Natilady

Saybrook Ave is in Hyde Park. If you know even a little bit about that Cincinnati neighborhood, you know that most of the homes are older but stylish and well maintained. Saybrook Ave. fits the Hyde Park profile. It's not a street that's lined with large or luxurious homes, but they are nice enough to fit anyone's idea of a pleasant place to live. Also, the street ends in a cul de sac, which limits through traffic.

Shopping, Dining and Entertaniment
A family living on Saybrook won't need to travel very far to get what they need. Hyde Park Gourmet Food and Wine, Saigon Cafe, Starbucks, UDF and other businesses and eateries are walking distance away on Erie Ave. There are more options a short distance away in Hyde Park Plaza, Hyde Park Square, Oakley, Mt. Lookout and Rookwood.

Recreation
The Hyde Park Country club is minutes away from Saybrook on Erie Ave. Ault Park, Alms Park and the Cincinnati Observatory are close as well. There's a Cincinnati Recreation Center in Hyde Park Plaza and Shine Yoga Center on Erie: http://www.shineyoga.com/ .

Schools
There are several Cincinnati Public Schools in Hyde Park: Kilgour Elementary (K-6), Hyde Park School (Preschool-1 and 3-6 for Gifted Component), Clark Montessori High School (7-12), and Withrow University High School (9-12).

St Mary's Catholic Elementary is located on Erie Ave., Summit Country Day is on Grandin and Springer School for learning disabilities is on Madison at Grandin.

For medical needs, the Christ Hospital Emergency facility is in the Red Bank Business district about 5 minutes away.

Brotherton Ct. in Oakley is about 100 yards from beginning to end. I've traveled it many times, both walking and driving, but I never thought of it as an actual street. It's short, with wide areas of well-tended grass on either side. To the east there's a section of trees that border the Centennial Station apartment community. There's not a single home or building on Brotherton Ct., except for the gas station on the tiny street extension on the other side of Red Bank Expressway. That doesn't mean it's not a busy little strip.

Brotherton Ct. connects Red Bank Expressway to Erie Ave. The street allows access to the area business district. Each day commuters from Hyde Park, Oakley, the southern section of Madisonville and the villages of Mariemont and Fairfax and other communities in the area travel Brotherton Ct. on their way to I-71 or one of many local businesses or industries in the area. A Metro bus stop on Erie near Brotherton Ct. provides limited public transportation to the area.

Shopping etc.
Brotherton Ct. intersects Red Bank Expressway at the edge of its business district. It also provides access to the southern section of Red Bank Rd where Walmart and other stores and restaurants are located. Hyde Park and Oakley's shopping, dining and entertainment areas are minutes away from Brotherton Ct.

Erie Station Ln. is the main private drive that curves through Centennial Station: http://www.napcincinnati.com/communities/centennial-station.php , a quiet, gated apartment complex that sits on a hill just above the Red Bank Expressway business district. The apartment community rests between the far western edge of Madisonville and the far eastern edges of Oakley and Hyde Park. It was built not too many years ago and has easy access to I-71 and Columbia Parkway.

Erie Station Ln. begins at Centennial Station's main entrance on Erie Ave. It takes you past the office/community center located in "the mansion." That's a large beautiful Erie Ave. home that was kept on the premises when they built the complex. The main gate to access the rest of Erie Station Ln. can only be opened by using the proper security code. After passing the security gate, Erie Station Ln. curves past a number of multi-unit buildings with studios, one and two bedroom apartments.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
Centennial Station has easy access to businesses, fast food restaurants, medical facilities and more on Red Bank Expressway. On Red Bank, Super Walmart has grocery shopping and everything else. Banasch's is a little further south selling a beautiful selection of fabric and sewing supplies.

Oakley and Hyde Park are less than 10 minutes away, offering boutique shopping, toys, shoes and more. There are two grocery stores in Hyde Park Plaza and a Fresh Market in Oakley. Whatever your choice of cuisine, you'll find it at a restaurant t in one of those nearby communities.

There are several excellent CPS magnet schools in Hyde Park, including a Montessori High School. Private Seven Hills School's Hillsdale campus is a few minutes away at the bottom of old Red Bank hill.

For fitness and recreation there are a pool and basketball court on the premises. There are a yoga studio and a barbell club on Red Bank Expressway. Madisonville, Oakley and Hyde Park have several city parks and green spaces. In Stewart Park in Madisonville there's a recreation center. Madison Bowl is open for bowling 24/7 and it's less than 10 minutes away from Erie Station Ln.

Medical
There's a Christ Emergency facility on Red Bank Expressway, as well as two plastic surgery groups.

