this road too, and there is ample sidewalk space for this.

Coryville has gone through a lot of change these past few years, and is still undergoing a continuous process of development. There’s been a steady takeover of UC students, which is reflected both in the businesses and the residential set-up you’ll find here. In terms of businesses, it’s clear that most are geared toward students. You’ll find CVS, pizza joints, liquor stores, small eateries with cheap beer, etc. lining the streets, usually filled with a young adult crowd.

Corryville wasn’t always such a college-centric neighborhood, though, which you can see in the clash of old and new that pervades the area. In terms of the residential set-up, for example, you’ll see a lot of development going on. The older buildings, some of which have been there since the early 1900s, are being torn down and replaced by newer condos or apartment buildings. It’s becoming a very appealing place for college students to live. Granted, it’s not the safest neighborhood in Cincinnati, but much of the crime is slowly being pushed out. I’ve never personally felt unsafe walking through Corryville, but it’s always advisable to keep an eye out, especially at night.

The most well-known street in Corryville is Short Vine because it has a lot to offer. You’ll find a few restaurants and bars, a small Kroger at the end of the street, and--last but not least--Bogart’s, a major concert hot spot. It might look unassuming from the outside, but Bogart’s puts on some great shows. They do a great job of attracting musicians from various genres. I’ve seen a few local bands perform here, but they also attract big names. I know they hosted Neon Trees in 2011, and I once saw Regina Spektor here, for example.

Aside from the college crowd, you’ll also find that many residents are somehow involved with University Hospital, which makes up a big part of Corryville. University Hospital (and campus) is part of UC, but also attracts non-college medical professionals to the area. It’s understandable that people have found Corryville a great place to live because of its steady development and cheap rent, but it’s also true that you won’t really fit in if you’re not part of either of these groups, whether that be UC or University Hospital.

Erie Ave is a pretty long street, but it’s a beautiful, winding drive the whole way through. Before hitting Hyde Park Square, where much of the neighborhood’s shopping is located, you'll find a strip of beautiful properties. They're the kind you'd expect to find in Hyde Park...stately, beautiful, and well-manicured--not to mention expensive. This is a family-oriented part of town but is still bustling due to its proximity to downtown as well as nearby shopping, dining and schools. It really is the best of both worlds if you can afford it.

Hyde Park Square won’t be hard to miss once you’ve reached it. It’s a great little area full of boutiques, cafés, and small restaurants. There’s also a Graeter’s location here, which is obviously always busy. If you stay on Erie, you’ll drive right through. On the other side, the street becomes residential again. It’s still a pretty drive--you’ll pass some churches and Clark Montessori, as well as a few offices and business fronts. Soon you’ll come to another stretch of business and restaurants. This is also a nice part of Hyde Park...my favorite restaurant on this stretch is probably Saigon Cafe (3672 Erie Ave). After driving through this business district you’ll find another stretch of residential properties before reaching Oakley.

One major landmark on Erie Ave. that I can't forget to note is the 'Mushroom House,' which SuzM also mentioned in her review. Cincinnatians know this home well because, well, it stands out. See for yourself: http://kienviet.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mushroom-house-11.jpg. It's currently for sale, so if you're interested in buying, act fast! Otherwise, there are plenty of beautiful and unique properties on Erie that

All that being said, it's important to note that Erie is a pretty busy street. It runs right through Hyde Park, so you can depend on that traffic pretty regularly. It doesn't usually cause too many jams, but don't expect to zip through during rush hour or on a weekend afternoon.

Pavilion Street is at the heart of Mt. Adams. It's a pretty quaint little area. I personally love the homes on Pavilion, which are generally pretty colorful. Many are townhouses, and they're pretty close together, so don't expect much green space. At the same time, they're very attractive and full of personality. You can also find some for rent if you don't plan on buying. I will warn you, though, that houses on Pavilion St. are like the rest of the properties in Mt. Adams--very expensive.

