There is a pleasant surprise for empty nesters (young and old) living in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio.

A wide variety of newly built (or to be built) condos and single-family homes are available within the city limits. 

According to articles published by NAR (National Association of Realtors®), empty nesters and couples without school-age children are searching for housing stock in walkable neighborhoods.  In an article published in Builder Magazine, Christopher B. Leinberger, a Brookings Institute fellow says up to 40% of Americans want to live in urban places where they can walk to restaurants, shop, jobs, and entertainment,  He predicts that the move downtown may well lead the housing market out of its slump.  “Downtown living is the preferred alternative,” he says. 

And since my husband and I fall into the “older” empty nester category…I have been nudging him to consider abandoning suburbia for the city.

While our interest in “move-in” is high, the desire to grapple with an old home or condo in need of major reconstruction is not what we are looking to buy.  So a quick search of the Greater Cincinnati Multiple Listing Service (MLS) recorded 373 brand new or under construction condos or homes located in or very near to downtown Cincinnati.  I made a few appointments and dragged the hubby to see them…and we were pleasantly surprised.  (No he is not ready to give up suburbia just yet).  The places we wandered through had an adequate bedroom, closet and storage space- and while some of the locations did not meet our needs- there is definitely something out there for everyone.

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For most of us trying to decide what the perfect urban dwelling would include often leads to meltdown.  Do you want spectacular river views or do you need to be within walking distance of your favorite bakery and grocery store?  One level floor plan or stairs, elevator and doorman or private entrance?  For us it is all about the space….with out of town kids, sleeping space is important, as is a place to store golf clubs and biking gear.  I don’t want to park outside- so a 2 car garage or 2 covered parking spaces are required. 

Trying to figure out what is acceptable for your lifestyle is not an easy decision and I often spend a lot of time discussing the options with clients and friends.  ..because they are struggling with the same concerns. The good news is there is a wide variety of newly built (or to be built) condos and single-family homes within the city limits. According to MLS in 2007 130 newly constructed or renovated units closed with prices ranging from $20,000 to $1,918,364.  And as the year closes out there are an additional 79 pending sales waiting to close.  The numbers indicate a definite purchasing up-tick of new units in urban Cincinnati.  In a market where home sales have declined slightly, the sale of new condos and homes in Cincinnati has increased significantly over 2006.

Can’t make up your mind?  Maybe you need to shop around Greater Cincinnati and analyze your options…give me a call or send an email and I would be glad to assist you.                        

In the interim-I will keep you posted our search for the perfect nest!