Water Tower Ct. is one of the three quiet private streets located within the gated community of Centennial Station in Madisonville. The apartment complex sits on the hill above Red Bank Expressway at the eastern edges of Hyde Park and Oakley. Water Tower Ct. is at the back of the community, so it's the most quiet street of the three. It forms a T-intersection where Centennial Dr. ends. You're not likely to enter the area unless you have a remote for the back gate or the security code for the front gate; so there's very little traffic, except for residents and visitors with access.

Shopping, Dining, Entertainment
If you live on Water Tower Ct. you'll find everything you need within a few miles. There's Walmart and Banasch's Fabrics on Red Bank. The street is also 10 minutes away from shopping in Oakley, Hyde Park Plaza and Hyde Park Square. You'll find fast food outlets like Gold Star and Izzy's, down the hill on Red Bank Expressway, and a lot more dining and entertainment options in nearby Oakley and Hyde Park.

Recreation
Centennial Station has a pool and basketball court on the premises. One of Erie Ave's grand old homes was kept in tact on the premises for use as an office and community facility for special occasions. There's a yoga studio and barbell club on Red Bank Expressway, several neighborhood parks in Madisonville, Oakley and Hyde Park, and the Madisonville Recreation Center in Stewart Park. Madison Bowl is 10 minutes away.

Schools
There are several CPS Magnet program schools in nearby Hyde Park. Seven Hills Hillsdale Campus is a private school on Old Red Bank. The Goddard School has an early childhood education location just down the hill in the Red Bank Expressway district.

Christ Hospital has an emergency facility on Red Bank Expressway. There are two cosmetic surgery facilities on Red Bank Expressway.

Cincinnati Metro has a stop on Erie Ave. across from the main gate of the complex.

Centennial Dr. is within the physical boundaries of Madisonville, but it's not exactly a part the rest of the community. It's one of three private streets within Centennial Station, a gated apartment community at the western edge of the Madisonville and the eastern edges of Hyde Park and Oakley. Centennial Dr. begins at Old Red Bank Road and runs uphill, past the complex's service areas, mail boxes, basketball court and the apartment buildings at the rear. To gain access to Centennial Dr. entrance, you'll need a security remote to open the gate.

Centennial Station is easy to spot if you're traveling along Erie Ave. or Red Bank Expressway. It's the large cluster of neat, white and gray buildings on the hill just above the Red Bank Expressway business district. The community is perfect if you desire security, peace, quiet and all the amenities that renters prefer. It's the perfect place if you prefer a homogeneous community. My parents lived there for several years and it wasn't hard to miss that they were a minority when it came to ethnic diversity among the residents.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
The Red Bank Expressway business district is a short downhill drive, although there's not much there for shoppers. Walmart on Red Bank is very close and Banasch's fabrics is a little further south from there. Oakley, Hyde Park Plaza and Hyde Park Square shopping areas are less than 10 minutes away. There are neighborhood cafes, bars and great restaurants in these areas as well. You'll find a variety of fast food outlets along Red Bank Expressway.

Fitness and Recreation
There is a pool, basketball court and a party mansion... yes a small, old, well-kept mansion... on the Centennial Station premises. They have a pool table and party facilities for special events. Bikram Yoga Studio: http://www.cincinnatibikramyoga.com/schedule.html and Cincinnati Barbell Club: http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/gyms/ohio/cincinnati-barbell-club are down the hill on Red Bank Expressway and Madison Bowl is 5 minutes away on Madison Rd. Madisonville has several parks and a Recreation Center in Stewart Park.

Schools
There are several Cincinnati Public Magnet schools nearby in Hyde Park. Seven Hills Schools private Hillsdale Campus is 5 minutes away on the section of Old Red Bank that's on the North side of Madison Rd. The Goddard School for early childhood education is a few feet away from Centennial Dr.

Christ Hospital has an emergency facility on Red Bank Expressway and Jewish Hospital is a 10 minute drive away. If you prefer public transportation, Metro bus route drop passengers off at the Erie entrance of Centennial Station.

Wasson Ave. begins at Edwards Rd., runs along the back of Hyde Park Plaza and ends at Marburg. Wasson is the line of demarcation that separates Oakley from Hyde Park. Okay. I'll be honest. I didn't know that until I started looking at a recent Cincinnati city map.

Apparently a big chunk of what I though... and perhaps a lot of other people thought were Hyde Park locales (like Hyde Park Plaza?) were actually in Oakley all along. That's okay. Oakley is an up and coming Cincinnati neighborhood and Wasson is a great street, even if the zip ends with 09 instead of 08.

Wasson has great older homes, nice eateries and a few places to let your hair down. It's got easy access to I-71 and some areas of Wasson have pretty much everything you need within walking distance.

Shopping and Dining, Entertainment
There are a few shops in the area where Wasson and Paxton meet and more in Hyde Park Plaza. There you'll find two large grocery stores, restaurants, and specialty stores. Wasson is close to the Rookwood shopping area and also Oakley's Madison Rd Shopping district.