In any case, Pavilion St. would be a great place to live, especially for anyone who's into nightlife. Many of Mt. Adams best bars and restaurants are on or right off of Pavilion, so it can get pretty crazy, especially on the weekends. The best is probably Mt. Adams Pavilion, which offers a gorgeous view of the Cincinnati skyline and various DJs throughout the week. It's sort of a bar-club-restaurant combo and is a lot of fun.

Overall, Pavilion St. is a great representation of Mt. Adams at its finest, with pretty houses and a busy nightlife scene. I'd recommend this area for singles and couples, mostly. The only downside I can think of aside from the weekend noise and crowds is parking. Like the rest of Mt. Adams, Pavilion St. doesn't offer much space for cars. I would be wary of driving down on a weekend evening--you might have to park far away and walk.

Vine St. has a bad rap among Cincinnatians. It's a very long street that continues through most of Cincinnati, and heads through some not-so-safe neighborhoods. As far as I'm concerned, Vine St. has improved a lot since the 1990s, when the city started pumping money into revitalizing a lot of downtown, including Over-the-Rhine (OTR). Sure, Vine St. does include some less-than-stellar properties and can be dangerous after-hours, but it's still a very diverse and interesting street to explore.

Down in OTR, for example, you'll find a lot of cool new bars and restaurants. One of my favorites is Senate, at 1212 Vine St. For those looking to live downtown, there are a lot of renovated apartments on this part of Vine that haven't been rented out yet. Act fast, though, because it's quickly becoming a happening place to live and work! It's a great part of Cincinnati, in my opinion, and I would definitely check it out if you're looking for an apartment near/in downtown. That being said, not all of Vine St. is as glamorous or 'hip'. Much of it is rundown and some parts have pretty high crime rates, so make sure to keep that in mind--Vine St. is long and changes quite a bit as it winds through the city.

I'd recommend Greendale Ave. for anyone looking for a relatively large home for their family. It has some great properties that are pricey, but wouldn't cost as much as a home in, say, Hyde Park or Indian Hill. The homes on this street are typically older, the type of large, classic homes you'd expect to find in Clifton. It's a short street and runs into a dead end, but it's in a pretty great location. It's right off of Clifton Ave., meaning a short drive or 15-minute walk will take you straight to Ludlow Ave., the well-known business district of Clifton, where you'll find plenty of boutiquey shops, excellent restaurants, and even a movie theater and yoga studio, among other establishments.

Overall, I'd say Greendale isn't for everyone. I'd just like to point out that Clifton Ave. is a great street to live off of because it will take you far in either direction, but that at the same time you have to remember that it's pretty busy. All in all, though, Greendale is in a great location--it's near Ludlow, UC, Cincinnati State, Xavier University, and plenty of elementary, middle, and high schools. There's a nearby Kroger if you follow Clifton Ave. down to Kenard, many hospitals within a few minutes' drive, and Clifton in general is only a few minutes from downtown. I know two families who live on this street in beautiful homes who really love it! Definitely check it out.

Ida is a cute little street in Mt. Adams that's pretty much all residential. You can find some gorgeous homes on this street, including rental properties. Keep in mind, though, that they're all spaced very close together, and not all have garage space. That being said, it's definitely a high-demand street because of its properties and location.

The best part about Ida St. is that it's not located directly on the main strip--this means that you avoid having the drunken late-night crowds outside your window, but still have access to the bars and restaurants that make Mt. Adams such a fun neighborhood. The Blind Lemon, the Mt. Adams Bar & Grill, Longworth's...there are plenty of dining and nightlife options within walking distance.

Also within walking distance is the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, a Tony Award-winning theater that puts on some truly excellent performances each year. You can see the upcoming season here: http://www.cincyplay.com/shows/. Keep walking in that direction and you'll find the Cincinnati Art Museum, also nationally-renowned and a great place to spend an afternoon. One of the oldest art museums in the country, it houses a number of changing exhibitions and also offers events throughout the year. Check the museum's most recent exhibitions here: http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/explore/exhibitions/current-exhibitions.

