Great Neighborhoods: Pleasant Ridge

Comey & Shepherd

Once a well-known crossroads for travelers between Cincinnati and Zanesville, Pleasant Ridge is a historic neighborhood that is experiencing a revitalization almost universally admired and approved by its residents and surrounding areas. Its tree shaded streets and central business district along Montgomery Road make for a truly walkable neighborhood, yet it is still within easy distance to local highways. Locally-owned businesses thrive here, and word is there's even more on the way. Housing prices in Pleasant Ridge have risen about 1.8% in the last year, with plenty of renovation activity and a diverse population. The median age of homes in this area is 79 years, so there's plenty of historic architecture to fall in love with!

• SUPER CUTE STARTER HOME: This 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home on Mapleleaf Avenue has a one-car garage and an updated kitchen. 1,030 square feet of old world charm at an affordable price point comes with a fenced backyard as well! $109,900
• TWO STORY STUNNER: Located on desirable Grand Vista Avenue, this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has a private deck off the master suite and a rare-for-the-area two car garage. Check out the enclosed front porch included in the 1,712 square foot home. $189,900
• KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS: I toured this one just the other day! Only a block from shops and restaurants, this 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home has a built-in 1 car garage and plenty of updates. The huge eat-in kitchen is gorgeous, and the bedrooms are generously sized as well -- you'd never know this home was only 1,392 square feet. $209,900
• SO MUCH SPACE: Another lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home, this one is 114 years old and has garage parking for 3 cars. With a 2nd floor laundry and open high ceilings, original stained glass and hardwood floors, you don't want to miss this 2,418 square foot home. $239,900

If you're looking for a home in Pleasant Ridge, keep in mind that the market here is pretty hot, with the best homes selling very quickly and often going into multiple offers. The best deals will be on homes that still need some updating -- maybe a bathroom, or an unfinished basement.

Great Neighborhoods: Blue Ash

There are some pretty awesome neighborhoods in Cincinnati, so choosing which one to feature is difficult! To take the pressure off me (and to comply with laws that prevent me from telling any potential client about my preferences for or against certain neighborhoods) I've decided to follow the list provided by Cincinnati USA, our local convention and visitors' bureau. First up is Blue Ash, which had the first municipal airport in Cincinnati and has been incorporated since 1955.

2 BEDROOM CONDO: Even though it needs some updating, the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo at 9348 Hunters Creek Drive is a steal at just $117,000 for over 1500 square feet of living space.

3 BEDROOM DETACHED: One day I'll sit down and find out whether my impression that there are more Cape Cods than any other home style in Cincinnati is true. In the meantime, take a gander at the well-maintained 4701 Belleview Avenue, complete with updated kitchen and 2 full bathrooms for $237,000.

ONE FLOOR LIVING: For those buyers looking for a home large enough to entertain, but with all the necessities on one floor, 5492 Kenridge Drive has it covered. The home is also handicap accessible and boasts two kitchens -- one on each custom designed level -- for $899,000.

SUBURBAN SPECIAL (4 BED 2.5 BATH): For your average family, this 2800+ square foot home at 32 Carpenter's Run Court with a half acre lot and plenty of parking should do the trick, if you've got $550,000.

Homes for the "Average Cincinnatian"

Keller Williams Advisors Realty

Did you know that the average home sale price over the past six months in Cincinnati's city school district is about $178,000? The average home size was 3 bedrooms with 2 - 2.5 bathrooms and 1677 square feet. Let's take a look at what $178,000 buys you! All homes below have at least a one car garage, 3 bedrooms, and 2 full bathrooms.

• 3979 Dickson Avenue: This 93 year old brick home in Avondale features several recent upgrades including a large back deck, and also a two car detached garage. The full basement is finished, giving this 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom home over 2200 square feet of living space. $175,900
• 5722 Bramble Avenue: Originally built in 1900, this Madisonville home will be open to the public this Sunday (October 11th) from 2 to 3pm. Check out the tall ceilings and historical details of this 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home! $181,000
• 2879 Cyclorama Drive: This spacious ranch in Westwood has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in over 3000 square feet of living space! A two car rear entry garage and great curb appeal suggest that this home will not be on the market long. $175,000
• 1530 Northview Avenue: This cute Cape Cod in Northside is larger than it looks, with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Check out the modern updating and a finished walkout basement this Sunday during the open house from noon to 1:30pm. $179,900

Today's Most Expensive Listings

HomeVisit

Yesterday I shared some very affordable listings from my hometown, Anderson Township. But just for fun, let's take a look at the most expensive (and presumably luxurious) Cincinnati area homes for sale! Just so you know, I'm not including new construction -- saving that for another post -- and all of the clickthrough links go to Realtor.com which will provide you with the listing broker information. These are not my listings, so I am available to represent any potential buyers!

• 2555 Handasyde Avenue: This gorgeous 7872 square foot Tudor home on a prestigious Hyde Park street boasts six bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms, three fireplaces, and a four car garage. Listed at $2,200,000.
• 9 Beech Crest Lane: Just down Madison Road from one of my favorite streets, Keys Crescent, is this stunning five bedroom home in Walnut Hills. With six and a half bathrooms, 7277 square feet of living space, and an indoor sauna, this 1917 gem has been recently updated with all the luxury finishes. Asking $2,195,000.
• 1206 Edwards Road: Only 3 blocks from Hyde Park Square, this 7200 square foot home has a heated lap pool and separate swimming pool and a private guest house. The main house has six bedrooms, six full bathrooms and two half bathrooms. Listed for $2,295,000.
• 3815 Erie Avenue: Another Hyde Park stunner, but with its own name: Stone Cliff. This 5+ acre estate has recently been LEED certified and updated, which for a 9500 square foot home is probably a good long-term strategy. Five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms, encased in gorgeous Tudor styling, can be yours for $3,900,000.
• 1901 William Howard Taft Road: Heard of Zaring Builders? This was the home of Alan Zaring, a custom built 8500+ square foot overlooking the Ohio River and surrounding areas. With five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms, and a spacious rear terrace with a fountain and rose garden, this Walnut Hills mansion can be yours for $3,250,000.