Blue Elephant, one of my favorite Thai ...etc, restaurants is on Wasson Rd. You'll also find Green Papaya.. also Thai. There are a variety fast food and other restaurants nearby along Paxton. You'll find friendly neighborhood bars in Oakley and Hyde Park.

Wasson is close to Ault Park, Alms Park and the Cincinnati Observatory. There are several great Cincinnati Public Schools in Hyde Park.

Woodford Rd. in the culturally diverse Kennedy Heights is so green and grassy, it feels almost rural. It's a mostly residential street with well-maintained homes of all sizes, styles and construction. The single family homes have large yards shaded with trees. Along this section of Woodford you'll also find a number of apartment buildings from four family to multi-unit. Woodford is a short drive downhill to Coca Cola, 5th/3rd Operations Center and all the other businesses and social service agencies in Madisonville.

You'll find businesses on Woodford Rd. as well. The Redwood Carryout has been at the corner of Kennedy and Woodford for several decades. For over 100 years Harry Ewers and Sons has operated a building supplies, gravel and blacktop business on a lot that begins at Kennedy and ends at Robison Rd. If you head east, you'll find Benken Florist located at the sharp curve where Woodford Rd. becomes Plainfield Rd.

Shopping and Dining
You won't be able to have a shopping spree on Woodford, but you'll find options five minutes away in Silverton or Pleasant Ridge. Take a 10 minute drive and you can shop in Oakley, Hyde Park, Norwood, or Columbia Township. There are two malls less then 10 minutes away in Kenwood. You'll find your choice of restaurants in these areas as well.

Schools
There are several schools in the area, including Woodford Padeia Academy (Pre-6) http://woodford.cps-k12.org/ and Pleasant Ridge Montessori (pre-6) http://pridge.cps-k12.org/

Entertainment and Recreation
The Kennedy Heights Recreation Center, Cultural Center and Arts Centers are nearby. Daniel Drake Park is minutes away from Woodford. You'll find coffe shops, cafes and other entertainment in nearby areas.

Medical care is 10 minutes away at Jewish Hospital Kenwood.

Race St. Downtown used to be the center of Cincinnati Shopping. There are still a few stores along the street, but these days it's more residential than anything. Along Race St. you'll find Lofts at Shillito (formerly Shillito's Department Store), 911 Race, and The Reserve at 4th and Race among others.

The buildings are old and grand, and the apartments and condos they now house are spacious and trendy. It's not exactly family living though. While some choose to live in town with their kids, the Downtown lifestyle is more for grown up living.

Shopping
There are still a few stores on Race St. Sax Fifth Avenue and Macy's offer personal furnishings whatever your style. City Cellars markets a selection of fine wines, and Cappel's has a wide selection of costume options year 'round.

For discount shoes, there's a Payless shoe store. You'll find a few import stores on Race, as well as the Walgreens and CVS you're likely find in every Cincinnati neighborhood. Most Cincinnati shopping moved to the suburbs long ago. For more than the basics, you'll have to go to Clifton or hop on the highway and head for Kenwood, Hyde Park or another neighborhood.

Dining and entertainment
Yum Yum Chinese Restaurant is one of a few restaurants on Race. The Netherland Plaza, Cincinnati's grand Art Deco hotel, is located at Fifth and Race St corner of the Carew Tower. They have several elegantly furnished restaurants to choose from. Blue Wisp Jazz Club on Race is the perfect place for dinner with swing dancing, jazz or a jam session on the side.
Race St. is close to the Bengals stadium and also walking distance to the Great American Ball Park for Reds games.

If you don't find the dining or entertainment you want on Race St. There are plenty more eating and drinking establishments throughout town and a walkable distance away at The Banks.

Recreation & fitness
The Gym at Carew Tower offers a number of fitness classes. The parks along the riverfront are an easy walkaway. It's a great place to walk, skate or people watch.

Schools
The School for Creative and Performing Arts is on Race St., next door in Over the Rhine. It offers classes for k-12.

Medical facilities are 10 minutes away in Corryville and Avondale.

Metro operates a bus routes that travel Race.

Hamilton Ave. is the main strip that runs through College Hill. There are a variety of well maintained, older homes as well as large and small apartment complexes all along Hamilton. As you travel the street, you will understand what Cincinnati residents mean when they talk about the neighborhood's diversity. You'll see a mix of people walking the street and a variety of building styles and businesses.

On the hill-- before you even get into the heart of the community-- you'll pass Six Acres Bed and Breakfast in a building that used to be a former stop on the Underground Railroad. You'll also notice historic Twin Towers, the distinctive center of a large retirement community that began in 1899. Children's Hospital has an off site location on Hamilton and you'll see several historic churches. Grace Episcopal Church welcomes "...people of diverse ages, colors, orientations and national origins..." They also hold Yoga and ballet classes. College Hill Presbyterian hosts an annual arts and craft event each November.