Also on Ida is the Ida Street Bridge, which will give you a fantastic westward view of Over the Rhine, most notably Music Hall. Ida St. is a pretty excellent place to live, if you ask me, though be prepared for some high price tags. The location especially has put homes on this street in high demand.

Fay Apartments, located on the West Side, were once known as being one of the most crime-ridden areas of the city. Two years and $36 million later, and the neighborhood seems to have improved. The construction was just recently completed, and the name only recently changed to The Villages at Roll Hill, so it might be a little while yet to see how much the neighborhood has really improved. I saw on the news that a man was shot there just six days ago, making me skeptical of a total turn-around.

At the same time, though, there really was a lot of work put into securing this community. I think they're really trying to cut down the crime and give residents a fresher and more modern environment. For one thing, developers have said they've added extra police patrols, security cameras, as well as extra lighting and fencing. To give residents a happier and healthier place to live, developers put in new kitchens, A/C, tiling, and other amenities, as well as brand new playground equipment. In addition, residents are invited to take part in community events, book of the month club, parenting skills classes, GED classes, the St. X Big Brothers Program, and many more, including free bread on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Food Pantry.

Overall, the Villages at Roll Hill are just at the start of their new beginning--in other words, it might be too early to tell how the neighborhood will fare over the next few decades.

Mt. Washington is on the East Side, about ten minutes from downtown, making it a very convenient neighborhood with easy access to the heart of Cincinnati. At the same time, however, it lies right on the edge of city limits, giving it less of an urban feel.

Mt. Washington is known for housing family-owned businesses, as well as being a pretty family-friendly neighborhood. You'll find both apartment complexes and single-family homes, most of which are well-kept, though relatively old. There's a wide range of property costs--you can find anything from beautiful old mansions to tiny run-down apartments--it just depends on where you look.

Though Mt. Washington is known for having slipped a bit in the safety records over the last few decades due to rising drug and crime rates, there are still many aspects that make the neighborhood family-friendly. One example is its schools. Elementary schools include Sands Montessori, Mt. Washington Elementary, and Guardian Angels School. The well-known McNicholas High School is also located in Mt. Washington.

The recreational facilities available to children and families are another great reason why Mt. Washington is so family-friendly. These facilities include the Mt. Washington Rec Center, which offers a baseball field, swimming pools, football field, tennis court, fitness center and more, as well as the Stanbery Park on Oxford Ave., which offers hiking trails, playground equipment, and a picnic shelter, as well as great hills for sledding in the wintertime.

In terms of shopping and dining out, there are no big malls in Mt. Washington, but there is a Kroger, and you can find your average chains, including fast food restaurants. Keep in mind that Mt. Washington is also located near Anderson Township and other neighborhoods that offer many options in terms of dining out or shopping. Downtown is also a short drive away, making it easy to find nice entertainment and dining options.

The one thing I do warn about is traffic on Beechmont Ave. It can get pretty nasty, especially during rush hour, and I believe Cincinnati's traffic services have spent a number of years trying to ameliorate the jams that occur so frequently on this street. Everyone's hoping for a solution in the near future, but for now, be mindful that a traffic jam on Beechmont could definitely delay your trip.

Although you can't actually live on Burnet Woods, considering it's a street that runs through Burnet Woods Park, I thought it might be worth a post anyway. It's worth knowing about if you're living in or near the Clifton or CUF neighborhoods. As I said, Burnet Woods Dr. runs straight through the park, which borders Ludlow Ave., Clifton Ave., and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. It's a great street to know because it serves as an excellent shortcut to get from Martin Luther King to Clifton Ave. (It's also the more scenic route...) You'll come out right near the intersection of Clifton Ave. and Ludlow, next to Bruegger's Bagels and UDF.

