Anyone from Cincinnati? Relocation info needed... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jsmith · #1 07-02-2003, 07:54 AM

Hi all,

I'm pondering a move from NYC metro to this area. It's the first real job opportunity I've had in a good long while. It is certainly a radical change as I will have to uproot my family and move to an area where I hardly know anybody and practically no family at all.

I need to get a good feel for cost of living (allegedly much lower than where I am), neighborhoods and the like. I've already been to a few of the relocation sites that give you some idea but first hand information is much more valuable.

Any and all input would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Frank X. Morris · #2 07-02-2003, 08:29 AM

Howdy Joe,
Just wondering, what kind of work do you do?¿

jsmith · #3 07-02-2003, 08:33 AM

Hi Frank,

I am one of those countless out-of-work IT guys. I have 20+ years in the business and have held fairly senior positions in Fortune 500 companies (bleahhh - means nothing nowadays). Tried to look far afield even outside IT but to no avail....

#4 07-02-2003, 09:57 AM

Hi Joe, My company has a branch in Cincinnati and I am usually there about once a month but I deal with our GM everyday so I have a feel for the city that may be somewhat equal to yours as a non resident. You have to know about the Over the Rhine riots.
The racial tension in the downtown area can be cut with a knife with some residents. There are some people that carry a real chip on their shoulder. If you follow the Inquirer http://www.enquirer.com/today/ you will see a regular eruption of problems. My company provides the campus shuttle bus to UC which is near the downtown area. Drug deals and car theft/vandalism seems pretty common. From about 6th street to the Ohio, the real downtown area, you are pretty safe. Just don't expect to be safe in Washington Park/ Over the Rhine.
Now for some good stuff. I ran the Flying Pig Marathon in May and the town really did a great job of throwing out the welcome mat. It has some beautiful buildings and parks. The Ohio river is a beautiful mainstreet separating the downtown area of Cincinnati from Kentuckys Covington and Newport. Covington and Newport used to be the underbelly of the area, but they cleaned it up a few years ago. There are some nice restaurants and nightspots there. Also, our GM lives in Kentucky and says that taxes are much lower as well as housing costs are lower. Lots of people commute from KY to downtown Cincy. The commute isn't bad either. Lots of bridges to get across the river. In summing up, I would move there. I like the area. Kentucky offers some scenic areas. Cincinnati has a great zoo and botanical garden. The Reds are winning this year. Oh,by the way, don't ever say anything bad about Pete Rose. They universally love him and believe he is getting a raw deal from baseball. As you know, the Bengils suck, but that can't go on forever. Well maybe it could.
ps pass any specific questions and I will run them by our guy in Cincy.

thornton · #5 07-02-2003, 10:13 AM

Yes its true, we had some riots two years ago that were sparked by a guy with prior arrests running from the police at 1 am in one of our downtown neighborhoods known for high crime. Unfortunately this individual met an untimely end as the pursuing officer thought he was reaching for a gun. Unfortunate, but when the police ask you to stop, you should stop.

Yes OTR and Washington Park are rough areas. Having said that, these are two small areas surrounded by wonderful, affordable suburbs. The city itself is declining in population as people are continuing to move to the suburbs, and Northern KY.

I have lived on East side of town all of my life, and find Cinti to be a great place to live and raise a family. As for housing, look at
cincymls.com. Coming from NY I believe you will be amazed at how much house you will be able to afford here.

Cincy is a conservative town with great people. The humidity sucks in the summer, but winter isn't too bad. We have a good symphony, a new contemporary arts center, and a good performing arts center that gets touring theater.

This is my first post here as I just joined the mb with a 93 300e, but I 'd be happy to answer any questions on the area you have.

Chris Blanchard · #6 07-02-2003, 10:14 AM

I've lived here nearly all my life, what can I help you with?

Email me directly (chris.blanchard@fuse.net) and I can respond much faster. We can talk over the phone as well, emailing can make for a slow/difficult conversation.

Email me and I'll give you the scoop on this place! (I really like it here!!!)

Chris Blanchard
Cincinnati, OH
1992 300D 2.5 Turbo 148k

Chris Blanchard · #7 07-02-2003, 10:15 AM

Also, for relocation, here's a site for Cincy area real estate:

www.cincymls.com

I also know a few great agents that do a bit of relocation work, if your new company doesn't already have someone to help you with that. I live in Anderson Township, and love it there.

Chris

thornton · #8 07-02-2003, 10:17 AM

My first piece of advice J Smith-WE DONT CLAIM BLANCHARD AS ONE OF OUR OWN-PROCEED CAREFULLY

Chris Blanchard · #9 07-02-2003, 10:19 AM

That's it THORNTON - no beer for you! Your cigar rations are now cut in half!

Ignore him, he's my (extremely twisted) next door neighbor.

jsmith · #10 07-02-2003, 10:40 AM

Thanks folks, really appreciate the response. I have been over to interview with a bunch of folks downtown. I have been briefed about the riots, and FWIW, I was in LA when the riots erupted over there and worked for a number of years in downtown Brooklyn, NY where thinks were not that much different. In short, that doesn't bother me all that much. I like the city, and yeah, I know about Pete Rose's stature ( I saw he already has a road named after him).

Chris, I will take you up on that and email you later.

Cheers

wbain5280 · #11 07-02-2003, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jsmith
Hi Frank,

I am one of those countless out-of-work IT guys. I have 20+ years in the business and have held fairly senior positions in Fortune 500 companies (bleahhh - means nothing nowadays). Tried to look far afield even outside IT but to no avail....

Welcome to the club, except I've got 27 years of experience. The job market is really bad for IT everywhere. Lots of jobs are being shipped overseas or given to H1b Visa imports. I'm taking a Unix Sysadmin course right now. I was laid off in March but found a job in May working nights.

I'm thinking about auto repair. Take a few courses, get lots more tools and do the dealership trick.

Anyway, the kids are out of high school in 7 years so I need to hang in at least that long.

Regards

and good luck with your decision.

jsmith · #12 07-02-2003, 11:29 AM

hi warren,

thanks. i've been out more than a year and a half now. the nyc metro area is hardest hit i think. guys my age get moved to the bottom of the pile if there's a younger / cheaper person available, if the job isn't outsourced yet. unbelievable games the recruiters play too. ..

BenzOnline · #13 07-02-2003, 11:45 AM

the most depressing looking city I have visited.....

suginami · #14 07-02-2003, 12:13 PM

I visit Cincinnati several times a year to visit Krogrer's head office.

If I had to live there, I'd probably live on the other side of the river in Kentucky.

In fact, the Cincinnati International Airport is actually in Covington, Kentucky.

#15 07-02-2003, 12:25 PM

Quote:

In fact, the Cincinnati International Airport is actually in Covington, Kentucky.

Our company also supplies the employee shuttle service to the airport which is how I know that it is expensive to fly into Cincinnati. Delta has a monopoly. Something to consider when you consider relocation. It is a 90 minute drive to Louisville where you can fly Southwest. My company is considering starting a shuttle service to run between the two airports for a round trip of $75 or $40 for one way. Help me with my marketing research Cincinatti guys(or whoever wants to add two cents worth). Would you use this shuttle?