Shopping, dining and entertainment
The rest of the strip is filled with mix of shops, restaurants and other businesses. They're neither grand nor elegant, but they are all operated by hard working entrepreneurs who put their hearts into their businesses. Bacall's Cafe, College Hill Coffee Company, LaRosa's, Chung Ching, Goodies Barbecue, and Marty's Hops and Vines are the local eateries.

There are a few shops as well, including Scwartz's jeweler's that's been in business for 73 years. Shaker's bar caters to the soulful side of the neighborhood. The College Hill Farmer's Market operates from May and runs through the fall at 5742 Hamilton Ave. They sell fruits, veggies and other items and offer a schedule of entertainment and events: http://collegehillfarmmarket.org

There are several options for schools in College Hill, including 2 Cincinnati Public Schools, Eden Grove nondenominational Christian schools and MCauley Catholic High School for girls. Mercy Hospital is a 5 minute drive away. Two bus routes travel through College Hill.

Dana Ave. begins at the western edge of Hyde Park where the Regency Apartments have stood on the corner since the early 70s. It arcs past the rear of the Withrow High campus, over I-71, through the busy Evanston business area; then it crosses Montgomery Rd and takes you into Xavier Country.

Like University of Cincinnati in the Corryville area, Xavier University has gradually staked its claim on a growing part of the Evanston, Norwood, and North Avondale neighborhoods. It has facilities, residence halls, parking lots and buildings under construction beginning at Montgomery Rd. in Evanston and spreading into Norwood. In the part of the street that is a downward slope into North Avondale, Xavier owns several of the single family dwellings and other University properties, including an ROTC armory that you can't miss as you drive by.

On the corner of Dana Ave. and Victory Parkway, you'll notice the edge of the Xavier sports complex. Beyond that are a a few homes, but mostly older brick apartment buildings. Some have been maintained in good condition all along. Those closer to Reading Rd. have been refurbished in recent years. There's a good bet that if these apartments aren't already filled with Xavier students, they will be in the future.

This strip of Dana is strictly residential, but there's shopping and dining nearby in Surrey Square in the City of Norwood. Dana is 10 to 15 minutes away from Hyde Park, Oakley and Obryanville shopping, dining and entertainment. Medical facilities are 10 minutes away in Avondale.

The section of Dana that cuts through Evanston has an easy access entrance ramp to I-71. That makes Dana a high traffic corridor.

Broadway runs through Downtown Cincinanti and passes behind the Justice Center, a street away from the Hamilton County Courthouse and several other busy public buildings. But after it crosses Central Parkway into Over The Rhine, its mostly a residential street with a cultural mix of occupants.

The buildings are older, mostly Victorian architecture. Many are brownstone style homes that have been rehabbed into beautiful homes. (Similar homes in the area sold recently for 500,000 plus.)

Because Broadway cuts through the hub of Hamilton County justice operations, there are cars coming and going, seeking cheap parking spaces on the street. The layout of the residential section of the street helps to ease traffic problems. It dead-ends before starting up again on the northern side of Liberty Ave.

There are a few businesses on Broadway at the corner of Central Parkway, but mostly the OTR section is residential. You'll find bars, dining and shopping two streets over on Main, with department stores and many more restaurants five minutes away in Downtown.

There are two elementary schools on Vine and the School for Creative and Performing Arts is close on Central Parkway.

Medical facilities are 10 minutes away in Corryville and Avondale. There are several churches in town and in Over the Rhine.

The part of Main St. that runs through Over the Rhine has its share of apartments and condos, but it's also been one of Cincinnati's entertainment districts for a long time. Like most of the city, Main St. has seen its ups and downs. Bars, galleries and shops come and go, but usually when one business leaves the street, another comes along to take its place.

Many structures along Main St are well-preserved Victorian architecture, a draw that's made the street part of the ongoing wave of urban settlements. People craving the convenience of Downtown living have reclaimed the buildings as in-town apartments and condos. They pay market rate for spaces that were once low income housing. Developers host annual urban living walks to show off the transformations.

Shopping
Galleries have always been one of the main attractions of Main St. They no longer line both sides of the street as they used to, but art still has a presence. Base Art, Enjoy the Arts/Start, Deogracias Lerma Photography and Classical Glass are just a few of the Main St. galleries. You'll also find Park+Vine, Cincinnat's "Green General Store," Clubhead Records, Greg's Antiques, Designsmithgallery modern "investment" furniture, JT's Mini Mart and more.

Dining and Entertainment
For drinks and music on Main you'll find Mr. Pitiful's jazz bar, Japp's since 1879 and Neon's Cigar Bar around the corner on 12th. Courtyard Cafe offers burgers, burritos and barbecue. Shadeau Breads sells pastries.