Burnet Woods is by no means the nicest or safest park in Cincinnati, but it does have some perks. If you take Burnet Woods Dr. up to the clearing, you'll find a little gazebo and a plot of land. During the summer, free yoga sessions are held here (I believe on Saturday mornings) and people sometimes barbecue or host outdoor gatherings here. It's nice because it's surrounded by green, but keep in mind that it is right next to the road. There's also a lake in Burnet Woods where some people fish.

Warning: there is a four-way stop at the intersection on Burnet Woods Dr., and sometimes it's hard to see. I want to warn you that the stop should not be taken lightly...sometimes patrol cars are stationed nearby, and they won't hesitate to pull you over for rolling through the intersection, even though it looks like there's nobody around. My mom has gotten pulled over here, and I've seen police cars sitting nearby when driving through. Just a warning!

All in all, Burnet Woods Dr. isn't really anything special, but is a very useful tool if you're looking for a shortcut. It can be dangerous at night if you're just walking around, but It's worth a daytime drive--it will only take you a couple minutes--if only to get a short reprieve from Clifton's urban environment.

Beechwood Ave. is a pretty accurate representation of North Avondale as a whole. It's much like its neighbor, Rose Hill, in that its lined with nice homes with well-kept yards and long driveways. While the neighborhood was once considered prestigious and upscale, its proximity to the crime in Avondale and other nearby neighborhoods has somewhat lowered its reputation--and its safety record. When I lived on Beechwood in the early 1990s, it was considered a very safe place to live if you stayed within the confines of the street. Today, people have become more cautious. If moving to this street, I would probably recommend a security system for the house.

I don't mean to scare anyone off, though! Beechwood is truly a beautiful street. The people living here are extremely diverse, which makes for an interesting and fun neighborhood. Because of NANA, the North Avondale Neighborhood Association, people on this street have really gotten to know each other and become close. There are often events such as block parties and other get-togethers, and NANA has also instituted a neighborhood watch to help keep the crime rate low.

Beechwood Ave. is very close to the North Avondale Montessori School, the New School, Xavier University, Burton Public School, Zion Temple Christian Academy, Shiloh Preparatory School, and Cincinnati Christian College. Other nearby schools not in North Avondale include Roger Bacon Catholic High School, the SCPA - School for Creative & Performing Arts, St. Ursula, University of Cincinnati, Walnut Hills High School, and the Summit Country Day, among many others.

As I said in an earlier post, North Avondale’s location near downtown Cincinnati has its perks. In fact, many of Cincinnati’s schools, shopping areas, and recreational facilities are easily accessible. The Cincinnati Zoo, the ballpark, the Art Museum, the football stadium, Music Hall, CVG Airport, and Newport on the Levee are minutes away, as are countless other entertainment and shopping opportunities. Within North Avondale itself you’ll find the Avon Nature Center, the NANA Community Center, six public park areas, and more than 15 religious institutions.

Overall, I highly recommend Beechwood Ave. as a beautiful place to live and raise a family. It's full of charm and lovely people, and is conveniently located near many of Cincinnati's best amenities.

Though widely known as being Hyde Park’s less swanky neighbor, Oakley actually has much more to offer. In some ways I think it’s an even nicer neighborhood to live in, considering the lower price tags on properties and the charm of Oakley’s main business district. Though you might not find as many grand mansions lining perfectly manicured lawns, you will find an array of beautiful apartments and homes--small, large, old, new...you name it.

Oakley’s central business district has a lot to offer. It’s a quaint strip of nice restaurants, bars, and shops. Highlights include the 20th Century Theatre, which used to play movies but is now used as a venue for concerts, parties, and other events, including weddings and receptions, as well as the Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore and King Arthur’s Court Toys, both of which are well known in Cincinnati and have been around for years--they’re fun for grown-ups too, I promise! There are also some delicious restaurants on this strip, including Boca and the Oakley Pub & Grill.