Main St. is always changing, so the best thing to do is to take a stroll along the street on a Final Friday. That's when all the shops, galleries and bars open their doors to invite everyone in for a visit. From May to October, Main St. Sponsors Second Sundays in OTR. They block off a section of the street to allow Artists, crafters, food vendors and entertainment to take over. In the fall Main St. hosts a Beer Fest.

Schools
Main St. is close to St. Francis Catholic Elementary and Rothenberg Preparatory Academy (Preschool-8)
on Vine. The School for Creative and Performing Arts (K-12) is several blocks away.

Winton Rd. Begins at Spring Grove Ave. and heads north from there. It creates a neat border between the western edge of Spring Grove Village and Spring Grove Cemetery. As you turn onto Winton Rd and head north, you can't help but notice Sun Belt Rentals on the corner. (You can't miss the bright green cranes and heavy equipment).

A few other businesses such as S&S Deli are also on the eastern side of Winton Rd, but mostly it's residential. The Western side of the street has a stone wall that runs the length of the street from Spring Grove Ave. to Gray Rd. It separates Spring Grove Cemetery from the rest of the neighborhood.

Living so close to a cemetery isn't as spooky as it seems. I once lived a few blocks away on E. Epworth and found it to be quite peaceful. Few folks chose to walk the streets by night, and I think that made it safer for those residents who chose to leave home after dark.

The homes along Winton Rd are a mix of small and large older homes. One residence on Derby Ave. near Winton was the historic home of designer, Samuel Hannaford. He designed Music Hall, as well as a number of wonderful buildings in Cincinnati. A few of his churches remain standing in Spring Grove Village.

Shopping/Dining/Recreation
S&S Deli convenience store is on Winton Rd. There's also a Kroger and a few other small shops nearby on Kenard Ave., with additional shopping nearby in Northside and Clifton.

There are several fast food restaurants nearby on Kenard and West Mitchell. Frisch's is a block from Winton on Spring Grove Ave. For additional dining options, Northside and Clifton are close.

Cincinnati Zoo is nearby. Mt Airy Forest is 15 minutes away. There are several small parks and green spaces in the neighborhood, and Spring Grove Cemetery hosts concerts, outings and family events.

Schools
Parker Woods Montessori School (Preschool-6) is located on Winton Rd. James N. Gamble Montessori High School (7-12) (Formerly Jacobs) is close on Winton Ridge, and Winton Hills Academy (Preschool-8) is in nearby Winton Hills. University of Cincinnait, Xavier University and Cincinnati State are 10 minutes away.

Metro has a bus route that travels Winton Rd. UC, VA, Children's and several other medical facilities are about 10 minutes away.

I used to live in Spring Grove Village (formerly Winton Place) and I know that If you enter West Mitchell Ave. from I-75, you'll decide right away that it's too busy a place to live. The traffic can be heavy, but if you travel beyond the industrial sites and head straight as the road curves right onto Este Ave, W. Mitchell becomes a quiet residential street. That's where you'll find the solid homes, nice yards and peaceful atmosphere that Spring Grove Village is known for.

There's a great community camaraderie in the neighborhood. The community organization: http://www.springgrovevillage.org/ and residents work together to keep the area safe. They cultivate a community garden a few blocks away from West Mitchell. You feel safe when you walk the street. All of these things help make Spring Grove Village an inviting neighborhood.

Dining and shopping
There's not much shopping along West Mitchell, except an auto dealer. There is a restaurant supply dealer and a few other industries. There's a Kroger just off the busiest section of the street and a few small shops nearby.

For food you'll find fast food outlets: Rally;'s, McDonald's and Gold Star Chili as well. You'll find more dining/shopping options in nearby Northside and Clifton.

Entertainment
W. Mitchell and Spring Grove Village are minutes from Spring Grove Cemetery, which has a full program of concerts, outings and family events. Mt. Airy Forest is a 15 minute drive away. The Cincinnati Zoo is about 10 minutes away.

There are several schools in the neighborhood: Parker Woods Montessori School (Preschool-6), Winton Hills Academy (Preschool-8), and James N. Gamble Montessori High School (7-12) (formerly Jacobs). University of Cincinnati and Xavier are about 10 minutes away.

Two Metro bus routes travel West Mitchell. University, VA, Children's and several other medical facilities are a 10 minutes away in Avondale.

Brotherton Rd. begins at the easternmost edge of Oakley and runs west where it ends at Madison Rd. It's mostly a residential street lined with cozy, single family homes and a few small apartment buildings. There are a few businesses and large multifamily complexes as well, but they are tucked away behind trees and homes, just barely visible as you drive by. A Metro bus route travels most of Brotherton Rd., making transportation access easy for those who choose not to drive.

The home styles along Brotherton Rd. are similar to nearby residences on Marburg Ave. and Wasson Rd. in the desirable Hyde Park neighborhood. They are close to everything Hyde Park has to offer, but there's a bit less money in Oakley than in Hyde Park, and it's obvious in a subtle way that's hard to describe.

Oakley isn't Hyde Park, but it's right next door. If you follow Brotherton Rd all the way from east to west, you will notice the signs of up-and-coming Hyde Park style amenities. Brotherton ends at Madison Rd., right in the heart of Oakley's growing business district. There are shops and restaurants, art galleries and entertainment. These things aren't walkable from all Brotherton Rd. addresses, but they are close to some.

Shopping
Brotherton Rd. residents can find everything they need in the Oakley shopping district. There are plenty of shopping options, including Manatee Bookstore and King Arthur's Court's Toys for kids. For groceries and everything else there's a Fresh Market. Target and Sam's Club are also nearby. Courtesy Chevrolet dealership is located at the corner of Brotherton and Madison. Hyde Park Plaza and Rookwood Commons have more shopping options minutes away.

Dining and Entertainment
For dining you'll find everything from pizza to Chinese along Madison Rd in Oakley, with many more choices in nearby Hyde Park. There are bars and neighborhood cafes. Former movie houses, 20th Century and Ambassador now host live entertainment and special events.

Gym and fitness
Yogahome is a yoga studio located on Brotherton Rd.: http://yogahome.net/ .

Recreation
Brotherton Rd. is minutes away from Ault and Alms Parks. The Observatory in Mt. Lookout has many programs for youth and adults. Geier Esplande, a small park located in the middle of Madison Rd., is walkabale from the west section of Brotherton and Madison Bowl five minutes away.

Schools
St. Cecelia: K-8 Catholic School is located in Oakley. There are several Cincinnati Public schools nearby in Hyde Park: Hyde Park School (Pre-1 and 3-6 for gifted children), Kilgour (k-6), Withrow University (9-12), and Clark Montessori High School (7-12).

There are a number of churches nearby. There are no medical facilities in Oakley, but Jewish Hospital Kenwood is a 15 minute drive away.

For years commuters have traveled Madison Rd from the eastern suburbs into town. The Hyde Park section of Madison begins in the vicinity of Edwards Rd and rolls westward. Along the way you'll pass a few single family dwellings; but mostly you'll see apartment buildings. Some are older, others are newer; but all of the residential structures lining Madison Rd are well maintained. There are also a few businesses along Madison Rd., mostly for shopping and dining.

Shopping
Rookwood Pavilion/Commons has a Hyde Park entrance on Madison Rd., but it's actually in the City of Norwood. They posted signs to make it clear. Rookwood is two outdoor shopping plazas built on the site of the old LeBlond Tool & Die Factory. The shops have a "Hyde Park" feel with stores like Whole Foods, Gap, Banana Republic and more. Shopping in Hyde Park Plaza, Hyde Park Square and Oakley is 5 minutes away.

Dining
You don't have to worry about starving if you're in Hyde Park on Madison Rd. The little strip and its surrounding streets have everything from Popeye's chicken to Lemon Grass Thai. For a unique dining experience, Don Pablos Mexican restaurant in Rookwood is located inside an old factory building.

Busken Bakery's main location is on Madison Rd. It's open 24/7 selling baked goods, wedding cakes, cookies and lots of other fattening stuff. They are currently holding the Presidential cookie bake off. During the 2012 Presidential campaign they will judge the winner by seeing whose cookie sells the most: Obama or Romney. Hyde Park also has a seasonal farmer's market near Hyde Park Square.

Recreation and Entertainment
There are several tree-filled public green spaces along Madison Rd. Hyde Park is also close to Alms and Ault Park for picnics, hiking and more. Hyde Park Square is a beautiful park nearby in the middle of Erie Ave. It has a fountain and trees and is the center of the Hyde Park Square Art Show the first Sunday in October.

Fitness
The Breathing Room Yoga is located on Madison Rd: http://www.thebreathingroom.com/
Move Your Hyde Yoga is close on Michigan Ave: http://moveyourhyde.com/

Schools
You'll pass Withrow High School as you travel Madison Rd. The grand old school has been around since 1919. Everything has changed except the main building, and also the "gentle slopes...lofty tower...arching bridge..and shaded valley.." students sing about in the school's alma mater.

There are also Hyde Park School (pre-1) & Gifted Academy (3-6), Kilgour (k-6), and Clark Montessori High School- (7-12). U. C. is 15 minutes away. Xavier U is 10 minutes away.

Medical facilities are 15 minutes away in Avondale.

Chase Ave begins at Virginia Ave., crosses through Northside, and ends just outside Sprig Grove Cemetary. When you drive or walk down Chase, you might get the feeling of having stepped back in time. It's a mostly residential street with larger, older homes. Many of the homes in the Northside neighborhood were built in the 1930s, and most of the buildings on Chase Ave. probably look exactly as they did back then.