The central business district is by no means the only shopping in Oakley, however. For one thing, the neighborhood is home to the Hyde Park Plaza, full of well-known shops such as Joann Fabrics, Staples, and Michael’s, as well as chain eateries such as Panera, Bruegger’s Bagels, and Starbucks. If you’re looking for bigger retail options, check out the Target and Sam’s Club located near the highway entrance. You can also find a number of large grocery stores in Oakley, including Kroger, Biggs, and the Fresh Market.

In terms of schooling, Oakley is home to St. Cecilia, a K-8 Catholic school. For older students, Clark Montessori High School is nearby, on Erie Ave. Neighboring Hyde Park is also home to other public and private options.

Oakley is a generally safe neighborhood, though its crime record isn’t by any means spotless. Most reported crimes are theft, though, and it’s considered safe to walk the streets in the evening hours. Oakley is great for both singles, couples, and families of any age, especially those looking for somewhere lively and centrally-located, yet still calm and safe.

Imagine in your mind the quintessential small town, and you’ll have a good idea of what Sayler Park looks like. The neighborhood juts out of the Western half of Cincinnati like an arm extending alongside the Ohio River. Though technically part of Cincinnati proper, Sayler Park has its own unique feel that seems, well, out of place. In my opinion, it’s more suitable as its own small town as opposed to a neighborhood belonging to the city.

Though not necessarily a well-known neighborhood today, Sayler Park gained notoriety after a record-breaking F5 tornado blasted the area back in the 1970s. Much of the area was demolished, but the beautiful properties that stand there today would never give that away. Lining the streets are many independent businesses, some of them related to the riverside culture that has undoubtedly flourished here. Some examples include Catalina Harbor, Hidden Cove Marina, Leimann’s Marine, Mariner’s Landing, and Cabana on the River, a fun and active outdoor restaurant with an incredible view of sunsets over the Ohio River.

Aside from local businesses, you’ll find some beautiful properties lining the streets. Homes are generally old Victorians. Some of these homes are absolutely stunning, painted in bright colors with grand, sloping roofs. You can immediately tell that homes and lawns are well-cared-for, adding to the neighborhood’s charm and appeal.

Overall, I recommend this area for people looking for somewhere with a small-town feel. Sure, it’s sleepy, but it’s also quaint and charming, not to mention safe. An added bonus is obviously its proximity to the city. Sayler Park would be especially convenient for anyone looking for a boat-friendly neighborhood--the many docks and marinas located here make boating on the Ohio very practical.

Clifton Ave. is one of my favorite streets in Cincinnati, but it definitely takes some getting used to. It takes sort of a random path through CUF and Clifton, and can be congested, especially when construction is underway. Once you get used to the sharp turns, it becomes a really nice street to drive down. You'll pass all sorts of interesting sights, such as the shops and restaurants up near UC, the UC campus, the business district of Clifton (Ludlow), and then a row of beautiful old homes that make that part of the drive interesting and beautiful.

The homes near the Cultural Arts Center, mosque, and Fairview German School are truly beautiful. There are many stately, older homes on this part of Clifton Ave. with large front- and backyards. These homes are pricey but beautiful, many being over a century old. If you don't mind being so close to a relatively busy street, it's a great place to consider living. There are some good schools nearby, such as Fairview, Annunciation, UC, and Cincinnati State, and as I said before it's easy to access much of the area from this location. You'll also have all the benefits of living in Clifton, such as nearby award-winning hospitals (Children's, University Hospital, etc.) and diverse and interesting neighbors. Ludlow is also a great place to have nearby, with its shops, restaurants, bars and movie theater. I can tell you from experience that it's amazing to have Ludlow within walking distance!

Overall, Clifton Ave. is great because it winds through so much of the area. It'll take you past UC, Burnet Woods, Ludlow, Mt. Storm Park, and finally down to Kenard, where you'll find Kroger, BP, some other shops, and highway access. It's a beautiful place to live, whether you live on it or on one of its smaller side streets. I highly recommend it, both for its convenience and charm.