While many of Cincinnati's older buildings have been reclaimed, redone and changed into modern looking condos. The homes on Chase Ave. have kept their old fashioned charm. With all that vintage hometown appeal, It's hard to imagine that Northside is one of the city's most progressive, diverse and hip neighborhoods. Just around the corner and down the street you'll find the city's Gay and Lesbian Community Center: http://www.cincyglbt.com/ . There also Hoffner Park, home to Northside Pride Fest and other neighborhood celebrations, and a number of quirky shops that are mostly one of a kind.

Shopping
Chase is mostly residential, but there are a few businesses as well. Schaepper's Pharmacy on the corner of Chase and Hamilton contributes to the street's old fashioned feel. It's small; and unlike the big box chains, it's locally owned with three pharmacists on duty. You'll also find NYPD Pizza, United Dairy Farmers and a few other stores on Chase Av.

Chase Ave. Cuts right through Northside's trendy shopping area, where you'll find Shake-it Records, Shop Therapy resale boutique, Nvision Furniture Art and Clothing, Designs by Dana Tattoos and more. Even the neighborhood hardware store is one-of-a-kind. The owner of Ace Hardware and Electric will proudly tell you that he's not connected to those other guys. His shop has been independently owned since 1950.

There are also two churches on Chase Ave.: Northside Church of the Nazerene and St. Boniface Catholic.

Dining
You'll find NYPD Pizza and United Dairy Farmers Ice cream on Chase Av. There are several more trendy little restaurants on Hamilton: Melt, Sidewinder cafe and more.

Recreation and Fitness
The Mckie Recreation center is a City of Cincinnati facility located on Chase Ave. They offer a computer center, pool, fitness center and more. There are several neighborhood parks in Northside and Chase Ave. is a 10 minute drive away Mt. Airy Forest's picnic facility, lodge, arboretum, hiking trails and more. Northside Boxing offers boxing training and self defense classes nearby on Hamilton Ave: http://northsideboxing.com/ .

Schools
Chase Ave School (Preschool-8) is still in the neighborhood on Turill St.: http://chase.cps-k12.org/ . St. Boniface Catholic School is located nearby on Pitts Ave.:http://stbonifaceschool.net/ . Cincinnati State is 10 minutes away and University of Cincinnati is 15 minutes away.

Medical care is 15 minutes away at University, VA, Children's and several other hospitals in the Corryville/Avondale area. Mercy Mt. Airy is also 15 minutes away in College Hill.

The section of William Howard Taft Rd that runs through E. Walnut Hills starts out as one thing and ends as another. It begins to the south east of Woodburn Ave. in an area of older homes, most at the end or beginning of a transition. Over the past years, most of the houses that were in need of repair on this part of Wm Hwd Taft were given the makeover they needed. Some could still use some attention, but that will happen soon enough.

As you follow William Howard Taft Rd. (named for our 27th president) it will take you gently downhill. The curves flow this way and that. You'll notice the landscaping changing as well. While the older homes at the top of the incline are closer together with smaller yards. The further you go, you'll notice some of the home you pass are a little bit different.

Some have long driveways and all of them have large yards. The homes themselves are old and new, grand and small, modern and traditional; but you might not be able to see some of them due to trees and foliage. You can't miss the only apartment building, though. It's the tallest building on the street. You'll pass it a moment or so before the street ends suddenly, emptying out into the messy traffic of Columbia Parkway.

Shopping
There are no shops on Taft Rd, but there are a few galleries nearby in the Woodburn Ave Shopping District. There's also a knitting shop on Madison at Woodburn. If you can figure out a tricky traffic move that will allow you to make a crazy sharp left turn from Taft onto Torrence as you enter Columbia Parkway, it will take you right to the edge of Obryonville's cool shopping area. Hyde Park Plaza is 15 to 20 minutes away. Make a right onto Columbia instead of a left and you can be shopping in town in a matter of minutes.

Dining.
There are several restaurants on Woodburn at DeSales Corner, with a few more in Obryonville. Travel to Hyde Park and you can have whatever food choice you desire.

Entertainment
There are art galleries on Woodburn Ave., near Taft.

Recreation
Eden Park is close for a number of family activities: Krohn Conservatory, Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park.

St Ursula Girl's Catholic is nearby on McMillan. Purcell Marion Coed Catholic is minutes away on Madison Rd. St Francis DeSales (K-8) is on DeSales Corner.

UC, VA and other hospitals are 15 minutes away. Two Metro bus routes service Woodburn Ave. near Taft, but no buses travel William Howard Taft. Due to its connection to Columbia Parkway, traffic can get pretty busy on WHT.

If you're familiar with Cincinnati, you may already know that the neighborhoods closest to town--- like Walnut Hills for instance--- are ripe for change. The transition is evident on Gilbert Ave., where you'll find historic buildings like Harriet Beecher Stowe House, the Peeble's Corner Historic District and Walnut Hills Presbyterian Church, designed by Samuel Hannaford (only remnants of the original structure remain on the corner of Gilbert and William Howard Taft) and others.