Blue Rock St. is a side street off of Hamilton Ave. in Northside. On the other end, it intersects with Colerain Ave. Blue Rock St. is essentially your average street in Northside. You'll find the beautiful old brick buildings that are customary in this neighborhood, many of which are two-family homes.
Best of all, these homes are affordable. Any students or young adults looking to live independently might have luck searching through Craigslist for apartments and homes on the street. What I like best about this street is its location. It's a quiet street, with hardly any noise from traffic or nightlife, yet right off of Hamilton and therefore very close to all of Northside's great cafés, restaurants, and unique storefronts. A few minutes' walk will take you to Save-a-Lot, UDF, or Sidewinder, while a walk over the bridge leading to Ludlow will take you into Clifton. For those with cars, I-75 and I-71 are a short drive away, as are College Hill and Clifton, other great neighborhoods to explore.

One potential problem is the fire station, both convenient and inconvenient for people living on Blue Rock. Sure, on the one hand you have firemen right down the street in case something goes wrong, but on the other hand, the blaring of sirens might drive you crazy. You'd be surprised how alarming (pun intended) it can be to hear the sirens in the middle of a peaceful afternoon on such a quiet street. Additionally, as many Cincinnatians know, the first Wednesday of every month is dedicated to the testing of alarm sirens and tornado sirens throughout the area. This fire station is no exception! Most people get used to the noise, but it might not be ideal for those with young children.

Winton Hills lies on the northern border of Cincinnati’s city limits, between College Hill, Carthage, and Winton Place. In 1940, Cincinnati’s first housing project, meant for low-income residents, was built in Winton Hills. Today, the housing project still exists, though it’s no longer the racially segregated complex it was in the mid-20th century. The 1- to 5-bedroom townhouses that make up the housing complexes of Winton Terrace and Findlater Gardens have gone through extensive renovation and are clean, tidy, and attractive inside and out. Not only do these homes contain updated amenities, but they also provide residents with access to social services such as the Findlater Gardens Learning Center, the Winton Hills Youth Service Bureau, and the Terrace Guild, which offer tutoring, field trips, computer labs, family counseling, GED preparation, pregnancy prevention programs, and more.

Single-family homes are available in Winton Hills as well. Most properties have an abundance of green space, perfect for those looking for a relative amount of privacy not too far from the city. Speaking of the city, I’d like to add that Winton Hills, though on the northern border of the city limits, provides easy access to the rest of town. A short drive will get you on I-75 South, taking you quickly through the center of the city and branching off into the East and West. For those without a car, metro buses #16 and #47 make stops throughout the neighborhood.

If you have children, Winton Hills provides a number of public schooling options. In addition to the educational options I listed above, you’ll find Winton Hills Academy, which serves PK-8. Nearby high schools include Jacobs High School, which is located within Winton Hills, and others in nearby neighborhoods: St. Xavier High School, Walnut Hills High School, and Roger Bacon High School.

The neighborhood is also known for housing the P&G Winton Hills Business Center, a large complex comprised of 13 different buildings and two pedestrian tunnels, which focuses on the research and development of various P&G products, including baby care, family care, fem care and snacks. The complex, having recently been renovated, also houses a fitness center and numerous testing labs.

Winton Hills, like any neighborhood, has its pros and cons. The townhouses in its two housing projects are relatively attractive, and provide affordable living for many people. Additionally, the community offers many services to residents, especially children. When considering the racially sensitive past of Winton Hills, it’s clear that the neighborhood is rich in history. All in all, this makes for a unique neighborhood, one that may be worth a visit.