There are a few older multi-family buildings, which house mostly African-Americans. As you move southwest on Gilbert the demographic begins to change. There are a number of refurbished and newly built townhomes and condominiums--- pricier residential options for those who want the convenience of living close to Eden Park and near town.

Shopping
On Gilbert near Peeble's corner you'll find a bank and a Kroger and a CVS. There are several local merchants making a go of it, including Core Clay Studios and Amphora Studios. Thomson MacConnell Cadillac has been selling luxury cars from their Gilbert Ave. Location since 1954. Thompson, Hall Jordan Funeral home is also on Gilbert.

Walker Funeral Home and Kurelis Interiors and a second hand shop that's been selling used stuff in the neighborhood for years are a walkable distance away on McMillan. For more shopping options, Downtown, Correyville, Surrey Square, Hyde Park Plaza, Obryonville and other shopping areas are 10 to 15 minutes away.

Dining
Giminetti Bakery and Cafe on Gilbert has been in business since 1985. There's a Wendy's and closer to town is Andy's Mediterranean Grill and ZZs Pizza. For more dining options, the Brew House and Parkside Cafe are a block away on McMillan. There's also several additional restaurants in Walnut Hills and E. Walnut Hills.

Entertainment and Recreation
The Greenwich Tavern on Gilbert is a local bar that hosts everything from open mic poetry nights to live bands. It caters to the funkier side of the neighborhood's diversity. Andy's Mediterranean Grill has Live music on ladies night as well as belly dancers on weekends.

Eden Park is a few minutes away for family fun. There are several river overlooks, the Krohn Conservatory, The Art Museum and more. Eden Park hosts several annual festivals. For fun and fitness, Planet Dance has a studio on Gilbert: http://planetdancecincinnati.com/classes_levels.html .

Cincinnati Public Schools
Frederick Douglass School (Preschool-8): http://douglass.cps-k12.org/ ,Hospital/Satellite Program Office (9-12) and STEP/Work Resource Center (WRC) (9-12): http://wrcstep.cps-k12.org/ . Walnut Hills High School (7-12)
is 5 minutes away: http://www.walnuthillseagles.com/index.asp

St Ursala Catholic girls high school is a mile away on McMillan: http://www.saintursula.org/
University of Cincinnati and Xavier University are a 10 minute drive away. Cincinnati State is 15 minutes away.

Several Metro bus routes travel Gilbert and a number of major hospitals are 5 minutes away.

Corryville is changing fast, and Martin Luther King Dr. East has led the way. The hospitals and small apartment buildings on the northern side were there decades ago, and the condos and apartments on the southern side of the street started popping up over the past decade.

That's pretty much all you'll see on MLK Dr. East these days: hospitals, apartment buildings and condos. There's also that beautiful Frank Gehry building on the corner of MLK and Eden, a UC Med School building and the EPA building at the MLK/Jefferson/Vine intersection.

Shopping
Shopping in the Short Vine area is a walkable distance away. There's not a lot of variety, but there is a Kroger, CVS, Walgreens and a few other stores. There are more shops in Clifton on Ludlow and in CUF on McMillan and Calhoun. Downtown is a quick drive or bus ride away. If you must have milk, you'll find that at United Dairy Farmers on Burnet and MLK Dr. E.

Entertainment
There are several bars and night spots with mostly college-geared entertainment in the Short Vine area, on McMillan, CUF and on Ludlow. UC's College Conservatory of Music offers a schedule of less party-like entertainment as well.

Dining
There's a Chipotle and a restaurant called Zoup in one of the large residential buildings on MLK. Walk a bit further and you'll find a chili restaurant, a McDonald's and a Dunkin Donuts. You'll find more dining choices in the Short Vine area, in CUF and Clifton.

Recreation
Burnett Woods is nearby, along with several neighborhood parks and green spaces in Corryville, Clifton and CUF. The Corryville Recreation Center on Eden Ave. has ball fields, an exercise room, after school child care and more.

Schools
University of Cincinnati is a walk away and Cincinnati State is 10 minutes away. There are two CPS schools in the Clifton area: Fairview-Clifton German Language School (Preschool-6): http://fairview.cps-k12.org/ , Hughes STEM High School (7-12): http://hughesstem.cps-k12.org/ . Corryville Catholic School (pre - 8) is located nearby on Calhoun: http://corryvillecatholic.org/ .

Medical
If you live on MLK Dr. East. you can walk to the hospital if you get sick. University, Children's Veterans, and Shriner's hospitals, Hoxworth Blood Center, Ronald McDonald House and more are just across the street.

You can walk to pretty much everything you need in Corryville, but If you would prefer to take public transportation, several Metro bus routes travel the Corryville section of MLK and beyond.