Millvale (spelled with two L's, not one) is a teeny tiny neighborhood situated next to Camp Washington, East Westwood, and English Woods--that's the 'ghost town' I reviewed in a previous post. Not surprisingly, this mini-neighborhood, a mystery to many Cincinnatians, shares a lot of similarities with English Woods. For one thing, Millvale is as diminutive as English Woods, if not more so. You'll drive through one side and out the other before realizing you've even visited.

That's not to say Millvale is an exact replica of its abandoned neighbor. Instead of being almost entirely demolished, for example, Millvale has undergone rather extensive renovations. The 1- to 6-bedroom townhouses that house Millvale residents are relatively updated and modern, yet still affordable. You can find pictures of some of the homes' exteriors here: http://www.cintimha.com/millvale.aspx.

While English Woods is Cincinnati's proverbial 'ghost town,' Millvale's streets are occupied. One of the neighborhood's most active spots is the rec center, which offers more than just sports and activities. Many people take advantage of other services offered by the rec center, including their computer center and teen lounge. The center offers a variety of sports, though, including basketball, swimming, and boxing. Actually, Millvale has been known for its boxing since the center was built for boxing in the 1970s, and has recently produced two nine-year-old national champions.

Residents also enjoy their convenient location and ability to access much of the town in just a few minutes. A short drive, for example, will bring you downtown. Additionally, some excellent hospitals are a short drive away. These include Children's Hospital, Good Samaritan, and University Hospital. In addition to nearby schools in Clifton, Northside, Price Hill, and Westwood, Millvale offers a couple educational options of its own. Millvale Primary School, Gamble Middle School, and Western Hills High School are available to residents and offer an education for children from 1st-12th grade.

Overall, I'd recommend checking out Millvale if you're looking for something small and simple, and don't mind a lack of rich history and having no central business district. Millvale does have a lot to offer in terms of location and affordable, renovated housing, which are hard to find within city limits. Why not go take a look?

Mt. Airy is a neighborhood in the northwest of Cincinnati, past Northside and neighboring College Hill. As far as I’m concerned, Mt. Airy doesn’t get enough credit among Cincinnatians! It may not be the most beautiful or conventional neighborhood, but its convenient location, its notable seclusion, the diversity of its properties, and its local attractions make it somewhat of a Cincinnati gem.

Mt. Airy’s location near major highways--I-74 and I-75--and its proximity to downtown (I’d say it’d take about 10-20 minutes by car) make it a hot spot for those who work in the city or want a nearby urban environment. At the same time, though, its relative solitude is ideal for those looking for a bit of privacy in their home lives.

Part of what gives Mt. Airy this feel of privacy is the Mt. Airy Forest, a beautiful prk that has a whole lot to offer. They have hiking trails, trails for horseback riding, beautiful gardens and picnic areas, and a dog park. Mt. Airy Forest is truly beautiful and a great place to take a run, ride your horse, or bring your family for a picnic or even a camping trip. The green space by the lake is also beautiful; you can reserve it for weddings or other special occasions.

Properties in Mt. Airy are incredibly diverse. You can find anything from an old Tudor to a newly renovated apartment. It’s an eclectic mix but one that I find charming. Prices on properties in Mt. Airy range pretty drastically, but are generally affordable.

Though Mt. Airy is relatively family-oriented, it does have its fair share of reported crimes. Its crime rate isn’t as high as some downtown areas, but it’s definitely something to look into if you’re thinking of moving here.

Another thing to consider if you have children is, of course, schooling. Mt. Airy Elementary is a good Cincinnati Public School whose test scores have improved steadily over the last few years. You’ll find Mt. Airy Middle School and High School nearby for older children. Additionally, the Cincinnati Waldorf School is located off Colerain on Little Flower Ave. They provide a traditional Waldorf education for infants through grade 8 and also offer summer nature camps and other childcare programs.

All in all, Mt. Airy is a pretty unique neighborhood that doesn’t get enough attention. I recommend a visit to at least check out some of the available properties. The neighborhood has a lot to offer to people of various walks of life, so check it out!